NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Emergency Services Games donates $10,000 to mental health charity

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Emergency Services Games donates $10,000 to mental health charity

    Tuesday, 15 April 2025 – 7:37 am.

    Emergency services personnel who took part in the Australian Police and Emergency Services Games held in Tasmania last month have raised $10,000 for charity.Acting Deputy Commissioner Rob Blackwood said that in a sold out event, 500 participants attended to help raise funds for charity through the AP&ES Games ‘charity of choice’ fundraiser event.“We’re pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity shown by all who attended our fundraiser event that we can present Mitch McPherson founder of Speak Up, Stay ChatTY with a cheque for $10,000,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.“The Games create the opportunity for emergency service workers who share a common goal to build camaraderie and promote healthy living.“We know emergency service workers and volunteers often face particularly challenging and stressful situations and we recognise the importance of supporting our employees and volunteers to keep a healthy body and healthy mind as they continue to help the community.”“That’s why we’ve decided to donate the $10,000 to Speak Up, Stay ChatTY – an important charity aimed at promoting positive mental health and preventing suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.”The Games brought together not just police, fire, ambulance and SES, but also those emergency staff that work in defence, customs, corrections, royal lifesaving, environment and the coast guard to name just a few.“The 2025 Games was the largest multidiscipline sporting event to ever take place in Tasmania,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.“More than 2,000 competitors competed in over 50 individual sporting events and over 5,000 medals being presented to our competitors.” he said.“This year more than 200 volunteers also donated their time to make the games possible.“Supporting the mental and physical health of police officers, as well as other emergency services is extremely important, and we hope this donation will go some way in helping support other Tasmanians in need.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Hundreds of firefighters gather to train, learn ahead of 2025 wildfire season

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    To increase wildfire prevention and help keep people safe, the Province has taken action over the past six years to strengthen provincial and community capacity for wildfire mitigation and preparedness.

    In recent years, the BC Wildfire Service’s (BCWS) wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts have expanded rapidly, supported by the BCWS growing into a year-round organization focused on proactively reducing wildfire risks as well as responding to fires. Prevention efforts have included hundreds of wildfire risk-reduction and fuel-management projects with partner agencies, with 88 cultural and prescribed fire projects planned for 2025, of which eight have already been implemented this spring.

    Since 2018, the Province, through BCWS, has invested approximately $466 million in wildfire resiliency and risk-reduction projects. The Province’s approach to wildfire risk reduction is through strategic partnerships with communities, First Nations, and external partners, in addition to the BCWS’ direct wildfire mitigation. In advance of this year’s wildfire season, the Province continues to work on fuel mitigation and community preparedness activities to reduce the threat of wildfire, in partnership with local governments and First Nations, and the following organizations:

    FireSmart BC
    FireSmart actions are tested and proven, and they increase your home’s chance of survival in the event of a wildfire. FireSmart is the Canadian standard recognized by all provinces and territories based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. This year, there are 250 FireSmart recognized neighbourhoods throughout B.C., and approximately 140 FireSmart co-ordinators within local governments and First Nations. More than 113 local governments and First Nations participate in the Wildfire Mitigation Program, formerly the Home Partners Program, including 20 of the 28 regional districts

    As a leader in wildfire mitigation and preparedness, work by FireSmart BC includes:

    • funding 309 local governments and First Nations to undertake FireSmart activities;
    • 231 FireSmart positions proposed for funding or partially subsidized in communities across the province; and
    • 57 garden centre locations across B.C. now participate in the FireSmart Plant Program. 

    Union of BC Municipalities and First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
    Since 2019, the Province has taken action in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities and First Nations’ Emergency Services Society to reduce wildfire risk through FireSmart grants and supports, with $185 million committed to date. The Union of BC Municipalities, in partnership with First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS), administers the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports (FCFS) program to communities on behalf of the Province. More than 936 applications have been received since 2019, leading to more than $126 million in approved completed projects.

    Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC)
    The Province partners with FESBC to reduce wildfire risks, enhance wildlife habitats, improve damaged or low-value forests, and manage greenhouse gases. Since 2016, $79.6 million has been invested in 201 community wildfire risk-reduction projects through FESBC. As part of Budget 2024, an additional $60 million was announced for FESBC, with $20 million to be allocated each year for the next three years. This funding supports wildfire risk reduction and/or enhanced wood fibre utilization.

    Fire Chiefs Association of British Columbia
    The Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia is a non-profit organization that serves as an essential source of information, education, and community for its members. It proactively engages with the government and standards organizations on issues relating to fire services, resulting in effective and supported fire departments across the province. Through an agreement with the Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC), BC Wildfire Service has worked closely with local fire departments to co-ordinate equipment and personnel, with more than 100 fire departments that have pre-registered their personal and equipment for provincial deployments this season.

    Farmland Advantage
    Farmland Advantage helps farmers identify and enhance the natural values on a farm that can be protected, restored, and enhanced and develops recommendations and plans to preserve them. Since 2021, the BCWS has worked with Farmland Advantage on $1.4 million in wildfire risk-reduction and community resiliency projects, focusing on strategic areas in the wildland-urban interface.

    Fraser Basin Council 
    After the 2023 fire season, the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies recommended defining clear pathways for organized and trained local people to play a role in wildfire preparedness and response, based on consistent safety, pre-season training and readiness standards and plans, and integration into the BCWS or local emergency management structure with appropriate co-ordination, accountability and oversight. The BCWS partnered with the Fraser Basin Council in fall 2023 to engage rural communities as part of the Wildfire Roundtables they facilitate.

    Through this engagement, the Fraser Basin Council received responses from 37 out of 89 electoral area directors. Of the 37 responses, 35 identified existing groups that were outside of structural protection areas. Twenty-four of these groups were organized, and 11 were not organized at the time.

    The feedback received was instrumental in guiding the steps BCWS took leading into the 2024 fire season to invest in the preparedness for these groups by training more than 430 community members across 21 groups and engaging them in co-operative response efforts in the 2024 fire season. The groups that were hired in the 2024 fire season were engaged in low-complexity tasks aligned with their basic training such as mopping up, cooling ash pits and patrolling areas to prevent potential flare-ups.

    In recognition of the need to grow this program beyond the initial training intake in 2023, the Regional District Cooperative Community Wildfire Response Organizations program was established to assist in funding training and equipment purchasing of rural response groups.

    Columbia Basin Trust
    Initially launched as part of the BC Economic Recovery Plan in 2021 to support wildfire risk-reduction projects in the Columbia Basin, this program became the Columbia Basin Wildfire Resiliency Initiative in 2022-23. With an ongoing investment of $4 million to support expanded wildfire risk reduction in the Columbia Basin, the program is supported by the BCWS, the Ministry of Forests Regional Operations, and the Columbia Basin Trust. 

    To date, there have been 20 projects supported in 18 communities.  

    Cattlemen’s Association 
    The Province partners with the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association to support beef cattle producers in B.C. Since 2021, $300,000 has been provided in grant funding to build and expand on an existing initiative that develops, pilots and tests new models of targeted livestock grazing as a supplemental tool for managing fine fuels in B.C.’s forested rangelands. 

    B.C. Community Forest Association 
    BCWS works alongside the B.C. Community Forest Association (BCCFA) to reduce wildfire risk in community forests. BCCFA is a non-profit society serving as the voice and advocate of community forests in BC. Currently BCCFA represents more than 100 rural and Indigenous communities across the province. Under the BC Economic Recovery Plan, $5 million was allocated to the BCCFA to reduce wildfire risk and stimulate employment opportunities in 15 community forest tenure areas located around rural communities between 2020 and 2023.

    Additionally, community forests have invested $8 million of their own funds and managed more than $17 million in grants from outside sources such as FESBC to build wildfire resiliency and reduce risk through mechanical treatments and use of prescribed fire.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Tsunami Preparedness Week

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement on Tsunami Preparedness Week, April 13-19, 2025:

    “British Columbia’s landscape was shaped over millions of years by powerful geological forces. The constant movement of Earth’s tectonic plates has not only created our stunning mountains and coastlines but also makes B.C. one of the most seismically active regions in Canada.

    “Each year, approximately 4,000 earthquakes are recorded in B.C., most of which are too small to be noticed. In recent months, earthquakes were strong enough to be felt by thousands of people along the coast.

    “Fortunately, those recent earthquakes didn’t present a tsunami risk. They were, however, a reminder of the incredible power earthquakes can possess and the importance of being prepared.

    “Tsunamis are large waves, most often caused by large undersea earthquakes. Tsunami waves can reach the shore in a matter of minutes, or they can take hours. So, knowing what to do ahead of time can make all the difference.

    “If you’re near the coast and feel an earthquake, drop, cover and hold on. Then, immediately move to high ground when the shaking stops. The shaking is your warning sign that a tsunami may be coming.  

    “The Province, through the BC Emergency Alert system, will issue emergency alerts to cellphones and through radio and television if a tsunami risk is identified. You can also find up-to-date emergency information 24/7 at https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca and on X at @EmergencyInfoBC.

    “Tsunami Preparedness Week, which runs from April 13-19, is an opportunity for everyone living in or visiting coastal areas to learn more about tsunamis, review emergency plans and make sure they have a grab-and-go bag ready.

    “Many coastal communities host High Ground Hikes during Tsunami Preparedness Week. These events are great opportunities to come together and practice evacuation routes to a tsunami-safe location. Visit https://PreparedBC.ca/HighGroundHike to find an event near you and https://PreparedBC.ca/Tsunamis to learn more about tsunami risks and how to get prepared.

    “I encourage everyone living along the coast to take time this week to review your emergency plans and make sure you and your loved ones know what to do should a tsunami risk be identified.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Filing of Claim Against Former Executives and Consultants

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today announces that it has started a lawsuit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against several former executives, directors, consultants, and associated entities. As outlined in the lawsuit, Carbon Streaming is trying to hold the defendants to account for their breaches of fiduciary duty, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment that have caused financial harm to the Company.

    The defendants named in the claim include Justin Cochrane, Conor Kearns, Anthony Milewski, Michael Beck, Maurice Swan, Andrew Scott Tester, Jeanne Usonis, The Oregon Group LLC, Regent Advisors LLC, Black Vulcan Resources LLC, Carbon Advisors LLC, and Angstrom Capital Limited.

    Key Allegations:

    • Breach of Fiduciary Duty: The lawsuit alleges that the defendants who were serving as Carbon Streaming’s executives and directors did not act in the Company’s best interests, including approving and allowing payments for advisory and consulting fees to entities that provided little to no real services to the Company.
    • Fraudulent Misrepresentation: The lawsuit alleges that certain defendants made false representations and omissions that misled the Company, resulting in financial losses.
    • Unjust Enrichment: The lawsuit also seeks to recover funds that were improperly diverted to some of the defendants and their associated entities, who were unjustly enriched at the expense of Carbon Streaming.

    Financial Impact:

    Carbon Streaming seeks damages against the defendants, including:

    • A minimum of USD $30.1 Million against Justin Cochrane.
    • A minimum of USD $4.1 Million against Conor Kearns.
    • A minimum of USD $1.4 Million against Anthony Milewski and The Oregon Group LLC.
    • A minimum of USD $4.1 Million against Anthony Milewski and Black Vulcan Resources LLC.
    • A minimum of USD $850,000 against Michael Beck and Regent Advisors LLC.
    • A minimum of USD $400,000 against Michael Beck, Anthony Milewski, and Carbon Advisors LLC.
    • A minimum of USD $4.1 Million against each of Maurice Swan, Andrew Scott Tester and Jeanne Usonis.

    A copy of the issued Statement of Claim can be found here.

    About Carbon Streaming

    Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential.

    ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
    Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel: 365.607.6095
    info@carbonstreaming.com
    www.carbonstreaming.com

    Investor Relations
    investors@carbonstreaming.com

    Media
    media@carbonstreaming.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company holding the defendants to account.

    When used in this news release, words such as “estimates”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “will”, “believes”, “intends” “should”, “could”, “may” and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. They should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: general economic, market and business conditions and global financial conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and stock market volatility; volatility in prices of carbon credits and demand for carbon credits; change in social or political views towards climate change, carbon credits and environmental, social and governance initiatives and subsequent changes in corporate or government policies or regulations and associated changes in demand for carbon credits; the Company’s expectations and plans with respect to current litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; limited operating history for the Company’s current strategy; concentration risk; inaccurate estimates of project value, which may impact the ability of the Company to execute on its growth and diversification strategy; dependence upon key management; impact of corporate restructurings; the inability of the Company to optimize cash flows or sufficiently reduce operating expenses; reputational risk; risks arising from competition and future acquisition activities failure or timing delays for projects to be registered, validated and ultimately developed and for emission reductions or removals to be verified and carbon credits issued (and other risks associated with carbon credits standards and registries); foreign operations and political risks including actions by governmental authorities, including changes in or to government regulation, taxation and carbon pricing initiatives; uncertainties and ongoing market developments surrounding the validation and verification requirements of the voluntary and/or compliance markets; due diligence risks, including failure of third parties’ reviews, reports and projections to be accurate; dependence on project partners, operators and owners, including failure by such counterparties to make payments or perform their operational or other obligations to the Company in compliance with the terms of contractual arrangements between the Company and such counterparties; failure of projects to generate carbon credits, or natural disasters such as flood or fire which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of any project to generate carbon credits; volatility in the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; the effect that the issuance of additional securities by the Company could have on the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; global health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated as of March 31, 2025 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell, Carter, Letlow, Fields Introduce Bipartisan Flood Insurance Bill to Provide Stability to Mississippi Property Owners and the Real Estate Market

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Representatives Mike Ezell (MS-04), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Julia Letlow (LA-05), and Cleo Fields (LA-06) have introduced the bipartisan National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Authorization Extension Act which will extend the federal authorization for the NFIP. The bill would extend the program through December 31, 2026, significantly longer than the typical short-term extensions passed by Congress.

    “For far too long, families, businesses, and entire communities along our coast have lived with the uncertainty caused by short-term extensions of the National Flood Insurance Program,” Ezell said. The NFIP Authorization Extension Act delivers the stability South Mississippians need as they continue to face the devastating effects of flooding and natural disasters. By extending the program through the end of 2026, we’re sending a clear message: we are committed to protecting our coastal communities, giving them the tools to recover and rebuild, and working in a bipartisan way to strengthen and modernize the program for the future.” 

    “I am proud to introduce this bill to provide the long-overdue stability our communities deserve,” Carter said. “For too long, homeowners, small businesses, and local economies have lived under the cloud of short-term NFIP extensions, often attached to contentious government funding bills. This clean, multi-year reauthorization brings much-needed certainty to policyholders and ensures uninterrupted access to flood insurance across the country. As flooding becomes more frequent and severe, we must protect families and businesses by keeping this program operating while we work to deliver lasting, comprehensive reforms to strengthen and modernize the program.”

    “Given the frequent storms and flooding our state endures, I’m a strong advocate for renewing the National Flood Insurance Program and making sure it serves those who depend on it. For many Louisianans, flood insurance is not just a policy—it’s a lifeline. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to strengthen this vital program and ensure our communities get the support they need when disaster strikes,” Letlow said.

    “Passing the NFIP Authorization Extension Act is essential to protecting hardworking people across Louisiana,” Fields said. Given our state’s history with extreme weather events, we must ensure that flood insurance remains accessible to all. My colleagues in both the House and Senate will continue to fight for those most affected by flooding throughout the state and across the country.”

    The Senate companion NFIP Authorization Extension Act was introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) in March 2025. Congressmembers Marc Veasey (D-TX), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) are original cosponsors of the House legislation.

    “Rather than experiencing a 33rd short-term extension, NFIP policyholders deserve certainty, and NFIP as a program requires stability. A two-year reauthorization will provide a runway for Congress and stakeholders to hold conversations and hearings around catastrophic insurance and towards highly-demanded comprehensive NFIP reform, like a means-tested benefit for affordability, a third-party review of the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, and proper incentivization of flood risk mitigation,” GNO, Inc. President Michael Hecht said.

    “Extending the National Flood Insurance Program would ensure continuous operations and greater stability for policyholders until a long-term reauthorization is enacted into law – a valuable source of certainty for counties and our residents,” National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase said. “Counties thank Representatives Carter, Fields, Letlow, and Ezell for their leadership, and we look forward to working with our bipartisan congressional partners to secure passage of this legislation.”

    Background:

    The NFIP is a federal program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides flood insurance to homeowners and businesses, aiming to reduce the financial impact of flooding. The program is vital for coastal communities with extensive low-lying areas and frequent exposure to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. The NFIP helps protect residents from devastating financial losses due to flood damage, encourages responsible development in flood-prone areas, and supports rebuilding efforts after disasters—making it a critical safety net for Mississippi communities.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Lead Illinois Democratic Delegation in Message to Secretary Kennedy: The Dismantling of HS Does Nothing to ‘Make America Healthy Again’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 11, 2025
    In a letter to the HHS Secretary, the lawmakers pushed back against the destruction of HHS and its impact on the state
    [SPRINGFIELD, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today led the Illinois Democratic Delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing frustration and concern that HHS has slashed critical federal funding for the state’s public health programs and infrastructure.
    “We write to express our real concern about the Department and Health and Human Services’ (HHS) actions to terminate federal funds for state and local health departments, fire critical public health staff, dismantle health agencies, and close regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago, Illinois.  Your decision puts the health and well-being of our people at risk, and will do nothing to ‘Make America Healthy Again,’” the lawmakers wrote.
    Last month, it was reported that HHS would terminate $11.4 billion in federal funding for state and local health departments, including more than $125 million in funding for the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Lawmakers were also told that Illinois would lose access to an additional $324 million in anticipated federal funding that was already allocated to protect Illinois residents from infectious diseases.  Further, Illinois could lose up to $28 million in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
    In an effort to combat the Trump Administration’s destructive funding rescissions, a 24-state coalition, which included Illinois, filed a lawsuit against HHS for the rollback of public health funding.  Earlier this month, a federal court barred HHS from terminating these funds for a 14-day period.
    “The state’s [Illinois’] efforts to prepare for future public health emergencies—which could include the worsening avian flu situation, measles outbreaks, and other respiratory illness challenges—will be severely hampered if HHS rescinds this essential federal funding.  Now that a federal court has blocked HHS from terminating these funds, we urge you to abandon these ill-conceived and dangerous plans,” the lawmakers continued their letter.
    In addition to ripping away billions in promised federal funding, Secretary Kennedy has overseen the destruction of HHS’ workforce and infrastructure, putting thousands of dedicated career civil servants out of a job while gutting critical federal agencies.  Since President Trump’s inauguration, 10,000 HHS employees have left the agency or been fired.  A couple weeks ago, HHS announced that an additional 10,000 public health workers will be fired, including 3,500 from the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,200 workers from the National Institutes of Health and 300 workers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 
    “A reduction in force of this magnitude threatens the ability of HHS to ensure the safety of our nation’s foods, drugs, and medical devices; to inspect and regulate nursing homes; to develop breakthrough cures and treatments for patients with cancer, ALS, and heart disease; and to respond quickly when a public health crisis emerges,” the lawmakers wrote.
    The lawmakers continued their letter, emphasizing that closing regional health offices and shutting out states from federal resources does nothing to support the health and safety of Americans.
    “Finally, it was reported that HHS would dismantle and consolidate several health agencies under an ‘Administration for a Healthier America,’ and close several regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago.  HHS Region 5 has been an essential partner in implementing and coordinating federal resources and initiatives.  It has worked with state, local, and tribal governments in Illinois to address a range of public health concerns, including infectious disease outbreaks, mental and behavioral health needs, food recalls, and more,” the lawmakers wrote.  “Eliminating this office or consolidating it into another regional office risks reducing access to agency personnel and HHS resources for Illinois.”
    The lawmakers concluded their letter by reminding Secretary Kennedy of his responsibility to improve public health, not destruct the institution that ensures Americans have the resources to stay healthy.
    “It is one thing to undertake efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse in government.  It is quite another to cite these reasonable goals as an excuse to instead decimate our nation’s public health infrastructure.  HHS has provided no details on its plans or any explanation of how these steps will improve HHS’ ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.  The complete lack of transparency on these critical decisions supports the logical conclusion that these decisions were made for political purposes without considering their real-world impact,” the lawmakers wrote.
    “As HHS Secretary, you are tasked with the serious responsibility of protecting our nation’s health and you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of Americans.   Do not neglect this responsibility, and do not waste this opportunity,” the lawmaker concluded their letter.
    A copy of the letter is available here and below:
    April 11, 2025
    Dear Secretary Kennedy,
                We write to express our real concern about the Department and Health and Human Services’ (HHS) actions to terminate federal funds for state and local health departments, fire critical public health staff, dismantle health agencies, and close regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago, Illinois.  Your decision puts the health and well-being of people at risk, and will do nothing to “Make America Healthy Again.”
    In March, it was reported that HHS would be terminating $11.4 billion in federal funding for state and local health departments, including more than $125 million for Illinois.  We also have been informed that Illinois will not be able to access an additional $324 million in anticipated federal funding for future work to prevent and address infectious disease.  The Illinois Department of Public Health has leveraged these federal funds to improve its technologies and laboratories, support the public health workforce, and strengthen local health departments.  However, the state’s efforts to prepare for future public health emergencies—which could include the worsening avian flu situation, measles outbreaks, and other respiratory illness challenges—will be severely hampered if HHS rescinds this essential federal funding.  Now that a federal court has blocked HHS from terminating these funds, we urge you to abandon these ill-conceived and dangerous plans. 
    It also was announced that an additional 10,000 public health workers will be fired from HHS, including 3,500 from the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,200 workers from the National Institutes of Health, and 300 workers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  This is on top of the reported 10,000 HHS employees who have already left the agency since January 20, including probationary employees who were fired earlier this year, many of whom were not rehired, despite two court rulings ordering their reinstatement.  A reduction in force of this magnitude threatens the ability of HHS to ensure the safety of our nation’s foods, drugs, and medical devices; to inspect and regulate nursing homes; to develop breakthrough cures and treatments for patients with cancer, ALS, and heart disease; and to respond quickly when a public health crisis emerges.
    Finally, it was reported that HHS would dismantle and consolidate several health agencies under an “Administration for a Healthier America,” and close several regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago.  HHS Region 5 has been an essential partner in implementing and coordinating federal resources and initiatives.  It has worked with state, local, and tribal governments in Illinois to address a range of public health concerns, including infectious disease outbreaks, mental and behavioral health needs, food recalls, and more.  Eliminating this office or consolidating it into another regional office risks reducing access to agency personnel and HHS resources for Illinois.
    It is one thing to undertake efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse in government.  It is quite another to cite these reasonable goals as an excuse to instead decimate our nation’s public health infrastructure.  HHS has provided no details on its plans or any explanation of how these steps will improve HHS’ ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.  The complete lack of transparency on these critical decisions supports the logical conclusion that these decisions were made for political purposes without considering their real-world impact.  
    As HHS Secretary, you are tasked with the serious responsibility of protecting our nation’s health and you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of Americans.   Do not neglect this responsibility, and do not waste this opportunity. 
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.  We look forward to your timely response.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales.

    This follows a similar announcement last year of plans to build a second temple for Queensland, in South Brisbane.

    The two new structures – together with existing temples in Sydney (1984), Adelaide (2000), Melbourne (2000), Perth (2001) and Brisbane (2003) – will bring the total number of Australian temples to seven.

    In a nation with fewer than 160,000 practising Mormons, these new buildings seek to increase the legitimacy and visibility of the church.

    The Melbourne temple was erected in 2000, as was the temple in Adelaide.
    Wikimedia

    The significance of temples

    There are currently at least 200 completed Mormon temples around the globe, with an additional 182 under construction or announced.

    Temples have a different purpose and scope to Mormon chapels, which are far more common: Australia has about 190 Mormon chapels.

    Chapels are used for weekly sacrament (or communion) and weekly sermons. They are open to visitors, and often hold cultural events, extra church activities and family history centres.

    Temples, on the other hand, represent the blending of the divine and temporal. According to the Mormon worldview and doctrines, they are the world’s most sacred structures.

    Each temple is emblazoned with the phrase “The House of the Lord, Holiness to the Lord”. This isn’t just symbolic. Mormons believe each temple is literally the house of God, in which his presence may be felt.

    Given the gravity of this belief, these spaces are reserved for those who have been deemed worthy to enter by Mormon leaders.

    Inside the House of the Lord

    The church itself maintains that temples are “sacred, not secret”. It has long worked to dispel speculation over what happens within temple bounds.

    One way it does this is through “open houses”, in which a newly-built temple may be toured by anyone for a brief period. Once the open house has ended and the temple has been “dedicated” by a church leader – a process that includes blessing the building and those who will use it – it becomes entirely closed to the public.

    Within the temples, the most sacred rituals and knowledge of “the gospel” are imparted upon faithful members. Rituals can be performed for both living people and deceased ancestors. They must never be conducted – or even discussed – outside the sacred temple space.

    One of these rituals is baptism and confirmation for the dead by proxy (baptisms for the living are conducted in chapels or other spaces). This provides the deceased individuals “ordinances” that are necessary for salvation, which they did not receive during life.

    These baptisms have been controversial at times, with ordinances performed on individuals who were not direct ancestors of Latter-day Saints, including Holocaust victims and historical figures such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler. Even prominent Australians such as Ned Kelly, Malcolm Fraser, Neville Bonner and Truganini have allegedly appeared as “baptised” in Mormon records.

    Other temple ceremonies, conducted for both the dead and living, include washing and anointing with oil, “endowment” and “sealing”.

    The rituals are accompanied by various stages of knowledge progression for attendees. As with the rituals, temple knowledge is not to be discussed outside.

    Local opposition

    The air of secrecy and exclusivity surrounding Mormon temples has resulted in a flood of negative attention from Australian media, other religious institutions and society at large. News reports from as far back as the early 20th century sought to expose “Mormon temple secrets”.

    The first temple, built in Sydney in 1984, was widely protested by community groups and organisations. The building had to be modified by the church before it was eventually approved. A similar situation transpired in Brisbane in the early 2000s.

    In other cities, such as Adelaide and Melbourne, temples were not directly protested, but were still critiqued for their lavishness, with the average Australian temple costing around A$8 million in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

    Given the cost of living crisis, and contention over the place of religion in contemporary Australia, the two proposed temples will likely also face criticism.

    Reputational management

    The church’s reputation in Australia has become ever more complicated over the past 20 years, not least due to several controversies.

    In 2022 and 2023, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reported the church was allegedly abusing tax laws, to the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars. This was addressed, but not confirmed or denied, in the November 2022 Senate Estimates by Australian Tax Office Assistant Commissioner Jeremy Hirschhorn, after questioning by Greens Senator David Shoebridge. Accusations of tax evasion have also been made in New Zealand and the United States.

    Other controversies relate to LGBTQIA+ discrimination, the church’s influence in Australian and global politics, and allegations resulting from the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse.

    The new Australian temples will be completed under a pall of critiques and accusations around church finances and other controversies. And while they might be briefly open to the public, their doors will just as quickly shut – adding more fuel to the speculation.

    Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His current research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the nineteenth century to present.

    – ref. Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia – https://theconversation.com/why-the-mormon-church-is-on-an-expansion-project-with-two-secretive-new-temples-planned-for-australia-254217

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology & Videographer, Macquarie University

    Varroa mites on a male bee larva. Theotime Colin

    Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country.

    The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae), weakening them. It can also spread viruses that eventually destroy entire bee colonies.

    Efforts to contain its spread have failed, so it looks like Australia must learn to live
    with this parasite.

    What’s worse, Varroa destructor isn’t acting alone. In many parts of New South Wales, the mite’s arrival appears to have triggered a surge in another destructive pest: the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida).

    A wet summer in the east has created ideal conditions for beetle outbreaks. This combination is putting enormous pressure on bees and beekeepers alike. Here’s how to help support the bee industry and, if you’re a backyard beekeeper, defend your hives against attack.

    The parasitic mite Varroa destructor can hitch a ride on the back of a honeybee.
    Cornelia Sattler

    Know your enemy

    Varroa was first detected in Australia at the NSW Port of Newcastle in June 2022.

    The mite is now widely established in NSW and in Queensland between Toowoomba and Brisbane.

    It was detected in Victoria, North-West of Melbourne in February and the ACT earlier this month.

    In September 2023, Australian authorities acknowledged eradication was no longer possible. The focus shifted to long-term management.

    A slimy accomplice

    The varroa invasion appears to be making hives more susceptible to the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida). This species arrived in 2002.

    The beetle thrives in warm, humid conditions and lays its eggs inside hives. The larvae feed on honey and wax, turning once-thriving hives into a foul, fermented mess. Beekeepers call this a “slime-out” — and it’s just as bad as it sounds.

    The deadly one-two punch

    A healthy bee colony can usually defend itself against beetles. But when bees are weakened by varroa mites, they’re far less capable of resisting a beetle invasion.

    This deadly one-two punch has already devastated many beekeepers in NSW. One commercial beekeeper reported:

    I had large infestations of mites. And then following the mite, I got the boom of the hive beetles. I probably lost 30 hives to beetles.

    As varroa mites weaken a bee colony, other parasites — like the small hive beetle seen here — can invade and cause further damage.
    Cornelia Sattler

    What to do if you suspect an infestation?

    The number of registered recreational beekeepers in Australia is growing. In 2019, there were around 27,800 registered hobbyists. By 2023, that number had jumped to over 47,000. Backyard beekeepers also contribute A$260 million to the economy.

    Varroa represents a major threat to every Australian honey producer, so here’s a few tips.

    Inspect your hives at least once a month. If larvae appear to be tunnelling through honeycomb, or the honey appears fermented, these are signs beetles may be present.

    It’s difficult to detect mites visually, especially when there are few mites present. That’s where monitoring techniques come in. Typically, 300 bees are placed in ethanol or icing sugar and shaken until mites fall off. This allows beekeepers to not only detect the mites but also to count them.

    Report mites to the relevant state authorities. Failure to do so can result in fines.

    Immediately treat the infested hive and move it at least ten metres away from any others.

    Chemicals called miticides can kill varroa mites and knock the population down. But some beekeepers report side effects, including queen loss, so be prepared to replace queens.

    Mites may develop resistance to these treatments over time, as one commercial beekeeper from NSW said:

    We’ve experienced a lot of queenless hives. I don’t know whether that’s from treatments […] it might be just coincidence, but I’m hearing a lot of other beekeepers having the same problem.

    Varroa mites feed on bee larvae, so caging the queen and taking a short break from brood production can reduce the mite population. Mites prefer male bee larvae, so removing these can help.

    These control methods are effective, though labour-intensive, and potentially suitable for backyard beekeepers. They can lessen the need for chemical treatments — slowing the evolution of resistance to miticides.

    Protection against mites and beetles

    To prevent your backyard hives being infested by mites or beetles:

    • keep colonies well fed, so they don’t rob other colonies and catch their parasites

    • help bees recognise hives, so they don’t enter the wrong colony with varroa mites on their back (paint hives, space them apart by a few meters, ideally 10m)

    • reduce the size of hive entrances to help bees block access to intruders

    • regularly check that your beetle traps are still working, as bees often block the holes that let the beetles into the traps with tree resin

    • fill the cracks where beetles hide.

    How consumers can help

    Australians can support the nation’s beekeepers in a few simple ways. Buy 100% Australian honey and hive products from trusted, local sources.

    Sugar can easily be swapped for honey in most recipes and honey is a great way to sweeten tea.

    When substituting sugar for honey, it’s worth noting honey tastes sweeter so you might want to use less. Honey also contains 18% water, so you may need to reduce the amounts of other liquids in cake recipes accordingly.

    Avoid imported honey and bee products to reduce the chance of bringing bee viruses into the country. Not all imported bee products are treated to kill bee viruses.

    Finally, planting pollinator-friendly gardens helps to feed local bees.

    Safeguarding an industry and a popular hobby

    As well as backyard hobbyists, Australia’s beekeeping community includes 1,872 large-scale commercial beekeepers.

    Many fear mites will push beekeepers out of business. Protecting the industry requires a shift in mindset, from emergency response to long-term pest management.

    With good science, community support and adaptive management, beekeepers — both commercial and backyard — can weather the storm.

    Cornelia Sattler receives funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation to develop non-chemical varroa control methods.

    Théotime Colin receives funding from the Australian Research Council, through an Early Career Industry Fellowship to develop non-chemical varroa control methods. He also receives funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation.

    – ref. Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe – https://theconversation.com/australian-honeybees-are-under-attack-by-mites-and-beetles-heres-how-to-keep-your-backyard-hive-safe-253947

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five Outstanding Business Leaders Inducted into the Hall of Fame

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The School of Business inducted five extraordinary business leaders into its Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday night, at a joyful ceremony that included a sold-out crowd of 400 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

    The new inductees included:

    • Trisha M. Bailey, Ph.D. ’99, ’23 H, a serial entrepreneur and owner and CEO of Bailey’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment & Supplies;
    • Laurie A. Havanec ’82, ’94 JD, the retired Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at CVS Health;
    • John Hodson ’85 President of True Benefit;
    • Gregory P. Lewis ’92 retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Honeywell International; and
    • Robert J. Skinner ’93, Founding Partner & Co-CEO of IEQ Capital.

    Each of the inductees, all alumni who have had remarkable careers and made significant contributions to society, shared their personal stories about their journeys, their passion for helping others and their love of UConn.

    Bailey: UConn Saw the Light in Her When Others Didn’t

    Bailey is a serial entrepreneur who, in addition to running her flagship company, oversees 15 other businesses. She has been named the JP Morgan Chase Woman of the Year. She made the largest single donation in history to UConn Athletics, and is involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors in the U.S. and Jamaica. Bailey, a mother of five, is also the author of the book “UNBROKEN’’ about her life’s journey and her unwavering values of compassion, excellence, and empowerment.

    She told the audience that in 1990 she left behind a life of poverty of Jamaica to relocate to Hartford. A high school counselor had once told her she wasn’t “college material,’’ she recalled. “She doesn’t know what she’s talking about!’’ Bailey remembered thinking that day. The UConn audience cheered at her response. UConn, she said, saw the light in her when others didn’t, and gave her a full scholarship.

    She hopes that her success inspires many other girls and women.

    “Make sure your excellence is so profound it cannot be denied,’’ she said. “I want young girls across the globe to see that this honor is for you. Keep striving. You are amazing!’’

    Havanec Astonished by Today’s UConn Students

    Havanec, who recently retired from CVS Health, oversaw 300,000 employees in her role in talent development and acquisition, compensation and benefits, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from UConn, and six weeks after the birth of her second child, she returned to earn her JD degree from UConn Law. In 2019, she endowed a need-based scholarship to help other women attend law school. She is a two-time cancer survivor who advocates for early detection and prevention.

    She returned to Storrs last week, for the first time in 20 years, and said the experience was exhilarating. She was impressed by the sophistication, real-life decision-making, and leadership she found in the students. She said the student investors at the School of Business’ Hillside Ventures are exceptional.

    “When they leave UConn, they’ll be amazing sponsors for the university,’’ she said. “I know it is scary leaving college. Be courageous. Go out there and show the world what you have!’’

    Havanec, a passionate UConn basketball fan, also gave a shout-out to the UConn women’s basketball team, just days after they won the national championship. “They overcame so much adversity,’’ she said. “They are role models for all of us!’’

    Hodson Spoke About The Deeper Meaning of Dreams

    Hodson, founded his employee benefits company, True Benefit, to foster inclusivity, ethics, and community engagement. He has worked tirelessly to improve insurance policies for the transgender community. In addition, he has created scholarships for transgender students and has supported UConn’s ‘Name, Image and Likeness’ initiatives.

    In his award acceptance speech, he spoke about a recurring dream that he was on the golf course and something—a tree branch, an octogenarian, or a storm—prevents him from completing his round.

    “I know it was a metaphor for ‘Am I good enough?,’” he said. As his company grew, so did his stress and the pressure to not disappoint his stakeholders. He was in his early 50s when he met his wife, who believed in him and pushed him to the next level. Now he dreams of standing on the fairway and “smoking’’ the shot. He said he wouldn’t be where he is today without help from great friends.

    His message to students is one of compassion. “I think it is a lot harder to be a student today than it was when I was growing up,’’ he said. “Just be yourself, be kind to yourself, and don’t do it alone. Lean on others and you’ll be OK.’’

    Lewis: Push Past Fear; Don’t Lose Your Humanity

    Lewis has worked for Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company, since 2006. Most recently he was the Senior Vice President and CFO, providing leadership through corporate headquarter relocation, COVID-19, and economic and geo-political shifts. In February, he stepped down as CFO and became a special advisor to the CEO as the company separates into three.

    He praised his parents for showing him the pathway to success, teaching him care and compassion, and to strive to be the best every day. He told students and young alumni that he owes his success to doing hard things and doing them well; demonstrating leadership; and always caring about others.

    “Push past fear and uncertainty, say yes a lot, and don’t lose your humanity,’’ he said. “No one succeeds alone. Don’t live with regret. Struggle and failure is a step toward growth.’’

    Lewis, who met his wife Barbara (Reynolds ’89) at UConn, and raised two daughters together, spoke of his love for his family and the 40 people there to support him. He is active in community organizations including serving as the Chair of the Charlotte (NC) Small Business Innovation Fund, as a member of an organization fighting homelessness, and on the Board of Medtronic.

    Skinner: Play for the Name on the Front of the Jersey

    Skinner’s company, IEQ Capital, merges intellectual and emotional factors in investing. He has been named one of America’s top wealth advisors by Forbes. He is active in the board of several golf charities including PGA REACH, the foundation associated with PGA of America.

    Planning to become a lawyer, Skinner instead found himself in the business world and wanted to build a company.

    “UConn is my family. I have great memories and great friendships from those years,’’ he said. “At UConn I found myself. I developed the grit, excellence, and the belief that I can do something really big.’’

    In accepting his award, he told the audience to “play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.’’

    He praised former UConn men’s basketball head coach Jim Calhoun, who was in attendance with current coach Dan Hurley and assistant coach Luke Murray, whom he met his freshman year. “He got my fire burning, got me to believe in winning and doing things that others don’t think you can,’’ he said. “I’m beyond grateful for the recognition. Every day I think about being a Husky!’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Expresses Willingness to Provide Federal Support for Storm Response in Northern Michigan, Eastern Upper Peninsula

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 04.09.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (MI) and U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-01) in expressing their willingness to support any requests for federal aid following last week’s historic ice storm that struck Northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula, which caused power outages for more than 160,000 customers across 12 counties. In a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the lawmakers commended the ongoing response and ensured they are ready to take necessary steps to support the state in requesting federal assistance if recovery needs exceed state and local capacity. 
    “We write to offer our full support for recovery efforts following the unprecedented ice storm that recently impacted Northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula. We commend the dedication of first responders, utility crews, volunteers, and State and local officials who have been working tirelessly to restore power and ensure public safety during this difficult time,” wrote the lawmakers.  
    They continued: “We are committed to doing everything we can at the federal level to help Michiganders recover and rebuild. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices if we may be of any assistance.”  
    Last week’s storm also caused widespread closures of the Mackinac Bridge, and the indefinite closure of 15 Michigan State Parks. You can read the full letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Carter, Fields, Letlow, Ezell Introduce Flood Insurance Bill to Provide Stability to Property Owners and the Real Estate Market

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA), and Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS) have introduced the bipartisan National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Authorization Extension Act which will extend the federal authorization for the NFIP. The bill would extend the program through December 31, 2026, significantly longer than the typical short-term extensions passed by Congress.

     

    “I am proud to introduce this bill to provide the long-overdue stability our communities deserve,” said Rep. Carter. “For too long, homeowners, small businesses, and local economies have lived under the cloud of short-term NFIP extensions, often attached to contentious government funding bills. This clean, multi-year reauthorization brings much-needed certainty to policyholders and ensures uninterrupted access to flood insurance across the country. As flooding becomes more frequent and severe, we must protect families and businesses by keeping this program operating while we work to deliver lasting, comprehensive reforms to strengthen and modernize the program.”

     

    “Passing the NFIP Authorization Extension Act is essential to protecting hardworking people across Louisiana. Given our state’s history with extreme weather events, we must ensure that flood insurance remains accessible to all. My colleagues in both the House and Senate will continue to fight for those most affected by flooding throughout the state and across the country,” said Rep. Fields.

     

    “Given the frequent storms and flooding our state endures, I’m a strong advocate for renewing the National Flood Insurance Program and making sure it serves those who depend on it. For many Louisianans, flood insurance is not just a policy—it’s a lifeline. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to strengthen this vital program and ensure our communities get the support they need when disaster strikes,” said Rep. Letlow.

     

    “For far too long, families, businesses, and entire communities along our coast have lived with the uncertainty caused by short-term extensions of the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP Authorization Extension Act delivers the stability South Mississippians need and deserve as they continue to face the devastating effects of flooding and natural disasters. By extending the program through the end of 2026, we’re sending a clear message: we are committed to protecting our coastal communities, giving them the tools to recover and rebuild, and working in a bipartisan way to strengthen and modernize the program for the future,” said Rep. Ezell.

     

    The Senate companion NFIP Authorization Extension Act was introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) in March 2025. Congressmembers Marc Veasey (D-TX), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) are original cosponsors of the House legislation.

     

    “Rather than experiencing a 33rd short-term extension, NFIP policyholders deserve certainty, and NFIP as a program requires stability. A two-year reauthorization will provide a runway for Congress and stakeholders to hold conversations and hearings around catastrophic insurance and towards highly-demanded comprehensive NFIP reform, like a means-tested benefit for affordability, a third-party review of the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, and proper incentivization of flood risk mitigation,” said GNO, Inc. President Michael Hecht.

     

    “Extending the National Flood Insurance Program would ensure continuous operations and greater stability for policyholders until a long-term reauthorization is enacted into law – a valuable source of certainty for counties and our residents,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Counties thank Representatives Carter, Fields, Letlow, and Ezell for their leadership, and we look forward to working with our bipartisan congressional partners to secure passage of this legislation.”

     

    Background

     

    The NFIP is a federal program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides flood insurance to homeowners and businesses, aiming to reduce the financial impact of flooding. The program is vital for Louisiana, a state with extensive low-lying areas and frequent exposure to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. The NFIP helps protect residents from devastating financial losses due to flood damage, encourages responsible development in flood-prone areas, and supports rebuilding efforts after disasters—making it a critical safety net for Louisiana’s communities.

     

    Over the last decade, Congress has passed 33 short-term NFIP authorization extensions, which have been attached to contentious government funding bills. Had Congress not been able to pass a government funding bill, not only would the government shut down, but the NFIP program’s authorization would have also lapsed. A lapse in the program’s authorization means new policies could not be issued, existing policies could not be renewed, and real estate transactions in flood-prone areas may stall, leaving homeowners and businesses vulnerable.

     

    A lapse in authorization also delays claims payments, increases reliance on taxpayer-funded disaster aid, and creates market instability. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a lapse of NFIP could impact 1,360 home sale closings daily, translating to approximately 41,300 affected monthly transactions nationwide. By extending the program through December 31, 2026, this legislation ensures that Americans are not left in limbo and gives Congress the necessary time to work toward bipartisan solutions that strengthen and modernize the program.

     

    Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, affecting communities in every state. The NFIP is a lifeline for over five million policyholders, helping them recover and rebuild after disasters.

     

    Full bill text can be found here.

     

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Tours Recovery Efforts in Welch

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WELCH, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) traveled to Welch, W.Va. where she made several stops in the area focused on ongoing flood recovery and infrastructure upgrades.

    During the visit to Welch, Senator Capito met with Welch Mayor Harold McBride to discuss a number of topics, including a bridge infrastructure project. Next, Senator Capito traveled to the McDowell County 911 Center and Sheriff’s Office to discuss damage caused by the recent storms and ongoing recovery efforts. The visit concluded at the Welch Armory where Senator Capito met with local officials and agencies where they discussed recovery efforts that are already underway, as well as the community’s infrastructure needs.

    “The recent flooding in southern West Virginia was devastating, and it continues to impact the way businesses and the local economy function today,” Senator Capito said. “I am grateful to Mayor McBride and other local leaders in Welch for the opportunity to tour recovery efforts and discuss with them directly the needs they have. While we’ve made progress in rebuilding efforts, we still have more work to do, and I am committed to doing what I can to help in this effort.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Following the storms, Senator Capito led the West Virginia Delegation in sending a letter to the Trump administration in support of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration. Full text of the letter can be found here.

    On February 26, President Trump approved Individual Assistance (IA) in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming counties. The IA Program provides funds to individuals experiencing significant damage to homes or property. The deadline to apply for these funds is April 28.

    On March 19, President Trump approved Public Assistance (PA) in Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. On April 1, the president’s Major Disaster Declaration was amended to include PA for Boone and Raleigh counties, as well as IA for Raleigh County. The PA provides supplemental grants to state and local governments and certain private non-profits to cover their costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and infrastructure restoration. The deadline to apply for these funds for Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties is April 18, while the deadline for Raleigh and Boone counties is May 1.

    Photos from today’s visit are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with local leaders in Welch, W.Va. on Monday, April 14, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours recovery efforts with Mayor Harold McBride in Welch, W.Va. on Monday, April 14, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: WILSON ROAD, MYLOR (Grass Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    MYLOR

    Issued on
    15 Apr 2025 05:36

    Mylor Grassfire

    Issued for MYLOR near Aldgate in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

    The CFS is responding to a grass fire near Mylor in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.

    30 CFS volunteers on 7 trucks, supported by SA Police, are on scene and have contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to a nearby property.

    The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators will attend the scene later today.

    Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.

    Message ID 0008517

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Andover Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Possessing Over 30 Firearms and Explosives as a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A North Andover, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing over 30 firearms and explosives as a convicted felon.

    Daniel Medina, 65, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 63 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2024, Medina pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of explosive materials and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2025. In October 2024, Medina was charged by criminal complaint.

    On July 1, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to the area of Medina’s North Andover residence after receiving a report of an explosion. Upon arrival, damage to two vehicles was observed as well as a piece of mail addressed to Medina beneath the damaged rear passenger door of one vehicle. The damage to the vehicles and materials left behind were consistent with common items used in manufacturing homemade explosive devices, specifically ball bearings or shrapnel. Witnesses observed Medina running from the damaged vehicles toward his residence following the explosion.

    During a search of Medina’s residence, the following items were seized: more than 32 firearms, including 12 rifles, 15 pistols, three shotguns and two antique firearms; 9,000 rounds of various calibers of modern ammunition manufactured outside of Massachusetts; 75 magazines for various caliber firearms; various firearm parts; a Glock switch device; books pertaining to the building of firearms and manufacturing of explosives and drugs; shrapnel accessories such as BB’s and ball bearings; multiple firework containers; and various containers of powders produced and shipped in interstate commerce.

    Potassium chlorate and aluminum powder – the same flash powder found in the suspected explosive material used in the explosion – were found in the containers.
     

    Medina is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition and explosive material due to a 2002 state conviction of assault and battery in Lawrence District Court, for which he was sentenced to two and a half years in jail.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the North Andover Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JUSTIN CABRERA, also known as “J.U.,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from his participation in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Cabrera and 15 other alleged 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.

    On October 31, 2017, four 960 members used a stolen car to carry out a drive-by shooting of members of ATM, a rival gang, at the corner of Bank Street and Porter Street in Waterbury.  An ATM member was shot and wounded in the attack.  Cabrera drove a second vehicle, or “trail car,” used in the shooting, conducted surveillance of ATM members prior to the shooting, and picked up the shooters after the event.

    Cabrera has been detained since September 16, 2021.  On September 16, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Winter Haven Man Indicted For Narcotics And Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Dontavious Grant (31, Winter Haven) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Grant faces a minimum penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Grant that the United States intends to forfeit a Glock firearm used in the commission of the offense. 

    According to the indictment, on September 18, 2024, Grant possessed a Glock firearm knowing he had been convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery, attempted manslaughter, armed false imprisonment, attempted robbery, and a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Grant is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On the same day, Grant also possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute it and his possession of the Glock firearm was in furtherance of that offense. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (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 Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Judge Sentences Cherokee Man To 30 Years In Prison For Second Degree Murder In Indian Country

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr. sentenced Brandon Tyler Buchanan to 30 years in prison for second degree murder, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Buchanan, 33, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay $888,500 in restitution to the victim’s estate.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Carla Neadeau of the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed court records and court proceedings, on November 11, 2022, CIPD officers responded to a 911 call following reports of a shooting. When the officers arrived, Buchanan admitted to shooting someone. CIPD officers discovered the body of the victim, Kobe Toineeta, a short distance away behind a row of trees, who had sustained five gunshot wounds. Court documents show that a Smith & Wesson, Model M&P, .9mm handgun was later found in Buchanan’s apartment. Laboratory testing confirmed that it was the firearm Buchanan used to shoot and kill the victim.

    On May 31, 2024, Buchanan pleaded guilty to second degree murder and remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. 

    In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and the Cherokee Indian Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.14.2025 Sen. Cruz Resolution Rescinding Biden-Harris Appliance Regulation Passes Senate, Proceeds to President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued a statement after the Senate passed his Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind an appliance regulation on water heaters, which was imposed by the Biden-Harris administration in December 2024, and which if left in place would have increased costs and limited the consumer choice of everyday Texans and Americans across the country.
    Sen. Cruz said, “The Biden-Harris administration knew they were increasing costs on Americans and they didn’t care. Their rule would have forced Americans to either pay hundreds of dollars more for efficient water heaters or purchase less efficient models. I applaud Congress for passing my resolution rescinding this rule, and when the President signs it in the coming days it will restore fairness, consumer choice, and affordability to the American people.”
    This bill is endorsed by National Federation of Independent Business and the American Public Gas Association.
    Adam Temple, NFIB Senior Vice President for Advocacy said, “Small businesses believe that consumers and business owners should have the freedom to decide which product works best for their specific needs, no matter what fuel source the product uses. Unfortunately, DOE finalized a rule that would set new arbitrary energy efficiency standards for natural gas-fired water heaters that would effectively ban more affordable appliance options for consumers and small businesses, such as tankless water heaters. As small businesses continue to list inflation as a significant problem, regulations restricting or banning common household appliances will only increase costs for small businesses.”
    Dave Schryver, President and CEO for the American Public Gas Association said, “The American Public Gas Association (APGA) commends Senator Cruz and colleagues for taking decisive action to challenge a deeply flawed rulemaking dating back to the Biden Administration, which imposes new minimum efficiency standards for Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters. This rule would have effectively eliminated an entire class of affordable, reliable, and efficient appliances from the market, driving unnecessary and costly fuel switching. APGA believes that Americans should have the freedom to choose the appliances that best meet their household needs and budgets.” 
    BACKGROUND
    Industry experts estimate that the Biden-Harris rule would have added $450-$665 to the cost of each affected water heater, and that beyond the initial increased cost, forty percent of Americans directly affected by the rule would have also seen a net cost increase over the life of the appliance. Sen. Cruz introduced this CRA to repeal the rule in January.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation Urges Fishery Disaster Declaration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    April 14, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—in urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to declare a federal fishery resource disaster for the 2024 Oregon troll salmon fishery.
    “This declaration is critical to provide economic relief to Oregon’s fisheries and coastal communities in addition to protecting the sustainability of wild salmon populations,” said the lawmakers.
    In 2024, Oregon’s troll salmon fishery struggled amid worsening effects of climate change, increased drought, shifting ocean conditions, and other impacts leading to poor salmon returns. Facing these significant challenges, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) estimates that 2024 Chinook salmon population levels were below forecasts, with 2025 Chinook salmon populations likely “not high enough to allow for target summer Chinook fisheries.”
    The impact salmon loss has on Oregon’s economy cannot be understated, as the state’s?commercial?fishing industry generates more than $640 million in economic activity each year, equivalent to 9,200 jobs.
    “Despite best efforts from our local fishermen and state and local partners, the economic consequences of this crisis threaten both salmon fishermen and the broader economy of Oregon’s coastal communities which rely on the fishery,” continued the lawmakers.
    As the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) undergoes the process to finalize its 2025 salmon season management recommendations, the Oregon delegation is pushing for U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to quickly grant Governor Tina Kotek’s request for a federal fishery disaster under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The action is critical to access federal funding needed to ease the economic uncertainty for Oregon’s commercial troll salmon fishery, while recognizing the immense role salmon hold in the cultural heritage of Pacific Northwest Tribes, recreation, and as a treasured natural resource across the state.
    The Oregon delegation has been essential in securing past federal fishery disaster declarations in the state through a series of actions, which led to the Commerce Department sending Oregon?a total of $7,050,722 for the fishery disaster declared for 2018, 2019, and 2020?Oregon?Chinook salmon?ocean commercial?fisheries. The lawmakers will keep pushing for federal support for this critical industry while local, state, and federal partners continue work on long-term solutions.
    “We urge you to direct your attention to Governor Kotek’s request for a fishery resource disaster declaration. We look forward to your timely response, and our offices stand ready to work with you to recover and sustain Oregon’s commercial fisheries,” the Oregon delegation closed.
    Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Budget Proposal to Fully Eliminate Head Start

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    New reporting shows the Trump administration is considering proposing to eliminate Head Start altogether—a key goal of Project 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), responded to new reporting that President Trump is considering proposing to zero out funding for Head Start in his forthcoming budget request—a goal proposed in Project 2025, which would cut off essential services and early childhood educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of families nationwide.
    “While families feel the crunch with a worsening child care crisis and much higher daily costs thanks to Trump’s tariffs, President Trump wants to eliminate Head Start and kick hundreds of thousands of kids out of the classroom, fire teachers, and make child care and early learning more expensive and less safe.
    “This administration believes we cannot afford to help families get preschool or help kids get basic health services, but we can afford trillions of dollars more in tax breaks for billionaires. It’s offensive and just plain wrong, and let me be clear: Democrats won’t let a proposal like this go anywhere in Congress. But that doesn’t mean Head Start and so many other programs aren’t under grave threat—because Trump has proven he’ll ignore our laws and do whatever he can to break these programs on his own. Trump has already tried illegally blocking funding for Head Start earlier this year, and programs across the country continued having problems accessing their funding long after his administration promised everything was fine. He has already fired the very people who keep Head Start running with no plan in place to ensure hundreds of thousands of families will keep getting the care they count on, so it’s on every one of us to keep speaking out and opposing this administration’s anti-family, pro-billionaire agenda.”
    Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served nearly 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide that help kids and families thrive, and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care.
    Since taking office, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. In late February, the Trump administration fired scores of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. Earlier this month, Trump continued to hollow out HHS, including by shuttering half of the regional offices at the Office of Head Start, which are responsible for ensuring high-quality Head Start services are available to families nationwide. The Trump administration has failed to articulate how it will ensure that uninterrupted services are available to families and that appropriate oversight will be carried out despite gutting the very offices charged with these responsibilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. DeGette Pens Op-Ed for Washington Post: “This is a crisis for American public health.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    Washington Post: The Trump-Kennedy cuts at NIH will crush our leadership in biomedicine.

    When Donald Trump accepted the 2024 GOP nomination for president, he included in his speech the importance of American leadership in biomedical innovation. “We’re going to get to the cure for cancer and Alzheimer’s and so many other things,” he said. “We’re so close to doing something great. But we need a leader that will let it be done.”

    Trump is failing to be that leader. In late March, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a U.S. DOGE Service directed restructuring of HHS, which included firing 10,000 staff and combining vital agencies. The men and women fired included staff who support research into groundbreaking cures and treatments.

    Eliminating such a large portion of the HHS workforce will put the lives of millions of Americans at risk as lifesaving cures and treatments are pushed further into the future and public health takes a back seat to personal grievance and paranoia.

    As the authors of the 21st Century Cures Act, adopted by Congress in 2016, we are mortified at these extreme actions and what they will do to the future of American biomedical innovation.

    America did not get to be a world leader in biomedical research by accident. When we were crafting that law, we sat down with Francis Collins, then the director of the National Institutes of Health, and asked him what he needed to propel biomedical research forward and speed up the development of new treatments and cures.

    Together, a Democrat and a Republican, we authored and enacted the bill, passing through the House by a vote of 392-26 and through the Senate by a vote of 94-5 in 2016. The measure strengthened the NIH, spurred innovation and set the stage for lifesaving medical breakthroughs.

    Yet, today, the NIH has been paralyzed. Grant awards slowed dramatically in part because advisory councils had been frozen for months, and many critical grants to research institutions have been canceled.

    Even worse, the Trump administration is firing thousands across HHS, causing chaos and confusion as researchers are reportedly waiting for the email that says they no longer have a job. They are forcing out highly respected leaders like Peter Marks, one of the top vaccine officials at HHS. His resignation letter speaks for itself: “I was willing to work to address the Secretary’s concerns regarding vaccine safety and transparency. … However, it has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”

    Kennedy is making clear that he does not trust the science, and that is going to ruin our ability to lead in biomedical research.

    Critical research on the next frontier of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes is being canceled. PhD programs are rescinding offers of admission because of uncertainty. And the pipeline of young, brilliant scientists — our next generation of biomedical pioneers — is in jeopardy.

    This is a crisis for American public health. From 2010 to 2019, NIH funding contributed to 354 out of 356 new drug approvals. NIH-supported research has driven progress in cancer treatments, Type 1 diabetes management and countless other medical breakthroughs that have improved and saved lives.

    Without a strong NIH, the biopharmaceutical industry stagnates, medical advancements stall and the United States risks falling behind in the race for the next generation of treatments and cures. That is why we call on Trump, Kennedy and newly confirmed NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya to take direction from the president’s 2024 own nomination speech.

    The price of the administration’s action is already adding up. Just recently, NIH scientists published a new paper on a breakthrough toward using a patient’s own cells to combat gastrointestinal cancers. However, that work is in jeopardy because layoffs hit the NIH the same day that paper was published.

    Also caught in the layoffs at HHS are those responsible for research into cures and treatments for Alzheimer’s. Reducing federal funding for this research is going to delay lifesaving cures and reduce hope for the Americans living with Alzheimer’s and their families who care for them.

    We need leaders who recognize the value of the NIH and the minds who fuel our biomedical research. All of us — research institutions, industry, congressional leaders and patients — should support the lifesaving work done by the NIH and by American scientists and researchers.

    Bhattacharya and Kennedy have a choice. They can set aside past grievances and political disputes to ensure that the U.S. remains the world’s premier biomedical research center. Or they can follow misguided beliefs and allow paralysis and division to imperil America’s advantage in science and research. 

    Diana DeGette, a Democrat, represents Colorado’s 1st Congressional District in the House. Fred Upton is a former Republican congressman from Michigan. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Years After Old National Bank Shooting, Congressman McGarvey Speaks on House Floor, Introduces Congressional Resolution Honoring Victims

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    April 10, 2025

    Today, two years after the Old National Bank shooting that claimed five lives and injured eight, Congressman Morgan McGarvey spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and introduced an official Congressional Resolution to honor the victims. 

    SPEECH TRANSCRIPT:

    Two years ago today, the blast of an AR-15 shattered a beautiful spring morning in Louisville as a lone gunman walked into Old National Bank on Main Street and opened fire.

    We lost Josh Barrick, Deana Eckert, Juliana Farmer, Jim Tutt, and my friend, Tommy Elliott.

    Five friends, neighbors, loved ones taken too soon.

    Among the eight wounded was Officer Nick Wilt.

    Just ten days out of the academy, he bravely ran toward the gunman and was shot in the head. Miraculously, he survived.

    That same day, just blocks away at JCTC, two people were shot and Chea’von Moore was killed at just 24 years old.

    I stand here today as a lifelong Louisvillian, still sad my community joined the long list of cities devastated by mass shootings.

    On behalf of all of our communities, we can – and must – do more to stop senseless gun violence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Announces Call for New Computing Approaches to Earth Science

    Source: NASA

    In an open challenge, NASA is seeking innovative business models that propose new approaches to solving complex Earth science problems using unconventional computing methods and is holding an informational webinar on Monday, April 28.  
    The agency’s Beyond the Algorithm Challenge, sponsored by NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office, asks for proposals to more rapidly and accurately understand our home planet using transformative computing methods such as quantum computing, quantum machine learning, neuromorphic computing, in-memory computing, or other approaches.  
    The Beyond the Algorithm Challenge kicked off in March and consists of three phases. Participant submissions, which are due on July 25, will be evaluated based on creativity, technical feasibility, impact, business model evaluation, and presentation. Up to 10 finalists will be invited to present their ideas to a panel of judges at a live pitch event, and winners will a monetary prize.  
    For details about the challenge, interested participants can sign up for the informational webinar on Monday, April 28, here. 
    Using the vantage point of space, NASA’s observations of Earth increase our understanding of our home planet, improve lives, and safeguard our future. The capabilities of NASA’s Earth Science Division include developing new technology, delivering actionable science, and providing environmental information to meet the increased demand for more sophisticated, more accurate, more trustworthy, and more actionable environmental information for decision-makers and policymakers.  
    For example, rapid flood analysis is one area that may benefit from computing advancements. Flood hazards affect personal safety and land use, directly affecting individual livelihoods, community property, and infrastructure development and resilience. Advanced flood analysis capability enables contributions to protect and serve impacted communities, making a tangible difference in areas such as disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience.  
    Advancements in computing capabilities show promise in overcoming processing power, efficiency, and performance limitations of conventional computing methods in addressing Earth science challenges like rapid flood analysis. Quantum computers offer a fundamentally different paradigm of computation and can solve certain classes of problems exponentially faster than their classical counterparts. Likewise, quantum machine learning offers the potential to reduce required training data or produce more accurate models. The emerging field of neuromorphic, or brain-inspired, computing holds significant promise for algorithm development optimized for high-speed, low power. And in-memory computing saves time and energy for data-heavy processes like artificial intelligence training. 
    Blue Clarity is hosting the Beyond the Algorithm Challenge on behalf of NASA. The NASA Tournament Lab, part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program in the Space Technology Mission Directorate, manages the challenge. The program supports global public competitions and crowdsourcing as tools to advance NASA research and development and other mission needs. 
    For more information about the contest and a full list of rules and eligibility requirements, visit:  
    https://www.nasa-beyond-challenge.org

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Three Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County

    Three Days Left to Submit Your Right of Entry (ROE) Form to LA County

    LOS ANGELES – Property owners have three days left to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form to LA County

    To have debris removed by the U

    S

    Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), property owners affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires must submit a ROE form by April 15, 2025

     Federally funded debris removal is available to residents of single family and owner-occupied multi-family units

     All disaster impacted property owners should submit a ROE form by April 15, to opt-in or opt-out of the debris removal program

     If a property owner opts out of the USACE debris removal program, they become responsible for all permits, inspections and other associated debris removal requirements and costs

     There is no out-of-pocket cost to have debris removed by USACE, however the program is unable to duplicate other forms of funding specific to debris removal

    If a property owner has insurance for debris removal, residual funds not used by the property owner may be remitted to the county to offset the cost of debris removal at a later date

    Submit a ROE form to LA County:Complete a form online at: Los Angeles County Right of Entry Permit for Debris Removal on Private Property

    Download and complete a form: Debris Removal Right of Entry Permit (00011201

    DOCX;1) and submit it at a Disaster Recovery Center

    Forms are also available at Disaster Recovery Centers

    Visit the DRC Locator to find a location

    Contact Los Angeles County for more information about debris removal: Visit the LA County Debris Removal Website: recovery

    lacounty

    gov/debris-removal/Call LA County’s Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process

    Visit CA

    gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

    erika

    suzuki
    Mon, 04/14/2025 – 11:36

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at the effect of global warming on persistence and intensity of marine heatwaves

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in PNAS looks at global warming and the intensity of marine heatwaves. 

    Dr Caroline Rowland, Scientific Strategic Head for Ocean Cryosphere and Climate, Met Office, said:

    “We should all care about marine heatwaves because societies around the world depend on the ocean; changes to ocean temperatures can have wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and fisheries. There is growing evidence that the intensity and frequency of marine heatwaves – driven by climate change – can contribute to impactful weather events both around the UK and globally with obvious impacts for human health.

    “The record-breaking UK land temperatures in June 2023 were amplified by an unprecedented marine heatwave in UK waters that occurred simultaneously with the land heatwave. The increasing intensity and frequency of marine heatwaves due to climate change can increase the severity of storms – including tropical cyclones – and heatwaves on land.

    What are the key points readers should take from the study?

    “Anthropogenic climate change is the major cause of observed increases in intensity, frequency and duration of marine heatwaves (MHW) both globally and regionally

    “Natural year-to-year climate variability does contribute to extreme Marine temperatures, however, MHW are longer and more intense due to the long-term warming of the seas due to anthropogenic climate change.

    “MHWs are shown to increase in length in the tropics and in intensity and length in the mid-latitudes. The North and Baltic Seas have seen a larger increase relative to other regions (likely because of their shallow nature and their lower salinity: their excess heat is less likely exported to the deeper ocean).

    “The results of this paper are largely consistent with the assessment of MHWs in IPCC AR6 WG1 Box 9.2.

    Why are marine heatwaves important for people – why should they care?

    “The public should care about Marine Heatwaves because humans depend on the ocean; changes to ocean temperatures can have wide ranging impacts including to ecosystems and fisheries. There is growing evidence that MHWs contribute to weather events both around the UK and globally which can have significant impacts to human and animal health. Record-breaking UK land temperatures in June 2023 were amplified by an unprecedented Marine Heatwave in UK waters that occurred simultaneously with the land heatwave [1]. The intensity of cyclones in tropical regions has also been shown to be magnified by MHW. The increasing intensity and frequency of MHW due to climate change has the potential to increase the severity of storms and heatwaves on land.

    Are there any important caveats that we should be aware of?

    “Although we know that there are wide ranging impacts to ecosystems and fisheries from global MHW, there are large gaps in our knowledge of MHW impacts to ecosystems in UK waters, particularly coastal regions.

     “This paper also further strengthens the need for evidence to quantify the role of anthropogenic climate change on the frequency and duration of MHWs.”

    1- https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01413-8

     

    Dr Jeffrey Kargel, Senior Scientists, Planetary Science Institute, said:

    “The work by Marta Marcos and colleagues is richly informative about global warming’s oceanic influences. The authors computed sea surface temperatures under the observed atmospheric conditions with global warming included, and then re-doing the sea surface computation by removing the long-term influence of the warming atmosphere and just leaving in the hot spells and cold spells.

    “Interestingly, the authors found that most–but not all–of the observed intensity of extreme hot ocean surface episodes, and about half of the number of days of extreme ocean warmth are explained directly by global warming. This relationship is readily understood. However, when I read this, I zeroed in on the fact that there have been more days and greater intensities of extreme ocean surface warmth than global warming alone accounts for. I suspect that the excess over predictions could be related to the controversial but much-reported slow-down of the jet streams and the frequent “stuck” jet streams. Instead of continuing on their usual eastward migration, jet streams and associated high- and low-pressure systems have frequently become “stuck” in place, leaving parts of the ocean surface (land surface as well) subjected to blistering hot conditions. This is a likely indirect influence of global warming. Global climate change is not only about warming, but about the disruption of all parts of the climate system, including jet streams. That influence, in turn, affects the sea surface temperature in extreme ways, which then affects hurricanes and weather systems that extend into continental interiors.   

    “The weakening and stagnating jet streams in relationship to global warming and melting sea ice was first discovered and explained by Jennifer Francis. If her model is correct, as seems increasingly likely as observations accrue, then combined with this new paper by Marcos and colleagues, it could suggest that the stuck jet streams may impose a multiplier effect on global warming’s influence on sea surface temperatures and extreme weather on land, too.”

    Dr Zoe Jacobs, Ocean and Climate Modeler, UK National Oceanography Centre, said:

    What are the key points readers should take from the study?

    “Human-induced global warming is responsible for nearly half of global marine heatwave (MHW) events since 1940.

    “Human-induced global warming has caused a 3-fold increase in the number of days per year experiencing MHW conditions. Globally, this means that, on average, we are experiencing 34 extra MHW days per year in recent years compared with the early period. This reaches 80 additional MHW days per year in some regions, including the equatorial Western Pacific and Atlantic, and parts of the tropical Indian Ocean.

    “It has also led to a global mean increase in MHW maximum intensity of 1oC, with the greatest increases observed outside the tropics.

    “Overall, their work reveals the dominant contribution of anthropogenic forcing to MHW increases, especially since the year 2000.

    “It is important to note that there will be high variability between individual events. For example, the MHW in the Tasman Sea in 2015-16 is found to almost entirely be due to global warming, whereas the Pacific Blob (2014-15) is found to be due to a mixture of global warming and natural climate variability.

    Why are marine heatwaves important for people – frankly, why should they care?

    “Wide ranging impacts have been documented for marine heatwave events worldwide. They have decimated coral reefs, seagrass meadows and kelp forests as well as fisheries and seabird colonies and even impacted larger species like seals and whales.

    “Because of this they pose significant risks to society, with some individual events causing millions of dollars of losses due to impacts on the fishing, aquaculture, and tourism industries. They have also been found to exacerbate heatwaves on land and have amplified extreme weather like hurricanes and storms.”

    Are there any important caveats that we should be aware of?

    “Using sea surface temperature (SST) data before the satellite record (pre-1980s) will have considerable uncertainties. Using a. 0.25o grid will have led to a lot of interpolation between actual observations due to incomplete spatial coverage.

    “The study focuses on summer MHW events only but MHWs can occur year-round, with seasonal differences in persistence and intensity likely.”

    ‘Global warming drives a threefold increase in persistence and 1 ◦C rise in intensity of marine heatwaves’ by Marcos et al. was published in PNAS at 20:00 UK time on Monday 14th April 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413505122

    Declared interests

    Dr Jeffrey Kargel “I have no conflicts of interest related to this article or my commentary.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 14, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Apr 14, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Updated: Mon Apr 14 19:20:53 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 141920

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0220 PM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025

    Valid 161200Z – 171200Z

    …NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms are not forecast through Wednesday night.

    …Synopsis…
    A broad area of isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected
    across portions of the West into the northern Rockies and central
    Plains. This is in response to forcing for ascent increasing with a
    broad area of enhanced mid-level flow rounding the western US
    trough. Largely, thunderstorms will be disorganized and sub-severe,
    owing to poor moisture and weak shear profiles.

    …Central Plains…
    Large scale ascent will lead to potential for initial isolated to
    scattered thunderstorm development across portions of the central
    Plains Wednesday afternoon. This will remain sub-severe given
    marginal moisture profiles and presence of a strong EML.

    As west to southwesterly mid-level flow overspreads the Rockies, lee
    cyclogenesis is expected to occur Wednesday evening. This will
    result in mass response with an increase in the southerly low-level
    jet across the southern/central Plains by late evening into the
    early morning Thursday. Return of more appreciable moisture will
    spread into portions of eastern Kansas. Convective potential will be
    tempered by a strong EML and better forcing remaining to the north
    of this region. However, should elevated thunderstorm development
    occur, some conditional risk for large hail would be possible. Given
    uncertainty in convective initiation, no areas were included with
    this outlook.

    ..Thornton/Leitman.. 04/14/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0730Z

    Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 14, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Apr 14, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Mon Apr 14 17:04:18 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 141704

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1204 PM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025

    Valid 151200Z – 161200Z

    …NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms are not expected on Tuesday or Tuesday night.

    …Northeast…
    A post-frontal regime will be in place across the Northeast Tuesday.
    Flow aloft will remain modest with mid-level cooling through the
    day. This will support potential for redevelopment of scattered
    thunderstorm activity by the afternoon. Given post-frontal drying
    conditions and weak buoyancy, this should yield primarily sub-severe
    low-topped convection, though occasional gusty winds will be
    possible.

    …Southwest…
    A mid-level low will approach the West Coast, with a belt of
    mid-level flow overspreading southern California into southern
    Nevada. Ahead of this feature, a weak shortwave trough will move
    across the Lower Colorado Valley towards the southern Rockies.
    Enough mid-level moisture in place with large-scale ascent will
    allow for isolated to scattered thunderstorm activity across the
    northern Sierra and across the Four Corners region. As shear
    profiles will be weak, storms are not expected to be severe.

    ..Thornton/Leitman.. 04/14/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z

    Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 14, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 141630

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1130 AM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025

    Valid 141630Z – 151200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS WEST
    VIRGINIA AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered strong to severe storms are expected this afternoon
    through early tonight from the Upper Ohio Valley eastward to the
    Mid-Atlantic. Large hail, severe wind gusts, and a couple of
    tornadoes will be possible.

    …Upper OH Valley this afternoon into VA early tonight…
    Recent satellite imagery depicts a maturing mid-latitude cyclone
    moving eastward across Lake Superior towards northeastern Ontario
    with an upstream shortwave trough moving through the northern
    Plains. Expectation is for the cyclone to continue
    deepening/maturing as it moves into and through northeastern Ontario
    today, while the upstream shortwave progresses quickly southeastward
    through the Mid MO Valley and into the Mid MS Valley. As this
    occurs, strong mid-level flow will spread eastward across the OH
    Valley and over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States.

    At the same time, a cold front will spread eastward across the OH
    Valley this afternoon and evening, and across the central
    Appalachians tonight. Current surface analysis reveals upper 40s to
    low 50s dewpoints ahead of the front in the Middle OH Valley, with
    the upper 50s/low 60s dewpoints farther southwest over western KY.
    This greater low-level moisture is expected to surge northeastward
    amid the moderate southwesterly low-level flow, combining with
    evapotranspiration to bring upper 50s dewpoints into upper OH Valley
    ahead of the front.

    This increase in low-level moisture combined with daytime heating
    should be enough to destabilize the airmass ahead of the front
    across the Upper OH Valley. Forcing for ascent (from a combination
    of increasing large-scale ascent and forcing along the front) will
    increase across this destabilized area, supporting thunderstorm
    development during the afternoon. An initially cellular mode is
    anticipated, with steep mid-level lapse rates and long hodographs
    potentially resulting in a few supercells. Primary severe risk with
    these supercells is large hail of 1-2 inches in diameter. Some
    damaging gusts and a tornado or two are possible, although the lack
    of higher low-level moisture will mitigate the overall tornado
    potential. Strong outflow and increasing mid-level flow suggest a
    transition to a more linear mode is likely, with several bowing
    segments possible. There is also some potential for the development
    of a singular, more coherent convective line. In either case, a
    transition from hail to damaging gusts as the primary severe risk is
    anticipated as this activity spreads eastward. Clusters/line
    segments will likely persist east of the Appalachians into VA
    through early tonight, though the severe threat will diminish with
    eastward extent and after 03z.

    …SD to IA this afternoon/evening…
    Low-level moisture will be limited, but surface heating beneath
    cooling midlevel temperatures will support weak surface-based
    buoyancy and the potential for low-topped showers and a few
    thunderstorms from SD into IA (in advance of a digging shortwave
    trough now over western ND/eastern MT). Relatively cold temperature
    profiles will favor some threat for small hail, while steep
    low-level lapse rates and 30+ kt flow through the mixed layer favor
    gusty outflow winds of 40-50 mph.

    ..Mosier/Weinman.. 04/14/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 447

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 0447
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0128 PM CDT Mon Apr 14 2025

    Areas affected…parts of cntrl/sern SD…swrn MN…nwrn IA…nern
    NE

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely

    Valid 141828Z – 142115Z

    CORRECTED NERN IA TO NWRN IA IN AREAS AFFECTED

    Probability of Watch Issuance…5 percent

    SUMMARY…Showers spreading southeastward through the mid Missouri
    Valley may begin to intensify by 3-4 PM CDT, with a few weak
    thunderstorms developing and posing increasing potential for strong
    to severe surface gusts while spreading southeastward through the
    remainder of the afternoon.

    DISCUSSION…In the wake of a deep cyclone, now migrating northeast
    of the Upper Great Lakes region, downward mixing of momentum is
    already contributing to 30-35+ kt northwesterly surface gusts across
    much of the middle Missouri Valley, as boundary-layer warming
    progresses. This is occurring just ahead of a vigorous short wave
    trough now digging through the western Dakotas, and forecast to
    continue rapidly southeastward through early evening.

    Models indicate that the mid-level cold core (including -30 to -35C
    around 500 mb) will overspread a corridor from central South Dakota
    through northeastern Iowa between 20-23Z, coincident with further
    strengthening of northwesterly flow (35-40+ kt) in the 850-700 mb
    layer and peak afternoon surface heating. As this occurs, forecast
    soundings indicate that profiles will become increasingly conducive
    to deepening convection capable of producing lightning.

    With at least some further intensification of ongoing developing
    convection, evaporative cooling and melting of precipitation within
    an increasing well-mixed boundary layer (characterized by sizable
    surface temperature/dew point spreads on the order of 20+ F),
    coupled with the downward mixing of stronger flow aloft, seems
    likely to contribute to increasing potential for surface gusts
    approaching or briefly exceeding severe limits. This may continue
    into early evening, as convection spreads southeastward, before
    rapidly diminishing with the onset of boundary-layer cooling.

    ..Kerr/Mosier.. 04/14/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…MPX…DMX…FSD…OAX…ABR…UNR…

    LAT…LON 44969838 44749683 43839520 43419469 42209542 42309648
    42919815 43719996 44779996 44969838

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 138

    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.
    SEL8

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 138
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    325 PM EDT Mon Apr 14 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central and Eastern Kentucky
    Southern Ohio
    Far Southwestern Pennsylvania
    Southwestern Virginia
    West Virginia

    * Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 325 PM until
    1100 PM EDT.

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

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms coverage is expected to increase over the
    next few hours along and ahead of a cold front pushing eastward
    across the region. Environmental conditions support strong to severe
    storms. An initially cellular mode will favor large hail and
    damaging gusts before a transition to a more linear storm mode
    favors primarily damaging gusts.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 80
    statute miles north and south of a line from 30 miles west of
    Lexington KY to 60 miles north northeast of White Sulphur Springs
    WV. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch
    outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

    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.

    &&

    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
    24040.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW8
    WW 138 SEVERE TSTM KY OH PA VA WV 141925Z – 150300Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    30W LEX/LEXINGTON KY/ – 60NNE SSU/WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS WV/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM N/S /21ESE IIU – 22SSE EKN/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24040.

    LAT…LON 39188515 39747990 37417990 36878515

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU8.

    Watch 138 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 (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    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 (90%)

    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 –