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Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Brad Sherman Urges Swift Federal Support Following Gov. Newsom’s Updated Wildfire Aid Request

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

    Pacific Palisades, CA — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) released the following statement regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s updated request to Congress for a disaster supplemental after the January LA Fires:

    “I strongly support Governor Newsom’s $34.1 billion federal assistance request to respond to the destruction caused by the January wildfires. After six months, this federal disaster aid package would be a critical step toward getting our communities the resources they urgently need. 

    Moreover, I’m pleased to see two priorities included in the Governor’s request that I will continue advocating for as we move forward: first, a sharp increase in SBA’s maximum disaster loan limit so families and small businesses have sufficient funds to rebuild their homes; and second, major Community Development Block Grant funding for the state to provide grants to those who lost everything without adequate insurance. These tools will make the difference between temporary relief and long-term recovery.”

    Governor Newsom first submitted a request to Congress in February to provide additional funding to California fire victims, since the basic package of federal benefits is insufficient in the wake of one of the worst fire disasters in U.S. history. The request included tax relief and funding for business grants and loans, public infrastructure, disaster-related social services, and grants to rebuild uninsured and underinsured homes lost in the fires. On July 14th, the Governor submitted an updated request letter to Congress with less aid than was requested in the initial letter to Congress, to account for $5.5 billion in federal funds already disbursed by FEMA and SBA this year.

    To view a copy of Governor Newsom’s letter to Congress, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 15, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jul 15, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Updated: Tue Jul 15 19:24:10 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 151924

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0224 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    Valid 171200Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE OHIO
    VALLEY TO THE NORTHEAST STATES…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated damaging gusts are possible over parts of the Northeast
    Thursday.

    …Northeast and upper OH Valley…
    Shortwave troughing over the eastern Great Lakes will gradually
    merge with broader cyclonic flow over the Northeast and eastern
    Canada Thursday. A surface low will steadily deepen as it shifts
    eastward with the upper trough. A cold front trailing the low will
    serve as a focus for thunderstorm development through the afternoon
    from the OH valley to the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. Moderate
    buoyancy and strengthening flow aloft will overlap and could support
    scattered thunderstorms capable of damaging gusts ahead of the
    front. A large disparity exists among forecast guidance with regards
    to the position of the cold front, strength of the surface low and
    any potential MCVs from prior day’s convection. While confidence in
    the overall evolution is somewhat low, the broader environment still
    appears favorable enough to support some severe risk.

    …Mid MS Valley and southern Plains…
    Scattered storms are expected along the cold front as it moves
    southward across the Mid South and the Southern Plains. Stronger
    vertical shear should largely lag behind the front especially with
    southward extent. A few stronger storm clusters are possible along
    the front where large buoyancy could support sporadic damaging
    gusts. However, confidence in the frontal timing and convective
    evolution is very low, precluding the addition of severe
    probabilities for now.

    ..Lyons.. 07/15/2025

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  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 15, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jul 15, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Tue Jul 15 17:32:51 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 151732

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1232 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    Valid 161200Z – 171200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE FRONT
    RANGE AND THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday
    afternoon and evening from parts of the central High Plains to the
    Great Lakes.

    …Front Range and High Plains…
    A shortwave trough over the northern Rockies will intensify as it
    moves eastward across the central US Wednesday. A cold front across
    the Front Range and High Plains will continue to sag slowly
    southward as surface moisture deepens behind it. Within the broad up
    slope flow regime, scattered storm development is expected across
    the higher terrain of the central Rockies and High Plains by early
    afternoon Wednesday. Enhanced mid-level flow will support initial
    supercells capable of hail and isolated damaging gusts. Local
    terrain effects and enhanced low-level shear near the front may also
    allow for a tornado or two. Scattered severe storms expand in
    coverage across the I-25 corridor through the afternoon before
    moving eastward into the plains through the evening.

    How far east the severe threat will extend remains uncertain as
    cooler temperatures and lingering inhibition are likely to be in
    place behind the front. Should sufficient upscale growth take place,
    an MCS may develop and merge with additional convection farther east
    before continuing south/southeastward across the central Plains
    overnight. This would support a continued risk for at least isolated
    damaging gusts.

    …Central Plains…
    As the cold front continues to move southward across the central
    Plains, lingering inhibition and forcing for ascent displaced to the
    north should limit convective development along the front through
    much of the day However, warm surface temperatures and 60s-70s F
    surface dewpoints will support large buoyancy along the front. As a
    30-40 kt low-level jet increases into the evening, storm development
    is expected with increasing low-level warm air advection. Isolated
    damaging gust are possible.

    …Great Lakes…
    A convectively augmented shortwave trough over the central Plains
    will quickly move eastward along the sagging cold front. Ascent from
    this feature will aid in developing a wave cyclone along the front,
    enhancing the low-level flow field across parts of WI and northern
    IL. An ongoing arc of storms near the surface low should gradually
    re-intensify through the morning and into the early afternoon.
    Moderate MLCAPE and strengthening flow aloft will support a mix of
    cells and clusters. The primary risk is expected to be damaging
    gusts, though enlarged low-level hodographs and 100-200 J/kg of
    MLCAPE below 3km AGL may support some tornado risk with the more
    cellular elements. With time gradual upscale growth into a more
    linear structure is expected near the western shores of Lake
    Michigan with a continued risk for damaging gusts.

    To the east, strong heating of a very humid air mass is expected
    across Lower Michigan through the afternoon. Scattered to widespread
    storms are likely along the typical lake breeze fronts. Vertical
    shear will be weaker through the afternoon, though at least some
    enhancement of the flow field could support isolated damaging gusts
    with scattered to numerous storms expected.

    There is some potential for a more organized line/cluster of storms
    on the western side of the lake to move eastward across Lake
    Michigan late in the evening and through the overnight hours.
    Stronger flow aloft near the shortwave trough could support damaging
    gust and brief tornado potential across parts of northern Lower
    Michigan overnight. Higher severe probabilities could be needed if
    confidence in this convective scenario increases in future outlooks.

    …Upper OH valley…
    Widespread thunderstorms are expected across the region in response
    to a shortwave impulse. Modest instability is forecast amid a very
    moist airmass. While vertical shear will remain fairly limited, some
    slight enhancement near the upper trough could support a few
    longer-lived storm clusters. Isolated strong gusts/wet microbursts
    could occur, with the more intense storms.

    …Northern Gulf Coast…
    Scattered to numerous thunderstorms associated with Invest 93L will
    occasionally move onshore across the northern/central Gulf Coast
    Wednesday and Wednesday night. Enhancement of low and mid-level
    easterly shear north of the weak surface circulation may support a
    few longer-lived cells near the coast. Sporadic damaging gusts and
    perhaps a brief tornado are possible, though confidence in this
    convective scenario is very low.

    ..Lyons.. 07/15/2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 15, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jul 15, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Tue Jul 15 16:21:56 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 151621

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1121 AM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    Valid 151630Z – 161200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR CENTRAL
    NEBRASKA…

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SURROUNDING THE
    SLIGHT RISK INTO THE UPPER MIDWEST…FOR NORTHERN AND EASTERN
    WYOMING…AND NORTHERN UTAH AND SURROUNDING VICINITY…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe gusts (some 75+ mph) and large hail are probable
    across parts of Nebraska late this afternoon and evening. Scattered
    severe gusts are also possible from the Upper Midwest to Utah and
    Wyoming this afternoon to mid-evening.

    …Northern/Central Plains to the Upper Midwest…
    Primary focus for thunderstorms will be a slowly sagging,
    southward-moving cold front across the Upper Midwest and a couple
    mid-level perturbations moving east across the north-central states.
    Radar imagery shows a convectively augment disturbance moving east
    across northern SD and water-vapor imagery shows shortwave trough
    moving east across southeast WY. Both mid-level features will
    likely prove instrumental in storm coverage and the risk for severe
    activity later today.

    Despite stronger mid-level westerly flow relegated north of the 48th
    parallel, strong heating of a moist airmass will result in a very
    unstable boundary layer by mid afternoon from the Upper Midwest
    southwestward into the NE Sandhills. Storms will probably develop
    from eastern SD and into MN this afternoon near the front and ahead
    of the SD mid-level feature. Sufficient instability and
    effective bulk shear should be present along/ahead of the front to
    support organized convection, including some supercells. Large hail
    will be possible with the initially semi-discrete thunderstorms,
    before a rapid transition to a cluster/linear mode increases the
    threat for severe/damaging winds. This activity should quickly
    weaken by late evening as it encounters a less unstable airmass with
    eastward extent across the upper Great Lakes.

    A somewhat separate area of thunderstorms should initiate
    along/south of the front across parts of southern SD into NE by late
    afternoon/early evening. Greater instability will likely be present
    across this region compared to locations farther north, but
    deep-layer shear should be more modest (around 25-30 kt). Still,
    some large hail may occur initially given the presence of steep
    mid-level lapse rates. The threat for scattered to numerous
    severe/damaging winds is expected to increase through the evening
    across central NE as an intense bowing cluster develops and spreads
    southeastward. Isolated significant gusts of 75+ mph appear possible
    given the rather favorable thermodynamic environment.

    …Great Basin into Wyoming…
    The only change for this portion of the region is to increase
    severe-wind probabilities across northern UT and surrounding states.
    The southern fringe of stronger mid-level westerlies was sampled by
    the 12 UTC Salt Lake City raob. With the approach of the upstream
    northern Rockies disturbance glancing the region later today,
    short-term model guidance (e.g., HREF members, time-lagged HRRR) is
    consistent in showing small clusters of storms moving east from
    northeast NV/northwest UT eastward into northern UT/southeast ID/far
    southwest WY. Inverted-V profiles will strongly favor evaporative
    cooling with the more rain-laden cores. Scattered severe gusts are
    possible with the more intense downbursts through early evening.

    Farther east, the closer proximity to the upper trough digging
    southeastward over the northern Rockies will promote scattered
    storms across northern into eastern WY this afternoon and evening.
    An organized cluster may evolve given 25-35 kt of deep-layer shear,
    while posing a threat for mainly severe/damaging winds given the
    presence of steepened low/mid-level lapse rates. Isolated large hail
    may also occur.

    …Arizona…
    Modest mid-level east-northeasterlies will be present today across
    parts of AZ on the southern periphery of a mid-level anticyclone
    over the Southwest. Scattered thunderstorms should once again
    develop this afternoon over the higher terrain of southeast AZ and
    southwest NM. With very steep low/mid-level lapse rates expected
    with ample daytime heating, this activity may pose an isolated
    threat for severe winds as it spreads into the lower elevations of
    southern AZ through the evening.

    ..Smith/Jirak.. 07/15/2025

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  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 513

    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
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 513
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    255 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Upper Peninsula Michigan
    Central and North-Central Minnesota
    Northern Wisconsin
    Lake Superior

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 255 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

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

    SUMMARY…Scattered clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms will
    likely develop through the remainder of the afternoon and persist
    into the evening. The stronger thunderstorms will be capable of a
    risk for large hail and severe gusts.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45
    statute miles north and south of a line from 30 miles south
    southwest of Alexandria MN to 115 miles east of Ironwood MI. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    26025.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 513 SEVERE TSTM MI MN WI LS 151955Z – 160300Z
    AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    30SSW AXN/ALEXANDRIA MN/ – 115E IWD/IRONWOOD MI/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM N/S /64NNW RWF – 17NW SAW/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26025.

    LAT…LON 46129564 47168771 45858771 44829564

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

    Watch 513 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

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

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mark Schlakman, Senior Program Director, The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Florida State University

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leads a tour of the new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility for President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    The state of Florida has opened a migrant detention center in the Everglades. Its official name is Alligator Alcatraz, a reference to the former maximum security federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay.

    While touring Alligator Alcatraz on July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump said, “This facility will house some of the menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.” But new reporting from the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times reveals that of more than 700 detainees, only a third have criminal convictions.

    To find out more about the state of Florida’s involvement in immigration enforcement and who can be detained at Alligator Alcatraz, The Conversation spoke with Mark Schlakman. Schlakman is a lawyer and senior program director for The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. He also served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, working as a liaison of sorts with the federal government during the mid-1990s when tens of thousands of Haitians and Cubans fled their island nations on makeshift boats, hoping to reach safe haven in Florida.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the migrants being detained in facilities like Alligator Alcatraz as “murderers and rapists and traffickers and drug dealers.” Do we know if the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have been convicted of these sorts of crimes?

    The Times/Herald published a list of 747 current detainees as of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Their reporters found that about a third of the detainees have criminal convictions, including attempted murder, illegal reentry to the U.S., which is a federal crime, and traffic violations. Apparently hundreds more have charges pending, though neither the federal nor state government have made public what those charges are.

    There are also more than 250 detainees with no criminal history, just immigration violations.

    Is it a crime for someone to be in the U.S. without legal status? In other words, is an immigration violation a crime?

    No, not necessarily. It’s well established as a matter of law that physical presence in the U.S. without proper authorization is a civil violation, not a criminal offense.

    However, if the federal government previously deported someone, they can be subject to federal criminal prosecution if they attempt to return without permission. That appears to be the case with some of the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz.

    What usually happens if a noncitizen commits a crime in the U.S.?

    Normally, if a foreign national is accused of committing a crime, they are prosecuted in a state court just like anyone else. If found guilty and sentenced to incarceration, they complete their sentence in a state prison. Once they’ve served their time, state officials can hand them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. They are subject to deportation, but a federal immigration judge can hear any grounds for relief.

    DHS has clarified that it “has not implemented, authorized, directed or funded” Alligator Alcatraz, but rather the state of Florida is providing startup funds and running this facility. What is Florida’s interest in this? Are these mostly migrants who have been scooped up by ICE in Florida?

    It’s still unclear where most of these detainees were apprehended. But based on a list of six detainees released by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, it is clear that at least some were apprehended outside of Florida, and others simply may have been transferred to Alligator Alcatraz from federal custody elsewhere.

    This calls to mind the time in 2022 when Gov. Ron DeSantis flew approximately 50 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts at Florida taxpayer expense. Those migrants also had no discernible presence in Florida.

    To establish Alligator Alcatraz, DeSantis leveraged an immigration emergency declaration, which has been ongoing since Jan. 6, 2023. A state of emergency allows a governor to exercise extraordinary executive authority. This is how he avoided requirements such as environmental impact analysis in the Everglades and concerns expressed by tribal governance surrounding that area.

    For now, the governor’s declaration remains unchallenged by the Florida Legislature. Environmental advocates have filed a lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz, and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision by a federal judge temporarily barring Florida from enforcing its new immigration laws, which DeSantis had championed. But no court has yet intervened to contest this prolonged state of emergency.

    This presents a stark contrast to Gov. Lawton Chiles’ declaration of an immigration emergency during the mid-1990s. At that time, tens of thousands of Cubans and Haitians attempted to reach Florida shores in virtually anything that would float. Chiles’ actions as governor were informed by his experience as a U.S. senator during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when 125,000 Cubans made landfall in Florida over the course of just six months.

    Chiles sued the Clinton administration for failing to adequately enforce U.S. immigration law. But Chiles also entered into unprecedented agreements with the federal government, such as the 1996 Florida Immigration Initiative with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. His intent was to protect Florida taxpayers while enhancing federal enforcement capacity, without dehumanizing people fleeing desperate circumstances.

    During my tenure on Chiles’ staff, the governor generally opposed state legislation involving immigration. In the U.S.’s federalist system of government, immigration falls under the purview of the federal government, not the states. Chiles’ primary concern was that Floridians wouldn’t be saddled with what ought to be federal costs and responsibilities.

    Chiles was open to state and local officials supporting federal immigration enforcement. But he was mindful this required finesse to avoid undermining community policing, public health priorities and the economic health of key Florida businesses and industries. To this day, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s position reflects Chiles’ concerns about such cooperation with the federal government.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis outlines his plans for Alligator Alcatraz to the media on July 1, 2025.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Now, in 2025, DeSantis has taken a decidedly different tack by using Florida taxpayer dollars to establish Alligator Alcatraz. The state of Florida has fronted the US$450 million to pay for this facility. DeSantis reportedly intends to seek reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. Ultimately, congressional action may be necessary to obtain reimbursement. Florida is essentially lending the federal government half a billion dollars and providing other assistance to help support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.

    Florida is also establishing another migrant detention facility at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Jacksonville. A third apparently is being contemplated for the Panhandle.

    ICE claims that the ultimate decision of whom to detain at these facilities belongs to the state of Florida, through the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Members of Congress who visited Alligator Alcatraz earlier this week have disputed ICE’s claim that Florida is in charge.

    You advised Florida Division of Emergency Management leadership directly for several years during the administrations of Gov. Charlie Crist and Gov. Rick Scott. Does running a detention facility like Alligator Alcatraz fall within its typical mission?

    The division is tasked with preparing for and responding to both natural and human-caused disasters. In Florida, that generally means hurricanes. While the division may engage to facilitate shelter, I don’t recall any policies or procedures contemplating anything even remotely similar to Alligator Alcatraz.

    DeSantis could conceivably argue that this is consistent with a 287(g) agreement authorizing state and local support for federal immigration enforcement. But such agreements typically require federal supervision of state and local activities, not the other way around.

    Mark Schlakman served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and as a consultant to Emilio Gonzalez at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during his tenure as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director during the George W. Bush administration.

    – ref. Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees – https://theconversation.com/florida-is-fronting-the-450m-cost-of-alligator-alcatraz-a-legal-scholar-explains-what-we-still-dont-know-about-the-detainees-260665

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Control fire and ferals in Australia’s tropical savannas to bring the small mammals back

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alyson Stobo-Wilson, Research Adjunct in Conservation Ecology, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University

    Alyson Stobo-Wilson

    In remote central Arnhem Land, finding a northern brushtail possum is encouraging for the local Indigenous rangers. Though once common, such small native mammals are now rare. Many are threatened with extinction.

    Over the past 30 years, small mammals have been disappearing from Australia’s tropical savannas. This landscape is among the nation’s most remote and seemingly untouched. But it is no longer safe from feral animals, overgrazing livestock, poor fire management and other threats.

    Despite growing awareness of the problem, a lack of consensus on the most effective management actions has hindered efforts to reverse these losses. Our new research sought to overcome this hurdle and finally reach consensus on the best way forward.

    We achieved this by working with experts from various land management groups and research institutes, including Traditional Owners and Indigenous rangers within the region.

    Building on 15 years of targeted research

    In 2010, the scale and severity of mammal declines in northern Australia became clear. Research in Kakadu National Park found the number of native mammal species at survey sites had halved, and the number of individual animals dropped by more than two-thirds.

    This prompted a major review of the causes, and more research.

    Advances in technology played a crucial role in efforts to gather further evidence. Motion-activated cameras known as camera traps enabled monitoring over vast areas.

    Extensive surveys using camera traps provided data on the distribution and abundance of small mammals and feral cats. Meanwhile, collar-mounted GPS units and video cameras provided new information about feral cat behaviour.

    Feral cat caught on a camera-trap in Arnhem Land.
    Alyson Stobo-Wilson

    What we did and what we found

    Our new research concerns the higher-rainfall tropical savannas of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. This area covers 950,000 square kilometres from the Kimberley in the west to the Gulf of Carpentaria in the east.

    First we reviewed the literature on the topic of small mammal declines in the region. We found more than 100 relevant studies had been published since 2010.

    From these research papers, we identified 11 plausible threats to small mammals. Then we asked 19 experts to score and rank each threat according to severity and scale, and whether the threat could be effectively mitigated.

    We found the most severe and widespread threat to small mammals was feral cats. But broad-scale cat control is not very effective.

    Ranked second was the habitat destruction caused by livestock (buffalo, horses, donkeys and cattle) and by inappropriate patterns of fire.

    Actions aimed at reducing feral livestock numbers and improving fire regimes would increase vital resources such as food and shelter. Such actions can also make it harder for cats to prey on small mammals.

    Feral cattle graze in the savanna woodland of the northern Kimberley.
    Ian Radford

    Future threats and research priorities

    Habitat loss from land clearing for urban, agricultural or industrial development currently affects only a small proportion of northwestern Australia. But proposed expansions — particularly for cotton and other intensive agriculture — are concerning. These developments overlap with high-rainfall areas in the Top End, where small mammal communities are still relatively intact.

    Our expert group also expressed deep concern and uncertainty about the future as the climate changes. Rising temperatures and more intense rainfall events are expected to increase the frequency, extent and severity of fires. However, managing feral livestock and improving fire regimes can make the ecosystem more resilient to change.

    Developing more effective tools to directly control feral cats remains a top research priority. It’s estimated cats kill around 452 million native mammals a year in Australia. About a third of these deaths occur in the tropical savannas. So while improved land management will alleviate some pressure, certain species will remain highly vulnerable unless cats can be better managed.

    Water buffalo were introduced to northern Australia in the early-1800s, becoming widespread by the mid-1800s.
    Alyson Stobo-Wilson

    Support Indigenous leadership on Country

    Globally, Indigenous stewardship is closely linked to improved biodiversity outcomes.

    In Australia, the historic disruption of Indigenous customary responsibilities — especially fire management — has contributed to the loss of small mammals.

    Fortunately, Indigenous ranger programs and Indigenous Protected Areas have expanded in recent years. Increasingly widespread recognition and application of Indigenous knowledge has deepened and broadened our understanding of mammal declines.

    In northern Australia, Indigenous ranger groups are global leaders in fire management. They monitor and manage some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of the continent. The land management actions needed to conserve our small mammals rely in large part on the continued support and funding of these groups.

    Unfortunately, these programs are under threat. The NT government recently cut A$12 million from its Indigenous ranger funding program.

    While the federal government has committed funding to expand ranger programs nationally, ranger groups say the investment falls short of what’s needed. Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer Dominic Nicholls told us:

    Given the scale at which Indigenous ranger groups operate – and the critical role they play in protecting Australia’s biodiversity and leading innovation in the carbon industry – the level of allocated funding is insufficient to meet the basic delivery costs of these programs.

    A clear path forward

    Our research shows reducing feral livestock numbers and improving fire regimes in northern Australia currently offers the greatest benefit to small mammal populations — especially in the absence of effective cat controls.

    But success will depend on sustained, long-term support for Indigenous rangers, who carry out much of this work. Investing in these programs is not just essential for conserving biodiversity — it also supports cultural connection, community wellbeing and climate resilience.

    The authors gratefully acknowledge the Traditional Knowledge offered by participants from Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and Warddeken Land Management Limited as part of this research.

    This research was funded by CSIRO. The research benefited from the involvement of researchers and land managers from CSIRO, Charles Darwin University, Warddeken Land Management Limited, Australian National University, Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, the WA and NT governments, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, Ground Up: Planning and Ecology Support, Dunkeld Pastoral Co Pty Ltd and Desert Support Services.

    John Woinarski has previously received funding from the Australian government’s National Environment Science Program. He is affiliated with Charles Darwin University, a member of the Biodiversity Council and a director of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

    – ref. Control fire and ferals in Australia’s tropical savannas to bring the small mammals back – https://theconversation.com/control-fire-and-ferals-in-australias-tropical-savannas-to-bring-the-small-mammals-back-260813

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Polk County Residents Indicted For Narcotics Trafficking And Gun Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging fourteen Polk County residents with narcotics trafficking and firearms-related charges. If convicted, Curtis Charles Tinsley (47, Lakeland), Tyler Anthony Devaney (32, Winter Haven), Alvin Antonio Barnes III (47, Lakeland), Tonyo Cortez Evans (39, Lakeland), Lamar Anthony Hamilton (43, Lakeland), Albert Lewis III (48, Lakeland), Tyrese Leon Pratt (39, Lakeland), Antonio Groover (32, Dundee), Kenji Antwana Miller (38, Lakeland), Melvin Sharon Murray (48, Lakeland), Robert James Johnson IV (32, Lakeland), Steven Wayne Gay (55, Lakeland), Tiffany Elaine Creach (43, Lakeland), and Sabrina Marie Taylor (40, Dover) each face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.    

    According to the indictment, the charged individuals conspired to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy. Devaney, Barnes, Hamilton, Pratt, and Groover are also charged for possessing firearms or ammunition as convicted felons. Devaney, Pratt, and Hamilton are each charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. The indictment also alleges that Tinsley, Devaney, Barnes, Evans, Hamilton, Groover, Miller, Murray, and Gay committed the alleged offenses after convictions for either serious drug or violent felonies.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lakeland Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Trafficking Felon from Duquesne Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 248 months of imprisonment, to be followed by six months of supervised release, on his conviction of federal drug trafficking and firearm offenses, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Courtney Washington Jr., 31, who a federal jury in September 2024 found guilty of two counts of violating federal firearms laws. Prior to that trial, Washington pleaded guilty to related charges of distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    According to information presented to the Court, Washington was a large-scale fentanyl trafficker on whose residence law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on April 17, 2023. As officers called for Washington to exit the home, Washington unsuccessfully attempted to destroy drugs by placing them in a washing machine, with officers later finding approximately $45,000 worth of fentanyl in the machine. Law enforcement also recovered, approximately six feet from the fentanyl, a loaded and stolen .45 Glock handgun that Washington attempted to conceal in the rafters above the washing machine. Having previously been convicted of a federal drug trafficking felony, Washington is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police Department, and Duquesne Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Washington.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Man Sentenced to 58 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE ANTONIO MOLINA-MONTALVO, 36, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 58 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2024, Molina-Montalvo sold a Harrington & Richardson 1871 INC. Handi Rifle, and 39 rounds of ammunition, to an individual for $300.

    Molina-Montalvo’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for assault, possession with intent to sell narcotics, strangulation, harassment, burglary, and larceny.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    Molina-Montalvo has been detained since his arrest on unrelated state charges on October 21, 2024.  On March 28, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

    This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cherokee County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TYLER, Texas –A Rusk man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Justin Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 15, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on December 4, 2023, was seen driving on County Road 2120 in Cherokee County.  The Sheriff recognized Jones and attempted to stop him for an outstanding arrest warrant.  Jones abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene on foot.  A search of the abandoned vehicle revealed Jones’ cell phone, two rifles, and a pistol.  The phone also contained a photo of Jones holding one of the rifles.  Jones has several prior felony convictions, including four prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  As a convicted felon, Jones is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

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

    This case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Tyler Field Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Amicus Brief Opposing Trump’s Unconstitutional Dismantling of Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Trump’s Dismantling Of Department Of Education Puts In Jeopardy Critical Funding For Schools, Will Lead To Worse Outcomes For Students
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) has joined her colleagues in Congress in filing an amicus brief in a lawsuit urging a federal court to stop Donald Trump from shutting down the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit argues that the President does not have the power to eliminate a government agency that Congress created, and that only Congress can make such a decision. The effort comes in response to actions by the Trump Administration to fire staff, cancel programs, and move key education functions to other parts of the government.
    “Donald Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education is not only unconstitutional—it’s a direct attack on students and teachers in Nevada who depend on its programs and funding to support our schools,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to join this legal effort to fight back against Trump’s actions and ensure the federal government fulfills its responsibility to support public education, teachers, and students.”
    Senator Rosen has consistently fought to protect and strengthen public education. In March, she spoke out forcefully against President Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education, calling it “an illegal, irresponsible attack on students and families” and warning of its harmful impact on Nevada schools. In April, she also condemned the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate Head Start funding, calling the cuts “outrageous and cruel” and pledging to defend early childhood education programs that help Nevada families thrive. In addition, Senator Rosen helped introduce legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring students with disabilities receive the support and resources they are legally entitled to in the classroom.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Denounces Attack on Border Patrol Facility in McAllen

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced a House resolution denouncing the July 7th attack on the Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen. 

    “My heart is with Border Patrol agents and police officers following the attack on the McAllen Border Patrol annex facility. This resolution stands as a reminder that violence against law enforcement and first responders will never be tolerated. I am proud to lead this effort in honor of the brave men and women who put themselves in harms way and save lives.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    The resolution has 41 original co-sponsors, including: Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14), Mike Flood (NE-01), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Michael Guest (MS-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Keith Self (TX-03), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), John McGuire (VA-05), Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), Brian Babin (TX-36), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Greg Steube (FL-17), Michael Rulli (OH-06), John Carter (TX-31), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Don Bacon (NE-02), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Brad Finstad (MN-01).

    Background: 
    On July 7th, an active shooter opened fire on the McAllen Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen, Texas. The attack resulted in three wounded, including McAllen Police Department Officer Ismael Garcia, who sustained a knee injury during the attack. Last week, De La Cruz visited Officer Garcia in recovery.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Denounces Attack on Border Patrol Facility in McAllen

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced a House resolution denouncing the July 7th attack on the Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen. 

    “My heart is with Border Patrol agents and police officers following the attack on the McAllen Border Patrol annex facility. This resolution stands as a reminder that violence against law enforcement and first responders will never be tolerated. I am proud to lead this effort in honor of the brave men and women who put themselves in harms way and save lives.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    The resolution has 41 original co-sponsors, including: Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14), Mike Flood (NE-01), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Michael Guest (MS-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Keith Self (TX-03), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), John McGuire (VA-05), Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), Brian Babin (TX-36), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Greg Steube (FL-17), Michael Rulli (OH-06), John Carter (TX-31), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Don Bacon (NE-02), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Brad Finstad (MN-01).

    Background: 
    On July 7th, an active shooter opened fire on the McAllen Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen, Texas. The attack resulted in three wounded, including McAllen Police Department Officer Ismael Garcia, who sustained a knee injury during the attack. Last week, De La Cruz visited Officer Garcia in recovery.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Survey by NASA’s Roman Could Unveil 100,000 Cosmic Explosions

    Source: NASA

    Scientists predict one of the major surveys by NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope may reveal around 100,000 celestial blasts, ranging from exploding stars to feeding black holes. Roman may even find evidence of some of the universe’s first stars, which are thought to completely self-destruct without leaving any remnant behind.

    Cosmic explosions offer clues to some of the biggest mysteries of the universe. One is the nature of dark energy, the mysterious pressure thought to be accelerating the universe’s expansion.
    “Whether you want to explore dark energy, dying stars, galactic powerhouses, or probably even entirely new things we’ve never seen before, this survey will be a gold mine,” said Benjamin Rose, an assistant professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, who led a study about the results. The paper is published in The Astrophysical Journal.
    Called the High-Latitude Time-Domain Survey, this observation program will scan the same large region of the cosmos every five days for two years. Scientists will stitch these observations together to create movies that uncover all sorts of cosmic fireworks.
    Chief among them are exploding stars. The survey is largely geared toward finding a special class of supernova called type Ia. These stellar cataclysms allow scientists to measure cosmic distances and trace the universe’s expansion because they peak at about the same intrinsic brightness. Figuring out how fast the universe has ballooned during different cosmic epochs offers clues to dark energy.

    In the new study, scientists simulated Roman’s entire High-Latitude Time-Domain Survey. The results suggest Roman could see around 27,000 type Ia supernovae—about 10 times more than all previous surveys combined.
    Beyond dramatically increasing our total sample of these supernovae, Roman will push the boundaries of how far back in time we can see them. While most of those detected so far occurred within approximately the last 8 billion years, Roman is expected to see vast numbers of them earlier in the universe’s history, including more than a thousand that exploded more than 10 billion years ago and potentially dozens from as far back as 11.5 billion years. That means Roman will almost certainly set a new record for the farthest type Ia supernova while profoundly expanding our view of the early universe and filling in a critical gap in our understanding of how the cosmos has evolved over time.
    “Filling these data gaps could also fill in gaps in our understanding of dark energy,” Rose said. “Evidence is mounting that dark energy has changed over time, and Roman will help us understand that change by exploring cosmic history in ways other telescopes can’t.”
    But type Ia supernovae will be hidden among a much bigger sample of exploding stars Roman will see once it begins science operations in 2027. The team estimates Roman will also spot about 60,000 core-collapse supernovae, which occur when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses under its own weight.
    That’s different from type Ia supernovae, which originate from binary star systems that contain at least one white dwarf — the small, hot core remnant of a Sun-like star — siphoning material from a companion star. Core-collapse supernovae aren’t as useful for dark energy studies as type Ias are, but their signals look similar from halfway across the cosmos.
    “By seeing the way an object’s light changes over time and splitting it into spectra — individual colors with patterns that reveal information about the object that emitted the light—we can distinguish between all the different types of flashes Roman will see,” said Rebekah Hounsell, an assistant research scientist at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County working at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland and a co-author of the study.
    “With the dataset we’ve created, scientists can train machine-learning algorithms to distinguish between different types of objects and sift through Roman’s downpour of data to find them,” Hounsell added. “While searching for type Ia supernovae, Roman is going to collect a lot of cosmic ‘bycatch’—other phenomena that aren’t useful to some scientists, but will be invaluable to others.”
    Hidden Gems
    Thanks to Roman’s large, deep view of space, scientists say the survey should also unearth extremely rare and elusive phenomena, including even scarcer stellar explosions and disintegrating stars.
    Upon close approach to a black hole, intense gravity can shred a star in a so-called tidal disruption event. The stellar crumbs heat up as they swirl around the black hole, creating a glow astronomers can see from across vast stretches of space-time. Scientists think Roman’s survey will unveil 40 tidal disruption events, offering a chance to learn more about black hole physics.
    The team also estimates Roman will find about 90 superluminous supernovae, which can be 100 times brighter than a typical supernova. They pack a punch, but scientists aren’t completely sure why. Finding more of them will help astronomers weigh different theories.
    Even rarer and more powerful, Roman could also detect several kilonovae. These blasts occur when two neutron stars — extremely dense cores leftover from stars that exploded as supernovae — collide. To date, there has been only one definitive kilonova detection. The team estimates Roman could spot five more.

    That would help astronomers learn much more about these mysterious events, potentially including their fate. As of now, scientists are unsure whether kilonovae result in a single neutron star, a black hole, or something else entirely.
    Roman may even spot the detonations of some of the first stars that formed in the universe. These nuclear furnaces were giants, up to hundreds of times more massive than our Sun, and unsullied by heavy elements that hadn’t yet formed.
    They were so massive that scientists think they exploded differently than modern massive stars do. Instead of reaching the point where a heavy star today would collapse, intense gamma rays inside the first stars may have turned into matter-antimatter pairs (electrons and positrons). That would drain the pressure holding the stars up until they collapsed, self-destructing in explosions so powerful they’re thought to leave nothing behind.
    So far, astronomers have found about half a dozen candidates of these “pair-instability” supernovae, but none have been confirmed.
    “I think Roman will make the first confirmed detection of a pair-instability supernova,” Rose said — in fact the study suggests Roman will find more than 10. “They’re incredibly far away and very rare, so you need a telescope that can survey a lot of the sky at a deep exposure level in near-infrared light, and that’s Roman.”
    A future rendition of the simulation could include even more types of cosmic flashes, such as variable stars and active galaxies. Other telescopes may follow up on the rare phenomena and objects Roman discovers to view them in different wavelengths of light to study them in more detail.
    “Roman’s going to find a whole bunch of weird and wonderful things out in space, including some we haven’t even thought of yet,” Hounsell said. “We’re definitely expecting the unexpected.”
    For more information about the Roman Space Telescope visit www.nasa.gov/roman.
    The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is managed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with participation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California; the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; and a science team comprising scientists from various research institutions. The primary industrial partners are BAE Systems Inc. in Boulder, Colorado; L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York; and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging in Thousand Oaks, California.
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN urges de-escalation, protection of civilians as conflict roils Syria

    Source: United Nations 2

    On Sunday, violence erupted between Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias in Sweida, two days after a Druze merchant was abducted on the highway to Damascus.

    The casualty figures are unclear according to local reports, but the death toll is at least 30, and hundreds have been injured.  

    As violent unrest continued Monday, interim government security forces were deployed to restore order, which reportedly led to clashes with local armed militia.

    On the same day, Israeli forces struck tanks under the control of Syrian forces in defence of the Druze, whom it considers a loyal minority at home and in the occupied Golan area, according to news reports.

    Shortly after forces of the caretaker government in Damascus arrived in Sweida on Tuesday, Syria’s defence chief announced a ceasefire.

    Tensions have historically been high between minority groups in the city since Islamist rebels toppled former president Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December and a new caretaker government was installed which is gaining increasing international recognition.

    Guterres expresses concern

    Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, addressed the situation in Syria on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres at Tuesday’s briefing in New York.

    “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the continued violence we have seen in the Druze-majority area in Sweida governorate,” Mr. Dujarric said, adding that he is particularly alarmed by reports of arbitrary violence against civilians.

    Mr. Guterres condemned “all violence against civilians, especially acts that risk enflaming sectarian tensions,” and urged de-escalation, protection of civilians and a transparent investigation into those responsible for the killings and injuries.

    Israel urged to end violations within Syria

    “The Secretary-General is also concerned by Israel’s airstrikes on Syria’s territory and calls on Israel to refrain from violations of Syria’s independence, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” Mr. Dujarric stressed.  

    Mr. Guterres urged support for “a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.” 

    Mr. Dujarric also relayed reports from UN humanitarian partners in Sweida, noting that medical services are overstretched and that markets and essential services – including water, electricity and education – have been disrupted.

    While UN aid operations have been suspended in impacted areas due to blocked roads, the UN is mobilising to respond when conditions allow. 

    Investigators raise alarm

    Also on Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council mandated Syria Commission of Inquiry released a statement expressing concern over the situation in Sweida and stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and the protection of human rights.

    The statement cited reports from local residents of killings, abductions, property burnings, looting and a rise in hate speech both online and in person.

    In addition to highlighting concern over sectarian violence and Israeli airstrikes, the Commission emphasized the interim government’s responsibility to uphold human rights and ensure safe passage and humanitarian aid access.

    The independent human rights investigators said they had begun an investigation into alleged human rights abuses related to the killings in Sweida in recent days.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association (GEER)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association is a volunteer organisation of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and earth scientists from academia, industry, government organisations, and non-profit organisations. GEER responds to geotechnical extreme events, conducting detailed reconnaissance and documenting its observations, to obtain valuable perishable information that can be used to advance research and improve engineering practice.

    GEER was formed as an outgrowth of grassroots efforts to investigate and document the geotechnical impacts of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, 1994 Northridge Earthquake, and 1995 Kobe Earthquake.

    Following these earthquakes, members of the geotechnical earthquake engineering community responded with ad hoc reconnaissance teams that relied on past personal and professional relationships. The National Science Foundation awarded a grant to GEER to help formalise post-disaster geotechnical engineering reconnaissance efforts.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces new public outreach campaign with LA Rises and launch of new AI permitting tool

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 15, 2025

    What you need to know: The LA Rises public outreach campaign will connect and support Angelenos impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires with resources for long-term recovery and rebuilding.

    LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a new public outreach campaign with LA Rises that will connect and support impacted Angelenos with key resources and share stories of community efforts to recover and rebuild for the long-term in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

    As the Altadena and Palisades communities move from immediate recovery to long-term rebuilding, LA Rises is a central place where Angelenos can find resources, learn about the status of recovery and rebuilding across sectors, and get reliable information from government sources, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders who are working in partnership to support the recovery of their shared hometown.

    Through partnerships with trusted community leaders and voices—like community organizers, local media, and faith leaders—this campaign will reach residents where they are, with information that is clear, timely, and rooted in care. The campaign will also spotlight individuals and community groups driving recovery on the ground.

    “Recovery isn’t just about physical rebuilding—it’s about trust, belonging, and community. The LA Rises outreach campaign is more than a short-term recovery effort; it’s a movement to build a future that supports everyone who calls Los Angeles home.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    AI permitting tool Archistar launches for early adopters

    Today also marks the beta launch of a new AI permitting tool made possible by a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners including LA Rises. The tool aims to fast track the approval process for rebuilding permits to help Angelenos get back into their homes following the Eaton and Palisades fires. The software, developed by Archistar, has the ability to check building designs for code compliance before submission and help property owners prevalidate plans, significantly reducing permit review timelines. 

    Residents who own a single-family home impacted by the Eaton Fire or the Palisades Fire are invited to sign up for the tool as an early adopter. Sign up here with Los Angeles city, and here with Los Angeles county.

    Looking ahead to long-term recovery

    In January, Governor Newsom announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together public and private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts.   

    In addition to communications and community outreach facilitated by the public outreach campaign, LA Rises will support long-term rebuilding by funding efforts across key priorities, including small business support, rebuilding and resilience, and mental health services — with a focus on partnering with the private and philanthropic sectors to unlock additional capital and find new and innovative tools to help communities build back faster and stronger. In addition to partnering with Archistar to fund the AI permitting tool, the philanthropic arm of LA Rises has contributed to the LA County small business relief grants program to help impacted business owners get back on their feet. 

    In the coming months, the LA Rises public outreach campaign will highlight progress and share trusted information related to the top rebuilding priorities as outlined by the LA County Forward BluePrint for Recovery; Helping families and businesses access financial support to return home, fast-tracking permitting and rebuilding, and bringing back everyday services and public assets to make neighborhoods livable again.

    To learn more about the campaign, visit www.larises.org and follow @larisestogether on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 15, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Despite a concerted misinformation campaign driven by Republicans – from the President to state lawmakers – to create confusion around gas prices in California, prices actually remain lower now than they were one week ago, one month ago and one year…

    Jul 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is advancing California’s efficiency strategy by connecting state agencies with tech executives to identify new opportunities for efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness throughout the state government to improve services…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Strengthening risk-informed humanitarian shelter through DRR and environment integration: UNDRR–Global Shelter Cluster collaboration in Madagascar, Yemen and Nigeria

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    As disasters grow more frequent and severe, humanitarian shelter assistance must go beyond crisis response. Climate-related hazards are increasingly impacting vulnerable populations, whether in stable and strong governmental engagement with the international community like Madagascar, or in fragile and conflict-affected contexts such as Yemen and Nigeria, while funding remains insufficient.

    In these different settings, shelter assistance remains life saving and critical but is too often reactive, with a short-term vision which results in the same communities to be exposed to repeated risks. Shelter is not just a roof overhead; it is the frontline of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), where choices about location, materials and design directly influence safety, dignity and survival. Rebuilding the same shelter after each hazard is inefficient, costly and undignified. As emphasized by the 2030 Global Shelter Cluster Strategy, the Shelter and Settlement sector must shift from reactive response to anticipatory action, with DRR as a fundamental enabler of that shift.

    Since 2023, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Shelter Cluster have been working together to help break this cycle by strengthening the integration of DRR and environmental considerations in humanitarian shelter and settlements coordination and response. Key outputs include:

    • Global guidance on entry points for DRR in conflict and non-conflict shelter operations, including ecosystem-based DRR;
    • Environment and climate tip sheets for the 2025 Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC), to support needs assessment and response planning phases;
    • Technical support to shelter responses in Madagascar, Yemen and Nigeria.

    Madagascar: Operationalizing DRR strategy for shelter

    In Madagascar, where communities face recurring cyclone impacts, the national Shelter Cluster, with UNDRR support, established a national DRR Technical Working Group (DRR/TWIG) in 2024. This group was tasked with the development of a national DRR strategy for shelter, including:

    In early 2025, the SOP for response was pilot-tested in Atsimo Andrefana and Androy regions by Action Against Hunger (ACF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI). The pilots confirmed the SOP value for structuring response and enhancing coordination, while also identifying needs for further adaptation (e.g. local language translation and community sensitization).

    Yemen: Localised action to reduce flood risk

    In Yemen, over 4 million people remain displaced, many living in informal sites on flood-prone terrain. In 2024 alone, flash-floods affected more than 100,000 households across 22 governorates, with 571 IDP sites facing high risk of flooding.

    Working with UNHCR and Yemen Shelter/CCCM Cluster, and supported by UNDRR, Yemen Al-Khair for Relief and Development (YARD) led a set of community-driven flood mitigation initiatives, including:

    • Flood risk assessments in Sana’a, Ibb, Hajjah, Al-Jawf and Sa’ada;
    • Construction of a 2.5 km flood diversion channel, reinforced with bems, in Al-Mahzam Al-Sharqi (Al-Hazm District);
    • Installation of eco-DRR measures such as erosion-resistant barriers using local materials to protect shelters and redirect runoff;
    • Transitional shelter upgrades, hazard mapping and drainage maintenance;
    • Formation of community-based DRR committees for early warning and infrastructure maintenance.

    This cost-efficient intervention directly reduce exposure for 2,800 displaced and host community members, combining technical design with strong local ownership. A second phase of support is continuing in 2025, expanding DRR integration and capacity building across additional high-risk sites.

    Crucially, these interventions were locally led. In Yemen, women-led community groups designed flood protection that saved entire neighbourhoods. Local leadership not only reduces costs, it delivers faster, more durable results.

    A simple drainage system or a protective wall can mean the difference between devastation and safety.

    Yemen is facing a climate crisis, with floods, droughts, heatwaves and rising seas making life even harder for communities already affected by conflict

    Nigeria: Building capacity for shelter resilience

    In Nigeria, conflict and climate-related displacement continues to escalate, yet many humanitarian actors are forced to close or reduce operations due to funding cuts. In June 2025, UNDRR and the Global Shelter Cluster co-hosted a DRR Workshop to build national capacity for DRR in humanitarian shelter.

    The event brought together 30 participants from the government, humanitarian and environmental sectors. It aimed to:

    This engagement represents a first step toward a contextualized roadmap for risk-informed shelter interventions in Nigeria’s conflict- and climate-affected areas.

    Looking ahead: From reactive to resilient

    The UNDRR-Global Shelter Cluster partnership is leading a shift in humanitarian shelter practice: from reactive responses to risk-informed, forward-looking approaches. Preparedness and risk reduction are not optional – they are essential pillars of effective humanitarian shelter. Risk-informed shelter design is one of the most direct, immediate tools we have to reduce hazard impacts and protect communities in crisis.

    By equipping national actors with tools, technical guidance and targeted in-country support, the initiative is helping shape shelter and settlement approaches that are safer, more inclusive and more sustainable. This reflects a broader shift across the sector: DRR is not an afterthought and must be integrated from the start of humanitarian responses.

    Learn more about the UNDRR-GSC collaboration.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom advances government effectiveness and efficiency with new executive order, launches task force with tech industry leaders

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 15, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom is advancing California’s efficiency strategy by connecting state agencies with tech executives to identify new opportunities for efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness throughout the state government to improve services for Californians. 

    SACRAMENTO – Continuing his strategy to make California government more efficient, engaged, and effective, Governor Gavin Newsom today is announcing a new initiative — the California Breakthrough Project — which brings together innovators and leaders from the Golden State’s top tech companies to help guide this work.

    The group will work closely with leaders and front-line employees from state agencies to identify opportunities to further streamline and improve government operations, building on the Governor’s announcement earlier this year. In addition to this effort, the Governor signed an executive order today directing every state agency to implement efficiency measures and create new initiatives to help direct and engage the entire state workforce in these efforts.

    “The Golden State continues to lead in efficiency, strategically implementing technologies and practices that make Californians’ lives better. As the birthplace of modern tech, our state is uniquely positioned to bring the best and the brightest together to advance our work. We will not shy away from progress, but embrace it for the benefit of all Californians, including our state workforce.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Artificial intelligence is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. Home to Silicon Valley and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of the 50 top AI companies worldwide.

    California Breakthrough Project 

    Utilizing the best and the brightest of California’s tech industry, Governor Newsom today announced that he convened tech executives and innovators to kick off the California Breakthrough Project, a group that will help advise and advance government efficiency and collaboration. The group, which first met on June 6 at the Ripple headquarters, includes leaders from companies including AME Cloud Ventures, Anduril, Coinbase, Instacart, Moonpay, Scopely, Snap Inc., Asheesh Birla (Investor), Ron Conway (Founder, SV Angel), Chris Larsen (Executive Chair, Ripple), Jeff Lawson (Co-founder and former CEO, Twilio), Jen Pahlka (author of Recording America), and Jason Wheeler (former CFO of Tesla), and will:

    • Foster collaboration between state decision-makers and experts from tech, business, and innovation sectors.
    • Bring innovation and new ideas to identify and address systemic inefficiencies in government processes, services, and technology.
    • Generate new California challenge-based efforts to catalyze modern solutions within public services.
    • Maintain public transparency, labor and civil society consultation, and ethical safeguards throughout the innovation process.

    This project continues the Governor’s work to include the voices of experts in public policy and the management of AI. In May 2024, Governor Newsom co-hosted a GenAI summit with leaders across academia, industry, civil society, and government to discuss how the state can best use this transformative technology on behalf of Californians.

    Meeting at Ripple headquarters on June 6. (Photo credit: Governor’s Office)

    Leading in government efficiency 

    Governor Newsom has made efficiency a top priority since the start of his Administration. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation, a group of technology experts dedicated to supporting other state agencies, departments, and employees to utilize data, technology, and principles of human-centered design common in the private sector to improve the delivery of services to Californians. 

    Prioritizing efficiency and innovation — with appropriate safeguards protecting privacy, safety, and civil liberties — Governor Newsom has:

    • Overhauled and modernized the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times, expand online services, and improve customer service.
    • Implemented new cutting-edge technologies to fight wildfires, including cameras across the state and data modeling to predict where wildfires might occur, deployment of drones, and improved incident reporting.
    • Issued an executive order directing state agencies to implement GenAI into state government operations and help support the work of front-line employees.
    • Expedited the procurement process through an innovative Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2), which allows state agencies to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments. Through this expedited process, California has already announced three important contracts, using GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve traffic safety, and enhance customer service.
       

    Efficiency for the benefit of Californians

    Today, the Governor is issuing a new executive order to help further integrate efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness into state operations — working with the state workforce to create new tools to improve government work.  The order will help achieve Governor Newsom’s vision of transforming state government, by ending slow and complicated bureaucratic processes and moving to an efficient, collaborative, and more productive model that effectively delivers real outcomes and value for all Californians

    The order directs the state agencies to further modernize processes around hiring, procurement, contracts, and strive for faster and better public-facing service deliveries to Californians. To increase engagement with the state workforce, the Governor is announcing that the state will begin providing California’s innovative deliberative democracy platform, Engaged California, to help the state workforce generate new ideas to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement across state agencies. Last, the order creates a new Innovative Fellows Program comprising state staff with a mission of collaborating to address unique statewide challenges through innovative ideas. 

    Leading in engagement

    Governor Newsom has implemented new technologies through the Office of Data and Innovation, including the groundbreaking Engaged California project. This first-in-the-nation digital democracy platform is currently being used as part of a pilot project to listen to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. The pilot is entering its final recruitment phase this week after getting early ideas and feedback from Angelenos about what is most important during the rebuilding process

    Leading in innovation

    In August 2024, the state partnered with NVIDIA to launch a first-of-its-kind AI collaboration. The initiative, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and NVIDIA founder & CEO Jensen Huang, aims to train students, educators and workers; support job creation and promote innovation; and use AI to solve challenges that can improve the lives of Californians

    Staying ahead of threats 

    Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers’ digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content. 

    Recent news

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 78 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Attorney’s fees: book accounts.AB 223 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – Jury selection: acknowledgment and…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: Clean energy reliably powered California to levels never seen before – 67% in 2023 – as renewable energy and clean resources continue to advance the state’s world-leading energy transition while fueling the nation’s largest clean energy…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Schlakman, Senior Program Director, The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Florida State University

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leads a tour of the new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility for President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    The state of Florida has opened a migrant detention center in the Everglades. Its official name is Alligator Alcatraz, a reference to the former maximum security federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay.

    While touring Alligator Alcatraz on July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump said, “This facility will house some of the menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.” But new reporting from the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times reveals that of more than 700 detainees, only a third have criminal convictions.

    To find out more about the state of Florida’s involvement in immigration enforcement and who can be detained at Alligator Alcatraz, The Conversation spoke with Mark Schlakman. Schlakman is a lawyer and senior program director for The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. He also served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, working as a liaison of sorts with the federal government during the mid-1990s when tens of thousands of Haitians and Cubans fled their island nations on makeshift boats, hoping to reach safe haven in Florida.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the migrants being detained in facilities like Alligator Alcatraz as “murderers and rapists and traffickers and drug dealers.” Do we know if the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have been convicted of these sorts of crimes?

    The Times/Herald published a list of 747 current detainees as of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Their reporters found that about a third of the detainees have criminal convictions, including attempted murder, illegal reentry to the U.S., which is a federal crime, and traffic violations. Apparently hundreds more have charges pending, though neither the federal nor state government have made public what those charges are.

    There are also more than 250 detainees with no criminal history, just immigration violations.

    Is it a crime for someone to be in the U.S. without legal status? In other words, is an immigration violation a crime?

    No, not necessarily. It’s well established as a matter of law that physical presence in the U.S. without proper authorization is a civil violation, not a criminal offense.

    However, if the federal government previously deported someone, they can be subject to federal criminal prosecution if they attempt to return without permission. That appears to be the case with some of the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz.

    What usually happens if a noncitizen commits a crime in the U.S.?

    Normally, if a foreign national is accused of committing a crime, they are prosecuted in a state court just like anyone else. If found guilty and sentenced to incarceration, they complete their sentence in a state prison. Once they’ve served their time, state officials can hand them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. They are subject to deportation, but a federal immigration judge can hear any grounds for relief.

    DHS has clarified that it “has not implemented, authorized, directed or funded” Alligator Alcatraz, but rather the state of Florida is providing startup funds and running this facility. What is Florida’s interest in this? Are these mostly migrants who have been scooped up by ICE in Florida?

    It’s still unclear where most of these detainees were apprehended. But based on a list of six detainees released by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, it is clear that at least some were apprehended outside of Florida, and others simply may have been transferred to Alligator Alcatraz from federal custody elsewhere.

    This calls to mind the time in 2022 when Gov. Ron DeSantis flew approximately 50 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts at Florida taxpayer expense. Those migrants also had no discernible presence in Florida.

    To establish Alligator Alcatraz, DeSantis leveraged an immigration emergency declaration, which has been ongoing since Jan. 6, 2023. A state of emergency allows a governor to exercise extraordinary executive authority. This is how he avoided requirements such as environmental impact analysis in the Everglades and concerns expressed by tribal governance surrounding that area.

    For now, the governor’s declaration remains unchallenged by the Florida Legislature. Environmental advocates have filed a lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz, and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision by a federal judge temporarily barring Florida from enforcing its new immigration laws, which DeSantis had championed. But no court has yet intervened to contest this prolonged state of emergency.

    This presents a stark contrast to Gov. Lawton Chiles’ declaration of an immigration emergency during the mid-1990s. At that time, tens of thousands of Cubans and Haitians attempted to reach Florida shores in virtually anything that would float. Chiles’ actions as governor were informed by his experience as a U.S. senator during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when 125,000 Cubans made landfall in Florida over the course of just six months.

    Chiles sued the Clinton administration for failing to adequately enforce U.S. immigration law. But Chiles also entered into unprecedented agreements with the federal government, such as the 1996 Florida Immigration Initiative with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. His intent was to protect Florida taxpayers while enhancing federal enforcement capacity, without dehumanizing people fleeing desperate circumstances.

    During my tenure on Chiles’ staff, the governor generally opposed state legislation involving immigration. In the U.S.’s federalist system of government, immigration falls under the purview of the federal government, not the states. Chiles’ primary concern was that Floridians wouldn’t be saddled with what ought to be federal costs and responsibilities.

    Chiles was open to state and local officials supporting federal immigration enforcement. But he was mindful this required finesse to avoid undermining community policing, public health priorities and the economic health of key Florida businesses and industries. To this day, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s position reflects Chiles’ concerns about such cooperation with the federal government.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis outlines his plans for Alligator Alcatraz to the media on July 1, 2025.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Now, in 2025, DeSantis has taken a decidedly different tack by using Florida taxpayer dollars to establish Alligator Alcatraz. The state of Florida has fronted the US$450 million to pay for this facility. DeSantis reportedly intends to seek reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. Ultimately, congressional action may be necessary to obtain reimbursement. Florida is essentially lending the federal government half a billion dollars and providing other assistance to help support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.

    Florida is also establishing another migrant detention facility at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Jacksonville. A third apparently is being contemplated for the Panhandle.

    ICE claims that the ultimate decision of whom to detain at these facilities belongs to the state of Florida, through the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Members of Congress who visited Alligator Alcatraz earlier this week have disputed ICE’s claim that Florida is in charge.

    You advised Florida Division of Emergency Management leadership directly for several years during the administrations of Gov. Charlie Crist and Gov. Rick Scott. Does running a detention facility like Alligator Alcatraz fall within its typical mission?

    The division is tasked with preparing for and responding to both natural and human-caused disasters. In Florida, that generally means hurricanes. While the division may engage to facilitate shelter, I don’t recall any policies or procedures contemplating anything even remotely similar to Alligator Alcatraz.

    DeSantis could conceivably argue that this is consistent with a 287(g) agreement authorizing state and local support for federal immigration enforcement. But such agreements typically require federal supervision of state and local activities, not the other way around.

    Mark Schlakman served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and as a consultant to Emilio Gonzalez at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during his tenure as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director during the George W. Bush administration.

    – ref. Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees – https://theconversation.com/florida-is-fronting-the-450m-cost-of-alligator-alcatraz-a-legal-scholar-explains-what-we-still-dont-know-about-the-detainees-260665

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Severe earthquake response capacity – E-002828/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002828/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    The EU’s stockpiling and medical countermeasures preparedness strategies, adopted to strengthen the Union’s crisis response capacity along with health security, are to be welcomed – despite the incomprehensible delay in this.

    What specific measures is the Commission considering, as part of these strategies, to strengthen the crisis response force for deployment in the event of severe earthquakes in EU countries?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Re-emergence of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece – aid needed for affected livestock farmers – E-002766/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002766/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

    There has been a particularly strong re-emergence of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece, mainly in Thessaly, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Chalkidiki and Fokida. As a result of this crisis, tens of thousands of animals have been killed, extensive areas have been placed under quarantine, animal movements have been prohibited, slaughterhouse operations have been suspended and livestock farmers, especially pastoral farmers, have seen their incomes plummet.

    This all takes place in a broader context of lack of prevention, inadequate checks on imports from non-EU countries (in particular the Balkans) and understaffing of veterinary services. This new combination of factors comes on top of a series of natural disasters (Cyclone Ianos, storms Daniel and Elias), which have already placed considerable strain on livestock farming in the Greek region, which is now under threat of total collapse, with wider consequences for the agri-food sector, landscape conservation, the local economy and national livestock production.

    In view of the seriousness of the situation, will the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it intend to activate European mechanisms for affected Greek farmers?
    • 2.Does it intend to strengthen monitoring, checks and veterinary care, particularly in border regions, through animal health protection programmes?
    • 3.Does it consider that pastoral livestock farming – as a form of sustainable and extensive farming – requires specific support under the new CAP and the EU’s mountain and rural policies?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dropout of White Supremacist Gang Sentenced for Drug and Firearms Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A key figure in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug and firearms trafficking ring tied to white supremacist gangs was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegal firearms in Albuquerque.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, an 18-month FBI investigation initiated in 2021 targeted a drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and racially motivated violent extremist groups in Albuquerque, New Mexico. James Casady Cangro, 45, a former member of the Soldiers of Aryan Culture prison gang, was previously identified as a key figure in the white supremacist network before dropping out of the gang. The investigation revealed Cangro’s involvement in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl sourced from Arizona, as well as illegal firearms possession and trafficking.

    Cangro selfie displaying tattoos

    In September 2021, a search of Cangro’s residence in southeast Albuquerque by U.S. Probation Officers uncovered a ballistic vest, methamphetamine pipes, anabolic steroids and handcuffs. Cell phone evidence further corroborated his drug and firearms activities. In April 2022, the FBI executed multiple search warrants, seizing over 35,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, nine firearms, and other contraband, though Cangro evaded an initial warrant by relocating. Surveillance later tracked him to northeast Albuquerque, where he continued to offer firearms and fentanyl for sale.

    On April 19, 2022, Cangro was arrested in California, where corrections officials discovered 45 fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in his possession during a strip search. A subsequent search of his Albuquerque residence uncovered 11 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, additional drugs, and a ballistic vest. Cangro was subsequently charged with and pled guilty to two counts of possession of body armor by a violent felon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of possession of unregistered firearms, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    Upon his release from prison, Cangro will be subject to five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    Alabama lands 34 percent of all recreationally caught Red Snapper in the Gulf
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to target cartel members who are illegally catching and smuggling red snapper and tuna imports into the country.
    “This is great news for our hardworking fishermen who have worked overtime to compete with Mexican cartels flooding our markets with illegal red snapper,” said Senator Tuberville. “It’s also a win for every American because it cuts off the cash flow to cartels, which have been terrorizing our communities. I’ll continue standing up for our fishermen and fighting to preserve the outdoor activities Alabamians enjoy.”
    The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper or tuna imported into the United States. Snapper poaching continues to be an issue across the Gulf of America, as Mexican fishermen illegally catch red snapper, smuggle it into their country, and then rip off American consumers by selling our fish back to us. 
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Mexican fishermen cross the maritime border between Texas and Mexico on small boats called “lanchas” to illegally catch red snapper in U.S. waters and return to Mexico. The fish are sold in Mexico or mixed in with legally-caught red snapper then exported back into the United States across land borders. Red snapper is one of the most well-managed and profitable fish in the Gulf of America, but illegal fishing by Mexican lanchas puts law-abiding U.S. fishermen and seafood producers at a competitive disadvantage. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities violate both national and international fishing regulations.
    Cartels engaged in drug smuggling and human trafficking also engage in the profitable illegal fishing of red snapper. The same fishing boats and fishermen who catch red snapper also smuggle drugs and humans for the cartels, and these profits support the organization.
    Technology exists to chemically test and find the geographic origin of many foods, but not for red snapper or tuna. With the help of machine learning, NIST scientists are currently able to chemically determine the geographic origin of foods, including strawberries, apples, cherries, ginseng, ginkgo, beef, honey, and rice. Using those same methodologies, these scientists believe it would be possible to determine the geographic origin of red snapper, allowing law enforcement to have a better understanding of the networks that support illegal fishing.
    The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would develop a field test kit the Coast Guard could use to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in Mexico or U.S. waters, thus allowing federal and state law enforcement officers to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper or tuna before it is imported back into the U.S. It would also reduce the financial incentives for the crime, since the fish could no longer be sold back into the United States. If successful, this method could be expanded to identify other IUU fish.
    MORE:
    Tuberville Takes Aim At Cartels Engaged in Illegal Red Snapper Fishing
    Tuberville Voices Concerns About New Federal Red Snapper Limits
    Tuberville, Colleagues Advocate for Management Flexibility to Preserve Red Snapper Season
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

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

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

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

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Applauds House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Approval of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

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

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions, including securing our borders, facilitating maritime commerce, ensuring maritime safety, and more.

    The bill was first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward in strengthening our national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard,” Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill provides the tools, training, and technology our service members need to stay mission-ready — whether it’s securing our borders, responding to disasters, or ensuring safe maritime commerce. It also builds on the Force Design 2028 strategy to prepare the Coast Guard for the evolving challenges of tomorrow. I’m especially proud that language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill I introduced, is included in this package, helping to ensure strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service. I look forward to seeing this vital legislation come up for a vote on the House floor in the near future.”

    “This bill provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders,” T&I Committee Chairman Graves said. “The legislation builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgraded shoreside infrastructure, and it establishes a Coast Guard Service Secretary to provide the Coast Guard parity with other military services and a voice to advocate for its needs. Members of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, a fact clearly demonstrated again during the response to the recent flooding in Texas when Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team helped save over 165 lives. This committee has a responsibility to make sure that these and all the heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources they need to carry out their missions, and this bill does that.”

    “Today’s advancement of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 was a welcome return to this Committee’s bipartisan work,” T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen said. “This bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe. I look forward to this bill swiftly reaching the House floor.”

    “Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense,” Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal said. “This bipartisan bill delivers critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.”

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.  These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.  

    The bill also creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee introduced last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor.  

    Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lawler, Strickland Tackle Extreme Heat and Modernize Transit Corridors

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 7/15/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Cool Corridors Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation focuses on mitigating extreme heat in urban areas by investing in tree canopies and shade infrastructure along transit corridors, sidewalks, bus stops, school zones, and underserved neighborhoods. 

    “In the Lower Hudson Valley, extreme heat causes serious damage to our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, impacting families’ daily routines and expenses during the hottest months of the year. This bill will cool down our streets and transit corridors, helping protect our infrastructure and create safer, more comfortable neighborhoods for everyone. By investing in public works projects now, we will save taxpayers’ money in the long run and improve the quality of life for our communities,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Co-Chair of the Extreme Heat Caucus. 

    “As temperatures climb and heatwaves become more severe, we must ensure our communities are equipped to stay cool, safe, and livable,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “My bill promotes smart investments to improve public health, improve our infrastructure, make our communities more walkable and resilient.” 

    “At Trust for Public Land, we know that access to nature isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. That’s why we support this effort to reauthorize the Healthy Streets Program,” said Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land. “Through our work with communities across the country, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of trees, and how planting them in urban and rural neighborhoods alike results in added shade along with cleaner air, improved health outcomes, more local jobs, and documented protection from extreme temperatures and climate events.” 

    “Extreme heat is now the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., and it’s only getting worse. Trees are one of our most effective defenses—especially in the places where people are most exposed, like sidewalks, transit corridors, and bus stops. The Cool Corridors Act delivers smart, science-based investments in shade where people need it most. It’s a practical, proven way to protect public health and create safer, more connected neighborhoods. Led by Representatives Strickland and Rep. Lawler, this is bipartisan leadership turning down the temperature on extreme heat. We thank them for the coolest legislation of the summer and for championing life-saving, locally driven solutions that communities urgently need,” said Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Policy, American Forests. 

    The Cool Corridors Act aims to improve public health outcomes by addressing urban heat islands, reducing air and noise pollution, and decreasing stormwater runoff. Additionally, it promotes local workforce development through urban forestry job training, preserves existing roadside vegetation, and strengthens long-term maintenance and climate resilience strategies.  

    The bill also calls for interagency coordination across the Departments of Transportation, Energy, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It ensures accountability through community engagement and robust data reporting on environmental and public health outcomes. 

    House Cosponsors include: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rep. Steven Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Josh Harder (CA-09). 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Kennedy Antonio Ramirez Acosta. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Ramirez Acosta, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-239

    Ventura Rivera Arteaga; Ruben Amadow Meza Medina. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 & 4); Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 5 & 6). Rivera Arteaga, 40, a Mexican national, and Meza Medina, 20, a Mexican national, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. They are separately charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and maintaining two separate residences for fentanyl distribution. Additionally, Rivera Arteaga is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-229

    Elijah Lee Chandler, Jr.  Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Chandler, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and with possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-231

    Douglas Eugene Chaney.Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Chaney, 50, of Tulsa, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from April to May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-230

    Daniel Contreras-Martinez.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Contreras-Martinez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2008. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-244

    Ramey Joe-Don Dill. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Dill, 38, of Ochelata, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender in May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-232

    Luis Flores-Rodriguez.Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Flores-Rodriguez, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-245

    Franklin Francisco Gioani-Arubio. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gioani-Arubio, 31, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-246

    Jarod Wade Jenkins. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jenkins, 26, of Hominy, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-247

    Thomas William Martin.Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Martin, 42, of Mannford, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct. He is additionally charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Heign and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-233

    Felecia Martinez. Attempted Bulk Cash Smuggling Out of the United States. Martinez, 40, of Tulsa and a member of the Potawatomi Nation Tribe, is charged with concealing $32,950 in cash and attempting to transport it to Mexico. At the time of the offense, Martinez was on pre-trial release in the Northern District of Oklahoma related to a case charging her with drug conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Department of Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team, and the Laredo Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-234

    Sebastain Quino-Velasco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Quino-Velasco, 51, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2010. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-248

    Rebecca Dawn Quintero Torres. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony. Quintero-Torres, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in June 2025. She is further charged with using the United Parcel Service and knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-240

    Dominic Rocky Torres. Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Hobbs Act Robbery; Aiding and Abetting Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Use of Minor in Crime of Violence (superseding). Torres, 22, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with conspiring with others and aiding and abetting others to obstruct commerce by robbery. Further, he knowingly aided and abetted in brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, Torres intentionally used a minor child to commit a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd and Jessica Wright are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-112

    Luciano Vasquez, Jr. Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Varquez, 58, of Sand Springs, is charged with conspiring with others to launder more than $16 million, including depositing two fraudulent United States Treasury tax refund checks totaling more than $727,800. The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-242

    John Edgar Williams, IV; Jeremy Mindez Ruff; Savannah D’naisha May Gage; Nevaeh Charise Cox; Trinity Rinique Goudeau; Shavari Shantell Melton; Vanessa Lashay Bell; Ashley Elaine Charles. Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (Count 1); Transporting an Individual for Prostitution (Counts 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, and 13); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Count 4); Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 5); Sex Trafficking (Counts 6 & 12); Sex Trafficking a Minor (Counts 8, 11, and 14) (superseding). Williams, 38, Gage, 25, Cox, 39, Goudeau, 24, Melton, 20, Bell, 20, Charles, 37, of Tulsa, and Ruff, 39, of Dallas, Texas, are charged with conspiring with each other to recruit, entice, and harbor a person by threats of force to engage in a commercial sex act for payment. Williams, Gage, Ruff, and Goudeau are charged separately for transporting people to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities. Williams, Ruff, Gage, Cox, Goudeau, Melton, and Charles are further charged with using interstate and foreign commerce to promote and manage a business enterprise involving prostitution. Ruff, Cox, Gage, Goudeau, and Melton are charged with recruiting and enticing minor children, between 14 and 18 years old, to engage in sexually explicit acts. Additionally, Williams, Gage, and Goudeau are charged with benefiting financially from recruiting, harboring, and providing transportation to an individual to engage in commercial sex acts. Lastly, Cox is further charged with knowingly distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The Tulsa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore, John Brasher, and John W. Dowdell are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-197

    Allan Ray Wright; Jamie Lynn Wright. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Allan Wright, 30, and Jamie Wright, 32, of Tulsa are charged with attempting to coerce a minor child they believed to be under 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit activity. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Owasso Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-241

    MIL Security OSI –