Category: Natural Disasters

MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 25, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Apr 25, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

Updated: Fri Apr 25 07:30:42 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )

Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

Forecast Discussion

SPC AC 250730

Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0230 AM CDT Fri Apr 25 2025

Valid 271200Z – 281200Z

…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF
CENTRAL NEBRASKA AND SOUTHERN SOUTH DAKOTA…

…SUMMARY…
Isolated severe storms are possible across the southern High Plains
and central Plains Sunday afternoon/evening. Scattered severe storms
are possible across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest Sunday
evening/night.

…Discussion…
A moderately strong mid-level jet streak will extend from the
Southwest and into the Central Plains on Sunday as a mid-level
trough advances eastward through the Intermountain West. As this
occurs, a strong surface cyclone will develop in the central High
Plains/northern Plains. This strengthening cyclone will draw richer
low-level moisture into the northern Plains while a dryline sharpens
across the High Plains.

Forecast guidance is consistent showing a sharp dryline extending
from southwest Nebraska southward to the Texas Big Bend. Mid to
upper 60s dewpoints east of this dryline and strong heating will
support moderate to strong instability by Sunday afternoon. Forecast
soundings show a weakly capped airmass along the entirety of the
dryline. Therefore, weak height falls and a sharp dryline
circulation will likely be sufficient for at least isolated
supercell development along the dryline. At this time, storm
coverage appears too sparse to support greater probabilities, but a
favorable environment will support a conditional threat for all
severe weather hazards wherever supercells can develop.

Farther north, near the surface low, storm coverage probabilities
increase due to stronger forcing. A slight risk has been introduced
across portions of central Nebraska into southern South Dakota where
the greatest potential for late afternoon/evening supercell
development exists. As the low-level jet intensifies after 00Z, more
widespread thunderstorm development is anticipated along and north
of the warm front across the Dakotas and into western Minnesota
Sunday night.

..Bentley.. 04/25/2025

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NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1930Z

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 25, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Apr 25, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

Updated: Fri Apr 25 05:51:25 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )

Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

Forecast Discussion

SPC AC 250551

Day 2 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1251 AM CDT Fri Apr 25 2025

Valid 261200Z – 271200Z

…THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS
OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO AND ADJACENT WEST TEXAS AND THE TEXAS
PANHANDLE…

…SUMMARY…
Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible on Saturday
across portions of eastern New Mexico into West Texas and the Texas
Panhandle.

…Synopsis…
An mid-level low will move across southern California and into the
southern Great Basin on Saturday. As this trough advances east,
mid-level ridging across the central CONUS will start to shift east
through the day. A mid-level trough will amplify across Ontario and
into the Northeast on Saturday and Saturday night. Surface high
pressure will move into the Great Lakes in the wake of this trough.
As low-pressure develops across the Rockies in response to the
eastward advancing mid-level low, the pressure gradient will tighten
across the Plains with strengthening southerly flow and northward
moisture transport.

…Southern High Plains…
As low-pressure develops in the west, a southerly low-level jet will
strengthen Friday night and early Saturday morning which will likely
lead to widespread storm coverage in the vicinity of a surface front
from the Texas Panhandle/southern Oklahoma/northern Texas. This
ongoing convection could have significant impacts on northward
moisture recovery, and any remnant boundaries could also be a focus
for severe weather later in the day Saturday, particularly across
the Texas Panhandle and vicinity. Details remain uncertain at this
time due to ongoing MCSs this morning and the potential for several
additional convective systems Friday and Friday night. However,
there is relatively higher confidence in some severe weather threat
across far eastern New Mexico, parts of the Texas Panhandle, and
adjacent areas. This zone is where the greatest overlap in buoyancy
and shear is expected, with some potential for outflow boundaries to
be an additional focus for storms on Saturday. A few supercells may
be possible with a threat for isolated large hail or wind gusts, and
perhaps a tornado.

..Bentley.. 04/25/2025

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NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 25, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPC AC 250452

Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1152 PM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

Valid 251200Z – 261200Z

…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE TEXAS
SOUTH PLAINS AND VICINITY…

…SUMMARY…
A concentrated area of severe thunderstorms is forecast over the
Texas South Plains and vicinity during the late afternoon and
evening. Large hail and localized wind damage appears likely.

…Synopsis…
An upper low will drop south off the West Coast, with moderate
southwest winds aloft from CA into the Great Basin and Rockies. To
the east, height rises will occur over the Plains, with 500 mb
temperatures about 2 C warmer than on Thursday. East of there, a
weak midlevel trough will proceed across the MS/OH/TN Valleys,
supporting scattered daytime thunderstorms from Lake Erie to MS.

At the surface, high pressure will build south into the northern and
central Plains, with a quasi-stationary front near the latitude of
the Red River at 00Z. South of this boundary, a moist and unstable
air mass will remain, and backed low-level winds will maintain
westward moisture transport into the heated high Plains. The result
will likely be cluster of slow-moving severe storms over a
relatively concentrated area over West Texas.

…Extreme eastern NM…West TX…southwest OK…
Linger storms may be ongoing over parts of KS and OK early in the
day, but a weakening trend is anticipated as the driving warm
advection out of the southwest dwindles. Then, strong heating will
occur over much of West TX and NM, with the large-scale boundary
roughly along I-40. Easterly surface winds will maintain 60s F
dewpoints, and by late afternoon, MUCAPE of 2000-3000 J/kg is
forecast. Storms are likely to develop both along this boundary, and
farther west near the NM/TX border. Although midlevel winds will be
a bit weaker than on Thursday, slow-moving storms, including
isolated supercells, are expected. Localized significant hail,
damaging outflows, and a brief tornado will all be possible through
early evening. Cluster of storms with heavy rain and strong gusts
may persist overnight into portions of northwest TX as well.

..Jewell/Halbert.. 04/25/2025

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NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dawn Service Commemorative Address 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

One hundred and 10 years ago, on the dawn of this day that we commemorate every year in New Zealand, Anzac troops came ashore here, shoulder-to-shoulder with their brothers from half a world away.

Some anticipated an adventure far from home.

But as the sun rose and the shadows drained from the gullies, it was not adventure that greeted them, but horror.

Instead of the peace we feel now, they faced wave after wave of firing.

Each bullet seeming to come closer than the last, as one soldier put it.

Days became weeks, and weeks became months – but only for those who survived that long.

The metronome of gunfire and shelling kept the dreadful rhythm of life in the trenches.

Gallipoli is a name etched into New Zealand’s national identity.

It represents not only this shore and these hills, but the valour that was shown here on both sides, the terrible sacrifice, and the utter tragedy of war.

Some 16,000 Kiwis served here. At the time, we were a nation of just one million people.

Our contribution as a small nation at the bottom of the world, was disproportionate.

What happened here scarred generations of New Zealanders.

While we remain proud of those who served, we do not glorify what happened here. We know too much to do that. Instead, we acknowledge the courage and tenacity of the Anzacs, and we respect the valour of the Ottoman Turks who resisted them.

Our most decorated Gallipoli veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Cyril Bassett VC said, “real courage isn’t just an act of daring; it’s carrying on.”

And carry on they did. On both sides.

Everyone fought in the same horrific conditions and, through that, unbreakable bonds were formed.

Men of means fought in lockstep with those who came from little.

For the Anzacs, a bond was built between New Zealanders and Australians which we sustain to this day.

The passage of 110 years has lifted the fog of war and given us a clearer view of the futility of the Gallipoli campaign and New Zealand’s role in it. But that greater understanding does not dim our respect for those who fought.

On Anzac Day in particular, we remember the stories of selfless acts of courage that ordinary men committed to save their mates, never knowing that, in doing so, they were writing themselves into the history of our nation.

But it would be a disservice to those whose valour we remember if we forget the real lesson of this campaign: That we should do all we can to prevent anything like it happening again.

Many young Turks lost their lives here defending their country. They fought fearlessly in defence of their position, at great cost. Today, we honour them too.

On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank Türkiye for protecting the cemeteries and memorials on this site, and caring for our fallen sons as you do for your own.

Visiting this place has become a rite of passage for New Zealanders young and old who seek a connection with those who gave so much for us, so long ago.

Some come looking for their family’s surnames on the headstones.

But some headstones bear the names of men who were struck down too young to bear families of their own.

Whatever motivation visitors have for coming, nobody leaves here unmoved.

Only last year, fire struck the peninsula, reminding us of the fragility of this special environment.

We thank Turkish firefighters for their success in containing the fire and commend the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for restoring the memorials. And as always, we express our gratitude to the Turkish authorities for ensuring this sacred ground is protected into the future.

Soon, the light will reveal the landscape as it did at this hour, on this day, 110 years ago.

It will show us the names etched onto headstones marking where men fell.

It will show us the names of our great grandfathers.

And it will show us the names of men who never became fathers.

We think of them all.

We will remember them.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 171

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.
SEL1

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 171
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1055 PM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
Western and Central Oklahoma
Texas Panhandle

* Effective this Thursday night and Friday morning from 1055 PM
until 400 AM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
inches in diameter possible
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
A tornado or two possible

SUMMARY…Clusters of strong/severe storms including a few
supercells should continue to develop southeastward regionally late
tonight, although overall storm intensity should gradually diminish
overnight.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45
statute miles north and south of a line from 25 miles south of
Borger TX to 40 miles southeast of Enid OK. For a complete depiction
of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU1).

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 167…WW 169…WW 170…

AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
29025.

…Guyer

SEL1

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 171
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1055 PM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
Western and Central Oklahoma
Texas Panhandle

* Effective this Thursday night and Friday morning from 1055 PM
until 400 AM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
inches in diameter possible
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
A tornado or two possible

SUMMARY…Clusters of strong/severe storms including a few
supercells should continue to develop southeastward regionally late
tonight, although overall storm intensity should gradually diminish
overnight.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45
statute miles north and south of a line from 25 miles south of
Borger TX to 40 miles southeast of Enid OK. For a complete depiction
of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU1).

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 167…WW 169…WW 170…

AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
29025.

…Guyer

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW1
WW 171 SEVERE TSTM OK TX 250355Z – 250900Z
AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
25S BGD/BORGER TX/ – 40SE END/ENID OK/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM N/S /12ENE AMA – 35SE END/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29025.

LAT…LON 35990140 36599741 35299741 34680140

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU1.

Watch 171 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

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 (5%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (40%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Low (10%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

Mod (40%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

Mod (30%)

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 –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Blasts Trump’s Attacks on Head Start, Demands RFK Jr. Immediately Release Funding and Reverse Firings

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

Reno, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) in sending a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding the Department of Health and Human Services immediately release Head Start funding and reverse the mass firing of Head Start staff. Cortez Masto has been a strong supporter of the Head Start program, which provides early childhood learning for thousands of children across Nevada.

“Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff, and gut high-quality services for children. Already this year, this Administration has withheld almost $1 billion in federal grant funding from Head Start programs, a 37 percent decrease compared to the amount of funding awarded during the same period last year,” the lawmakers began. “It is abundantly clear that these actions are part of a broader effort to ultimately eliminate the program altogether, as the Administration reportedly plans to do in its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.”

“Head Start provides early childhood education and comprehensive health and social services to nearly 800,000 young children every year in communities across this country, and employs about 250,000 dedicated staff. Head Start is a critical source of child care for working families, particularly in rural and Tribal communities, where Head Start programs are often the only option for high-quality child care services,” they wrote. “Head Start programs ensure children receive appropriate health and dental care, nutrition support, and referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support.”

“The Administration has a legal and moral obligation to disburse Head Start funds to programs and to uphold the program’s promise to provide high-quality early education services to low income children and families across this country. There is no justifiable reason for the delay in funding we have seen over the last two months, and you have refused to offer any kind of explanation,” they continued. “[W]e urge you to immediately reinstate fired staff across all Offices of Head Start, and cease all actions to delay the awarding and disbursement of funding to Head Start programs across this country.”

You can find the full text of the letter here.

Senator Cortez Masto has pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, General Services Administration, and Department of Health and Human Services.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Larson, Courtney, Hayes Call On Trump Administration To Reverse Dismissal Of AmeriCorps Volunteers And Staff

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
HARTFORD—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-Conn.-01), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03) and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) on Thursday sent a letter calling on the Trump Administration to reverse last week’s sudden dismissal of all student volunteers with the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) and plans for mass layoffs at AmeriCorps at the direction of Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE.’
“Slashing a program that puts thousands of young Americans to work serving their country and communities is downright reckless—it cripples disaster relief, undercuts education, and weakens public health where it’s needed most,” said Murphy. “If you’re cutting national service while handing tax breaks to billionaires, you’re not serving the country—you’re serving yourself and your megarich buddies.”
“AmeriCorps’ hard-working volunteers across Connecticut have supported a variety of critical needs in our state from disaster recovery to public health outreach to youth mentoring. Trump and Musk are recklessly decimating community programs with proven success— another gut punch to dedicated public servants. Patriotic volunteers like Sarah Meade, who simply seek to give back to our nation, deserve better than Trump’s back of the hand. This cruel, shortsighted step shortchanges the nation,” said Blumenthal.
“More than 60 years since President Kennedy’s famous call to service, AmeriCorps mobilizes hundreds of thousands of Americans each year to support disaster relief efforts, school mentoring programs, and more,” said Larson. “President Trump and Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ are trying to dismantle and defund these programs, even recalling volunteers who were building homes for hurricane victims in North Carolina. Here in Connecticut, these cuts could shutter programs for our youth, seniors, and veterans. I stand with my constituents who were dismissed with no explanation after answering the call to service, including Southington resident Sarah Meade who has bravely come forward to share her story. President Trump must reverse course so disaster relief efforts can continue unimpeded, and AmeriCorps volunteers can continue to deliver critical services. We will keep fighting to preserve President Kennedy’s vision from these drastic ‘DOGE’ cuts.”
“Elon Musk’s DOGE has taken its sledgehammer to AmeriCorps and practically eliminated our nation’s leading agency that provides essential services to veterans, children, and seniors. I’m all for making our government work more efficiently, but indiscriminately slashing yet another agency will not achieve that goal. The free rein Elon Musk and DOGE have been given to cut services without oversight is irresponsible and cruel,” said Courtney.
“The Trump Administration’s decision to dismiss National Civilian Community Corps student volunteers and move forward with mass layoffs at AmeriCorps is an attack on public service and civic engagement,” said DeLauro. “These young people commit themselves to disaster relief, environmental protection, and community rebuilding. That is not waste. It’s exactly what government should do-improve the lives of Americans. The Trump Administration must reverse course immediately.”
“Programs like AmeriCorps NCCC embody national service and deserve greater investment, not abandonment. The 200 Connecticut AmeriCorps locations work hand in hand with local partners to empower individuals to assist communities tackle their toughest challenges. President Trump must reverse course to ensure these essential services many rely on continue unimpeded,” said Hayes.
“The demobilization of AmeriCorps NCCC and placing nearly 85% of federal agency staff on administrative leave is a clarion call for Connecticut communities where more than 2,200 AmeriCorps members serve in several hundred statewide locations,” said Jacqueline M. Lucier, Executive Director of Serve Connecticut. “Life without AmeriCorps in Connecticut means veterans in Groton losing vital daily support, students missing out on safe afterschool programs, young adults losing a pathway into public service, and the absence of low-income Americans aged 55 and older providing one-on-one mentoring and academic support to children with exceptional needs. With programs frozen or dismantled, the ripple effect threatens our most vulnerable residents and the civic fabric that holds them together.”
“AmeriCorps NCCC gave me the opportunity to support environmental stewardship with Arkansas State Parks, assist with long-term disaster relief in Houston, and support food security efforts in El Paso. My service term, while abruptly cut short, provided me with a unique experience to become fully immersed in diverse, resilient communities across the country, which expanded my worldview and molded me into a more empathetic, service-minded citizen. Programs like AmeriCorps NCCC, which foster national service, purpose, and our shared responsibility to serve our fellow Americans, are vital to the spirit of our nation and deserve renewed investment, not abandonment,” said Sarah Meade, Southington resident and former NCCC volunteer.
The dismissal of all NCCC volunteers included volunteers building homes for Hurricane Helene and Milton victims, as well as assisting with disaster response following the Los Angeles wildfires. More than 200,000 Americans participate in AmeriCorps-led service projects at over 35,000 locations each year. Funding for AmeriCorps has consistently been approved by Congress and was signed into law as recently as last month.
The lawmakers are calling on the Trump Administration to reverse the recall of NCCC volunteers and halt plans for a reduction in force of 85% of the workers at AmeriCorps.
Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
Dear President Trump:
We write to express our strong support for AmeriCorps and urge you to reverse both the recall of all NCCC AmeriCorps members and the recently implemented drastic reductions in force across the AmeriCorps agency. We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more.
For more than thirty years, AmeriCorps has been our nation’s leading provider of grants that support and promote national service and volunteerism. Through programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, more than 200,000 Americans participate in results-driven service projects at more than 35,000 locations across the country each year. Working hand in hand with thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated Americans recruit and manage millions of additional volunteers as they work to promote employment opportunities, prepare a better-trained workforce, and provide essential services to veterans, children, and seniors. AmeriCorps’ track record of delivering for Americans has earned broad and longstanding support from business leaders, mayors, and governors of both parties.
AmeriCorps is a public-private partnership that leverages approximately $1 billion in matched resources from the private sector, foundations, and local agencies to support organizations across the country working in creative ways to tackle our most persistent and costly challenges. While it is important the agency continue to make measurable progress toward an improved audit performance, federal investments in AmeriCorps already delivers returns for the American people. A 2020 study found that for every one dollar that Congress appropriates to AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs, they return over $17 in benefits to society, program members, and the government. Further, the AmeriCorps programs are a smart investment in our country’s future. AmeriCorps service allows members to gain marketable job skills in high demand fields and pursue higher education, preparing more Americans to succeed in the workforce.
We have seen firsthand the critical impact these programs have across the states we represent. We urge the administration to continue implementing the statutory requirements of the national service laws:
Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, Public Law 93-113.
National and Community Service Act of 1990, Public Law 101-610.
National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, Public Law 103-82.
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Actor 2009, Public Law 111-13.
Additionally, Congress recently passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which maintained funding for AmeriCorps at its Fiscal Year 2024 level. We expect that the administration will implement this law in a manner consistent with the allocations enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. However, we have grave concerns that significant reductions in force will prevent AmeriCorps from being able to effectively and efficiently award appropriated funding to programs operating in communities across the country.
We are deeply concerned by reports that a majority of AmeriCorps staff have been placed on administrative leave and that more than 750 NCCC members have already been recalled from their field assignments. Many of these volunteers were working in disaster response roles, including building homes for individuals who lost theirs in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s fiscal year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country. We are deeply concerned that is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Biosensory Dome (Spatial Design)—Digitally Expressing the Healing Powers of Nature

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Biosensory Dome (Spatial Design)—Digitally Expressing the Healing Powers of Nature

Mikako Miura
Solution Development Division,Electric Works Company,Panasonic Corporation

Yoshiteru Hara
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai,Japan Promotion Committee,Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Nariaki Iwatani
anno lab Inc.

Ippo Hayashida
anno lab Inc.

Masahiro Ihara
anno lab Inc.

Co-creation as the First Step of a Slightly Lofty Challenge
Hara: This is the second time Panasonic collaborated with anno lab. The first was an exhibit with biophilia* as the overarching theme.
＊Biophilia: A concept emphasizing connectivity with nature and being in harmony with it.
Miura: Biophilia and the concept of the Earth area, a “720° cycle,” are tightly linked. That’s why we wanted to ask for anno lab’s support again in designing the Biosensory Dome.
Ihara: We usually create digital content for exhibitions in science and other museums. Although we are quite familiar with exhibits leveraging digital technology, the abstract theme of digitally recreating nature posed a rather formidable challenge.
Hara: The breadth and depth of the theme were precisely what made designing this exhibit so difficult. The other exhibits in the Earth area had a clear starting point: “How can we express the 720° cycle with this technology?” On the other hand, there were no requirements regarding technologies to be used for the Biosensory Dome.

Miura: Instead of installing real natural elements like houseplants, we were tasked to digitally reproduce nature with whatever means available. Because we had absolutely no limitations, it took us a long time to find a solution.
Hayashida: Once we found the direction to take, we received increasingly challenging requests, which communicated to me that these people are 120% serious about the exhibit. That invigorated us and made us want to reciprocate.
Iwatani: For people like us who are used to creating digital content, we can see the feasibility of a project, whether for good or for bad, at the ideation stage. If anno lab had taken on this challenge alone, we would not have been able to deliver as bold an exhibit as this one. But Panasonic pushed us outside of our comfort zone, and we watched the exhibit evolve. I could see the true value of co-creation by how the number of possibilities ballooned.
Hara: This project was initially a little above everyone’s pay grade. But I think our handiwork exceeded our expectations because we dared to challenge ourselves beyond our skill levels.

Digitally Reproducing Fog, Sunlight Filtered Through Trees, Breath, and Warmth
Ihara: After countless discussions and some failures, we finally settled on the themes of “fog and airflow” and “light and breath,” under which we are now creating exhibits.
Hayashida: I was put in charge of creating the device producing the mist. We use a machine resembling a water basin to generate mist, which we then illuminate. The result is that you can enjoy drifting mist similar to a morning fog or a sea of clouds.
Miura: Visitors can interact with the exhibit in many ways. The experience is not only visual but also tactile: they can stick their hand into the mist and stir it or blow on it. What were the challenges in creating and adjusting the device?
Hayashida: Because mist is fluffy and elusive, it was tough to make it move the way we wanted it to. Particularly difficult was striking the optimal balance between retention and diffusion. If the wind were too weak, the mist would not move, and then…nothing. On the other hand, if it were too strong, the mist would look too “busy.” It took me a very long time to configure the device so that the mist would stay inside it but continue to drift around.

A device that controls the amount of mist and airflow to create an illusory drifting of fog

The Breathing Sphere expresses lifelike softness and warmth

Hara: Originally, we were only planning to control the amount of mist, but ultimately, we needed to control the airflow as well. Thanks to anno lab’s innovative solution to this difficult request, I believe we succeeded in creating an exhibit that is both natural and entertaining for visitors. The Breathing Sphere in the other dome was designed by Mr. Ihara.
Ihara: I considered the soothing effects of nature from various angles and decided on the theme of “the breathing of a child sleeping in the shade of a tree with sun rays shining through it.” The Breathing Sphere was born out of trial and error in an effort to somehow express the up-and-down motion of a child’s chest while napping in the warm sunlight.
Miura: The Breathing Sphere is a large ball with a soft texture. It is also slightly warm to the touch and expands and shrinks. It’s kind of magical, like touching a living thing or lying in the shade on a sunny day.
Ihara: In actually building the exhibit, I realized how difficult it was to create something unprecedented or with no correct answer. Our goal was to make the Breathing Sphere feel natural and comfortable to the people who saw it, and thus this goal was essentially unquantifiable. We did everything possible to design the exhibit in such a way with digital technology.
Hara: We basically experimented with many ideas, and the team members would make a decision on the best one based on their intuition. We would then find a path that might work, proceed that way, and then repeat the process.
Iwatani: My mission was to quantify the comfortable state that Mr. Ihara, Mr. Hayashida, and the other team members discovered with their senses so that we could reproduce this state digitally. I was put in charge of setting comfort parameters and controlling the equipment and programs.
Ihara: Mr. Iwatani was also responsible for controlling the lighting in the dome.
Iwatani: We are using Panasonic’s new lighting technology leveraging micro LEDs. Light usually travels in only one direction; however, the novelty of this technology is its ability to control light so that you can illuminate multiple directions with a single light source or create dynamic lighting effects. Since it is not yet on the market, we held numerous discussions with the developers to find the most effective way to use it.
Miura: We explored the comfort of nature through a very hands-on approach—depending on people’s senses. Once we had a clue, we digitally reproduced the state and then observed it again with our senses. We switched back and forth between analog and digital approaches every day as we sought the best way to fashion the exhibit.
Ihara: We simply “arrived” at the current design through trial and error, rather than moving forward with a clear goal in mind.

How Do You Play with This and What Do You Feel? Leaving the Answers to Children
Hara: Because we focused on how it would resonate with people’s intuition or feelings, the exhibit was not designed with an agenda like “This is how we want you to feel” or “That is how you should experience it.”
Miura: Of course, we offer sensory stimuli that most people would find comfortable and pleasant, but some kids may dislike the sensations, and that’s okay. What’s more important is that children be connected to how they feel, whether it’s pleasant or uncomfortable.
Hara: When I visited the Biosensory Dome, I got a pleasant feeling from seeing Ms. Miura grinning as she touched the Breathing Sphere. I newly discovered that we can enjoy multisensory stimulation through not only touching the Breathing Sphere and mist but also watching people having fun with them.
Miura: I want children to freely explore without worrying about rules or guidelines when interacting with the Biosensory Dome. If I can convey through this exhibit the notion that there are a thousand different ways to have fun, and experiences vary from person to person, then I will have achieved my goal.
Ihara: To me, the Biosensory Dome is like a sandbox. You can build a castle, dig a river, or just listen to the whisper-like sound of sand falling. It would be great if everyone could freely explore like that. But if it’s too free, some kids start wondering, “Where can I start?” That is why we wanted to provide some gimmicks to stimulate their curiosity. They can at least start from stirring the mist or touching the Breathing Sphere.
Iwatani: It’s only adults who try to manipulate certain feelings in children, whether it be through exhibits, interactive experiences, or play. Children don’t look back on every fun and new experience, or try to put into words their accomplishments or events that lead to their growth, right? We want children to play like children. Having said that, it would be nice if kids could sense that somebody behind the scenes created these natural experiences. For example, you get comforted by the sight of sunshine penetrating tree leaves or sitting around a fire. But behind those natural experiences, there was someone who planted the tree or lit the fire. It is my hope that children can sense that, even if only vaguely.

Hayashida: I would be happy if the Biosensory Dome struck a chord not only with small children but also with teenagers. Naturally, I want them to experience the beauty and comfort in what we created, but it is also my hope that they would take it a step further and see the ingenuity in reproducing nature with digital technology, or ask questions like “How did they do it?” “Who are the people that made this?” It would be wonderful if both their senses and their intellect were stimulated, and that some would be inspired to choose engineering or manufacturing as their career.
Hara: I really look forward to seeing how children let their imagination run free in this unrestricted space.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Biosensory Dome (Mycelium Panels)—A Space Created by the Power of Fungi

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Biosensory Dome (Mycelium Panels)—A Space Created by the Power of Fungi

Mikako Miura
Solution Development Division,Electric Works Company,Panasonic Corporation

Yoshiteru Hara
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai,Japan Promotion Committee,Panasonic Holdings Corporation

Kohei Ito
BIOTA Inc.

Hironobu Tanaka
BIOTA Inc.

Kenro Hirata
Tsukiyono Mushroom World

Stimulation of Natural Textures Deepens the Relationship between Space and People
Hara: The Biosensory Dome gently stimulates the five human senses, offering experiences that reset the senses to bring healing or awaken those that have been dormant. Even before the Expo project began, Ms. Miura had been working on creating a sensory room that shares the same concept as the Biosensory Dome.
Miura: The sensory room was originally designed as a calming space for people with special needs or sensory sensitivities. Panasonic has expanded this concept into a space that offers more people moments of comfort and reset. Taking advantage of our lighting and audio technology, we have been working to create a space where people can discover their true selves.

At the center is a module made of mycelium panels

Hara: The Biosensory Dome in the Earth area is an exhibition based on the concept of the sensory room, which Ms. Miura has been developing for many years. However, it is unique in that it uses mycelium panels. How did you come up with this idea?
Miura: It all started when we wondered what it would be like to bring real nature into a space, rather than just creating a comfortable light and sound environment with technical devices. By creating a space with natural, living materials that visitors can see, touch, and smell, we hoped to stimulate a wider range of senses. So we approached BIOTA, with whom we already had a relationship, to see whether we could do something using mycelium.
Ito: At BIOTA, we apply genomic analysis to assess the diversity and balance of environmental microorganisms, and by enhancing that diversity, we aim to design societies that, for example, reduce infectious diseases and strengthen human immunity. In this context, we have made several attempts to create products with mycelium. However, we had never used mycelium to create a space. When we received this inquiry, it caused a significant debate within the company.
Hara: And the answer you came up with was mycelium panels.
Ito: Up until then, our experience had been limited to the artistic realm, such as creating objects with mycelium. That’s why we wanted to create a space in the Earth area where mycelium blends into human life—a state closer to practical application in society. We were asked to develop triangular panels that use mycelium as a building material for the dome walls.

The Biosensory Dome, featuring mycelium panels, under construction in the Earth area

Prototype and Mass Production Phases Focused on Achieving High Enough Quality for Practical Application in Society
Ito: Turning mycelium into a building material was a completely new challenge for us. We faced many difficulties before finally developing the product used in the Biosensory Dome. During the early prototyping stage, we received support from the Telostekts team, a group of students from my alma mater, Keio University, who are working on mycelium architecture. Maybe Mr. Tanaka, who designed and developed the panel, and Mr. Hirata, who supported mass production, could talk more about this part.
Tanaka: The first hurdle was the size of the panel. We had never made a product with such a large area evenly covered with mycelium. Our goal was to grow the mycelium inside triangular wooden frames so that it would spread evenly throughout the surface. However, in the beginning, we faced many problems—the mycelium did not grow enough, detached from the boards, or dried out and cracked.
Miura: How many times did you go through the prototyping process?

Tanaka: We repeated more than 30 rounds of trial and error, both large and small. We sanded the wooden frames to keep the mycelium from coming off, experimented with different temperatures and humidities to see how it would grow, and tried many other approaches.
Hara: Since Panasonic has many years of manufacturing experience, we provided rigorous feedback on the prototype. We knew we were asking for something difficult, but we also strongly felt that we couldn’t afford to compromise, since we were aiming, at a high level, to complete this unprecedented initiative in Japan of making mycelium panels truly viable as building materials.
Ito: We did not have a clear sense of the standards and the target quality level that the product needed to meet. We were grateful for the candid feedback Panasonic gave us, based on its expertise in housing construction and the development of building materials.
Hara: We did not want to end up with simply using mycelium panels for an exhibit. We believed that, in a way, it was Panasonic’s responsibility to promote this project with an eye to future commercialization and to be the first example demonstrating the possibility of using mycelium panels as a building material.
Ito: We were very happy when we completed the panels, evenly covered with mycelium, after countless discussions.

Hara: At first, we were nervous: “Will this work?” “Can we really complete this?” From that stage, we shared our ideas and worked hard together. By continuing these efforts, we eventually achieved an outstanding level of quality that everyone involved could truly be proud of. For me, this moment was the essence of cross-organizational co-creation.
Hirata: When the prototype was completed, we took the baton and moved on to the mass production phase. Tsukiyono Mushroom World normally makes mushroom beds for growing edible mushrooms. Honestly, I was surprised when our president gave us the special mission of “mass production of mycelium panels.” To us, mycelium was simply the base of mushrooms, and the idea of using it as a building material had never crossed our minds.
Miura: What was most difficult about the mass production phase, when you had to make 100 panels?
Hirata: The biggest challenge was balancing dryness and moisture to ensure that the mycelium grew evenly throughout the wooden frame. If it’s too dry, the mycelium will shrink and crack. On the other hand, if it’s too humid, it will get moldy.
Tanaka: We are very grateful for the care taken. Each panel was coated with an anti-mold agent, then covered with a protective sheet to prevent drying and to keep out contaminants.
Hirata: It was no easy task (laughs). As we struggled with making the panels, there were moments that reminded us of the profound power of nature. In growing the mycelium, we applied an anti-mold agent to prevent mold, but still, mold started growing before we noticed. I was troubled, but I also felt the strong ability of fungi and microorganisms to survive.
Ito: There were both difficult and interesting aspects of dealing with living creatures.
Tanaka: Despite the many difficulties we faced, this project’s greatest achievement was being able to go through the trial-and-error process of using mycelium as a building material—a way of directly harnessing the power of fungi for the benefit of society. A months-long exhibition at the Expo may also bring to light issues that we cannot yet see. However, these are challenges that we would inevitably have to overcome as we work toward the practical application of mycelium in society. I am excited to witness this major step toward that goal.
Ito: Mycelium has great potential as a building material. Its strength per unit weight is said to be higher than that of brick. It is also water-repellent, fire-resistant, and biodegradable, meaning it can return to the soil. Around the world, there are still very few attempts to construct buildings with such materials. Through this exhibition, I hope to gain evidence that we can show the world.

The Exhibition Expands the Senses of Children and the Potential of Natural Materials
Miura: The mycelium panel is the result of the combined efforts of the three companies. What did you think when you saw the panels installed in the Biosensory Dome?
Ito: Inside the dome, I could smell the unique scent of the mycelium, and the natural texture of the panels—each with a different color and feel—gave me the sense that the space we had envisioned would be achieved.
Hara: From the prototype stage, the level of uniformity was a key point of discussion. Ultimately, we could have created a completely white and flat mycelium panel, but we thought that doing so would lose the meaning of using mycelium in the first place.
Ito: By adopting a standard that preserves the subtle color differences of each panel and the fluffy, uneven texture that is unique to mycelium, the final product offers a true sense of nature.
Miura: I am excited to see what visitors, especially children, will take away from the natural textures we have created. I feel that in today’s world, we are surrounded by an overwhelming amount of digital information and are desperately trying to pick out what we need to live. I hope the Biosensory Dome will be a place where people can put aside this information and use their senses, such as touch and smell, to gain something and recharge their energy.
Ito: In my opinion, nature is, in fact, the stimulus that provides the greatest amount of information. The natural world is full of irregularities and ambiguity, brimming with noise in a good sense. The Biosensory Dome is a place where people can experience the processing of huge amounts of information—far greater than those of digital information—through their senses. I would be happy if visiting the dome helps open up children’s senses, and the way they see the streets they walk through and the towns they live in changes, even just a little, when they return to their daily lives.

Hara: Our generation could enjoy many natural materials in childhood, such as mud walls and tatami mats, when visiting our grandparents’ homes. As times change, such materials are gradually disappearing from our own homes. However, with the creation and practical use of products like mycelium panels, the power of natural materials is returning to our everyday lives with a fresh interpretation. As a member of Panasonic, which has been deeply involved in the production of housing and building materials in Japan, I hope this exhibition triggers such a change.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 25, 2025

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 25, 2025.

Labor takes large leads in YouGov and Morgan polls as surge continues
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne With just eight days until the May 3 federal election, and with in-person early voting well under way, Labor has taken a seven-point lead in a national

Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Taneshka Kruger, UP ISMC: Project Manager and Coordinator, University of Pretoria Healthcare in Africa faces a perfect storm: high rates of infectious diseases like malaria and HIV, a rise in non-communicable diseases, and dwindling foreign aid. In 2021, nearly half of the sub-Saharan African countries relied on

Open letter to Fijians – ‘why is our country supporting Israel’s heinous crimes in Gaza?’
Pacific Media Watch The Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network today condemned the Fiji government’s failure to stand up for international law and justice over the Israeli war on Gaza in their weekly Black Thursday protest. “For the past 18 months, we have made repeated requests to our government to do the bare minimum and enforce

Scares and stunts in the home stretch: election special podcast
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn discuss the fourth week of the 2025 election campaign. While the death of Pope Francis interrupted campaigning for a while, the leaders had another debate on Tuesday night and the opposition (belatedly) put out its

Grattan on Friday: Coalition’s campaign lacks good planning and enough elbow grease
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Whatever the result on May 3, even people within the Liberals think they have run a very poor national campaign. Not just poor, but odd. Nothing makes the point more strongly than this week’s release of the opposition’s defence policy.

Inside the elaborate farewell to Pope Francis
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carole Cusack, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Sydney ➡️ View the full interactive version of this article here. Carole Cusack does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no

5 ways to tackle Australia’s backlog of asylum cases
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Ghezelbash, Professor and Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney People who apply for asylum in Australia face significant delays in having their claims processed. These delays undermine the integrity of the asylum system, erode public confidence and cause significant

Preference deals can decide the outcome of a seat in an election – but not always
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Every election cycle the media becomes infatuated, even if temporarily, with preference deals between parties. The 2025 election is no exception, with many media reports about preference

What is preferential voting and how does it work? Your guide to making your vote count
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hortle, Deputy Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania For each Australian federal election, there are two different ways you get to vote. Whether you vote early, by post or on polling day on May 3, each eligible voter will be given two ballot papers: one

Back to the fuel guzzlers? Coalition plans to end EV tax breaks would hobble the clean transport transition
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Mortimore, Lecturer, Griffith Business School, Griffith University wedmoment.stock/Shutterstock If elected, the Coalition has pledged to end Labor’s substantial tax break for new zero- or low-emissions vehicles. This, combined with an earlier promise to roll back new fuel efficiency standards, would successfully slow the transition to hybrid

Many experienced tradies don’t have formal qualifications. Could fast-tracked recognition ease the housing crisis?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pi-Shen Seet, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Edith Cowan University Once again, housing affordability is at the forefront of an Australian federal election. Both major parties have put housing policies at the centre of their respective campaigns. But there are still concerns too little is being done

This may be as good as it gets: NZ and Australia face a complicated puzzle when it comes to supermarket prices
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Daria Nipot/Shutterstock With ongoing cost of living pressures, the Australian and New Zealand supermarket sectors are attracting renewed political attention on both sides of the Tasman. Allegations of price gouging have become

The phrase ‘fuzzy wuzzy angels’ is far from affectionate – it reflects 500 years of racism
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erika K. Smith, Associate Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University This article contains mention of racist terms in historical context. Every Anzac Day, Australians are presented with narratives that re-inscribe particular versions of our national story. One such narrative persistently claims “fuzzy wuzzy angel” was

Why AUKUS remains the right strategy for the future defence of Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University Australian strategic thinking has long struggled to move beyond a narrow view of defence that focuses solely on protecting our shores. However, in today’s world, our economy could be

Election meme hits and duds – we’ve graded some of the best (and worst) of the campaign so far
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University As Australia begins voting in the federal election, we’re awash with political messages. While this of course includes the typical paid ads in newspapers and on TV (those ones with the infamously fast-paced “authorised by”

Markets are choppy. What should you do with your super if you are near retirement?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Peng, Lecturer in Accounting, The University of Queensland Shutterstock For Australians approaching retirement, recent market volatility may feel like more than just a bump in the road. Unlike younger investors, who have time on their side, retirees don’t have the luxury of waiting out downturns. A

Provocative, progressive and fearless: why Beatrice Faust’s views still resonate in Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judith Brett, Emeritus Professor of Politics, La Trobe University Beatrice Faust is best remembered as the founder, early in 1972, of the Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL). Women’s Liberation was already well under way. Betty Friedan had published The Feminine Mystique in 1962, arguing that many women found

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 24, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 24, 2025.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Reckless Attacks on Fed’s Powell Are Destabilizing & Hurt the Economy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

PROVIDENCE, RI – As President Donald Trump continues to threaten to illegally fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell unless he prioritizes Trump’s political preferences over responsible economic policy, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, is warning that Trump’s irresponsible rhetoric is doing financial harm to American families, businesses, and the U.S. economy.

“Donald Trump is a one man financial crisis. He inherited a strong, growing economy and has senselessly decimated it with irrational tariff taxes and reckless threats to obliterate the Fed’s independence. So far, Trump’s economic policies have been a disaster for Main Street and a nightmare for Wall Street. And now, he wants Chair Powell and the Fed to prioritize his political concerns over economic reality by cutting rates and increasing inflation in order to stimulate the economy he is wrecking. He needs to reverse course and responsible people across the political spectrum need to speak up or risk having him politically interfere in monetary policy and cause very bad financial outcomes for all Americans,” said Senator Reed.

As Fed Chair, Jerome Powell is statutorily tasked with achieving the Fed’s dual mandate of stable prices – low inflation – and maximum employment. This task has been made more difficult by President Trump’s tariff taxes, which researchers at Yale have found will raise inflation from 2.5% today to around 5.5% in the coming months.

Last week, during a speech outlining his economic outlook, Chair Powell noted that the President’s tariffs will raise prices and impact how the Fed works to achieve its dual mandate – something economists and analysts across the political spectrum have warned for months. Seemingly in response, President Trump said he’s not happy with Powell and declared that he has the power to replace him. “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me,” Trump said. “I’m not happy with him.” Trump later called on the Fed to cut interest rates while admitting his policies are slowing the economy, writing the Fed needs to make “Preemptive Cuts” to interest rates, and “there can be a SLOWING of the economy unless Mr. Too Late, a major loser, lowers interest rates, NOW.”

Senator Reed warns it could be “catastrophic” for the U.S. economy if President Trump tries to fire Fed Chair Powell to get the Fed to cut interest rates.

“When President Nixon strong-armed the Fed to keep rates low and help his re-election efforts, inflation skyrocketed in part because the Fed was slow to react to raising prices. Inflation eventually reached nearly 15% and the Fed was forced to push the U.S. into a deep recession in order to lower prices. One of the main lessons of this was crisis was that our central bank must be independent of politics – that is part of what keeps our economy strong, stable, and attractive to investors. It would be catastrophic if Powell gave in to Trump’s threats or if Trump tries to fire Powell, whose job is to tune out politics and keep the U.S. economy on the right course. That would risk a return to sky-high inflation and do severe, permanent harm to the financial well-being of all Americans.”

“Instead of pressuring Powell, President Trump should stop pursing an irresponsible tariff agenda that is pushing up prices for hardworking Americans. Trump’s threats have already roiled financial markets. If he goes further, the harmful effects will spread to families and businesses.

Under current law, the President is not allowed to fire the Fed Chair for political reasons. The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 establishing the Fed stipulates that members of its Board of Governors, appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to staggered 14-year terms, can only be removed for “cause” – which experts widely agree only means misconduct, not policy disputes or for political favor.

In 2017, Trump nominated Powell to a four year term as Fed chair. He was later reappointed by former President Biden. Powell, who also served as Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President George H.W. Bush, has explicitly said he would not step down as Fed chair if Trump asked him.

Powell’s tenure as Fed Chair runs through May 2026, which means President Trump could replace him then. The U.S. Senate must vote to confirm the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. officers honoured for valour, commitment to public safety

Source: Government of Canada regional news

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, awards were presented to the following honourees who were selected by a committee of representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Police Services Division:

AWARDS OF VALOUR:

Barriere RCMP Detachment

Const. Jeremy Galvin – for their courageous efforts when responding to an armed individual on the side of a highway, quickly stopping the threat.

Bella Bella RCMP Detachment

Cpl. Chad Fitzpatrick – for their exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of a devastating residential fire.

Chase RCMP Detachment

Const. Mario Jakic – for their quick actions, preventing a woman from falling to her death, while placing themselves in harm’s way.

Dawson Creek RCMP Detachment

Const. Lukas Bielicz and Insp. Damon Werrell (now retired) – for their exceptional courage and swift response to a bear attack.

Golden RCMP Detachment

Cpl. Lucas Sovio – for their bravery and de-escalation tactics, while responding to a suicidal individual that shot at innocent people inside their home.

Kamloops RCMP Detachment

Const. Taylor Callens – for their bravery when rescuing a woman during a suicide attempt.

Const. Matt James – for their exceptional courage and resilience in the face of grave danger.

Const. Michael Scherpenisse – for their bravery and de-escalation efforts during a potential hostage situation and apprehending an armed robber.

Constables Dylan Colbourne, Ryan Long and Howard Morine – for their outstanding bravery as they put themselves in harm’s way in pursuit of an armed suspect.

Kelowna RCMP Detachment

Const. Chris Carruthers – for putting themselves in harm’s way, while protecting the public and preventing further violence from a suspect.

Keremeos RCMP Detachment

Const. Zachary Plensky – for their incredible strength and resilience when they restrained and transported a suspect by himself, in a remote area without radio contact, while injured from the offender.

Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team

Constables Shawn Jones, Guillaume Lecours, Darryl Newman, Antony Scarpelli; and corporals Darren Bleker, Stephen Bodden, Joshua Cropley, Luke Johnston, Armand Pinnegar and Ian Sneddon – for their actions, while putting their lives at substantial risk during a dangerous situation and preventing further danger to the community.

Staff Sgt. Dave Malone – for their efforts in stopping an active shooter from continuing to take the lives of innocent bystanders in the community.

Merritt RCMP Detachment

Constables Derek Bodner, Jerry Davey, Carly Gerein, John Julyan and Nick Maciejewski; and Sgt. Brock Hedrick – for putting their safety on the line as they pursued a property theft suspect who continuously shot at them with an automatic rifle as they fled with their young child in the vehicle.

Mission RCMP Detachment

Const. Sukhdip Sidhu – for their bravery when rescuing a resident from a burning building.

Powell River RCMP Detachment

Const. Matthew Horsfield – for risking their safety and swimming 200 metres into a body of water to rescue a suicidal female.

RCMP “E” Division, Explosive Disposal Unit

Const. Tyler Folz, Cpl. Ryan Ziebart, Sgt. Peter Cucheran and Staff Sgt. Brent Elwood – for their bravery, while responding to a critical incident involving a significant explosive devices threat.

RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team

Constables Ahmed Durrani, Hardip Gill, Jasmail Takhar; and Cpl. Harinder Sandhu – for their remarkable foresight, bravery and overwhelming sense of duty, while apprehending a violent individual after a shooting.

Salmon Arm RCMP Detachment

Sgt. Joseph Morrisey – for their bravery and quick action when assisting in the arrest of a violent suspect.

Sicamous RCMP Detachment

Reserve Const. Patrick Pyper – for risking their own safety to rescue a woman who fell through the ice on a lake at night.

Smithers RCMP Detachment

Const. Ashley van Leeuwen – for demonstrating exceptional bravery and composure when confronting and restraining an armed and combative suicidal male, ensuring the safety of his family and co-ordinating a safe arrest.

Southeast District Emergency Response Team

Const. Michael Dibblee – for putting themselves at substantial risk during the planned arrest of a violent prolific offender that had previously carried and used weapons in the commission of offences.

Constables Paul Cooke and Lee Taylor; corporals Dave Lewis, Stephen Prior and Matthew Rattee; and Sgt. Joseph Morrisey – for their bravery when responding and apprehending two violent suspects participating in a crime spree that threatened the lives of the public.

Squamish RCMP Detachment

Const. Hamza Khan – for their efforts in saving a victim trapped in their car after a life-threatening car collision.

Const. Mark McMahon – for their efforts during a high-risk arrest of multiple suspects involved in a brazen daytime shooting.

Sunshine Coast RCMP Detachment

Const. Joshua Jewett – for placing their own life at risk, while responding to a call of a male making threats outside a local housing facility.

Surrey RCMP Detachment

Const. Shannon Walker – for their exceptional courage and bravery in preventing further harm to the public, while arresting an armed subject.

Trail RCMP Detachment

Constables Evan Harding and Jason Zilkie – for risking their lives, while responding to a suicidal and mentally ill male behaving erratically and attempting to enter the BC Ambulance station when he produced a firearm.

Vanderhoof RCMP Detachment

Const. Chris Brown (now retired), Const. Mackenzie Sheridan (now retired), Cpl. J.R. (Edward) Gohn, sergeants Amy Floyd and Kyle Ushock – for their bravery and courage in the face of very dangerous circumstances with an active shooter.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Detachment

Const. Jamie Kress – for their quick efforts when responding to a call involving a suicidal female.

AWARDS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE:

BC Highway Patrol – Parksville

Sgt. Robert Haney – for their selfless and courageous actions in a situation of extremely high risk, in order to protect the public and other police officers.

Central Highway Patrol

Const. Amber Brunner – for their selfless and courageous actions in a situation of extremely high risk, in order to protect the public and other police officers.

Creston RCMP Detachment

Sgt. John Edinger and Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk – for their efforts in rescuing a newborn infant with life-threatening conditions.

Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit B.C.

Const. Lawrence Berceanu and Staff Sgt. Rob Angco – for their dedication during a complex, multi-jurisdictional and multi-national file involving the murder of a United Nations gang member in Phuket, Thailand, that led to the arrest and successful extradition of one of the three suspects.

Dawson Creek RCMP Detachment

Cpl. Daniel Cloutier – with their police service dog, for their life-saving efforts in locating an offender.

Golden RCMP Detachment

Const. Brandon Churchill and Const. Katherin Robinson (now retired) – for their bravery, empathy and teamwork in responding to a suicidal female.

Constables Robyn Diddams and Christopher Kotrba – for their bravery and de-escalation tactics when responding to a suicidal individual that shot at innocent people inside their home.

Kamloops RCMP Detachment

Const. Jean-Francois LaPierre – for their life-saving efforts while responding to a wounded individual.

Sgt. Joseph Morrissey – for their selfless and courageous actions in a situation of extremely high risk, in order to protect the public and other police officers.

Midway RCMP Detachment

Sgt. Phil Peters – for their courageous efforts in locating a wet, hypothermic individual who was trapped in a ravine by making a fire to keep them warm and alert until search-and-rescue personnel arrived.

Mission RCMP Detachment

Constables Rose Foik and Daylon Robinson – for going above and beyond when responding to a dirt bike accident in rural Mission.

Penticton RCMP Detachment

Const. Derek Ballarin – for their efforts in saving a drowning toddler in a lake, while off duty.

Powell River RCMP Detachment

Const. Anthony Stewart – for their dedication and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic, mentoring other detachment members and ranking No. 2 as a drug-recognition expert (DRE), conducting 50 DRE evaluations, which is 11 times the national average.

RCMP “E” Division Underwater Recovery Team

Const. Marc Leblanc – for their dedication and leadership during an underwater recovery mission, setting a new benchmark for future Underwater Recovery Team operations.

RCMP Federal and Serious Organized Crime Division

Sgt. Nicholas De Winter – for their dedication during a complex, multi-jurisdictional and multi-national file involving the murder of a United Nations gang member in Phuket, Thailand, that led to the arrest and successful extradition of one of the three suspects.

RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team

Inspectors Adam Gander and Matthew Turner; Sgt. Robert Kee, Sgt. Major Heather Lew and Sgt. Mike Lim – for their unwavering dedication and commitment during the murder investigation of a 13-year-old girl that resulted in a conviction of first-degree murder.

Reserve Const. Thomas Kurucz and Staff Sgt. Dave Derusha – for their integral efforts in solving an eight-year-old cold case.

RCMP Pacific Region Federal Policing Program

Corp. Janelle Canning-Lue – for their dedication during a complex, multi-jurisdictional and multi-national file involving the murder of a United Nations gang member in Phuket, Thailand, that led to the arrest and successful extradition of one of the three suspects.

Vancouver Police Department

Det. Troy Timbury – for their dedication during a complex, multi-jurisdictional and multi-national file involving the murder of a United Nations gang member in Phuket, Thailand, that led to the arrest and successful extradition of one of the three suspects.

Vernon RCMP Detachment

Const. Hayley Derzak and Cpl. Darcy Reeves – placed their own lives at risk when responding to a call involving a 17-year-old male threatening to commit suicide.

Sicamous RCMP Detachment

Sgt. Murray McNeil – for risking their own safety to rescue a woman who fell through the ice on a lake at night.

Southeast District Emergency Response Team

Const. Michael Dibblee – for their selfless and courageous actions in a situation of extremely high risk, to protect the public and other police officers.

Surrey RCMP Detachment

Staff Sgt. Mike Spencer – for their significant contribution and leadership in preparation and execution of an operational plan for the Vaisakhi parade in Surrey.

Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment

Const. Henry Smith – for putting their safety at risk when jumping into freezing water to save a suicidal person.

Cpl. Chris Gosselin (now retired) – for building strong relationships, trust and respect with 15 Indigenous communities within their detachment area.

Williams Lake BC Highway Patrol

Const. Kevin Wiebe – for their heroic work when saving a trapped driver in a single motor vehicle incident where the car was on fire.

MIL OSI Canada News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien’s “sole” mistake during armed robbery lands him nearly 13-year prison sentence

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HOUSTON – A 21-year-old Honduran man illegally residing in Houston has been sentenced for his role in the armed robbery of a local Family Dollar store, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Carlos Gonzalez-Vargas pleaded guilty Feb. 7 to discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Gonzalez-Vargas to serve 150 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard he was affiliated with a gang, posted Instagram selfies with the firearm and fired the weapon at a 13-year-old child one month after the robbery. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that the mandatory minimum sentence does not adequately address the seriousness of his conduct.

On Jan. 16, 2023, Gonzalez-Vargas entered the discount store along with three others, brandished a firearm and demanded cash from the register. When the employee did not act fast enough, Gonzalez-Vargas shot her in the leg. They stole cash from the register and fled on foot. Surveillance captured Gonzalez-Vargas wearing a distinctive pair of sneakers.

Approximately one month later, Gonzalez-Vargas fired the same weapon used in the robbery during a street fight with a 13-year-old minor. Law enforcement took him into custody, at which time he was wearing the same distinctive sneakers seen in the robbery footage.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.

This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballisticinformation-network-nibin.

MIL Security OSI –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Charged with Illegal Gun Possession in Superior Court Now Faces Federal Firearm Charge

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

WASHINGTON – Kevin Hopkins, 39, a resident of the District of Columbia, was indicted today in U.S. District Court, on a 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 Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, 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. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

Hopkins is charged in an indictment in federal court with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, in November 2024, members of the MPD Violent Crime Suppression Division – Robbery Suppression Unit and the DEA Task Force executed a search warrant in the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE. During the search, they recovered a 9mm handgun wedged between that sofa cushions. There was ammunition in the chamber and 14 rounds in the magazine. No firearms were registered to the address. At the time, Hopkins was on supervised release from a trial conviction for assault, burglary and stalking stemming from a 2016 case. He was arrested and initially charged in D.C. Superior Court.

This case is being investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department.

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 –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Convicted felon sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug and gun charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BILLINGS – A convicted felon from Belgrade who possessed methamphetamine and a firearm was sentenced today to 121 months in prison to be followed by 5 years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Robert Stuart Quam, 44, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 27, 2023, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received information Robert Quam was distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Montana. Given this intel, a DCI Agent, acting in an undercover capacity, began speaking to Quam via social media.

During their conversations, Quam agreed to sell one ounce of methamphetamine for $500. On March 31, 2023, the undercover agent and Quam agreed to meet at the Scheel’s parking lot in Billings to conduct the transaction. Quam arrived at the parking lot and entered the agent’s vehicle. During the transaction, the agent observed Quam with a black bag. Quam removed another bag from inside of the black bag which contained numerous smaller bags with suspected methamphetamine. Quam provided one of the smaller bags containing approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to the agent and the agent provided Quam with $500. Toward the end of the transaction, Quam pulled a pistol from his pocket and placed it onto floorboard of the car. Quam then placed the pistol into the black bag and left the vehicle.

The undercover agent and Quam spoke over the phone again after the transaction. During the conversation, Quam began talking about firearms. Quam told the agent there are a lot of people getting robbed, and he does not like guns, however, he knows he needs a firearm for protection. Quam advised the agent his pistol was a “.45 caliber.” On September 20, 2023, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Belgrade. Quam was identified as the passenger in the vehicle and had a safe on the floorboard at his feet. During the interaction, the deputy uncovered a loaded firearm in Quam’s left pocket. Quam was detained.

GCSO deployed a canine to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle told law enforcement the safe belonged to Quam.

Law enforcement received a search warrant for the vehicle and its contents and seized approximately 1086.8 grams of methamphetamine.

Quam was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a felony, in the United States Court for the District of Montana on February 28, 2014. Consequently, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

XXX

MIL Security OSI –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Lookout found guilty for role in armed robbery

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HOUSTON – A jury has convicted a 20-year-old Houston resident for aiding and abetting a robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for four hours before finding Patrick Norman guilty following a three-day trial.

On Jan. 29, 2024, Norman acted as a lookout while Danial Starr, 20, Houston, entered the Spring Smoke Shop on Veteran’s Memorial Drive, brandished a firearm at an employee and stole cash and smoke products. The pair then fled the scene.

An eyewitness identified Norman which led to his subsequent arrest.

At that time, he claimed not to know Starr at all. However, the jury heard testimony as to how authorities saw surveillance footage implicating Norman and phone records that showed communication between him and Starr prior to the robbery.

During trial, the jury heard the testimony from the victim store clerk who was robbed.

The defense attempted to convince the jury Norman never intended to aid and abet a robbery. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner will impose sentencing at a later date, at which time Norman faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Previously released on bond, Norman was taken into custody April 21 after arriving late for trial. He will remain there pending sentencing.

Starr had pleaded guilty prior to trial and awaits sentencing as does another Houston resident charged in relation to the case, Calvin Deshazo, 19, who had admitted to aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during two other robberies which took place on another date.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Anh-Khoa Tran are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Coons condemns Trump attacks on AmeriCorps in U.S. News op-ed

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in U.S. News & World Report yesterday decrying President Trump’s and Elon Musk’s devastating attacks on AmeriCorps, a program that has long stood as an example of Americans’ generosity and commitment to serving our communities. Senator Coons is a Co-chair of the National Service Caucus.
Additionally, Senator Coons led a letter to Trump yesterday co-signed by 148 of his colleagues in Congress defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members. The letter calls on President Trump to reverse cuts made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the agency that deploys more than 200,000 Americans a year through programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors that support critical community services at more than 35,000 locations across the country.
“Helping is an American value that has guided us since our nation’s founding,” Senator Coons wrote. “But our current president and his biggest donor, Elon Musk, whom Trump has put in charge of slashing the federal government, have been systematically firing helpers all across our country…. I believe we are born onto this earth to care for one another, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly. To not just look for the helpers, but to be them.”
Last week, nearly every AmeriCorps staff member was put on administrative leave, which has been followed by a wave of “Reduction in Force” notices today. This extreme reduction in force will make it impossible for AmeriCorps to continue delivering critical services to Americans, including disaster response, teaching and tutoring, and supporting veterans.
“In the next hurricane, the next earthquake, the next teacher shortage, where will the helpers be?” Senator Coons asked. “Cut by cut, Americans will be looking for helpers who never come.”
Senator Coons also made the point that AmeriCorps isn’t a waste of taxpayer dollars—it’s a sound economic investment. Despite costing only one-fiftieth of 1% of the $6.8 trillion federal budget, AmeriCorps returns $17 in societal benefits for every dollar spent.
You can read the full op-ed here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Taneshka Kruger, UP ISMC: Project Manager and Coordinator, University of Pretoria

Healthcare in Africa faces a perfect storm: high rates of infectious diseases like malaria and HIV, a rise in non-communicable diseases, and dwindling foreign aid.

In 2021, nearly half of the sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing for more than a third of their health expenditure. But donor fatigue and competing global priorities, such as climate change and geopolitical instability, have placed malaria control programmes under immense pressure. These funding gaps now threaten hard-won progress and ultimately malaria eradication.

The continent’s healthcare funding crisis isn’t new. But its consequences are becoming more severe. As financial contributions shrink, Africa’s ability to respond to deadly diseases like malaria is being tested like never before.

Malaria remains one of the world’s most pressing public health threats. According to the World Health Organization there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths globally in 2023 – an increase of 11 million cases from the previous year.

The WHO African region bore the brunt, with 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. It is now estimated that a child under the age of five dies roughly every 90 seconds due to malaria.

Yet, malaria control efforts since 2000 have averted over 2 billion cases and saved nearly 13 million lives globally. Breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment and prevention have been critical to this progress. They include insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostic tests, artemisinin-based combination therapies (drug combinations to prevent resistance) and malaria vaccines.

Since 2017, the progress has been flat. If the funding gap widens, the risk is not just stagnation; it’s backsliding. Several emerging threats such as climate change and funding shortfalls could undo the gains of the early 2000s to mid-2010s.

New challenges

Resistance to drugs and insecticides, and strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum that standard
diagnostics can’t detect, have emerged as challenges. There have also been changes in mosquito behaviour, with vectors increasingly biting outdoors, making bed nets less effective.

Climate change is shifting malaria transmission patterns. And the invasive Asian mosquito species Anopheles stephensi is spreading across Africa, particularly in urban areas.

Add to this the persistent issue of cross-border transmission, and growing funding shortfalls and aid cuts, and it’s clear that the fight against malaria is at a critical point.

As the world observes World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme “Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite”, the call to action is urgent. Africa must lead the charge against malaria through renewed investment, bold innovation, and revitalised political will.

Reinvest: Prevention is the most cost-effective intervention

We – researchers, policymakers, health workers and communities – need to think smarter about funding. The economic logic of prevention is simple. It’s far cheaper to prevent malaria than to treat it. The total cost of procuring and delivering long-lasting insecticidal nets typically ranges between US$4 and US$7 each and the nets protect families for years. In contrast, treating a single case of severe malaria may cost hundreds of dollars and involve hospitalisation.

In high-burden countries, malaria can consume up to 40% of public health spending.

In Tanzania, for instance, malaria contributes to 30% of the country’s total disease burden. The broader economic toll – lost productivity, work and school absenteeism, and healthcare costs – is staggering. Prevention through long-lasting insecticidal nets, chemoprevention and health education isn’t only humane; it’s fiscally responsible.

Reimagine: New tools, local solutions

We cannot fight tomorrow’s malaria with yesterday’s tools. Resistance, climate-driven shifts in transmission, and urbanisation are changing malaria’s patterns.

This is why re-imagining our approach is urgent.

African countries must scale up innovations like the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine and next-generation mosquito nets. But more importantly, they must build their own capacity to develop, test and produce these tools.

This requires investing in research and development, regional regulatory harmonisation, and local manufacturing.

There is also a need to build leadership capacity within malaria control programmes to manage this adaptive disease with agility and evidence-based decision-making.

Reignite: Community and collaboration matters

Reigniting the malaria fight means shifting power to those on the frontlines. Community health workers remain one of Africa’s greatest untapped resources. Already delivering malaria testing, treatment and health education in remote areas, they can also be trained to manage other health challenges.

Integrating malaria prevention into broader community health services makes sense. It builds resilience, reduces duplication, and ensures continuity even when external funding fluctuates.

Every malaria intervention delivered by a trusted, local health worker is a step towards community ownership of health.

Strengthened collaboration between partners, governments, cross-border nations, and local communities is also needed.

The cost of inaction is unaffordable

Africa’s malaria challenge is part of a deeper health systems crisis. By 2030, the continent will require an additional US$371 billion annually to deliver basic primary healthcare – about US$58 per person.

For malaria in 2023 alone, US$8.3 billion was required to meet global control and elimination targets, yet only US$4 billion was mobilised. This gap has grown consistently, increasing from US$2.6 billion in 2019 to US$4.3 billion in 2023.

The shortfall has led to major gaps in the coverage of essential malaria interventions.

The solution does not lie in simply spending more, but in spending smarter by focusing on prevention, building local innovation, and strengthening primary healthcare systems.

The responsibility is collective. African governments must invest boldly and reform policies to prioritise prevention.

Global partners must support without dominating. And communities must be empowered to take ownership of their health.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats – https://theconversation.com/beating-malaria-what-can-be-done-with-shrinking-funds-and-rising-threats-255126

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public invited to line Mall for VE Day 80 procession and fly past
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Public invited to line Mall for VE Day 80 procession and fly past

Members of the public are able to watch the VE Day 80 military procession taking place on Monday 5 May
More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services and young people will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace

Procession on Bank Holiday Monday begins with a performance of a Churchill speech and finishes with a flypast including the world-famous Red Arrows

Public encouraged to host a street party as part of the Great British Food Festival

Commemorations to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day, will kick off on Monday 5 May with a military procession featuring 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and thousands of members of the public watching along the Mall.

The events will pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.

The procession will begin in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday, and an actor will recite extracts from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young person will then pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to Alan Kennett, 100, a Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign. The Torch for Peace is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will then lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph which will be dressed in Union Flags, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall through to Buckingham Palace where the procession will finish.

They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring marching members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. Cadets from all three services and other uniformed youth groups will also take part in the procession to ensure the message of VE Day is handed down to a new generation.

The Prime Minister and Second World War veterans supported by the Royal British Legion will watch the procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial.

The procession will conclude with the Mall being filled with members of the public and a fly past featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.

VE Day 80 street parties, picnics and community get togethers are being encouraged to take place across the country as part of the Great British Food Festival, led by the Together Coalition and the Big Lunch in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

VE Day 80 is a chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations. Whether by watching on TV or having a street party with neighbours, everyone can take part. This is one of the last chances we have to say thank you to this generation of heroes and it is right that we do just that.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, I look forward to joining our veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and young people to remember the remarkable generation who defended the freedoms we enjoy today.

Our whole nation is invited to join together to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who fought for peace and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

Alan Kennett, who travelled to Normandy with the Royal British Legion for D-Day 80, said:

It is a huge honour to be part of the military procession to start the VE80 commemorations. I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in and shouting ‘the war is over’. A big party soon followed, filled with lots of drinking and celebrating the news. The 80th anniversary of VE Day brings back so many memories, and it will be such a privilege to be there with everyone.

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a special moment for the country and the Royal British Legion is incredibly proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations. It’s important we remember those who went to war, who fought for the freedom of not just Europe but everywhere, and those who risked their lives and never made it back.

Brendan Cox, co-Founder of the Together Coalition, said:

VE Day 80 is a moment to celebrate our shared victory and remember the sacrifices it took. Whether it’s hosting a street party, sharing a meal, or writing a message of thanks to a veteran, this is a unique opportunity to thank those who served and to celebrate the values that hold us together. We’re proud to be supporting communities across the UK to mark this occasion in ways that are meaningful, joyful and inclusive. Most importantly, this is a moment for everyone to take part – regardless of background, age or postcode.

The procession and flypast will be broadcast live on Monday 5 May. On Thursday 8 May, 80 years to the day since the end of the Second World War in Europe, a service will take place at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert in the evening on Horse Guards Parade in which stars of stage and screen will tell the story of the end of the war.

Armed Forces of Commonwealth nations have been invited to join the procession to celebrate the contribution of people from throughout the Commonwealth to the allied effort during the Second World War. They will be led by The Band of the Irish Guards on parade.

Military musicians on parade include The Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Band of HM Royal Marines and a military band from the Royal Corps of Army Music.

The flypast will include a Voyager transport aircraft, a P8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets and will culminate with the iconic red, white, and blue smoke of the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows.

Historic Second World War-era aircraft from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also take part in the flypast.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Flypast details:

P8 Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft has recently flown over the North Sea and North Atlantic to monitor Russian vessels near UK waters.

The UK’s fleet of Voyager aircraft has been extensively involved in our support to Ukraine, delivering tonnes of equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and flying thousands of Ukrainian recruits to the UK for military training.

Typhoon fast jets are on standby 365 24/7 to protect UK airspace and frequently deploy overseas to help protect our allies from airborne threats as part of NATO Air Policing. Typhoons are currently deployed to Poland.

The F-35 Lightning is a fifth-generation fighter jet which deploy on board the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers – HMS Prince of Wales set sail earlier this week on its eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

Members of the public can find street parties and events near them on the governments VE Day 80 website at www.ve-vjday80.gov.uk

The Royal British Legion has been given funding by DCMS to support veteran attendance at government led events in the UK to mark VE Day 80. This includes travel costs and welfare support.

Read guidance for the public wishing to attend the procession in London

As announced last week by the Prime Minister, pubs will be able to stay open an additional two hours on Thursday May 8 to celebrate. More information

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Published 25 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Brown Honors Fallen and Injured Workers on Worker Memorial Day
Source: Washington State News

OLYMPIA — Thursday, April 24, is Worker Memorial Day. A day for communities across the United States to come together to honor workers who died on the job or from job-related injuries over the past year.

Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will be holding an event today marking the loss of 97 workers in the past year: Worker Memorial Day

“Washington workers dying from job-related injuries and illnesses is a deep loss to our entire community. State governments have an important role to play in protecting worker health and safety,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “The Attorney General’s Office is committed to working with labor, business, and other areas of government to prevent workplace deaths, injuries and disease. We are proud to represent, advise, and partner with L&I in its mission to ‘Keep Washington Safe and Working.’”

State government plays an important role in preventing these tragedies. Workers are safer when we inform the public, support compliance, and enforce our worker safety and health laws. If you have a concern about worker health and safety:
- Report a safety hazard online with L&I.
- Your employer may not fire you or retaliate against you solely because you have exercised your workplace safety & health rights. You can file a complaint about retaliation online with L&I.
- L&I’s Consultation Program offers confidential, no-fee, professional advice and help to Washington businesses. These services can help you find and fix hazards in your workplace and strengthen your safety program.
- Environmental crimes often have an impact on worker health and safety. To report an environmental crime, use Environmental Protection Division’s Environmental Crime Report Form.
The Labor & Industries Division of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) represents and advises the Department of Labor of Industries on a range of issues including worker safety and health. The Environmental Protection Division of the AGO protects worker health and safety through prosecuting environmental crimes. Learn more about our efforts to protect workers here.

-30-

Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Auckland Hillside Road recycling plant fire update #4

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire crews are today back working at the large fire which started at a recycling plant on Hillside Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland around 5.30pm last night.

Assistant Commander James Hall say three fire trucks and two ladder trucks are working with two diggers to open up the structure to fully extinguish the fire.

“While there are small flare ups, there is no significant smoke and the lithium-ion batteries involved in the fire are no longer a hazard,” he says.

“The emergency message alert advising people to stay inside was lifted during the night.

“Crews continue to monitor the fire and an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is underway.

“Crews are expected to remain at the scene until later this afternoon.”

This is the final update.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Orange County Resident Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Kickbacks from Sober Living Homes, Firearms Trafficking

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

LOS ANGELES – A former resident of Orange County was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for soliciting and receiving nearly $500,000 in illegal kickbacks from corrupt sober living homes in exchange for finding them new patients in a process known as “body brokering” and for firearms trafficking.

Darius Moore, 31, formerly of Santa Ana but most recently of North Carolina, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton.

Moore pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of conspiracy to pay or receive illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities and one count of soliciting or receiving illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities.

From no later than February 2020 to December 2020, Moore conspired with addiction treatment facility owners to broker patients to the facilities for drug addiction treatment services. Moore knew the facilities would bill the referred patients’ private health insurance plans for the treatment services and then pay Moore a share of the resulting insurance proceeds as kickback payments.

Over the course of his time working as a body broker, Moore was paid nearly $500,000 in kickbacks from the facilities.

While free on bond in the “body brokering” criminal case, Moore violated his pretrial release conditions on several occasions, including in May 2023 when he sold two firearms and a drum magazine to buyers. In September 2023, a federal grand jury in the Western District of North Carolina charged him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. After the North Carolina federal case was transferred to this district, Moore pleaded guilty in Los Angeles on February 14 to that count.

Moore has been in federal custody since August 2023.

The FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter with assistance from the California Department of Insurance.

Assistant United States Attorney Nandor F.R. Kiss of the Orange County Office and Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi of the Fraud Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted this case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Keeping tabs on native woodland vegetation in times of flood and drought – Flinders

Source: Flinders University

Like farmland in Australia, native forests struggle with drought and flooding, so future management decisions need more sophisticated systems to monitor and manage their water needs.

A new study led by Flinders University aims to provide a good estimate of water used by trees and plants and bushes under the treetops (or the forest understorey) to help improve management of native woodlands.

Researchers tested an advanced way to measure evapo-transpiration (ET) patterns in understorey (compared to canopy) vegetation at two different rainfall locations in South Australia to help develop better water and woodland management decision-making in future.

ET returns water from the soil and plants into the atmosphere and is the major component of terrestrial water balance, explains Professor of Environmental Science and Hydrology Huade Guan, from the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training at Flinders University.

“Woodland understorey ET is difficult to monitor using conventional methods. Our latest study tested a new method of measuring understorey evapotranspiration in floodplains and catchment areas,” he says.

This is important to understand because understorey ET can contribute between 10% (in cooler seasons) and up to 50% (during hot weather) of ecosystem water use, researchers say.

The latest study, published in the Journal of Hydrology with collaborators around Australia, China and the US, retrieved understorey temperature from airborne thermal imagery and used it in a ‘maximum entropy production’ model (called the ‘MEP model’) to map understorey ET.

Researchers hope to improve ecosystem water evaluations to create more effective management strategies for increasingly scarce river and freshwater resources.

The research was based on investigations in a River Red Gum woodland of a Murray floodplain near Bookpurnong in the Riverland and a hilly woodland catchment near Mount Wilson in the Willunga Basin. The locations reflected different topographical, hydrological and climate conditions.

Both locations showed understorey ET was a key component of ecosystem water balance, so working out the best way to support River Red Gum and other woodland environmental water requirements could incorporate broadscale monitoring and mapping with high-resolution thermal data from satellites in future.

The study found that flooding modified water availability and vegetation response, influencing understorey ET dynamics over time, says Flinders University Professor Guan, who leads the Eco-hydrology and Hydro-meteorology Research Group (EcoH2OMe) at the College of Science and Engineering.

For example, after major flooding in 2022-23, the fraction of understorey ET to the total ecosystem ET declined, likely due to increased overstorey transpiration.

In the hilly environment, slope orientation plays a key role in regulating ET by controlling solar radiation exposure and soil moisture retention.

North-facing slopes generally have higher understorey ET than south-facing slopes, particularly in a wet winter, where understorey ET on the north-facing slopes accounts for up to 50% of total surface ET.

This high understorey ET on north-facing slopes consumes soil moisture a lot quicker, resulting in less water for vegetation use in dry summer than south-facing slopes.

The study highlights the advantages of integrating new methods and technologies in addressing environmental problems.

Meanwhile, South Australia is currently experiencing particularly dry weather, which is most likely the result of climate change, according to the SA Water for Good plan. This means less rain and a reduction of flows into traditional water sources such as our reservoirs, rivers and groundwater. The CSIRO has forecast an overall decline in rainfall of between 15% to 30% by 2050.

The SA Government plan emphasises the need for proactive management of non-prescribed water resources to ensure water security to 2050, including a deeper understanding of overall water resource capacity to prevent over-exploitation and enhance sustainability.

The article, ‘Integrating the Maximum Entropy Production model and airborne imagery for understorey evapotranspiration mapping’ (2025) by Wenjie Liu, Okke Batelaan, David Bruce, Jingfeng Wang, Hugo Gutierrez, Hailong Wang, Robin Keegan-Treloar, Jianfeng Gou, Robert Keane, Jessica Thompson and Huade Guan has been published in the Journal of Hydrology (Elsevier) DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133076

Acknowledgements: Field data were obtained in the projects funded by Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MD005764) and National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (SR08000001). Researchers acknowledge fieldwork by Karina Gutierrez, Lawrence Burk, Zhongli Liu, Zhechen Zhang, Xiang Xu and Rose Deng and landowners Langdon Badger and Steve Clark for access. Wenjie Liu received support from the China Scholarship Council (201906370006) and Jingfeng Wang’s research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation Hydrological Sciences and Physical and Dynamic Meteorology Program Grant EAR‐2006281.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Fugitive Captured After Brockton Shootout
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant arrested after two-month search following a house party shootout that was captured on home surveillance system
BOSTON – Early this morning, an indicted fugitive was apprehended in connection with his alleged participation in a violent shootout that left a female victim with a gunshot wound to her chest.

Romeo Miller, 26, of Brockton, was arrested in Taunton on federal charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston Miller was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 5, 2025.

In February 2025, Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury along with three other Brockton men in connection with the shootout, all of whom remain in custody:
1. Natalio Miranda, 33, charged with one count each of possession of a machinegun and being a felon in possession of ammunition;
2. Jonathan Alves, 28, charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; and
3. Jahleil Monteiro, 25, charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to Miller’s felon in possession charge.
According to court filings, on June 2, 2024, at approximately 1:45 a.m., law enforcement responded to a “shots fired” call to a home in Brockton. Upon arrival, officers observed a large crowd outside the home and a 31-year-old female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and survived.

It is alleged that numerous bullet casings were found scattered throughout the front yard and driveway of the Brockton residence. According to court documents, video footage obtained from the home’s surveillance system determined that a house party at the residence led to a physical altercation in the driveway and, allegedly, an exchange of gunfire between the victim and Miranda, Miller and Alves.

Specifically, surveillance video allegedly captured Miranda as he discharged several bursts of ammunition from an automatic weapon in the front yard of the residence before leaving the scene. Miller and Alves are also allegedly seen firing towards the victim from the driveway. It is further alleged that Miller is later seen on the footage crossing the street to hide behind a parked car, where he shot the victim in the chest. Surveillance video then allegedly captured Miller returning to the driveway, where he passed his firearm off to Monteiro, before the two drove away in separate parked cars.

According to court records, at the time of the shooting, Miranda was on federal supervised release for his fentanyl distribution conspiracy conviction and has a prior state conviction for cocaine distribution. Additionally, at the time of the shooting, Miller and Monteiro were on probation for prior state convictions for unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing a high capacity feeding device, assault and battery on a police officer and/or fentanyl distribution. Alves has a prior state conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

The charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition each provide for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being an accessory after the fact to a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to half the maximum punishment for the underlying offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Division; Brian A. Kyes, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda I. Perez made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MIL Security OSI –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Five in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy that Used Semi-Trucks to Transport Liquid Meth from Mexico to Oklahoma
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

18 Now Convicted as Part of Drug Trafficking Organization Responsible for Approximately 16,000 Kilos of Methamphetamine with Estimated Street Value of $64,000,000

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted JUAN HERNANDEZ, 49, a Mexican-national living in Oklahoma City, JESSICA MUNIZ, 32, of Oklahoma City, and DENIS LEAL GUTIERREZ, 59, CESAR AZAMAR, 52, and ADRIAN NARVAEZ, 58, of Texas, for their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that specialized in transporting liquid methamphetamine by semi-truck from Mexico, through Texas, to Oklahoma City, and laundering the subsequent drug proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“Coordinating their drug trafficking scheme across international borders and state lines, these defendants flooded our state with methamphetamine worth millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “I praise the exceptional work of the federal and state law enforcement, and the federal prosecutors, for untangling and disrupting this major drug operation and for stopping its flow of lethal drugs into our communities.”

“This multi-year collaboration among the FBI, DEA, IRS, Oklahoma City Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has effectively dismantled a major drug trafficking organization that had been poisoning our community with deadly narcotics for years,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Together, we will continue to ensure those who participate in these dangerous criminal networks face the full weight of the American justice system.”

On December 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a 16-count Second Superseding Indictment, charging the defendants for their respective roles in the DTO. The Second Superseding Indictment charged Gutierrez, Azamar, and Narvaez with drug conspiracy, Muniz with money laundering conspiracy, two counts of domestic money laundering, and five counts of international money laundering, and Hernandez with money laundering conspiracy, three counts of domestic money laundering, and three counts of international money laundering.

On April 18, 2025, following a nine-day trial, a federal jury convicted the defendants on all counts.

According to evidence presented at trial, the defendants and other co-conspirators worked with high-ranking members of a Mexico-based DTO to import liquid methamphetamine into the U.S. hidden in the gas tanks of semi-trucks. Gutierrez’s trucking company, DGC Express Co., had been responsible for transporting shipments of liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma as far back as February 2021. Another trucking company owned by Gutierrez, Dare Express Co., assumed responsibility for transporting the liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma and Georgia starting in at least May of 2023. Evidence at trial further showed that Azamar was responsible for facilitating the transfer of the liquid methamphetamine from the Mexico-based semi-truck into the Dare Express semi-truck, which first occurred at a property rented by Gutierrez in Alamo, Texas, and later at the main business location of Dare Express in Edinburg, Texas. The Dare Express semi-truck used throughout 2023 to deliver liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma and Georgia was registered under Narvaez’s name, and both Gutierrez and Narvaez instructed the truck drivers to deliver this liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma and elsewhere.

At trial, evidence also established that law enforcement seized significant amounts of methamphetamine during the investigation, including:
- 907 kilograms on March 3, 2021, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma;
- 92 kilograms on September 6, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
- 615 kilograms on December 8, 2023, in Wellston, Oklahoma;
- 42 kilograms on April 1, 2024, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and
- 86 kilograms on April 2, 2024, in Newalla, Oklahoma.
There was also evidence presented at trial about the DTO’s money laundering activities. A high-ranking member of this DTO in Mexico directed family members in Oklahoma, specifically his brother, Hernandez, and his niece, Muniz, to launder drug proceeds on his behalf. Testimony and other evidence, including court documents, CashApp records, international wire remitter service records, and records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Oklahoma Department of Corrections, also established that this DTO supplied Oklahoma prison gangs with methamphetamine, specifically the Irish Mob Gang, the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, and the Sureños. These gang members or their associates then sent payments for methamphetamine disguised as CashApp payments to Hernandez and Muniz, who then wired the money to close associates of the DTO’s head in Mexico.

At sentencing, Gutierrez, Azamar, and Narvaez each face up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Following their convictions for money laundering conspiracy, domestic money laundering, and international money laundering, Hernandez and Muniz face up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000 per charge.

As part of the overall investigation and prosecution of this DTO, two additional defendants have previously been sentenced and 11 additional codefendants have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. In total, law enforcement has attributed responsibility to this DTO for bringing approximately 16,000 kilograms of methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico at an estimated street value of $64,000,000.

In November 2024:
- EVER ALONSO PANDO, 47, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, and three years of supervised release, for two counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and
- HECTOR REYES, 43, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The remaining defendants have pleaded guilty as follows:
- ADAN GARCIA MIRANDA, 29, of Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Miranda faces up to 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000,000;
- JORGE RAUL VEGA GARCIA, 30, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Garcia faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
- LUIS ALBERTO ROJAS PRECIADO, 28, of Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Preciado faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
- JOSE ALFREDO EQUIHUA, 39, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Equihua faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
- EDGAR RODRIGUEZ ONTIVEROS, 32, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Ontiveros faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
- ADRIAN PEREZ, 39, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record shows that Perez has previous felony convictions that include being a felon in possession of a firearm in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2022-4831 and using a vehicle to facilitate the intentional discharge of a firearm in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2003-1656. At sentencing, Perez faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,250,000;
- PHILLIP RAY HOWARD, 53, of Newalla, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record shows that Howard has previous felony convictions that include possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2005-878. At sentencing, Howard faces up to 40 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 15 years in prison for the firearm possession charge, and fines of up to $5,250,000;
- RAY DAVID LARA, JR., 44, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Perez faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,250,000;
- HERIBERTO DONAN OCHOA, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Ochoa faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000;
- BRAULIO PADILLA, 50, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record reflects that Howard has several felony convictions, including for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child under 12 and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in Oklahoma County District Court case numbers CF-2010-4880 and CF-2019-155, respectively. At sentencing, Padilla faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,250,000; and
- MICHAEL J. ESTRADA, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At sentencing, Estrada faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. This case is also 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 (TCOs), 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 Force (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

MIL Security OSI –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison after Domestic Violence Call Leads to Illegal Firearm and Ammunition Possession Conviction

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

OKLAHOMA CITY – TRAYVEON RAMON CALDWELL, 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On July 2, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Caldwell, charging him with two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on August 28, 2023, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to Caldwell’s home on a reported domestic violence incident. The victim told OCPD Caldwell threatened to kill her, attempted to choke her, struck her head, and fired a gun near her head inside the home. Officers searched the home, found a spent shell casing on Caldwell’s bed, and arrested Caldwell on domestic abuse allegations. That same day, OCPD executed a search warrant on Caldwell’s home following two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from the house. During the search, OCPD seized a handgun and several live rounds of ammunition.

On December 12, 2024, Caldwell pleaded guilty to the Indictment, and admitted he possessed a firearm, spent shell casing, and other live rounds of ammunition despite his previous felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing on April 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Caldwell to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the violent circumstances surrounding the offense and Caldwell’s criminal history. Public record reflects that Caldwell has felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of drug proceeds, and possession of an offensive weapon while committing a felony in case number CF-2011-331, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2012-4320.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement have learned since the program’s launch in 2001. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

MIL Security OSI –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: HOUSE DEMOCRATS’ LITIGATION TASK FORCE DEFENDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN COURT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. — The Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force led 192 House Democrats in filing an amicus brief challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to close the Department of Education in the matter of the State of New York v. Linda McMahon. A case in which 20 states moved to sue the administration for its plans to place fifty percent of the Department’s workforce on administrative leave, effectively shuttering a congressionally authorized agency by way of executive fiat.

By involving themselves in this legal battle, House Democrats sought to stand up for Congress’s power to ensure a quality education for all Americans—and in their filing, they argued that the Trump Administration cannot unilaterally create, dismantle, or reorganize the Education Department, nor can executive officials make solitary decisions regarding the agency’s organization and assignment of functions. The lawmakers also cited executive overreach, noting that efforts to strip support for the federal agency violate Congress’s power of the purse.

The brief was led by Task Force Co-Chairs Jamie Raskin and Joe Neguse, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Ranking Members of the Appropriations and Education and Workforce Committees, Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.

See what they had to say below:

“President Trump isn’t laser focused on the cost-of-living crisis that he is actually making worse. He promised to fight for the working-class but instead put Elon Musk and billionaires in charge of the government. They are attacking public education to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Musk illegally fired half of the Department of Education’s staff, the first move by the Trump Administration to illegally shutter the Department altogether,” said Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, House Committee on Appropriations. “The Department of Education was created by an Act of Congress, and so closing it would require another Act of Congress. If my House Republican colleagues want to go there, then let them sign onto a bill to do that. Let Congress debate whether providing for our children’s education, and researching the tools and methods that lead to the best educational outcomes, constitutes waste. Why is the President not focused on helping families, but instead hurting them, cutting funding that ensures teachers in low-income classrooms, and that students have food to eat in school? The government needs to work for the middle-class, the working-class, and the vulnerable—not billionaires.”

“Abolishing a federal agency requires an Act of Congress. The Administration’s decisions to focus its attention on laying off staff rather than administering and monitoring federal education programs accomplishes nothing to improve student outcomes or deliver for working people. If the Administration’s goal is to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of federal funding and promote the most effective use of federal funds under the law to address challenges students and families face, we could work together to address those shared goals,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, House Committee on Education and Workforce. “However, the sledgehammer approach of mass firings and illegal termination of grants and contracts intended to support evidence-based approaches to improving education for all students at all levels of education appear to primarily serve the interest of congressional Republicans and President Trump in claiming savings in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations.”

“Congress established the Department of Education to create a first-class education for every child in the U.S. If anyone is going to dismantle and defund the Department of Education, it must be Congress as the lawmaking branch. We oppose and reject any effort to thwart the laws passed by Congress, a lawless and especially egregious blunder when the education of future generations is at stake,” said Task Force Co-Chair and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, House Committee on the Judiciary. “That’s why Democrats are going to court to defend the Constitution, protect our students and our schools, and halt this outrageous presidential power grab in its tracks.”

“Donald Trump’s decision to gut the Department of Education is reckless, cruel and illegal. Congress created the Department of Education and only an act of Congress can eliminate it,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The Trump administration is breaking the law and House Democrats will continue working to stop this malignant scheme in Congress and in the Courts. I am grateful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Scott, Rep. DeLauro, Assistant Leader Neguse and the Litigation Working Group and Rapid Response Task Force for leading House Democrats in our fight against this unlawful act designed to rip away high-quality public education from our most vulnerable children.”

“President Trump’s efforts to unilaterally dismantle the Department of Education are unlawful, and would slash support for ten of millions of students and teachers, including kids learning to read and write, high schoolers looking to get their college degrees, and educators in rural and low-income communities,” said Task Force Co-Chair and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse.

The full brief is available HERE.

For more information on House Democrats efforts to protect everyday Americans from the unlawful actions of the TrumpAdministration, visit litigationandresponse.house.gov.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Visits 12 Counties on 36 County Tour This Week

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) released the following statement after finishing a three-day stint on his 36 County Tour that took him to 12 counties in Iowa’s 4^th Congressional District:

“Since I was first elected to Congress, I pledged that I would travel to all 36 counties in our district at least twice each year. This week, I upheld that promise by meeting with Iowans in 12 different counties.

I toured Maintainer Corporation in Sheldon, held a roundtable discussion with local businesses impacted by last summer’s floods in Spencer, surveyed damage from last Thursday’s storms in Storm Lake, stopped by the Britt Area Food Bank, checked out new housing developments in Fonda, and visited the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. I also spoke at the Boone County Economic Development breakfast, toured Mid-States Millwright and Builders in Nevada, checked out Omnium Manufacturing in Hampton, visited Silgan Containers in Fort Dodge, met with a State Farm Insurance agent in Eagle Grove, and toured ARKO Labs in Jewell and Best Veterinary Solutions in Ellsworth.

Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to be a strong voice for our families, farmers, businesses, and rural communities.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Pressley, Markey, McGovern Recount Harrowing Visit with Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil at ICE Facilities in Louisiana

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

At Press Conference, Lawmakers Shared Stories of Medical Neglect, Sleep Deprivation, Inadequate Food and Religious Accommodations, Cold Temperatures, Denial of Personal Necessities, and More

Video (YouTube)

BOSTON – Today, at Logan Airport in Boston, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) held a press conference to recount their harrowing visit to Louisiana where they met with Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil at ICE detention centers. The lawmakers made the visit yesterday to ICE facilities in Basile and Jena, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane conditions in retaliation for their protected speech.

Rep. Pressley, Senator Markey, and Rep. McGovern were joined by House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-02) and Representative Troy Carter (LA-02) on the visit, which also included a meeting with Wendy Brito, an asylum-seeker from El Salvador and New Orleans-area resident who never returned from a regular check-in last month with ICE.

“Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully held in harrowing conditions at ICE facilities in Louisiana and enduring shameful indignities that no one person should ever have to – and yet they continue to center the dignity and humanity of all people,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “We will never stop fighting for Rümeysa, Mahmoud, and everyone who has been harmed by this cruel and callous White House. We reject Donald Trump’s draconian vision for our country, where dissenting voices are silenced and innocent people are disappeared off the street. He is a dictator, and the only way to beat a dictator is with defiance.”

“It’s no secret that the detentions of Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are part of an alarming trend by the Trump administration: abduct students and secret them away to remote prisons in jurisdictions where the Administration expects to receive favorable court rulings through its forum shopping. Neither Öztürk nor Khalil has been charged with a crime. When a government imprisons individuals based on their words, denies constitutional due process for political convenience, and cloaks oppression in the language of national security, we must ring the alarm bells loudly and clearly across this country. What the Trump administration is doing is not immigration enforcement – it is authoritarianism,” said Senator Markey.

“What’s happening to Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil is a chilling and dangerous violation of their human rights. They’ve committed no crimes, they’ve been charged with no offenses, and they’ve broken no laws. Let’s not mince words: They are political prisoners—held in detention by a government which seeks to punish them for their views and silence their speech. That is immoral and wrong,” said Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. “Their arbitrary detention and deprivation of due process is a violation not only of their constitutional rights, but also their rights under international human rights law. This starts with Rümeysa and Mahmoud—but it ends with you. Now is the time to speak out before it is too late. Unless we fight back, this administration will continue weaponizing the government to violate the human rights of those who dare to disagree. We cannot and will not accept this as the new normal.”

In Louisiana, the lawmakers held a media availability outside of the Basile facility to speak about their meetings, renew their calls for their release, demand accountability, and conduct oversight over the ICE facilities they are being held in. Full video of that media availability is available here.

A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks at the Boston press conference, as delivered, is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Recounts Harrowing Visit with Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil at ICE Facilities in Louisiana
Boston Logan Airport
April 23, 2025

Thank you all for being here today. Indeed, it was an honor to join my delegation partners, Senator Markey, Congressman McGovern, on this important congressional delegation.

It was an honor, and it was also our responsibility. It was essential that we go, not only to conduct oversight, but to bear witness.

Yesterday, we visited Louisiana to conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities in Jena and Basile, where Mahmoud Khalil and my constituent, Rümeysa Öztürk are currently being held.

I know Rümeysa has become a symbol of the hurt and harm of the Trump administration, but she is a person.

She is a person and a brilliant scholar, a woman who is a committed community member, someone who was making meaningful contributions to public life and academia in Massachusetts.

She has asthma, and shamefully, she has not received adequate medical attention that she needs.

Rümeysa has not committed any crime. She was abducted, kidnapped in broad daylight -simply for co-authoring an op-ed that this White House didn’t like, one that called for the dignity and humanity of every person to be respected.

Detaining her serves no purpose other than to silence dissent, to stoke and instill fear – which is exactly what a dictator does.

Similarly, Mahmoud Khalil has not been convicted of any crime. He was simply exercising his right to free speech, something that should be protected and not punished. And now, instead of being home with his wife and their newborn son, he is being unlawfully detained at a facility thousands of miles away from the community he belongs to.

This is cruel, it is unjust, and it is unacceptable.

We had the chance to meet with Rümeysa and Mahmoud during our visit, to hear directly from them about their experiences and conditions inside these facilities.

What we saw and heard was harrowing. It was heartbreaking, and it is enraging.

They are being denied proper medical care. They are being deprived of sleep. They are not being fed nutritious meals. Rümeysa herself shared the story of having to wait three days, despite repeated requests, simply for toilet paper. And you can’t even get an extra blanket at night when you are cold.

The cruelty is the point.

The women that I met are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, artists, teachers, activists. They are humiliated daily, degraded, and denied the basic necessities of any human being.

As I said, many of the women there have a history of doing humanitarian work, Rümeysa amongst them. She’s done humanitarian work with refugees, and she told us she was shocked that this sort of facility even existed in the country that she has grown to love – that this could exist in America, the country she loves dearly and has given so much to.

Mahmoud, who has lived in Syria under Assad, knows exactly what authoritarianism looks like, and offered that that is exactly what we are seeing in this moment. This is authoritarianism in Donald Trump’s America.

Despite these horrific experiences, what stood out to me the most about each of them was that their first concern – in fact, their first priority – was not to make appeal for their own respective cases and unique and extreme circumstances, but instead, they put their own well-being, safety, and uncertainty of their future to the side to advocate for those that are detained with them.

It was the compassion that they felt, the conviction that they walked with. Rümeysa came as someone who is a qualified researcher. She’s been actively listening to and spending time with the women that she is confined with, hearing their stories, and came with copious notes that she had collected.

Some of the stories she shared with us were stories of women being ripped away from their babies, women with breast cancer who can’t get the care that they need, pregnant women denied prenatal care. When I asked her if anyone she knew had experienced sexual abuse or assault, she told me she did not have the consent to share.

What Rümeysa and Mahmoud are experiencing isn’t an anomaly. There are hundreds of students just like them who had their visas revoked, and there are millions of people being held in similar conditions in facilities across this country.

These are private detention centers operated by billion dollar corporations. Like my opposition to private prisons and profiting off of mass incarceration, I vigorously oppose these companies making money on disappearing immigrants.

As someone who has visited several detention centers throughout my time in Congress, I can tell you that this visit is not about optics. It is about accountability. It is about transparency, and it is about affirming that no one in America – regardless of background, immigration status, political beliefs, and more – should have their constitutional rights to free speech and due process ripped away.

Before we met with Rümeysa, we went to one of the dorms – as the only woman in our delegation – when I entered, there were 15 women in the door clad in orange scrub outfits, and they just fell into my arms.

They were desperate and crying and fearful. And they kept asking, they kept saying, ‘I want to talk to you. I want to tell you what’s happening here, but will you protect us when you leave? Who will protect us?’ They were visibly shaking.

We went to conduct real-time oversight, we went to bear witness. I feel a responsibility to carry the stories that I heard in my heart and for that to inform my strategy and my advocacy.

Yesterday was a physically and emotionally grueling and depleting day, and it has only strengthened each of our collective resolve to fight for Mahmoud, Rümeysa, and all that are there who question if God has forgotten about them, if the world has forgotten about them. We will not. We cannot.

Today, we’re sending a clear message to Rümeysa, Mahmoud, and everyone who has been harmed or stands to be harmed by this cruel and callous White House that we have not forgotten. We see you, and we are fighting for you every day.

And we’re sending a message to Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their Republican co-conspirators that Congress is watching, and we will not allow these abuses of power to go unchecked.

I want to thank Ranking Member Thompson and the House Homeland Security Committee for organizing this trip; Representative Troy Carter for hosting us; my friends and brother colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation, Senator Markey and Congressman McGovern, for showing up in solidarity and in strength.

This is what it means to conduct real-time congressional oversight. They’re flooding the zone, and so are we.

We will leverage every single avenue, tool available to us – we will be exhaustive.

This is what it means to conduct real-time oversight, and this is the type of bold activist leadership that this moment demands.

We must hold ICE and this hostile, lawless Trump administration accountable. We must protect our democracy and the fundamental rights of everyone who calls America home.

And we must bring Rümeysa and Mahmoud home now.

And with that, I’ll bring to the podium my brother colleague, Congressman McGovern, nationally known for his work in human rights.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Protecting Coloradans and Communities From Wildfires: DFPC Presents 2025 Wildfire Outlook and Preparedness Plan to Governor Polis

Source: US State of Colorado

BROOMFIELD, CO – Today, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) briefed Governor Jared Polis on the state’s 2025 Wildfire Preparedness Plan. Governor Polis, DFPC Director Mike Morgan, along with state and federal partners, discussed the 2025 wildfire outlook and the local, state, and federal resources available to combat wildfires in Colorado.

According to the outlook, current forecasts indicate that normal fire potential is expected across Colorado for the outlook period of April through July, except for southwestern Colorado, which will likely be above normal due to the continued drought and expected hot, dry weather before the monsoon develops. As is typical, southeast Colorado will continue to see increased large fire potential during the pre-green-up period through April. Historically, that means in early spring there may be short-lived episodes of elevated fire potential in the lower elevations, especially along and east of the Front Range Foothills, in southeast Colorado, and the San Luis Valley during dry and windy conditions. Fire potential in May will be normal across the entire state, then June will see southwestern Colorado with above normal potential due to drought and anticipated hot, dry weather. July is expected to see the monsoon arrive with more regular chances for showers and thunderstorms.

“In Colorado, we are no stranger to the impact of devastating wildfires,” said Governor Polis. “We remain focused on aggressively implementing effective mitigation efforts to prevent wildfires and ensure our brave firefighters have the resources needed to protect us and our communities when a wildfire starts. We understand that wildfire season is year-round, and that is why our mitigation efforts and investments in new technology, aerial equipment, and first responders are so important to the safety of the entire state. The federal cuts to wildfire services are troubling, and we continue to urge the administration to remain at the table with states.”

“The 2025 Wildfire Preparedness Plan outlines a comprehensive approach to wildfire management that includes suppression and response, fuels and forest management, and mitigation activities,” explained Director Morgan. “Colorado, in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, is prepared to respond to wildfires by focusing on early detection and rapid initial response to minimize fire size, duration, impact, and costs.”

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control consists of four sections, each serving Colorado’s fire community in a different capacity. From training firefighters to technological advancements in public safety, and from suppressing wildfires to building code enforcement, DFPC is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the people of Colorado and protecting our property, resources, environment, and quality of life.

Link to 2025 Wildfire Preparedness Plan: https://bit.ly/2025-DFPC-WPP

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025