NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-Evening Report: Three years after Russia’s invasion, a global online army is still fighting for Ukraine

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olga Boichak, Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, Australian Research Council DECRA fellow, University of Sydney

    More than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a 30-day ceasefire between the two warring countries may be imminent. But much more needs to happen before a just and lasting peace is achieved.

    The Russian-Ukraine war is one of the most visible, analysed and documented wars in human history. Since the night of February 24 2022, millions of Ukrainian citizens, military personnel, journalists, officials and civil society activists have shared first-hand eyewitness accounts, updates, commentaries and opinions on the war.

    Around the world, many online communities have also sprung into action to counter Russian propaganda and raise awareness of what is happening inside Ukraine.

    We have been studying these communities for the past three years, conducting hours of interviews with members and observing their activity on social media. To conduct much of this research and connect with members, we had to join some of these communities – a common requirement for researchers working in online settings.

    Our work reveals a range of skills and strategies activists use in the online fight against Russia. More broadly, it shows how social media users can mobilise during times of war and other international crises and have a material impact offline.

    Russian war of disinformation

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by online disinformation and propaganda campaigns. The aims of these campaigns are to sow discord, distrust and dismay among both Ukrainian and international audiences by, for example, depicting Ukraine as a failed state ruled by Nazis.

    Ukraine responded by launching its own information operations to counter Russian propaganda, appeal for help from the world and maintain the security of its defensive operations.

    In some cases, social media platforms have aided the Russian cause. At the same time, they have suppressed evidence of war crimes.

    For example, in the first year of the Russian invasion, independent investigative journalism organisations such as Disclose documented thousands of war crimes committed by Russian soldiers against Ukrainian civilians. These crimes included murder, torture, physical and sexual violence, forced relocation, looting, and damage to civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.

    Much of this content included graphic imagery, violence and offensive language. As a result, it was permanently removed from platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.

    On the other hand, content containing disinformation evaded moderation. For example, a 2023 investigation by the BBC revealed thousands of fake TikTok accounts created as part of a Russian propaganda campaign spreading lies about Ukrainian officials.

    This often led to a distorted information environment online. Russian disinformation was visible, while the true extent of Russian violence against Ukrainians was hidden.

    Boosting Ukrainian voices

    In this context, thousands of internet users formed online communities to creatively support Ukraine without attracting the attention of content moderators.

    This isn’t new or unique to the war in Ukraine. For example, in 2019, US TikToker Feroza Aziz shared a makeup tutorial in which she subtly raised awareness of China’s treatment of the Uyghurs – a topic that is often suppressed on the Chinese-owned platform.

    One of the most prominent and well-known online communities that emerged following Russia’s invasion was the North Atlantic Fella Organisation.

    It started in May 2022 when a young man with the online name Kama mashed up a Reddit meme of a Shiba Inu dog nicknamed Cheems and a picture of a dilapidated Russian tank. This was a celebration of a Ukrainian battlefront victory. It was only intended to mock Russia.

    But as Kama changed his profile picture to the meme, the trend started spreading quickly to his followers on X (formerly Twitter). They quickly grew into an online collective dedicated to fighting Russia online. Members – or “fellas”, as they are known – from many regions around the world were brought together by its rituals using internet and popular culture memes.

    Calls to action

    In many similar posts across Facebook, X and TikTok, users share selfies or other images to achieve high visibility while calling followers to action. In most cases, this involves raising funds for urgent military or humanitarian efforts to benefit Ukraine.

    Another common strategy is storytelling. Some users share amusing or ridiculous anecdotes from their lives before closing with a donation request.

    These requests often have a clear target and beneficiary. They are also often time-sensitive. For example, they may be aimed at purchasing a particular model of a drone for a particular brigade of Ukraine’s armed forces that will be delivered to the battlefront within days.

    Through collaborations with Ukraine’s official fundraising platform, the North Atlantic Fella Organisation has collected more than US$700,000 towards Ukraine’s defence.

    Combatting propaganda

    Members of the North Atlantic Fella Organisation also try to combat Russian propaganda and disinformation.

    Instead of arguing in good faith with highly visible disinformation-spreading accounts (often controlled by the Russian government), members try to derail the disinformation campaigns. They highlight their ridiculousness by responding with memes and jokes. They call this practice “shitposting”.

    People spreading Russian disinformation often find themselves annoyed by the swarms of “meme dogs” in their replies. This has led some to respond aggressively. In turn, this has allowed North Atlantic Fella Organisation members to report them for violation of X’s terms of service and have their accounts suspended, as our forthcoming research documents.

    However, from late 2022 onward, North Atlantic Fella Organisation members we interviewed as a part of our research reported decreased effectiveness of X’s response to problematic user conduct. This was soon after tech billionaire Elon Musk bought the social media platform.

    Despite this, members continue to support each other and develop playful tactics to ensure they remain visible on the platform.

    It seems war will continue online for as long as Russia wages its war on Ukraine’s territory.

    Olga Boichak has received funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a director of the Ukrainian Studies Foundation in Australia and an executive committee member of the Ukrainian Studies Association of Australia and New Zealand. She has been a member of the North Atlantic Fella Organisation since 2022 for research purposes.

    Kateryna Kasianenko has been a member of the North Atlantic Fella Organisation since 2022 for research purposes.

    – ref. Three years after Russia’s invasion, a global online army is still fighting for Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/three-years-after-russias-invasion-a-global-online-army-is-still-fighting-for-ukraine-251480

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Mike Kehoe Provides Update on Missouri’s Storm Response and Recovery Efforts

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 16, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe provided an update on Missouri’s recovery efforts following the devastating tornadoes that struck on March 14, leaving widespread destruction across 27 counties.

    The storm has resulted in 12 confirmed fatalities, with one person still missing. Hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have been either destroyed or severely damaged. At the height of the storm, more than 140,000 homes and businesses were without power, and 101 roads were closed due to debris, flooding, and structural damage. While significant progress has been made, approximately 47,000 customers remain without power as crews continue restoration efforts. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also had reports of over 130 wildland fires on Friday, some of which damaged homes and structures.

    “The scale of devastation across our state is staggering,” said Governor Kehoe. “While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action—getting power restored, clearing debris, and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to recover. The strength and resilience of Missourians are already on display, and we will be with them every step of the way.”

    Ahead of the storm on Friday, Governor Kehoe issued a State of Emergency declaration, which allowed first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to move quickly. The Missouri’s State Emergency Operations Plan remains in effect.

    • Damage Assessments and Federal Support: SEMA regional coordinators continue working swiftly with local emergency managers to make initial damage assessments in preparation for a federal major disaster declaration request. To expedite the process, SEMA has shifted additional regional coordinators into the most heavily impacted areas of the state. SEMA staff are coordinating resource requests from local emergency managers for needed supplies, materials, and support services with sheltering, debris clearance, damage assessments, and other needs.
    • White House Coordination: Governor Kehoe has been in direct contact with the White House and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, who have assured him they are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to assist as soon as Missouri request is submitted.

    Governor Kehoe and state officials spent yesterday surveying some of the hardest-hit areas, including Wayne, Butler, and Jefferson counties. Wayne County alone saw six of the 12 reported fatalities, underscoring the storm’s devastating impact.

    All levels of government are fully engaged, and recovery efforts continue across the state.

    • The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) crews have all been deployed to clear debris, reopen roadways, and ensure the safety of Missourians across all affected counties.
    • Utility companies, including investor-owned, municipal, and cooperative providers, are working around the clock to restore power.
    • Emergency shelters remain open in impacted areas, offering food, medical support, and temporary housing for displaced residents.

    SEMA also continues to coordinate with volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist residents over the coming days and weeks. The American Red Cross of Missouri has opened shelters at the following locations for individuals and families that have been displaced or otherwise impacted:

    • Franklin County: Moose Lodge | 905 Highway 50, Union, MO 63084
    • Howell County: First United Methodist Church | 503 W Main St., West Plains, MO 65775
    • Jefferson County: St. David’s Catholic Church | 2334 Tenbrook Rd., Arnold, MO 63010
    • Phelps County: First Baptist Church | 801 N Cedar St., Rolla, MO 65401
    • Louis County: North County Rec Plex | 2577 Redman Avenue, St Louis MO 63136

    Residents who have experienced damage to their homes, cars and property should contact their insurance company and document damage with photographs. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 54

    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.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 54
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1250 PM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Western Maryland
    Western and Central Pennsylvania
    Northern Virginia
    Eastern West Virginia

    * Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 1250 PM until
    700 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…A line of thunderstorms will move quickly northeastward
    this afternoon and evening, while posing a threat for mainly
    damaging winds with peak gusts up to 60-70 mph. A couple of
    line-embedded tornadoes may also occur.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 40 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 75 miles north of State College PA to
    10 miles west southwest of Staunton VA. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 51…WW 52…WW 53…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 350. Mean
    storm motion vector 22045.

    …Gleason

    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 54
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1250 PM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Western Maryland
    Western and Central Pennsylvania
    Northern Virginia
    Eastern West Virginia

    * Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 1250 PM until
    700 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…A line of thunderstorms will move quickly northeastward
    this afternoon and evening, while posing a threat for mainly
    damaging winds with peak gusts up to 60-70 mph. A couple of
    line-embedded tornadoes may also occur.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 40 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 75 miles north of State College PA to
    10 miles west southwest of Staunton VA. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 51…WW 52…WW 53…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 350. Mean
    storm motion vector 22045.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 54 TORNADO MD PA VA WV 161650Z – 162300Z
    AXIS..40 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    75N UNV/STATE COLLEGE PA/ – 10WSW SHD/STAUNTON VA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 35NM E/W /26NNE SLT – 58N LYH/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 350. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 22045.

    LAT…LON 41937707 38217833 38217981 41937862

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 54 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

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

    Low (10%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 53

    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.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 53
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1030 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Ohio
    Western Pennsylvania
    West Virginia

    * Effective this Sunday morning and afternoon from 1030 AM until
    400 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…Multiple lines and clusters of thunderstorms will continue
    to develop and intensify as they move quickly northeastward late
    this morning and into the afternoon. Scattered damaging winds will
    likely be the main threat with this activity, with peak gusts
    perhaps reaching up to 60-70 mph. But, the environment will also
    support some threat for a few line-embedded tornadoes as well.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles northwest of Franklin PA to 40
    miles south southeast of Charleston WV. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 51…WW 52…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 350. Mean
    storm motion vector 22045.

    …Gleason

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 53
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1030 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Ohio
    Western Pennsylvania
    West Virginia

    * Effective this Sunday morning and afternoon from 1030 AM until
    400 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…Multiple lines and clusters of thunderstorms will continue
    to develop and intensify as they move quickly northeastward late
    this morning and into the afternoon. Scattered damaging winds will
    likely be the main threat with this activity, with peak gusts
    perhaps reaching up to 60-70 mph. But, the environment will also
    support some threat for a few line-embedded tornadoes as well.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles northwest of Franklin PA to 40
    miles south southeast of Charleston WV. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 51…WW 52…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 350. Mean
    storm motion vector 22045.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 53 TORNADO OH PA WV 161430Z – 162000Z
    AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    30NW FKL/FRANKLIN PA/ – 40SSE CRW/CHARLESTON WV/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /20S ERI – 9WNW BKW/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 350. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 22045.

    LAT…LON 41687912 37828021 37828241 41688144

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 53 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

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

    Low (10%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina the department will ensure the acceleration of the R5.7 billion project to raise Clanwilliam Dam wall situated in Olifants River, Western Cape.

    Majodina made the remarks during an oversight visit at the dam on Saturday.

    The mega project in Cederberg Municiaplity, is one of the department’s priority projects, and is expected to be completed in 2028.

    “Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalised on time. The project will not only determine the safety of the dam but will also bring economic spin-offs to the area of Clanwilliam and its surroundings. 

    “I am satisfied with the progress of the project and the multiple work that is running concurrently. This will speed up the completion of the project,” Majodina said.

    According to the department, the project is “part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP) currently under way”.

    “The concrete placement of the dam’s Apron started in March and was completed in June last year. This is a construction of a concrete structure below the dam to protect it against water washes in the dam or to form a basin to control flows. The apron also prevents sediments, organic matter, and pollutants to potentially reduce storage capacity and impacting on the water quality, 

    “The completed project will supply raw water from the Clanwilliam Dam to the farmers, municipalities, mines and industries in the Olifants River valley between the dam and the estuary (river mouth). The pre-construction activities at the dam commenced in 2018 and the construction progress is currently at 21% as of 01 March 2025,” the department said.

    The project has been broken down into several components with the main component “the alignment of the N7 National Route completed in 2017”.

    “The dam wall was last raised between 1962 and 1966, with the overspill crest that was increased by 3 metres in length and 13 crest gates raised by 3.05 metres, each at 7.77 metres wide.

    “The completed project will not only improve the dam safety standards under high flood conditions but will also improve assurance of water supply to the existing irrigators. The newly renovated dam will also increase its annual yield by approximately 70 million cubic metres per year, thereby benefitting and developing the emerging and small-scale farmers in the area,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why some Canadians are in denial about Donald Trump

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Aisha Ahmad, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Toronto

    Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed Canada will never be a 51st American state and has called on Canada to present a united front to defend against United States President Donald Trump’s escalating attacks on Canada’s economy and sovereignty.

    Most Canadians are already on board. Provincial premiers have committed to defending against tariffs, and recent polling data shows 85 per cent of Canadians resolutely reject Trump’s threats of annexation.

    Yet, despite this widespread patriotism, some Canadians may have a relative or friend in the contrarian 10 per cent of citizens who welcome annexation.

    Why do these people support Trump?

    Psychology and security

    The answer has less to do with politics or economic frustration than it does psychology. The reason some Canadians are reacting positively to Trump’s threats is because cognitive biases often prevent human beings from accurately assessing shocks to their security environment.

    Psychological biases are well-researched in international security scholarship, and I have witnessed their consequences first-hand in my work in conflict zones.

    From peacekeepers to politicians to ordinary civilians, I have seen how cognitive biases can cause rational, intelligent people to ignore valuable evidence, even at great peril.

    Humans often react to unsettling evidence by denying, minimizing or re-interpreting the information to restore their cognitive ease. Everyone in a conflict-prone part of the world experiences cognitive distortions and denial at some point. Psychological security often overrides physical security.

    But these biases are dangerous. They undermine decision-making, slow down reaction times and cause people to believe dangerous things that make them unsafe.

    The tricky part is that challenging a person’s denial can provoke defensiveness, even rage. But allowing denial to persist leaves them dangerously unprepared to face real-world threats.

    On balance, the safer choice is to rip off these psychological Band-aids.

    Denial through confirmation bias

    Except for a small percentage of extremists, the 10 per cent who are in favour of American annexation are ordinary Canadians. What makes them different are two interrelated cognitive biases: confirmation bias and belief perseverance.

    For Canadians who hold Trump in high esteem, acknowledging his threats creates cognitive dissonance. Some people find dissonance so distressing that it feels easier to reject or reinterpret the contrary information in a way that protects prior-held ideas and restores cognitive ease.

    These confirmation biases allow the 10 per cent to redefine the word “annexation” to mean something else, such as peaceful political unification. That imagined definition turns Trump’s threat into a friendly proposal leading to greater prosperity and security.

    That reinterpretation may reduce psychological distress, but it’s delusional.

    Political unification is a non-coercive and consent-based process, wherein parties agree to incorporation through referendum, typically producing an all new government. Trump is proposing unilateral annexation, which is the hostile and illegal seizure of a sovereign state’s territory and the subjugation of its population.

    Annexation is not marriage. It’s rape.

    Unilateral annexation is so inherently violent that its prohibition in Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter is considered the legal cornerstone of the post-Second World War international order.

    As Trump, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping each champion annexing nearby sovereign nations in the name of greatness, that international order is now crumbling. If the laws, norms and institutions preventing annexation collapse, it opens the door to invasions, insurgencies and even global war.



    Read more:
    Why annexing Canada would destroy the United States

    Many of the 10 per cent are simply unaware of what “annexation” truly means, and could rationally change their position once they understand the facts. But a smaller subset of that group may reject the evidence entirely.

    Belief perseverance causes some people to aggressively hold their original position, even when presented with disconfirming evidence.

    While denial helps them feel safe in the moment, it also makes them dangerously unprepared to deal with real threats.

    Denial through normalcy bias

    Patriotic “elbows up” Canadians must also be wary of denial. For them, the issue is not identifying the threats, but comprehending their full implications.

    Even among informed citizens, NATO, NORAD and the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance are not easy to relate to. Trade wars show up on grocery bills, but these defence organizations keep peace in the background, which is harder to notice.

    Canadians may intellectually understand that North American security is deteriorating, but that crisis may not seem as real as tariffs.

    This is called “normalcy bias,” a psychological tendency to minimize the probability of threats or the dangers they pose, which delays protective action. Normalcy and optimism biases are why many people fail to evacuate quickly when they are forewarned about wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes and even wars.

    Slow reactions are not caused by stupidity or laziness. Research shows that the majority people respond inefficiently to warnings of forthcoming disasters. I have witnessed this bias in conflict zones and even experienced its effects myself. I can run 10 kilometres in about an hour, but when the Taliban attacked a bazaar less than 10 kilometres from my flat, it still felt far away.

    Why? Because security threats don’t feel close until your windows start to shake.

    While a military invasion is not imminent, Trump’s threats are so extreme that they warrant immediate action to improve Canadian defence. The time to take protective action is before windows start shaking.

    For the majority of Canadians who already take Trump’s threats seriously, the first step in countering the normalcy bias is to pay attention to new risks and fractures in existing security co-operation.

    With that evidence, they can initiate a national conversation about how to reduce vulnerabilities and improve resilience and defence.

    Acceptance and adaptation

    There is no time to argue with people who remain cognitively confused. The majority of Canadians are ready to have a laser-focused discussion about the real security challenges on the horizon.

    The good news is that Canada can fortify its security and deter threats in this perilous new world.

    The range of options may not be as comfortable as the bygone era of friendly alliances and NATO supremacy. But through intelligent debate, Canadians can develop realistic new approaches to national defence, and quickly.

    Acceptance and adaptation are the keys to survival.

    Aisha Ahmad receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Why some Canadians are in denial about Donald Trump – https://theconversation.com/why-some-canadians-are-in-denial-about-donald-trump-251893

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 52

    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.
    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 52
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    805 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    North-Central and North Florida
    Southeast Georgia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday morning and afternoon from 805 AM until
    300 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A broken band of primarily cellular storms will continue
    east into the Watch area this morning and afternoon. Relatively
    moist low levels and strongly sheared wind profiles will support
    organized storms, including supercells and small linear segments. A
    couple of tornadoes are possible, as well as damaging gusts with the
    stronger storms.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 40 miles northeast of Waycross GA to 50
    miles southwest of Ocala FL. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 50…WW 51…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25035.

    …Smith

    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 52
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    805 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    North-Central and North Florida
    Southeast Georgia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday morning and afternoon from 805 AM until
    300 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A broken band of primarily cellular storms will continue
    east into the Watch area this morning and afternoon. Relatively
    moist low levels and strongly sheared wind profiles will support
    organized storms, including supercells and small linear segments. A
    couple of tornadoes are possible, as well as damaging gusts with the
    stronger storms.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 40 miles northeast of Waycross GA to 50
    miles southwest of Ocala FL. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 50…WW 51…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25035.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW2
    WW 52 TORNADO FL GA CW 161205Z – 161900Z
    AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    40NE AYS/WAYCROSS GA/ – 50SW OCF/OCALA FL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /31ENE AMG – 45N PIE/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25035.

    LAT…LON 31668098 28658190 28658371 31668285

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU2.

    Watch 52 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

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

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    Mod (60%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cyclone Alfred to cost budget $1.2 billion, hit growth and push up inflation: Chalmers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Cyclone Alfred will cost the March 25 budget at least A$1.2 billion, hit growth and put pressure on inflation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.

    In a Tuesday speech previewing the budget, Chalmers will also say that on preliminary estimates, the cyclone’s immediate hit to GDP is expected to be up to $1.2 billion, which could wipe a quarter of a percentage point off quarterly growth.

    “It could also lead to upward pressure on inflation. From building costs to damaged crops raising prices for staples like fruit and vegetables,” Chalmers says in the speech, an extract of which has been released ahead of delivery.

    The treasurer says the temporary shutting of businesses due to the cyclone lost about 12 million work hours.

    By last Thursday, 44,000 insurance claims had been lodged. Early modelling indicated losses covered by the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool were about $1.7 billion.

    The estimated costs to the budget, which are over the forward estimates period, are preliminary.

    The government has already co-sponsored with the states $30 million in support for immediate recovery costs, Chalmers says. Millions of dollars are being provided in hardship payments.

    “The budget will reflect some of those immediate costs and we’ll make sensible provisions for more to come,” he says.

    “I expect that these costs and these new provisions will be in the order of at least $1.2 billion […] and that means a big new pressure on the budget.”

    This is in addition to the already budgeted for disaster relief.

    “At MYEFO, we’d already booked $11.6 billion for disaster support nationally over the forward estimates.

    “With all of this extra funding we expect that to rise to at least $13.5 billion when accounting for our provisioning, social security costs and other disaster related support.”

    Chalmers will again argue in the speech his recent theme – that the economy has turned a corner. This is despite the global uncertainty that includes the Trump tariff policies, the full extent of which is yet to be spelled out.

    Australia is bracing for the possibility our beef export trade could be caught in a new tariff round to be unveiled early next month.

    Despite last week’s rebuff to its efforts to get an exemption from the aluminium and steel 25% tariffs, the government has vowed to fight on for a carve out from that, as well as trying to head off any further imposts on exports to the US.

    In seeking the exemption, Australia was unsuccessful in trying to leverage its abundance of critical minerals, which are much sought after by the US.

    Trade Minister Don Farrell told Sky on Sunday:

    What we need to do is find out what it is that the Americans want in terms of this relationship between Australia and the United States and then make President Trump an offer he can’t refuse.

    In Tuesday’s speech, Chalmers is expected to say the budget will contain fewer surprises than might be the case with other budgets.

    This is because this budget – which would have been avoided if the cyclone had not ruled out an April 12 election – comes after the flurry of announcements already made this year and before further announcements in the campaign for the May election.

    Those announcements already made include:

    • $8.5 billion to boost Medicare

    • $644 million for new Urgent Care Clinics

    • a multi-billion dollar package to save Whyalla Steelworks

    • $7.2 billion for the Bruce Highway and other infrastructure

    • funds for enhanced childcare and to provide some
      student debt relief

    • new and amended listings for contraception, endometriosis and IVF on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.



    Read more:
    Labor and the Coalition have pledged to raise GP bulk billing. Here’s what the Medicare boost means for patients

    Deloitte Access Economics in its budget monitor predicts the budget will have a deficit of $26.1 billion for 2024-25.

    Deloitte’s Stephen Smith said that although a $26.1 billion deficit was slightly smaller than forecast in the December budget update, the longer-term structural deterioration should be “a reality check for politicians wanting to announce election sweeteners in the weeks ahead”.

    Deloitte projects a deficit of nearly $50 billion in 2025-26.

    Open to a ‘small’ Ukraine peacekeeping role

    Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took part in the “coalition of the willing” virtual meeting convened by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in support of Ukraine.

    The meeting also included Ukraine, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Greece, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, the Scandinavian countries, Canada and New Zealand. The United States did not participate. President Donald Trump is trying to force an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict.

    Albanese reiterated after the meeting: “Australia is open to considering any requests to contribute to a future peacekeeping effort in support of the just and lasting peace we all want to Ukraine”.

    He added the obvious point: “Of course, peacekeeping missions by definition require a precondition of peace”.

    Albanese said that any Australian contribution to a Ukraine peacekeeping force would be “small”.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has opposed sending Australians to a peacekeeping force.



    Read more:
    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Peter Dutton on why he’s not Australia’s Trump – ‘I’m my own person’

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Cyclone Alfred to cost budget $1.2 billion, hit growth and push up inflation: Chalmers – https://theconversation.com/cyclone-alfred-to-cost-budget-1-2billion-hit-growth-and-push-up-inflation-chalmers-252171

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 51

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 51
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    610 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Georgia
    Southern North Carolina
    Central and Eastern South Carolina
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday morning and afternoon from 610 AM until
    200 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 0.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A broken band of thunderstorms will continue east into the
    Watch area this morning within a weakly unstable airmass with very
    strong flow aloft. A greater risk for wind damage along with a
    threat for a couple of tornadoes, will seemingly focus with
    organized bowing segments and perhaps a few embedded circulations
    within the band of thunderstorms.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 35 miles north northeast of
    Fayetteville NC to 45 miles southwest of Savannah GA. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 50…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 0.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean
    storm motion vector 25040.

    …Smith

    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 51
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    610 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Georgia
    Southern North Carolina
    Central and Eastern South Carolina
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday morning and afternoon from 610 AM until
    200 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 0.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A broken band of thunderstorms will continue east into the
    Watch area this morning within a weakly unstable airmass with very
    strong flow aloft. A greater risk for wind damage along with a
    threat for a couple of tornadoes, will seemingly focus with
    organized bowing segments and perhaps a few embedded circulations
    within the band of thunderstorms.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 35 miles north northeast of
    Fayetteville NC to 45 miles southwest of Savannah GA. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 50…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 0.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean
    storm motion vector 25040.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW1
    WW 51 TORNADO GA NC SC CW 161010Z – 161800Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    35NNE FAY/FAYETTEVILLE NC/ – 45SW SAV/SAVANNAH GA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /27SSE RDU – 40ENE AMG/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..0.5 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25040.

    LAT…LON 35437722 31668037 31668310 35438006

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

    Watch 51 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

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

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Former US envoy slams air attacks on Houthis – NZ protesters recite poetry

    Asia Pacific Report

    A former US diplomat, Nabeel Khoury, says President Donald Trump’s decision to launch attacks against the Houthis is misguided, and this will not subdue them.

    “For our president who came in wanting to avoid war and wanting to be a man of peace, he’s going about it the wrong way,” he said.

    “There are many paths that can be used before you resort to war.” Khoury told Al Jazeera.

    The danger to shipping in the Red Sea was “a justifiable reason for concern”, Khoury told Al Jazeera in an interview, but added that it was a problem that could be resolved through diplomacy.

    Ansar Allah (Houthi) media sources said that at least four areas had been razed by the US warplanes that targeted, in particular, a residential area north of the capital, Sanaa, killing 31 people.

    The Houthis, who had been “bombed severely all over their territory” in the past, were not likely to be subdued through “a few weeks of bombing”, Khoury said.

    “If you think that Hamas, living and fighting on a very small piece of land, totally surrounded by land, air and sea, and yet, 17 months of bombardment by the Israelis did not get rid of them.

    ‘More rugged space’
    “The Houthis live in a much more rugged space, mountainous regions — it would be virtually impossible to eradicate them,” Khoury said.

    “So there is no military logic to what’s happening, and there is no political logic either.”

    Providing background, Patty Culhane reported from Washington that there were several factual errors in the justification President Trump had given for his order.

    “It’s important to point out that the Houthi attacks have stopped since the ceasefire in Gaza [on January 19], although the Houthis were threatening to strike again,” she said.

    “His other justification is saying that no US-flagged vessel has transited the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden safely in more than a year.

    “And then he says another reason is because Houthis attacked a US military warship.

    “That happened when Trump was not president.”

    Down to 10,000 ships
    She said the White House was now putting out more of a communique, “saying that before the attacks, there were 25,000 ships that transited the Red Sea annually. Now it’s down to 10,000 so, obviously, sort of shooting down the president’s concept that nobody is actually transiting the region.

    “And it did list the number of attacks. The US commercial ships have been attacked 145 times since 2023 in their list.”

    Meanwhile, at least nine people, including three journalists, have been killed and several others wounded in an Israeli drone attack on relief aid workers at Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian media.

    The attack reportedly targeted a relief team that was accompanied by journalists and photographers. At least three local journalists were among the dead.

    The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Centre said in a statement that Israel had killed “three journalists in an airstrike on a media team documenting relief efforts in northern Gaza”, reports

    “The journalists were documenting humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by Israel’s genocidal war,” the statement added, according to Anadolu.

    In a statement, the Israeli military claimed it struck “two terrorists . . .  operating a drone that posed a threat” to Israeli soldiers in the area of Beit Lahiya.

    “Later, a number of additional terrorists collected the drone operating equipment and entered a vehicle. The [Israeli military] struck the terrorists,” it added, without providing any evidence about its claims.

    ‘Liberation’ poetry
    In Auckland on Saturday, protesters at the Aotearoa New Zealand’s weekly “free Palestine” rallies gave a tribute to poet Mahmoud Darwish — the “liberation voice of Palestine” — by reciting peace and justice poetry and marked the sixth anniversary of the Christchurch mosque massacre when a lone white terrorist gunned down 51 people at Friday prayers.

    This was one of more than 20 Palestinian solidarity events happening across the motu this weekend.

    Two of the pro-Palestine protesters hold West Papuan and Palestinian flags – symbolising indigenous liberation – at Saturday’s rally in Auckland. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll from US overnight airstrikes on Yemen rises to 31

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

    The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday.

    The death toll is expected to rise further as U.S. airstrikes continue across Yemen.

    The casualties were reported across multiple locations, including the capital Sanaa, the northern province of Saada, a Houthi stronghold, as well as other Houthi-controlled Yemeni provinces.

    The military campaign, which started Saturday evening, struck the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa, followed by several bombardments on the Shoab residential area in eastern Sanaa, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

    Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province’s namesake central city Saada, the group’s northern main stronghold.

    According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. A white smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses said.

    This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January and redesignated the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

    Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the “terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom.”

    He also warned the Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks “starting today … hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”

    In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it “initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”

    Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying “this aggression will not pass without a response,” and that the group is “fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,” the Houthis’ political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV.

    On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the Gaza Strip’s crossings are reopened and aid allowed in.

    From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested for causing bushfires in the Riverland

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been arrested for allegedly lighting several bushfires in the Riverland.

    At 11.15pm Saturday 15 March a fire was reported at Bookpurnong Road.

    At 3.15am on Sunday 16 March a fire was reported on Katarapko Island.

    At 6.15am three further fires were sighted at on Katarapko Island.

    Patrols were searching the area after a man was seen acting suspiciously in the area and jumping in and out of the river.

    PolAir assisted with the search and about 1.30pm, they located a man in the river, who was subsequently arrested.

    The 48-year-old man from Bookpurnong is expected to be charged with cause bush fire.

    He is undergoing a medical assessment and will appear in court at a date to be determined.

    Investigations are ongoing and further charges are expected.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for witnesses to Huntly fire

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Simon Evans:

    Police are appealing for witnesses to a suspicious fire in Huntly overnight.

    Emergency services were called to a commercial premises on Great South Road, just south of Alder Lane, about 1:30am.

    Police, together with Fire and Emergency NZ, are back at the scene today conducting a scene examination.

    As part of our inquiries, Police are seeking any witnesses to what happened.

    If you can help, you can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz and clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please reference file number 250316/3289.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 13 killed in US airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen’s capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

    The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen’s capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

    “This is an initial toll as the number of death could increase,” the TV cited the Houthi-run health ministry as saying, adding that at least nine others were injured.

    The Houthi TV reported four airstrikes in the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa and several other airstrikes on the Shoab residential neighborhood in eastern Sanaa.

    Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province’s namesake central city Saada, the group’s northern main stronghold. No further details were provided by the television.

    According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. White smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses added.

    Osama Sari, a Houthi official, wrote on X that the strikes on Al-Jarraf neighborhood also damaged parts of the Specialized Modern University near the Airport Road.

    Another Houthi source told Xinhua that the airstrikes also targeted two houses of key Houthi leaders.

    This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed power in January and redesigned the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

    Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the “terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom.”

    He also warned Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks “starting today… Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”

    In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it “initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”

    Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying “this aggression will not pass without a response,” and that the group is “fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,” the Houthis’ political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV.

    On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.

    From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and the Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 50

    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.
    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 50
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    215 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Florida Panhandle
    Southern into Central and Eastern Georgia
    West-Central South Carolina
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday morning from 215 AM until 1000 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph likely
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A band of severe thunderstorms with embedded supercells
    and line segments will move east across much of the Watch area
    tonight into the early morning. The more intense storms will be
    potentially capable of tornadoes, possibly including a strong
    tornado or two, and damaging gusts.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 60 miles northwest of Augusta GA to 40
    miles south southwest of Tallahassee FL. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 49…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean
    storm motion vector 22055.

    …Smith

    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 50
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    215 AM EDT Sun Mar 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Florida Panhandle
    Southern into Central and Eastern Georgia
    West-Central South Carolina
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday morning from 215 AM until 1000 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph likely
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A band of severe thunderstorms with embedded supercells
    and line segments will move east across much of the Watch area
    tonight into the early morning. The more intense storms will be
    potentially capable of tornadoes, possibly including a strong
    tornado or two, and damaging gusts.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 60 miles northwest of Augusta GA to 40
    miles south southwest of Tallahassee FL. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and 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.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 49…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean
    storm motion vector 22055.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW0
    WW 50 TORNADO FL GA SC CW 160615Z – 161400Z
    AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    60NW AGS/AUGUSTA GA/ – 40SSW TLH/TALLAHASSEE FL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /32WNW IRQ – 43SSW TLH/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 22055.

    LAT…LON 33978158 29868352 29868569 33978384

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU0.

    Watch 50 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (60%)

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

    Mod (40%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (60%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (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 –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Former Filipino Duterte’s arrest by the ICC – 20 journalists killed during his presidency

    Pacific Media Watch

    Paris-based global media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has recalled that 20 journalists were killed during the six-year Philippines presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, a regime marked by fierce repression of the press.

    Former president Duterte was arrested earlier this week as part of an International Criminal Court investigation into crimes against humanity linked to his merciless war on drugs. He is now in The Hague awaiting trial.

    The watchdog has called on the administration of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to take strong measures to fully restore the country’s press freedom and combat impunity for the crimes against media committed by Duterte’s regime.

    “Just because you’re a journalist you are not exempted from assassination, if you’re a son of a bitch,” Rodrigo Duterte said in his inauguration speech on 30 June 2016, which set the tone for the rest of his mandate — unrestrained violence against journalists and total disregard for press freedom, said RSF in a statement.

    During the Duterte regime’s rule, RSF recorded 20 cases of journalists killed while working.

    Among them was Jesus Yutrago Malabanan, shot dead after covering Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war for Reuters.

    Online harassment surged, particularly targeting women journalists.

    Maria Ressa troll target
    The most prominent victim was Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the news site Rappler, who faced an orchestrated hate campaign led by troll armies allied with the government in response to her commitment to exposing the then-president’s bloody war.

    Media outlets critical of President Duterte’s authoritarian excesses were systematically muzzled: the country’s leading television network, ABS-CBN, was forced to shut down; Rappler and Maria Ressa faced repeated lawsuits; and a businessman close to the president took over the country’s leading newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, raising concerns over its editorial independence.

    “The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is good news for the Filipino journalism community, who were the direct targets of his campaign of terror,” said RSF’s Asia-Pacific bureau director Cédric Alviani.

    RSF’s Asia-Pacific bureau director Cédric Alviani . . . “the Filipino journalism community were the direct targets of [former president Rodrigo Duterte]’s campaign of terror.” Image: RSF

    “President Marcos and his administration must immediately investigate Duterte’s past crimes and take strong measures to fully restore the country’s press freedom.”

    The repression carried out during Duterte’s tenure continues to impact on Filipino journalism: investigative journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio has been languishing in prison since her arrest in 2020, still awaiting a verdict in her trial for “financing terrorism” and “illegal possession of firearms” — trumped-up charges that could see her sentenced to 40 years in prison.

    With 147 journalists murdered since the restoration of democracy in 1986, the Philippines remains one of the deadliest countries for media workers.

    The republic ranked 134th out of 180 in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index.

    Source report from Reporters Without Borders. Pacific Media Watch collaborates with RSF.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Turning a new page for village readers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Li Cuili was regarded as kind of a “weirdo” when she decided to open a library at her convenience store providing books for villagers to read for free in 2008.
    While others were busy making a living, Li, a farmer who later opened a store in Lishi village, Neihuang county, Anyang, Henan province, thought bigger and wanted to improve the cultural atmosphere in the village through the power of books.
    That wish initially came from a mother’s love for her child. That year, she watched a performance at her village with her son. To her surprise, the show was vulgar and unsuitable for children.
    Feeling anxious that children would grow up and be exposed to such an environment, she wanted to change the situation and began to offer books for villagers, because, she believes, “books are mostly beneficial”.
    From feeling doubtful to offering support, villagers have seen Li’s Weiguang Library grow from a small space that managed to survive with only 200 books to a village cultural activity center, with a collection of 5,000-6,000 books. Through her efforts, she saw reading gradually taking shape at her hometown. Now 45 years old, she has also been elected as a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress and president of Lishi village’s women’s federation.
    The library’s name Weiguang means “dim light”.
    “I named it Weiguang because it is only about putting several books on the shelves of a village store. It was initially a modest endeavor. Yet, no matter how faint the light, it has the power to keep the fire burning,” says Li.
    At the very beginning, due to the lack of a reading or literary culture, no villager came forward to borrow her books, although she offered them for free. Li decided to attract children first. She offered sugar to children who came to read, borrow books and write book reviews. In this way, more and more children were attracted to the library.
    Their parents were surprised to discover children behaved much better than before, as they stopped rushing to play on the streets after school but went to Li’s library to read. Then villagers began to speak highly of Li’s efforts and offer support, and many of them began to borrow books as well and worked as volunteers at the library in their free time.
    With the growing popularity, Li encountered new but pleasant problems as she could not get enough books to meet demand.
    “Besides my books, all those I could get from relatives and friends were put in the library. But since people borrowed books for free, many of them didn’t return them. Some damaged books also needed to be removed from circulation. Therefore, the number of books declined significantly,” says Li.
    As a result, she had to get more. Other than the necessary family expenses, she spent all her money buying books, but they were not enough. Since she could not afford so many new books, she tried every means to get more, like buying from secondhand stores and waste stations in the county and asking people to donate books online.
    For a while, she rode a trishaw in the county, with introductions to her library on it, as a way of publicity to rent or get more books. Some people pointed at her and made snide remarks.
    “There’s the weirdo coming”, or words in that vein were often uttered within earshot.
    One winter some years ago, she rode the trishaw to a county institute to collect books that had been promised to her. She left home at 5 am and rode for 40 minutes braving the cold because she was happy to get more books. But when she arrived, she was informed by staff that the books had been considered worthless and sold to a waste station.
    Walking out of the door of the institute, she was greeted by the rising sun. She faced the sun and cried out of tiredness and frustration.
    Besides the difficulties caused by her expenditure, she felt a creeping doubt as to whether what she was doing was worthwhile.
    But her readers encouraged her.
    Li was impressed by a girl named Liu Caijin. About a decade ago, the girl often came to her library to read. A primary school student, she was too short to reach the bookshelves, so she’d move wooden stools to reach up.
    One day, Li asked her what she wanted to become in the future. To her surprise, Liu said, “I also want to open a store which has a library, providing books for people to read for free.”
    “Now she is at a university, and I know she will not open a store. But I’m still moved when I remember her words. As the saying goes, it takes 10 years to grow a tree yet 100 years to bring up a person. Cultivating people is never something that can be done in a short time. I have often questioned if my library is meaningful, because it’s so small. But at that moment, her words of affirmation consolidated my resolution to persist,” says Li.
    Many children who read books at the library have now grown up and as adults they support Li in their own ways. For example, some of them donate books to Li, some work as volunteers and others hold activities in the library.
    With the growing popularity of her library, more support from society was offered to her work. With donations from nonprofit organizations, the library was renovated several times, tackling problems like water leakage. Book donations have continued to pour in.
    “Now the pressure to run the library does not feel so heavy. Weiguang Library can continue to play a role today because many people have poured their love into it,” says Li.
    She has also worked to build the library into a cultural activity center, encouraging villagers to give lectures and participate in manual courses and scientific experiments. This has turned the library into an additional classroom for the villagers.
    “I was impressed by Peking University Professor Wang Zizhou’s words — ‘a school in a library can be much more important than a library in a school’. I hope people not only read books, but also ‘read’ films, music and even a broader world here,” says Li.
    Jin Yan, a 24-year-old animal husbandry professional, says Li’s library has been an indispensable part of her life as she grew up. She often went to the library to read when in primary school, borrowed books regularly when she was a middle school student and worked as a volunteer helping to organize activities when she attended vocational high school.
    “I was very introverted in childhood, but through organizing and participating in activities at the Weiguang Library, I opened up to people more. That changed my character,” she says.
    Now, working as an NPC deputy, Li pays a lot of attention to nationwide reading, which encourages more such activity among the public across the country from this year’s Government Work Report. Li says villagers reading books is an important part of realizing the goal.
    “Villages often lag behind cities in development. Therefore, we need to accelerate efforts in encouraging reading. The country’s nationwide reading initiative not only advocates more reading, but also leads to appreciating films, dramas, and understanding daily events and even people,” says Li.
    “For example, it’s almost impossible to persuade senior villagers to read books, since many of them have difficulty reading. But the old people themselves are just like books, who can share their stories with younger people, making young people feel like reading books. In the process, the old people are also reading their own books,” says Li.
    Li believes cultural construction is an important part of rural vitalization, since lack of education and ignorance is behind many problems in villages. Therefore, she suggests more guidance and supervision on rural cultural markets and more social forces participating in shaping rural culture.
    “It must be a long-term goal, requiring continuous efforts infusing cultural vitality into villages. I’m optimistic about its future,” says Li.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 13 killed in US airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen, Houthis vow revenge

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen’s capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

    “This is an initial toll as the number of death could increase,” the TV cited the Houthi-run health ministry as saying, adding that at least nine others were injured.

    The Houthi TV reported four airstrikes in the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa and several other airstrikes on the Shoab residential neighborhood in eastern Sanaa.

    Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province’s namesake central city Saada, the group’s northern main stronghold. No further details were provided by the television.

    According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. White smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses added.

    Osama Sari, a Houthi official, wrote on X that the strikes on Al-Jarraf neighborhood also damaged parts of the Specialized Modern University near the Airport Road.

    Another Houthi source told Xinhua that the airstrikes also targeted two houses of key Houthi leaders.

    This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed power in January and redesigned the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

    Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the “terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom.”

    He also warned Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks “starting today… Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”

    In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it “initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”

    Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying “this aggression will not pass without a response,” and that the group is “fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,” the Houthis’ political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV.

    On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.

    From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and the Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Plea in Sale of Fentanyl that Resulted in Deaths of Two Northwest D.C. Men

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

                WASHINGTON – Jevaughn Mark, 33, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in connection with a conspiracy that distributed large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine in the metropolitan area, and included the sale of fentanyl that resulted in the December 2023 deaths of two District men.

                Mark, aka “Ledo,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2025.

                The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Mark had been charged with eight counts of unlawful distribution (of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin) and distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl between January 10, 2024, and March 13, 2024. The charges stemmed from six controlled purchases in which undercover DEA and MPD taskforce officers (UC-DEA/MPD) contacted Mark and purchased narcotics. In each instance, the UC-DEA/MPD agents requested to buy “Special K” or ketamine. In every instance, he supplied a mixture of fentanyl and other substances, including heroin, but not ketamine.

                After obtaining an indictment, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mark’s primary residence and recovered two firearms, cocaine, fentanyl, about $38,000 in cash, body armor vests, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

                On June 13, 2024, Jevaughn Mark was charged in a second superseding indictment in connection with distributing fentanyl and cocaine on December 26, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of two men, Brandon Román and Robert Barletta, at their home in Northwest Washington. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Mark admitted to causing the death of both individuals by selling “ketamine” (which was actually fentanyl) to one victim who shared the drugs with the other victim. Both men were found unresponsive the day after Mark sold them the “ketamine.” 

                The case is being investigated by the DEA’s Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Dan Seidel, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) section.

    24cr143

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: KATARAPKO ISLAND (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    KATARAPKO ISLAND

    Katarapko Island fires

    Issued for KATARAPKO ISLAND approximately 10 km from Berri in the Riverland, South Australia.

    The CFS, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, Department for Environment and Water, SA Police and SA State Emergency Services are responding to multiple ignitions near Katarapko Island.

    Firefighters on approximately 26 trucks, supported by aircraft and boats, are on scene working to quickly extinguish the blazes.

    The cause of the fires is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators have been notified.

    Smoke may be impacting communities and roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    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 0008374

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Statement on Tornadoes Across Missouri

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Saturday, March 15, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement after deadly tornadoes touched down across Missouri last night. The Senator and his team are standing by to assist those impacted and are in contact with state and local officials.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Voice of Radical America

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump’s executive order on Friday will ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda.
    Dan Robinson, a 34-year veteran of Voice of America and its former White House correspondent, wrote last year: “I have monitored the agency’s bureaucracy along with many of its reporters and concluded that it has essentially become a hubris-filled rogue operation often reflecting a leftist bias aligned with partisan national media. It has sought to avoid accountability for violations of journalistic standards and mismanagement.”
    Voice of America’s management told staff not to call Hamas and its members terrorists, “except when quoting statements.”
    Daily Caller: “Multiple Voice Of America Reporters Have Posted Anti-Trump Content On Social Media”
    “Multiple Voice of America (VOA) reporters have repeatedly posted anti-Trump comments on their professional Twitter accounts, despite a social media policy requiring employee impartiality on social media platforms.”

    Rep. Scott Perry wrote in a 2022 letter that Voice of America has “grown exceedingly partisan over the past several years.”
    A 2016 report from Office of Personnel Management cited by Rep. Perry revealed that Voice of America Persian employees said that outlet tolerated “coercion for partisan political purposes.”
    The Washington Free Beacon: “VOA Misallocates Funds and Suppresses Negative Stories About Iran. This Lawmaker Wants To Investigate.”

    Voice of America: “What Is ‘White Privilege’ and Whom Does It Help?”
    “Today, the phrase is used passionately and widely in the context of racial profiling — police treatment of people as criminal suspects based on their race.”

    A 2022 lawsuit claimed Voice of America has “been infiltrated by anti-American, pro-Islamic state interests, and that the message of VOA had been compromised in a manner that was biased toward the Islamic state factions in Iran.”
    In October 2020, Voice of America wrote that the “allegations that Russia played a role in perpetuating the scandal to benefit Trump could undermine the emails’ credibility” downplaying the validity of the Hunter Biden laptop story.
    In July 2020, Voice of America faced criticism for “sharing a story and video appearing too favorable to presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.”
    In September 2019, the Daily Caller reported that Voice of America employed a Russian anti-U.S. propagandist.
    In May 2019, Voice of America fired reporters for their roles in canceling a broadcast midstream after pressure from the Chinese government.
    In March 2019, Voice of America ran a segment about transgender migrants seeking asylum in the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Is Standing Up to Terrorism and Protecting International Commerce

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    It has been over a year since a U.S.-flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.
    Our economic and national security have been under attack by the Houthis for too long. Today, President Trump’s action and leadership are moving to end this.
    Shipping Disruption
    Houthi attacks against shipping since 2023 have caused a sustained negative effect on global trade and the economic security of the United States. A 2024 Defense Intelligence Agency report detailed how container shipping through the Red Sea has precipitously declined due to Houthi attacks.
    Before their attacks, 25,000 merchant ships passed through the Red Sea annually. The current number has dropped to around 10,000 ships annually.
    Imports of consumer goods and cars to the United States, as well as agricultural exports from our own Gulf of America, have been rerouted due to the Houthi attacks.
    In November 2023, the Houthis seized the ship M/V Galaxy Leader and began to attack commercial ships with anti-ship missiles and unmanned vehicles.
    Houthi attacks caused approximately 75% of U.S.- and UK-affiliated vessels to reroute around Africa instead of transiting the Red Sea. Traveling around Africa takes an average of ten days longer than sailing through the Red Sea. Additional fuel costs are roughly one million dollars more for each voyage around Africa.
    Higher shipping rates caused by Houthi attacks probably increased global consumer goods inflation between 0.6 and 0.7 percent in 2024.
    Impacts to Allies and Partners
    The Red Sea serves a primary conduit for trade between Europe and Asia. Around 95% of ships traveling between Europe and Asia normally would go through the Red Sea.
    Out of the top ten importers (by value) of trade through the Red Sea, five are EU nations.
    Houthi attacks caused approximately 60% of EU-affiliated vessels to reroute around Africa instead of transiting the Red Sea
    The Houthis have attacked U.S. warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023.2023
    October 19, 2023: The USS Carney, a U.S. Navy destroyer, intercepted multiple missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. These missiles posed a threat to U.S. forces.
    November 19, 2023: The Houthis attacked and seized the M/V Galaxy Leader and held the multinational crew hostage for over a year.
    December 3, 2023: Houthi forces launched missiles and drones targeting three commercial ships in the Red Sea. The USS Carney responded to distress calls and intercepted three drones during this assault.
    December 16, 2023: The USS Carney engaged and destroyed 14 drones launched by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea, preventing potential attacks on U.S. military and commercial maritime vessels.
    December 26, 2023: The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Gravely responded to a distress call from the commercial vessel Maersk Hangzhou, which was under attack by Houthi forces. U.S. Navy helicopters engaged, resulting in the sinking of three Houthi boats.
    December 30, 2023: Houthi forces fired anti-ship ballistic missiles targeting the USS Gravely. The destroyer successfully intercepted the incoming missiles, preventing any damage.
    2024
    January 10, 2024: The Houthis launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against U.S. and UK naval forces in the Red Sea. The coordinated defense successfully neutralized all incoming threats.
    January 15, 2024: The Houthis rebels targeted the U.S.-owned M/V Gibraltar Eagle with a missile, resulting in damage to the vessel.
    January 17, 2024: The Houthi rebels targeted the U.S.-owned cargo ship Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden using drones, resulting in damage to the vessel.
    January 26, 2024: The oil tanker Marlin Luanda, linked to British interests, was attacked by Houthi missiles in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire onboard.
    August 21, 2024: The Houthi rebels attack the Greek-flagged oil tanker M/V Sounion, threatening a massive oil-spill and followed by a months-long salvage effort.  
    September 27, 2024: The USS Spruance, USS Stockdale, and USS Indianapolis were targeted by a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. All threats were intercepted without any damage to the U.S. warships.
    November 11, 2024: Houthi forces launched a coordinated attack involving drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles against the USS Spruance and USS Stockdale in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. destroyers successfully intercepted all incoming threats.
    December 1, 2024: While escorting U.S.-flagged merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces, ensuring the safety of the convoy.
    December 9–10, 2024: The USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane again faced Houthi-launched drones and missiles while escorting merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. All threats were neutralized without any damage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crisis Counseling Assistance is Available to LA County Wildfire Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Crisis Counseling Assistance is Available to LA County Wildfire Survivors

    Crisis Counseling Assistance is Available to LA County Wildfire Survivors

    LOS ANGELES – If you are feeling overwhelmed by emotions, stress, or hopelessness, you are not alone

     Help is available for disaster survivors experiencing emotional distress following the wildfires

    The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program is a federally funded program administered by FEMA which has been activated for disaster survivors in Los Angeles County

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is working with FEMA through an interagency agreement to provide crisis counseling with support services assistance for those impacted by the fires

    If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health distress related to the wildfires, do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support and resources 24/7

     Visit Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health or call the mental health helpline at 800-854-7771

    The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission and access to its services, programs or activities

    For questions regarding accessibility, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (213) 943-8120 or (213) 947-6837

    For additional mental health impacts support and resources during this time, visit:Mental Health and Stress After An Emergency (LACDMH / DPH) LA County Emergency Response and Recovery Page Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 CalHOPE The Warm Line at 833-317-4673 Crisis Text Line by texting “LA” to 741741 If you are thinking about harming yourself or others, call 911

     For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4856

    Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page orEspanol 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

    alberto

    pillot
    Sat, 03/15/2025 – 17:03

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: If FEMA Initially Finds You Ineligible for Assistance, You Still Have Options

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: If FEMA Initially Finds You Ineligible for Assistance, You Still Have Options

    If FEMA Initially Finds You Ineligible for Assistance, You Still Have Options

    LOS ANGELES – If you received a letter from FEMA that says you’re ineligible for assistance, you still have options

    A quick fix, like providing more information, may change FEMA’s initial determination

     Duplication of benefits is a common reason for a FEMA ineligibility determination

    If you already accepted an insurance settlement or other benefit for the damage or loss, by law, FEMA cannot cover it

    You may also be found ineligible if your home was damaged but is still safe, and sanitary

    FEMA grants are primarily meant to make a home habitable, rather than returning it to pre-wildfire condition

     Sometimes, however, an ineligibility determination can stem from misinformation, inadequate information, or changes in your circumstances and may be reversed

    Be sure to read your FEMA determination letter carefully

    It specifies why you are ineligible and recommends actions that may change the initial determination

     When Might an Ineligibility Determination be Reversed?If you told FEMA you are insured, but later your insurance company denies your claim, or your settlement is insufficient to meet your needs, you should update FEMA with that information

    Describe the damage or losses and provide reliable documentation from your insurer that shows your claims have been denied or excluded

    Damage to your home may not have become apparent until later

    If you reported no home damage when you applied with FEMA but later discover the home is no longer habitable, let FEMA know

    In some cases, your application is simply missing proof of occupancy or identity

    If FEMA is unable to verify occupancy of your primary residence, you may provide utility bills, a bank or credit card statement, phone bills, pay stubs, a driver’s license, state-issued ID card or voter registration card showing the damaged dwelling’s address

    Also, FEMA needs to verify your identity with a valid Social Security number

    To verify identity, provide FEMA with a copy of your Social Security card, accompanied by federal or state-issued identification

    All FEMA Applicants Have a Right to AppealYou can appeal a decision or award amount by sending documents to FEMA that demonstrate your eligibility and need for additional assistance

    FEMA determination letters explain the reason you are ineligible and the types of documents that may help you appeal

    Documentation or estimates supporting your claim are all that are required to appeal a FEMA decision

    You can also fill out the Appeal Request Form included with your FEMA decision letter

    Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the FEMA decision letter

    To file an appeal:For an American Sign Language video on how to Appeal, visit FEMA R9: Determination Letters and Appeals (ASL PSA)Upload documents to your disaster assistance account at DisasterAssistance

    gov

     Mail to: FEMA, P

    O

    Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

     Fax to 1-800-827-8112 with Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

     Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

    To find your nearest DRC, visit fema

    gov/drc

    If you have questions or need to speak about your ineligibility status, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

     For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4856

    Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on 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

    alberto

    pillot
    Sat, 03/15/2025 – 16:59

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Week Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Week Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

    One Week Left to Apply for Federal Assistance

    LOS ANGELES – Only a week remains for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the January wildfires in Los Angeles County to apply for federal disaster assistance

    Monday, March 10, is the deadline to apply for both FEMA disaster assistance and a U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan

    Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov (fastest option)

    On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play)

    On the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service

    Helpline operators speak many languages: press 2 for Spanish or press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language

    Lines are open from 4 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    P

    T

    seven days a week

    Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

     To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator

    Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs

    They are equipped with assistive technology and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources

    For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    Apply for an SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan:Online at sba

    gov/disaster

     By calling SBA’s Customer Service Center hotline at 800-659-2955

     People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access relay services

     By emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba

    gov

     At a Business Recovery Center, where you can submit a completed application or SBA representatives can help you apply

    To find a BRC near you, go to Appointment

    sba

    gov

     Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending

    sba

    gov or other locally announced locations

     For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4856

    Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page orEspanol 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

    alberto

    pillot
    Sat, 03/15/2025 – 16:41

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open to Provide Wildfire Disaster Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open to Provide Wildfire Disaster Assistance

    Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open to Provide Wildfire Disaster Assistance

    LOS ANGELES –Los Angeles County wildfire survivors who need assistance can stop by a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply for disaster assistance, speak with a FEMA representative, speak to representatives from other state and federal agencies, and receive updates on their FEMA application

    Both DRCs remain open until further notice

     DRCs are located at:UCLA Research Park West 10850 West Pico Blvd

     Los Angeles, CA 90064 Open Mon

    – Sat

    : 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

     Altadena Disaster Recovery Center540 West Woodbury Rd

     Altadena, CA 91001 Open Mon

    – Sat

    : 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs

    They are equipped with assistive technology and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources

    Visiting a DRC is just one way to receive assistance

    You can also apply or update your application online at DisasterAssistance

    gov or by using the FEMA app

    You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362

     Follow 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

    alberto

    pillot
    Sat, 03/15/2025 – 16:30

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update Your FEMA Application as You Return to Your Property

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Update Your FEMA Application as You Return to Your Property

    Update Your FEMA Application as You Return to Your Property

    LOS ANGELES – As survivors return to their property, it is important survivors continue to update their FEMA application as they learn about the status of their property

     If you initially indicated to FEMA that your home was inaccessible or that the damage was unknown, you will need to update your application when you learn about the status of your property

    Once you are able to confirm the status of your damage, update your application immediately via the FEMA hotline or at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

    Missing or outdated information could delay your assistance

    Updating the status of your property, can only be changed by speaking with a FEMA specialist either by phone at 800-621-3362 or by visiting a DRC

    See locations below:Altadena540 West Woodbury Rd

    Altadena, CA 91001Open Mon

    –Sat

    : 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    UCLA Research Park10850 West Pico Blvd

    Los Angeles, CA 90064Open Mon

    –Sat

    : 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs

    They are equipped with assistive technology and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources

    Other examples of information that can only be updated in-person or by phone include: Changes to your application

    Update your current mailing address

    Update your current phone number

    Correcting or verifying home and property damage, such as previously inaccessible or unknown damage changing to accessible or known damage type

     A FEMA online account makes it easy to update other information such as your contact information and preferences and uploading documents

    You can create an account at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to your phone and keep track of information there

    If you don’t have internet access or prefer visiting FEMA in person, our DRCs are available to assist with your needs

     When contacting FEMA be sure to refer to the nine-digit application number you were issued when you applied

    This number is included in all correspondence FEMA sends to you — it is very important to use this number

    After you apply with FEMA, your request for assistance is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to confirm disaster-related damage to your home and personal property

    FEMA home inspections are conducted in-person or virtually, and the inspector will contact you to make an appointment

    If the inspection is in-person, the FEMA inspector will show you an official photo identification and will know your registration number; inspectors will never ask you for it (if asked, don’t provide it) There is no fee for the inspection

    Read your determination letter closely to understand your next steps in the process and what additional documentation may be needed

    The determination letter will also provide instructions on how you can appeal FEMA’s decision

     For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4856

    Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on 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

    alberto

    pillot
    Sat, 03/15/2025 – 16:21

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA urges West Virginians to protect their identity and stay informed

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA urges West Virginians to protect their identity and stay informed

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After a natural disaster, it is important to protect your identity against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses, and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by a disaster.   Keep these things in mind to protect your identity and stay informed: Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial or contracting help and then asks for money.FEMA will only call or e-mail you if you have contacted FEMA first or registered for assistance. Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. If you receive suspicious e-mails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or e-mail is legitimate.Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.Do not offer any personal information, including your Social Security number and bank information, unless you are speaking with a verified FEMA representative.Be on alert if someone asks for your 9-digit FEMA registration ID, which you will receive when you apply for disaster assistance through FEMA.Stay tuned to trusted local media for updates from local officials on disaster fraud and scams.After you apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary. FEMA inspectors will make an appointment before coming to your house. They may verify your identity using the last four digits of the 9-digit registration number but will not ask for all nine numbers. FEMA inspectors will also not ask you for your Social Security number.FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA inspector’s job is to verify damage. 

    Graphic

    To report scams, fraud, and identity-theft contact: Toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721The Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster- complaint-formWhen in doubt, report any suspicious behavior to your local authorities. Residents of Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by the Feb. 15 – 18, 2025, flooding. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 28.There are four ways to apply:Apply by phone at 800-621-3362Apply online at DisasterAssistance.govApply with the FEMA AppDownload the free FEMA mobile app, available at Google Play or the Apple App StoreApply in person at one of our FEMA West Virginia Disaster Recovery Centers:Mercer County Disaster Recovery CenterMcDowell County Disaster Recovery CenterLifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Closed Sundays Closed March 15, March 22, April 19Bradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817   Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed SundaysMingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on SundaysIf you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for losses your insurance will cover. For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4861 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account. Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam. For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page.  
    lianza.yap
    Sat, 03/15/2025 – 14:15

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s EZIE Launches on Mission to Study Earth’s Electrojets

    Source: NASA

    Under the nighttime California sky, NASA’s EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) mission launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 11:43 p.m. PDT on March 14.
    Taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Santa Barbara, the EZIE mission’s trio of small satellites will fly in a pearls-on-a-string configuration approximately 260 to 370 miles above Earth’s surface to map the auroral electrojets, powerful electric currents that flow through our upper atmosphere in the polar regions where auroras glow in the sky.
    At approximately 2 a.m. PDT on March 15, the EZIE satellites were successfully deployed. Within the next 10 days, the spacecraft will send signals to verify they are in good health and ready to embark on their 18-month mission.
    “NASA has leaned into small missions that can provide compelling science while accepting more risk. EZIE represents excellent science being executed by an excellent team, and it is delivering exactly what NASA is looking for,” said Jared Leisner, program executive for EZIE at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
    The electrojets — and their visible counterparts, theauroras — are generated duringsolar storms when tremendous amounts of energy get transferred into Earth’s upper atmosphere from the solar wind. Each of the EZIE spacecraft will map the electrojets, advancing our understanding of the physics of how Earth interacts with its surrounding space. This understanding will apply not only to our own planet but also to any magnetized planet in our solar system and beyond. The mission will also help scientists create models for predicting space weather to mitigate its disruptive impacts on our society.
    “It is truly incredible to see our spacecraft flying and making critical measurements, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the EZIE mission,” said Nelli Mosavi-Hoyer, project manager for EZIE at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. “I am very proud of the dedication and hard work of our team. This achievement is a testament to the team’s perseverance and expertise, and I look forward to the valuable insights EZIE will bring to our understanding of Earth’s electrojets and space weather.”
    Instead of using propulsion to control their polar orbit, the spacecraft will actively use drag experienced while flying through the upper atmosphere to individually tune their spacing. Each successive spacecraft will fly over the same region 2 to 10 minutes after the former.
    “Missions have studied these currents before, but typically either at the very large or very small scales,” said Larry Kepko, EZIE mission scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “EZIE will help us understand how these currents form and evolve, at scales we’ve never probed.”
    The mission team is also working to distribute magnetometer kits called EZIE-Mag, which are available to teachers, students, and science enthusiasts who want to take their own measurements of the Earth-space electrical current system. EZIE-Mag data will be combined with EZIE measurements made from space to assemble a clear picture of this vast electrical current circuit.
    The EZIE mission is funded by the Heliophysics Division within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA Goddard. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory leads the mission for NASA. Blue Canyon Technologies in Boulder, Colorado, built the CubeSats, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California built the Microwave Electrojet Magnetogram, which will map the electrojets, for each of the three satellites.
    For the latest mission updates, follow NASA’s EZIE blog.
    By Brett MolinaJohns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

    MIL OSI USA News –