NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman Charged With Discharging Firearm During Assault of United States Border Patrol Agent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Teresa Youngblut, 21, and who is believed to be from Washington state, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of using a deadly weapon while assaulting a United States Border Patrol agent, and one count of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to that assault. Her initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

    According to the charging affidavit, during the afternoon of January 20, 2025, a United States Border Patrol agent initiated a traffic stop of a Toyota Prius on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. The car was occupied by Youngblut and a man who was a citizen of Germany and whose immigration status was in question. Youngblut and her companion had come to the attention of law enforcement a few days earlier when a hotel employee in Lyndonville expressed concern about them being dressed in tactical clothing and protective gear, while also being armed. Law enforcement also observed the couple in the Prius earlier on January 20 at a Walmart parking lot in Newport, Vermont. At that time, the German man was seen wrapping unidentifiable objects with aluminum foil while seated in the vehicle.

    According to the affidavit, during the January 20 vehicle stop, both Youngblut and her companion were armed. During the stop, Youngblut fired her handgun without warning toward at least one of the Border Patrol Agents while outside the vehicle. Her German companion also tried to draw a firearm, and at least one Border Patrol Agent fired his service weapon. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Border Patrol Agent David Maland sustaining fatal injuries. Youngblut and her companion were also shot. The German man was pronounced dead at the scene, and Youngblut was taken to the hospital for medical care.

    The investigation into this incident is ongoing. It is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance from the Vermont State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, the Newport, Vermont, Police Department, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher stated: “The events leading to this prosecution tragically demonstrate how the men and women of law enforcement regularly put their lives on the line as they try to keep our communities and our country safe. The United States Attorney’s Office is deeply grateful for those with the courage to do such dangerous work. We intend to honor them, and the memory of Border Patrol Agent Maland, by performing our prosecutorial duties so that justice may be done.” Drescher also commended the investigative collaboration demonstrated by the FBI, Vermont State Police, ATF, and the other agencies involved.

    Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office, stated: “Agent Maland bravely served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He continued that service when he answered the call to protect and serve as a law enforcement officer, making him a shining example of service over self. This arrest proves the FBI, together with our partners, will work diligently to ensure any individual who uses a firearm to assault such a public servant will be brought to justice.”

    “The senseless and tragic killing of a United States Border Patrol agent is a stark reminder of the immense sacrifices law enforcement officers make to protect our nation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Boston Field Division. “ATF stands resolute with our partners to bring justice to the individual responsible. Our deepest condolences go out to the agent’s family, colleagues, and all who are grieving this profound loss.”

    Chief United States Border Patrol Agent Robert Garcia stated: “We appreciate all our law enforcement partners’ response to this tragic event as we continue our mission of protecting this nation’s border and ensuring public safety.”

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations and that Youngblut is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Youngblut faces a maximum prison sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years if convicted of the charges in the complaint. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Youngblut is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Seeks Multi-Family Properties to House Georgia Storm Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA Seeks Multi-Family Properties to House Georgia Storm Survivors

    FEMA is seeking multi-family properties that can be used as temporary housing for eligible survivors of Hurricane Helene. These units must meet local, state and federal housing regulations. Multi-family properties for consideration should be in and around the communities affected by Hurricane Helene, to include Appling, Berrien, Burke, Clinch, Coffee, Emanuel, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lanier, Lowndes, McDuffie and Toombs counties. FEMA encourages all interested multifamily properties to consider participating. The deadline for property owners and managers to reply to this request for information is Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Interested parties will need to email FEMA-dr4830ga-mlrrfi@fema.dhs.gov.What is Multi-Family Lease and Repair program?Multi-Family Lease and Repair (MLR) is a form of temporary housing assistance that allows FEMA to repair or make improvements to existing multifamily rental/residential property for the purpose of providing temporary housing to eligible FEMA applicants. The properties in MLR are to be offered as temporary housing to eligible disaster survivors. The properties must be available for a term of no less than 18 months, with the option of a lease extension. The properties should be complexes that are able to accommodate a considerable number of people in a single location. Each property must have been previously used as a multifamily housing complex and contain multiple rental units. Hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. are not considered residential properties and are not authorized for MLR. The site must be repairable to local, state and federal regulations within a four-month period and cannot be located in a floodway. MLR is not intended to repair or improve individual units to rehouse existing tenants.What conditions does the property need to meet?All property management companies or owners must register to do business with FEMA through the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov.The property owner must provide all property management services, including building maintenance.The vacant units on the property must be available to be leased exclusively to FEMA for use as temporary housing for eligible survivors for a term expiring no earlier than 18 months, with the possibility of contract extension.The property must be in an area with access to community and wraparound services such as accessible public transportation, schools, fire and emergency services, grocery stores, etc.Each unit must provide complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons and contain permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation.The property must contain multiple units.The property must have been previously used as multifamily housing.The property owner must agree to allow FEMA to make reasonable accommodation and/or modification repairs or improvements during the term of the lease without requiring FEMA to remove the improvements at the end of the lease agreement. What other terms or conditions are there?A provision granting FEMA exclusive use of the units and sole discretion to identify and select occupants during the term of the lease agreement.A provision granting FEMA the option of releasing the unit to the owner and ceasing all monthly payments for the unit at any time by providing 30 days’ notice.A provision incorporating a lease addendum containing FEMA’s conditions of eligibility and termination of tenancy and eviction into any lease between the property owner and the occupant. A provision agreeing to waive credit screening for eligible applicants.A provision allowing FEMA to reassign a vacated unit when eligible applicants need temporary housing assistance, and a unit becomes available before the end of the period of assistance.Property owners must be current and in good standing with property mortgage payments and ensure mortgage standing verification is provided as well as proof of ownership. What information is requested?Interested property owners should provide the following information:Name of complex, location, owner name and phone number or contact information (if not property owner)Status of property’s mortgage payments.Total number of housing units within the property.Number of vacant housing units containing a separate bathroom, kitchen, and living space.Number of vacant housing units available for FEMA exclusive use.Number of vacant housing units compliant with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards and/or features that provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Description of repairs and improvements required to make the housing units habitable. Description of repairs currently underway, if applicable.Projected length of time required to make the housing units habitable (from execution of the contract). Year building was constructed (if known).Years the building was used for multi-family housing.Rental rates during the last year of operation (state whether utilities were included, and if so, which ones).Pet restrictions, such as type, number, or size, and applicable pet deposits; andNumber of parking spaces (including accessible and van-accessible) available for each housing unit. Where do I respond to the request for information?Interested property owners or management companies must provide responses and comments on or before Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at 5:00pm EST to FEMA-dr4830ga-mlrrfi@fema.dhs.gov. The email subject line should read:  RFI# RFI70FBR425I00000008_DR4830GA  Response: FEMA-dr4830ga-mlrrfi@fema.dhs.gov.More information about this opportunity can be found at SAM.gov.The RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP0), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Quotation (RFQ), and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the government to enter into a contract, nor will the government pay for the information submitted in response to this request. Response to this notification will be used to determine which properties meet the Direct Lease criteria and provide the most timely and cost-effective means of providing direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors. FEMA wants to obtain market information or capabilities for planning purposes. For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.                                                                                    ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.
    jakia.randolph
    Fri, 01/24/2025 – 20:07

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Seeks Property Management Companies in Georgia for Direct Lease

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Seeks Property Management Companies in Georgia for Direct Lease

    FEMA Seeks Property Management Companies in Georgia for Direct Lease

    FEMA is seeking information from property management companies with ready-for-occupancy residential or rental properties in Georgia communities affected by Hurricane Helene. These units must meet local, state and federal housing regulations. Property management companies for consideration should be doing business in and around communities affected by Hurricane Helene, to include Appling, Berrien, Burke, Clinch, Coffee, Emanuel, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lanier, Lowndes, McDuffie and Toombs counties, as well as surrounding communities. FEMA encourages all interested property management companies to consider participating.The deadline for companies to reply to this request for information is Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. What is Direct Lease program? Direct Lease is a form of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance that allows FEMA to enter into contracts directly with property management companies to lease properties not generally available to the public. Properties must be available for no less than 18 months, with an option for lease extension. The properties will then be offered as temporary housing to eligible disaster survivors. This includes corporate apartments, vacation rentals, secondary homes, bank-owned properties, condominiums, townhouses and other dwellings. FEMA may use these units for eligible applicants who are unable to use rental assistance due to lack of available resources. What conditions does the property need to meet?The property must be an existing residential property not typically available to the public (i.e. corporate apartments, vacation rentals, and second homes), for use as temporary housing. Units occupied using a form of FEMA Rental Assistance cannot be combined with FEMA Direct Lease Assistance. Hotels, motels and other transient accommodations will not be acquired for Direct Lease. The property must comply with Housing Quality Standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and all relevant state building and occupancy standards and regulations. All utilities, appliances, and other furnishings must be functional. Each unit must provide complete living facilities, including provisions for cooking, eating and sanitation within the unit. The property must be located within reasonable access to community and wrap-around services, such as accessible public transportation, schools, fire and emergency services, grocery stores, etc.All property management companies or owners must register to do business with FEMA through the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov.What terms or conditions are there?A provision granting FEMA exclusive use of the units and sole discretion to identify and select occupants during the term of the lease agreement.A provision granting FEMA the option of releasing the unit to the owner and ceasing all monthly payments for the unit at any time by providing 30 days’ notice.A provision allowing FEMA to make, at FEMA’s expense, reasonable modifications or improvements to the property to provide a reasonable accommodation for an eligible applicant with a disability or other access and functional needs.A provision allowing FEMA to restore the property to its original condition before any reasonable modifications or improvements as requested by the property owner.A provision incorporating a lease addendum containing FEMA’s conditions of eligibility and termination of tenancy and eviction into any lease between the property owner and the occupant.A provision agreeing to waive credit screening for eligible applicants.A provision allowing FEMA to reassign a vacated unit when eligible applicants need temporary housing assistance, and a unit becomes available before the end of the period of assistance.Property owners must provide all building maintenance services.Property owners must be current and in good standing with property mortgage payments and have a current rental license verification.What information is requested?Interested property owners should provide the following information:Name of complex, location, owner name and phone number or contact information (if not property owner).Number of vacant units containing a separate bathroom, kitchen and living space available for FEMA exclusive use and the number of bedrooms each unit contains.Number of units compliant with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards and/or features that provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities.Confirmation the property owner is current and up to date with the property’s mortgage payments.Confirmation that the property is readily available for applicants to move in.History of the building’s use (dates used as a rental, etc.) if applicable.Utilities included in rent.Numbers of units fully furnished.Rental range for property, including any associated fees.Pet restrictions, such as type, number, or size, and applicable pet deposits; andNumber of parking spaces (including accessible and van-accessible) available for each housing unit.Where do I respond to the request for information?Interested property owners or management companies must provide responses and comments by Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 to fema-dr4830ga-directleaserfi@fema.dhs.gov. The email subject line should read RFI# 70FBR425I00000007.More information about this opportunity can be found at SAM.gov.The RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP0), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Quotation (RFQ), and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the government to enter into a contract, nor will the government pay for the information submitted in response to this request. Response to this notification will be used to determine which properties meet the Direct Lease criteria and provide the most timely and cost-effective means of providing direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors. FEMA wants to obtain market information or capabilities for planning purposes. For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.                                                                                    ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.
    jakia.randolph
    Fri, 01/24/2025 – 20:11

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: More UN staffers detained in Yemen, education hit by climate crisis, Nigeria aid plan

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN has suspended all official movements by its teams into and out of Houthi-held areas of Yemen, after more UN staffers were detained on Thursday.

    The de facto rulers of much of the country, including the capital Sana’a, released the crew of a merchant ship who had been held for more than a year, earlier this week.

    The move raised hopes that more than 60 staff from the UN, international organizations and diplomatic missions already being held by the Houthis over the past year, might be released.

    Friday’s safety measure announced by Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, comes as the organization faces mounting security challenges in its operations in the region.

    The Houthis and the internationally-recognized Government have been fighting for control of the country in what has become a wider regional proxy war, for over a decade.

    Security measure

    “Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” Mr. Harneis said.

    “To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control…this measure will remain in place until further notice.”

    Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq elaborated on the response later on Friday, highlighting the UN’s ongoing efforts: “Our officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners.”

    The detentions mark a troubling escalation for humanitarian operations in Yemen, where access and security remain critical concerns.

    The UN continues to emphasise the importance of upholding the safety and neutrality of its personnel to ensure lifesaving aid reaches those in need.

    Nearly 250 million children’s schooling disrupted by climate crises in 2024

    At least 242 million students in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has warned.

    Heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms, floods and droughts are among of the dangers that have made the global learning crisis worse, new UNICEF analysis has shown.

    Coinciding with the International Day of Education, the UN agency released data showing that at least one in seven students had their schooling disrupted because of climate hazards in 2024.

    Multiple closures

    Of the 85 countries affected, 23 experienced multiple rounds of school closures and 74 per cent of all those affected students live in low and lower-middle-income countries.

    South Asia was the most affected region in 2024 with 128 million students impacted by climate-related school disruptions. East Asia and the Pacific region followed, impacting 50 million students.

    In 2024, heatwaves were the most significant climate hazard to affect schooling, concerning around 171 million students.

    Nigeria humanitarian response plan aims to help 3.6 million people: OCHA

    To Nigeria, where UN aid teams have launched a humanitarian appeal which again focuses on the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – the Bay states -where conflict, climate shocks and economic instability continue to blight communities’ wellbeing.

    OCHA, the UN aid coordination office, said that the target this year is to reach 3.6 million people in the northeast with health services, food, water, sanitation and hygiene.

    Nutrition for children is also part of the $910 million appeal, along with support for protection, education and other basic services.

    Funding challenge

    To absorb declining global funding, OCHA insisted that the Nigeria plan aims to make scarce resources go further, by supporting those delivering assistance locally more directly – and by shifting to cash and voucher assistance where possible.

    A key part of the aid appeal includes prevention work to lessen the impact of floods and disease outbreaks.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cushing Man Sentenced to Serve Five Years in Federal Prison after Firearm and Stolen Truck, Log Splitter, and Other Items are Found on Property

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – JIM BOB STORY, 49, of Cushing, has been sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and receiving and concealing stolen property, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On April 3, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Story, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving and concealing stolen property. According to public record, on February 21, 2024, officers with the Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Police Department received information that a stolen vehicle was being kept on Story’s property. After executing a search warrant, authorities recovered a rifle and ammunition, as well as other items previously reported as being stolen out of Cushing including a welder and a log splitter.

    Public record further reflects that Story has a lengthy criminal history that includes felony convictions for second-degree burglary in case number CF-2003-82 and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2002-204, both in Payne County District Court, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Lincoln County District Court case number CF-2004-195.

    This case is in federal court because Story is a member of the Sac and Fox Nation and these crimes took place on land held in trust for the Sac and Fox Nation.

    At the sentencing hearing on January 15, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Story to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted Story’s extensive criminal history and the need to deter Story from future crimes.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Cushing Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Porcupine Man Found Guilty of Shooting Deaths of Girlfriend and Unborn Baby

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted McKenzie Big Crow, age 20, of Porcupine, South Dakota, of Involuntary Manslaughter, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 23, 2025.

    The convictions relating to the shooting deaths each carry a maximum penalty of eight years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The firearm conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    A federal grand jury indicted Big Crow in June of 2024 for Second Degree Murder, Unborn Victims of Violence Act, Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.

    On August 20, 2023, near Porcupine, Big Crow was illegally in possession of a Savage Arms Model 62, semiautomatic rifle. The barrel had been sawed off, and the defendant taped components of an Airsoft rifle to the gun to make it appear like an AK-47. Big Crow claimed he put the rifle in a backpack and that the gun discharged when he bumped the bag against a door. The gunshot struck 19-year-old Ashton Provost in the chest, killing her and her unborn child within minutes. The gun was later found hidden under Big Crow’s bed. On the day of the shooting, Big Crow had drugs in his system including marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

    A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has been set for April 25, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters With Service-Related Cancers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As thousands of firefighters work around the clock to combat the ongoing Southern California fires, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to expand access to federal support for families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last year.
    Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that families of firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program. The bill would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer. 
    “Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line without a second thought to protect California communities from the devastating Southern California fires,” said Senator Padilla. “When they sacrifice their lives or face severe disabilities due to service-related cancers, we have a shared duty to help get their families back on their feet.”
    “Our first responders risk everything for us – from the front lines of wildfires to the unseen lines of duty that keep our communities safe. When they lose their lives to service-related cancers, their families deserve the full measure of support they’ve earned. No one who has lost so much should be left to face hardship alone,” said Senator Schiff.
    “As we are seeing in California and throughout the country, our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That’s why I’m working with Senator Cramer to ensure that firefighters get the support they deserve. Our bipartisan legislation will honor the memory and sacrifice of St. Paul Fire Department Captain Mike Paidar and so many others who risk their lives in service of their communities.”
    “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty and lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Senator Cramer. “The exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not bear these burdens alone.”
    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who are killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
    This Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The bill is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.
    Senators Padilla and Schiff have fought relentlessly to get Southern Californians desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Additionally, Padilla introduced a package of critical bipartisan bills to strengthen fire resilience and rebuilding efforts, including legislation to permanently increase wildland firefighter pay.
    Last week, Padilla delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation. He also questioned Secretary of the Interior nominee Doug Burgum and Budget Secretary nominee Russell Vought on their support for fire aid, securing their commitment to not politicize disaster relief resources or funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Support First Responders with Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and 26 of their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.

    The Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and first responders who pass away from cancer caused by carcinogenic exposure during their service. The bill would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer.

    “Our first responders put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep our communities safe, and in the face of this work, are often exposed to harmful carcinogens that have led to long-term and devastating diagnoses,” Sen. Warner said. “It is wholly unacceptable that firefighters who have gotten sick due to the job do not receive the same benefits as all those who die in the line of duty. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that these heroes receive the benefits they deserve.”

    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who are killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program.

    Joining Sens. Warner, Klobuchar, and Cramer in introducing this legislation are Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 

    The legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), as well as the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI); Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA); Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA); Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs); National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO); National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC); National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC); and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD.

    Text of the legislation is available here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Secures Commitment from Ag Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins to Advance Key Priorities for North Dakota Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.24.25

    Senator Calls on Rollins to Help Strengthen Farm Safety Net & Quickly Implement Disaster Assistance, Visit North Dakota to Learn About Grand Farm Firstha

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Agriculture, critical priorities for farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses. Hoeven outlined a broad range of efforts to strengthen U.S. agriculture and secured commitments from Rollins to work with him on:

    • Passing a strong farm bill that makes needed investments in the farm safety net.
    • Implementing and quickly delivering the $33.5 billion in disaster assistance that he worked to secure for producers in the year-end funding legislation.
      • The assistance package addresses losses from both natural disasters and challenging markets and has funding specifically set aside for livestock losses due to wildfire.
    • Ensuring access for agriculture producers to U.S. Forest Service lands in North Dakota, including for grazing on the national grasslands.
    • Improving access to foreign markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
    • Visiting North Dakota to learn firsthand about precision agriculture efforts in the state, including the partnership between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University and the Agricultural Research Service.

    “Unlike the consolidation we’ve seen in many industries, U.S. farms and ranches still largely consist of small, family-owned operations. That’s a real benefit to our nation, and in order to maintain it, we need to help producers recover from recent hardships and ensure the farm safety net works when needed most,” said Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “With her long personal and professional connection to agriculture and rural America, Brooke Rollins understands the needs of our farmers and ranchers. I appreciate her commitment to work with me on passing the strongest possible farm bill and to get assistance out to producers quickly and efficiently. I look forward to working with her on these key priorities and to her visit in North Dakota, so she can see firsthand the incredible work our state is doing on precision ag, including at Grand Farm and NDSU.”

    Keeping the Farm in the Farm Bill

                After helping secure a one-year extension of the farm bill in the year-end legislation, Hoeven continues working to pass a farm bill that addresses producers’ needs and ensures the farm safety net works when needed most. These priorities include:

    • Enhancing crop insurance, the primary risk management tool for many producers.
      • Improving the affordability of higher levels of coverage, consistent with Hoeven’s FARMER Act, will better enable producers to weather natural disasters and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.
    • Improving the counter-cyclical safety net, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
      • Hoeven stated that reference prices need to reflect market realities and the cost of production that farmers are currently facing.
    • Ensuring adequate access to credit by including his legislation to modernize Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan limits as part of the Farm Bill.
    • Strengthening livestock disaster programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP).
      • This aligns with legislation Hoeven sponsored last Congress to better align coverage between LFP and ELAP and make these improvements permanent.
    • Making programs voluntary and farmer-friendly, instead of one-size-fits-all.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Service Update January 24

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council Service Update January 24

    24 January 2025

    Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in significant damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.

    This is compounded by the potential risk of snow and ice forecast for this evening which will make efforts to assess and repair damages even more challenging tomorrow.

    We hope to resume normal Council services as soon as it is safe to do so, but the health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority.

    We will begin the process of assessing any impacts on Council sites early tomorrow, but please note that further delays to services are expected.

     Bin collections

    Refuse crew will be out on the ground from 8am tomorrow to collect as many bins as possible that were scheduled for collection today, but we will only be able to do so if it is safe.  Please leave bins in a sheltered place later this evening or early tomorrow morning if you can. Any missed bins will be collected as soon as possible.

     

    Cemeteries and outdoor sites

    Efforts are being made to reopen Council cemeteries, parks, and recycling centres tomorrow morning following assessment.

    Burials will be prioritized, with a number scheduled to take place tomorrow. The cemeteries will open to the wider public as soon as they have been inspected and are safe. 

    Leisure Centres and other venues

    Leisure Centres, the Guildhall and other cultural and community venues will open tomorrow as usual following inspections.

    Grass and 3G pitches will also open subject to pitch inspections for any storm damage.

    We will continue to provide regular updates on our social media platforms and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work towards restoring full services. Please follow the guidance of the PSNI and stay home and stay safe while warnings are in place.

     

    Emergency Information

    • Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

    • Further updates – Click on – UK weather warnings – Met Office

    Emergency Contact numbers:

    Emergency services 999 or 112

    Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100

    NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

    NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

    NI Water – 03457 440 088

    Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

    For further advice see:

    • https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/camp…/be-ready-for-emergencies

    • http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/warnings

    • https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/env…/community-resilience

    • https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/…/dfi-rivers-water…

    • https://twitter.com/nidirect

    • Report a road drainage fault (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/report-road-drainage-fault);

    NB – register on the Met Office website or download the Met Office app to receive weather warnings; http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/mobile…/weather-app

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Takes Action to Extend Marshall Fire Support

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis took action in response to the Marshall Fire, signing Executive Order D 2025 001 to extend support for ongoing projects to help the people and communities impacted by the fire. 

    Due to the ongoing need for availability of funds already allocated to respond to and recover from the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, this Executive Order extends funding availability through January 2027. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midlevel leader of drug distribution ring sentenced to 12 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant kept distributing despite knowing fentanyl was causing people to overdose

    Tacoma – A 46-year-old Spanaway, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 12 years in prison for his leadership role in a drug distribution ring selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Puget Sound region, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Sean Michael Moinette has been in custody since March 2023, in connection with the arrest of over two dozen conspirators, including some with ties to an Aryan prison gangs. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “the impact [of drug trafficking] on our community is almost immeasurable.”

    “This defendant was deeply involved in distributing drugs, arranging couriers, and seeking various sources of supply. But when confronted with the information that his fentanyl was too strong and causing overdoses, he did not skip a beat and continued to scheme about moving his poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman.

    According to records filed in the case, Moinette was identified as a mid-level manager of a drug distribution cell tied to the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs. A wiretap investigation in summer of 2022 revealed that Moinette was buying large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and fentanyl-laced pills multiple times per week. Moinette continued to distribute large quantities of fentanyl powder even after discussions with his supplier that their customers were “dropping like flies.”

    In other wiretap calls, he discussed using women as “live shipping containers” to transport fentanyl out of state. In sentencing Moinette, Judge Estudillo said, “Talking about using mules and transportation of drugs through airplanes up to Alaska . . . It’s hard to believe that’s just talk.”

    When a drug redistributor was stopped and her car impounded, Moinette was heard on the wire scheming to break into the police impound yard to try to get the drugs out of the vehicle. The break-in did not occur.

    Law enforcement arrested members of the drug distribution conspiracy on March 22, 2023, in a coordinated takedown involving ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day alone officers seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona.  Those seizures are in addition to the estimated 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple-pound quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, $338,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms law enforcement seized from members of the conspiracy during the two-year investigation.

    Asking for a 13-year prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that Moinette “continued to distribute fentanyl despite knowing that his fentanyl was having deadly consequences, and he forced his mules to transport this deadly substance using suppositories through the omni-present threat of violence that led one of his couriers to immediately respond “I know” when he threatened to stab her.”

    Moinette is the eighth member of the drug conspiracy to be sentenced. Some defendants have received prison sentences of as much at 13 years in prison. Less culpable defendants have been sentenced to 14-50 months in prison. Drug ringleader Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last November and is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner, Zach Dillon, and Jehiel Baer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Leads to Mexican Takedown of Significant Fentanyl Trafficker

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced today that extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), conducting a significant enforcement operation last week in Nogales, Sonora to dismantle a prolific transnational drug trafficking organization operating along the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals in Mexico including the leader of the organization, Heriberto Jacobo Perez, and another member of the organization, Jesus Bernardo Rodriguez. Mexican authorities also seized four vehicles, two buildings, two firearms currency, a large number of fentanyl pills, and other controlled substances.  

    Six U.S.-based coordinators and operators with alleged ties to the same drug trafficking organization have been indicted. Rafael Alonso Arriaga, Fernando Garcia-Ibarra, Socorro Rascon, Emmanuel Sotelo-Salazar, Jostan Nathanae Vega-Ochoa, and Rosa Elena Peralta-Marrufo, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges on July 24, 2024. Sotelo-Salazar was also indicted for the possession and distribution of a foreign pill press to fabricate fake pills.  Garcia-Ibarra and Vega-Ochoa remain fugitives. Another member of the organization, Eva Angelina De La Torre, was arrested on November 19, 2024, after she was caught attempting to smuggle fentanyl pills into the United States at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona.

    “Dismantling transnational crime requires cross-border cooperation,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino.  “This is simply tremendous work by career civil servants with the Department of Justice in coordinating efforts with Mexican prosecutors to take down this criminal organization on both sides of the border.”

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Nogales led the investigation in the United States, working in concert with Homeland Security Investigations – Nogales, the United States Marshals Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Support by DEA-Mexico City, and FGR’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal was critical in providing coordination between United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies. Through funding support from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training provided valuable assistance. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is prosecuting the seven individuals named above.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-04681-TUC-JGZ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-110_Heriberto Jacobo Perez, et al.

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    2025-110_Heriberto Jacobo Perez, et al.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta holds Ottawa accountable for its responsibilities: Ministers McIver and Nixon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows how local heroes are crucial to disaster response

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tricia Wachtendorf, Professor of Sociology and Director, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware

    Neighbors fill and pass a bucket of pool water to help extinguish a spot fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2025. Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

    As wildfires swept through neighborhoods on the outskirts of Los Angeles in January 2025, stories about residents there helping their neighbors and total strangers began trickling out on social media.

    Accounts of Hollywood stars clearing streets for emergency vehicles to get through and raising money for fire victims were widely circulated. But there were many other examples of less-famous people helping older neighbors to safety, and even showing up with trailers to evacuate horses.

    Businesses, including fitness centers, opened their facilities so evacuees could shower or charge their phones. Organizations that routinely work with homeless populations quickly mobilized their members to help ensure people living on the streets and in camps could get to secure, safe locations away from the fires and hazardous air quality.

    Disasters, by definition, overwhelm local resources, making civilian responders like these essential. Sixty years of research at the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center and by others examining the social aspects of disaster has repeatedly shown effective disaster management requires mobilizing community resources far beyond official channels.

    Often the response happens through local groups that form in response to a clear need in the community and with shared skills and interests. And this is exactly what we are witnessing in Los Angeles.

    Civilians helping often number in the thousands

    The number of those who step up to help during disasters varies by event, but it can be tremendous.

    Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, over 6,800 volunteers worked with the Red Cross on the response. That same year, volunteers responding to the Kobe earthquake in Japan logged more than 1 million person-days of activity, a measure of the number of people times the hours they contributed.

    People use garden hoses to try to prevent homes from catching fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025. Neighbors rushed to help neighbors as the wind blew burning embers into neighborhoods.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    In an in-depth study of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks, we interviewed local residents who used their retired fireboat to pump water for the firefighters at ground zero. Operators of tug, ferry and tour boats in and around New York City immediately responded to quickly evacuate 500,000 people in the area from danger. In fact, the majority of the boats involved belonged to private companies. Other volunteers queued evacuees and organized supplies and rides to get people home.

    Over 900 people, most acting in unofficial capacities, were awarded medals or ribbons for their efforts in just the marine response after the World Trade Center attack.

    A survey of residents after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake found that nearly 10% of local residents volunteered in the first three weeks of the response. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, in California, a survey of residents in Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties found that two-thirds of the public were involved in response activities.

    Local businesses are often quick to help in disasters. Greg Dulan, center, who runs a soul food restaurant and food truck, hands out hot meals to wildfire evacuees at a church in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2025.
    Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    However, much of the work local residents contribute during and after disasters goes unaccounted for in official reports.

    There is no mechanism to quantify the full extent to which a neighbor or a complete stranger helps someone flee from peril. Yet when people are trapped and minutes count, research shows it is family, friends and neighbors who are already on the scene and are most likely to save lives. It’s often everyday citizens who also take on immediate tasks such as debris removal. Providing a phone, a car, a place to do laundry, or a little bit of elbow grease can fill a gap and let firefighters and other formal responders focus on critical operations.

    Getting the right help to where it’s needed

    Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.

    The lack of public understanding about the large number of local residents already involved, often including disaster victims themselves, can lead to an influx of outsiders eager to help. Their arrival can actually pose challenges for the disaster response.

    When too many people show up, or when people try to operate outside their areas of expertise, they can put themselves and others at further risk. Communities often need supplies, but unsolicited goods of the wrong kind or at the wrong time can create more problems than they solve.

    Local groups such as the Pasadena Community Job Center organize volunteers to send them where help is requested. This group is removing debris from streets in Pasadena, Calif., in the wake of the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14, 2025.
    Zoë Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    So, what can you do to best support these local efforts?

    Making a financial contribution to a trusted disaster response or local organization can go a long way to providing the support communities actually need. Organizations such as the American Red Cross or Feeding America, or local community-based groups that routinely work in the area, are often best suited to help where it’s needed the most.

    Skilled help will be needed for the long term

    Also, remember that disasters don’t end when the emergency is over. Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires face years of confusing and frustrating recovery tasks ahead.

    Offering help after the immediate threat has passed – particularly skilled help, such as experience in construction or expertise in managing insurance and FEMA paperwork – is just as important.

    For example, after fires in 1970 destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Diego area, local architects, engineers and contractors donated their time and skills to help people rebuild. Their work was coordinated by a local architect and member of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure projects were assigned to reputable volunteers.

    As we recognize the important ways that neighbors and strangers helped those around them, the broader community can support wildfire victims by responding to offering the right help as recovery needs emerge. Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.

    Tricia Wachtendorf receives funding from the National Science Foundation and Arnold Ventures Foundation.

    James Kendra receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    – ref. Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows how local heroes are crucial to disaster response – https://theconversation.com/amid-la-fires-neighbors-helped-each-other-survive-60-years-of-research-shows-how-local-heroes-are-crucial-to-disaster-response-247660

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Introduce Legislation to Support First Responders Diagnosed with Occupationally-Connected Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress established the Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program in 1976 to provide monetary benefits to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who become permanently disabled or pass away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. While the program recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice due to 9/11-related cancers, it does not cover first responders who lose their lives due to other service-related cancers. 
    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation to ensure all first responders who die or become disabled due to service-related cancers are covered under the PSOB program. 
    The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is built on data indicating elevated cancer risks faced by first responders. A 2011 study by the State University of Buffalo and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health revealed significantly higher rates of brain cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma among law enforcement officers as compared to the general population. The bill aims to recognize these occupational risks as inherent to service, thereby categorizing cancer-related fatalities as line-of-duty deaths under the PSOB program.
    “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty and lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Cramer. “The exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not bear these burdens alone.”  
    “As we are seeing in California and throughout the country, our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I’m working with Senator Cramer to ensure that firefighters get the support they deserve. Our bipartisan legislation will honor the memory and sacrifice of St. Paul Fire Department Captain Mike Paidar and so many others who risk their lives in service of their communities.”
    “As Fire Chief of the Fargo Fire Department, I wholeheartedly support the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, reintroduced by Senators Kevin Cramer and Amy Klobuchar,” said Fargo Fire Chief Steven Dirksen. “This crucial legislation extends benefits for service-related cancers to first responders nationwide, recognizing the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”
    “Firefighters face danger every time they leave the fire station and face a significantly greater risk of being diagnosed with this devastating illness,” said Bismarck Rural Fire Chief Dustin Theurer. “This key legislation is crucial to support the men and women in the fire service and their families.”  
    The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act was reported unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last Congress.
    This legislation has garnered the endorsement of leading public safety organizations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters, Fraternal Order of Police, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, National Fire Protection Association, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
    Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    Click here for bill text. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana man to spend nearly two decades in prison for sex trafficking runaway child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 39-year-old resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced for transportation of a child to engage in criminal sexual activity and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

    Isiah Lee Campbell Jr. pleaded guilty July 26, 2024.

    Senior U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now ordered Campbell to serve 235 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release.

    During a three-week span in 2019 over the course of several different trips, Campbell drove the then 16-year-old victim from Louisiana to Houston to engage in commercial sex with adult men. Campbell also posted the victim on a website advertising prostitution.

    Law enforcement stopped Campbell in Harris County driving a reported stolen vehicle during the early morning hours of June 6, 2019. They found a handgun under Campbell’s seat. The victim was a passenger in the car whom authorities identified as a runaway child from Lousiana.

    She described how Campbell threatened to kill her so that she would continue to engage in commercial sex at his direction. Campbell took all the money that the victim earned and also sexually assaulted her several times.

    Campbell will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    FBI and Precinct 4 Harris County Constable’s Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years in Prison for Shooting at Louisville Mayor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY — A Louisville man was sentenced today to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for firing shots at current Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg during Greenberg’s 2022 mayoral campaign.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.

    According to court documents, on February 14, 2022, Quintez Brown, 24, walked into Greenberg’s campaign office and fired multiple shots at Greenberg while he was meeting with four staffers. The staffers were able to close and barricade the door, and Brown was apprehended several blocks from the shooting, carrying the firearm he used in a backpack. As part of his guilty plea, Brown admitted that he acted because Greenberg was running for mayor.

    In July 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to interfering with a federally protected activity and using and discharging a firearm in relation with a crime of violence. Brown’s term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The FBI, ATF, and Louisville Metro Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit and Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section provided substantial assistance to the prosecution.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Husband Pleads Guilty to Gunning Down Wife in D.C. Parking Lot

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Wyatt Swan, 48, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder while armed for the 2024 murder of Teresa Francisco, 52, in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                The Honorable Jason Park of the D.C. Superior Court scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2025.

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 1:00 p.m., on March 1, 2024, the defendant shot and killed his wife, Teresa Francisco, in and around their apartment complex in the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, Northeast. The defendant first shot his wife with a pistol in their shared apartment. When she ran for her life and hid in a nearby work van, the defendant pursued her and fired numerous shots into the van killing her.  The defendant then fled the scene evading police.

                The defendant was arrested on October 2, 2024, with the assistance of the Prince George’s County Police Department. The defendant has remained in custody since his arrest.

                In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Edward Martin Jr. and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Prince George’s County Police Department.  This case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Evans.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Arab States: Joint effort w/ UN to improve lives across Arab region – Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in maintaining international peace and security.

    ———————–

    “This critical and long-awaited agreement offers a ray of hope,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, as the UN Security Council convened to discuss the Middle East’s fragile ceasefire and broader regional issues.

    Today’s (23 Jan) meeting comes in the wake of a recently brokered ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, a development Khiari described as providing “much-needed relief for Palestinians in Gaza and for the hostages reunited with their loved ones.”

    While acknowledging the progress, Khiari emphasized the need for sustained international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. “The League has always supported the Palestinian people, including through its efforts to rally international support for a ceasefire. A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable path to ensuring peace, security, and coexistence for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

    The discussion also touched on the broader regional context, with Khiari noting, “The situation in the Middle East remains fragile and several key conflicts continue unabated.” He highlighted opportunities for positive change, referencing the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and developments in Syria.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oivGzIPia-I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Haiti & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (23 January 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations
    Syria
    Security Council
    Haiti
    Sudan
    Holocaust
    Guest Tomorrow
    Honour Roll

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that large volumes of humanitarian aid continue to enter Gaza through the Erez and Zikim crossings in the north and Kerem Shalom crossing in the south.
    Inside Gaza, OCHA says that aid cargo and humanitarian personnel are moving into areas that were previously hard to reach. Our humanitarian partners on the ground say the operating environment has improved significantly. The surge in supplies entering Gaza each day and the return of law and order has allowed aid organizations to scale up the delivery of life-saving assistance and services.
    In central and southern Gaza, partners have resumed monthly food distributions with full rations. Yesterday, humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza transported 118 trucks of food parcels and flour from UNRWA warehouses to more than 60 distribution points in the south.
    Across southern Gaza, UNICEF continues dispatching high-energy biscuits and ready-to-use food – enough for thousands of infants.
    While food items currently account for the bulk of supplies that have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire took effect, more medicines, shelter materials, and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies are expected over the coming days.
    Yesterday, partners in southern Gaza distributed medical disposables and trauma management kits to 14 hospitals, as well as sexual and reproductive health kits to 28 health facilities – enough for 58,000 people.
    Meanwhile, fuel deliveries in central and southern Gaza are keeping functional water wells, desalination plants and sewage pumps running.
    And yesterday, our humanitarian partners delivered seven trucks of fuel to northern Gaza. This is the first such shipment since the ceasefire began.
    The supplies will help power the back-up generators that are sustaining critical humanitarian services provided by UNRWA, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and other partners.
    Also, in Gaza City yesterday, two of UNRWA’s primary health service points reopened – the Beach health centre and Daraj medical point.
    Across the Strip, OCHA reports that most Palestinians remain at displacement sites – either because their homes are in ruins or contaminated by explosive ordnance, or because movement back to northern Gaza has not yet been allowed.
    And turning to the situation in the West Bank, OCHA reports that the Jenin Government Hospital remains disconnected from water and electricity, and access is extremely difficult due to road damage. The facility is relying on dwindling water reserves from emergency tanks installed just weeks ago through an allocation by the Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund, which is managed by OCHA.

    UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR PEACE OPERATIONS
    Starting this Saturday, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, will travel to the Middle East.
    He will visit two UN peacekeeping missions and travel to Damascus to meet with caretaker authorities and Israeli authorities in Jerusalem.
    Mr. Lacroix will first travel to Syria, where he will spend time at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) before visiting the headquarters of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in Jerusalem.
    Mr. Lacroix’s priorities are to express his solidarity with and support for UN peacekeepers and to highlight the importance of mine action and removal of explosive remnants of war.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20January%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt2pGiYdMwg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Police update on Storm Éoywn

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    The Police Service of Northern Ireland urge the public not to travel and stay indoors during Storm Éoywn.

    Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “We are now in the red weather warning phase of Storm Éoywn, which will last until 2pm this afternoon. This means there is a significant risk to life and the public should not travel during this time and stay at home.

    “There is currently severe disruption to the road network and overnight we received 70 reports of trees down and other debris on the roads. We expect this number to increase over the course of the day.

    “This is being treated as a major incident and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to assist with this operation, both throughout and after Éowyn passes. I have met with the Strategic Coordination Group and continue to keep the First Minister and deputy First Minister updated.

    “We have additional officers stood up today and will be ready to respond to calls where required. Members of the public should only contact 999 in an emergency.

    “We anticipate serious disruption across our road network, public transport,  health services and other public services. I continue to urge people be prepared and ensure you have emergency lighting such as torches easily accessible in the event of power cuts. Have ready access to additional blankets or sources of warmth in the event your heating supply is disrupted.

    “Our message is clear; do not travel, remain indoors and stay safe.”

    Details of road closures are available on the Traffic Watch NI website: https://orlo.uk/ySHmg

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Work Central at World Economic Forum in Davos

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    “The work of the IAEA is at the centre of the debates. In particular, the nexus between nuclear energy and artificial intelligence has attracted a lot of attention,” the Director General said in Davos.  

    The IAEA held a session on nuclear’s role in meeting energy demands for artificial intelligence (AI), with experts from Bloomberg and technology venture capitalists DCVC. “Big tech needs nuclear to power energy-intensive AI data centres,” explained Mr Grossi.  

    A major event was also held on tripling nuclear energy, and the need for standardization, regulation, financing and collaboration in scaling up nuclear.  

    The Director General met with multiple world leaders to discuss development, energy and world peace, including Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, Austria’s Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and Flanders’ Minister-President Matthias Diependaele.  

    Mr Grossi and Mr Mulino engaged on the IAEA’s Atoms4Food programme, as well as improving cancer care with the IAEA’s Rays Of Hope programme. “The IAEA is proud to stand with Panama in building a healthier, more resilient future for its people,” the Director General said. 

    The IAEA’s work on health, food and nutrition was a focus of multiple high-level dialogues. For example, Mr Grossi met with Viet Nam’s Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat to discuss the drought-tolerant, high-yield rice varieties that were developed with IAEA support, and with the CEO of Anglo American, Duncan Wanblad, on progress on a joint research project to fight soil salinity and advance sustainable farming practices. 

    Another key topic for the week was international security, particularly the IAEA’s role in ensuring nonproliferation worldwide. 

    The Director General was a speaker at the World Economic Forum’s Rubik’s Cube of Global Security, where he addressed pressures on nonproliferation amid rising geostrategic tensions, alongside Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid AlDabaiba, the International Crisis Group, Comfort Ero, Harvard Kennedy School’s Meghan O’Sullivan, and Foreign Affairs Magazine’s Dan Kurtz-Phelan. 

    Watch the recording of the session here.  

    The Director General was also active in closed sessions on artificial intelligence and sustainable energy in Latin America with leaders of the region, as well as an event on growing the African economy with leaders from the continent. 

    “The mission and the importance of the IAEA continue to grow. This is why we are here in Davos,” concluded the Director General. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs $2.5 billion bipartisan relief package to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild faster from firestorm

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 23, 2025

    What you need to know: Alongside community, city, county, and legislative leaders, Governor Newsom signed special session legislation to provide over $2.5 billion for Los Angeles to bolster ongoing response efforts and jumpstart recovery and rebuilding.

    LOS ANGELES – With recovery efforts already underway to support those impacted by the Los Angeles hurricane-force firestorm, Governor Gavin Newsom today joined community, city, county, and legislative leaders in near the fire-damaged community of Altadena and signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion in disaster relief. The funding will immediately help bolster ongoing emergency response efforts as well as jumpstart recovery efforts.

    The special session legislation – ABx1-4 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and SBx1-3 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – provides funding to expedite firestorm response and recovery efforts, streamline rebuilding efforts, and help rebuild fire-damaged school facilities.

    “Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we’re providing over $2.5 billion in immediate relief – expediting initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. We’re also directing millions of dollars to help local governments speed up building approvals – so folks can rebuild their homes faster.

    Unlike MAGA Republicans in Washington who talk about delaying relief for political purposes, California is supporting our people with no strings attached. Together, we’ll rebuild Los Angeles.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “California leaders from both political parties are united and working together to provide L.A. with the immediate assistance and support they need,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “Today, we approved billions of dollars to help clean-up devastated neighborhoods, rebuild schools and put communities on a path to recovery. I thank the Governor, Pro Tem and my colleagues for moving with urgency. This is a first step, but we are committed to a full recovery and will stand with Angelenos until this work is done.”

    “This $2.5 billion is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back LA,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “We’ve got your back now and we’ve got your back in the months and years to come. Your rebuild and your comeback is our priority. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas and our legislative colleagues who moved with urgency to get this funding across the finish line. This downpayment is just the beginning.”

    How it works

    • $2.5 billion to expedite initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. This includes support for:

      • Emergency protective measures, evacuations, sheltering for survivors, debris removal and cleanup, post-fire hazard assessments (such as flash flooding and debris flows), traffic control, and other necessary emergency response activities.

    • $4 million to help expedite rebuilding. The Department of Housing and Community Development will allocate this funding to impacted local governments to provide additional planning review and building inspection resources for the purpose of expediting building approvals during the recovery period. 

    • $1 million to rebuild fire-damaged school facilities. The funding will provide technical assistance to impacted local educational agencies (Los Angeles Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District, impacted charter schools).

    Supporting recovery, protecting survivors 

    Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles fire storms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging:

    • Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. 

    • Rebuilding Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.

    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants and homeowners. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms. For homeowners, California has worked with five major lenders to provide mortgage relief to their customers.

    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 

    • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.

    • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.

    • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase victims’ property. 

    Get help today

    Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

    • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

    • By calling 800-621-3362

    • By using the FEMA smart phone application

    • Assistance is available in over 40 languages

    • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

    Recent news

    Jan 23, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring January 23, 2025, as Ed Roberts Day. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONKnown as the “Father of Independent Living,” Ed Roberts was a…

    Jan 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: The state is helping expand in-person Disaster Recovery Centers with online resources designed to help survivors get the help they need faster. Los Angeles, California – California continues to secure critical resources for survivors of the…

    Jan 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced additional commitments to provide mortgage relief for property owners whose structures were damaged or destroyed by the LA firestorms, adding state-chartered banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ① Sustainability: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forum on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Sustainability session, experts explored how Samsung’s forward-thinking technology and strategic collaborations are building a more sustainable future.
     
     
    Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Samsung Electronics held its Galaxy Tech Forum event on January 23 in San Jose, California. Tech leaders and experts from around the world discussed the future of AI at Blanco, an Urban Venue, a three-story space located in the heart of Silicon Valley that blends historic architecture with a modern white design.
     
    ▲ Blanco, an Urban Venue
     
    The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.
     
    Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.
     
     
    Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability
    Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Tamara Gondo, Michael Stewart, Dr. Stuart Sandin, Daniel Araujo and Cassie Smith
     
    Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.
     
    ▲ Daniel Araujo from Samsung Electronics
     
    “We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.
     
    “Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.
     
     
    Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems
    Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.
     
    Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.
     
    ▲ Dr. Stuart Sandin from the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
     
    “We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.
     
    ▲ Michael Stewart from Seatrees
     

    ▲ Trailer for the documentary ‘Coral in Focus’
     
    Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode1 — a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.
     
     
    Empowering Young Leaders Through Technology
    “Beyond environmental efforts, Samsung has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower future generations in achieving the Global Goals,” explained moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. The success of Samsung’s five-year partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative.
     
    ▲ Cassie Smith from Samsung Electronics America
     
    “Being part of Generation17 gave me confidence, access to resources and a global platform, which opened up a world of possibilities that inspired me to grow my business, Liberty Society, and its impact,” said Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society — a social enterprise that funds upskilling for marginalized women. “Participating in global events such as Mobile World Congress and the United Nations General Assembly gave me a seat at the decision-making table.”
     
    ▲ Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society and a Generation17 Young Leader
     
    Araujo underscored Tamara’s remarks and stressed the importance of young leaders in achieving the Global Goals, encouraging ongoing efforts and inviting attendees to look forward to the new group of Young Leaders later this year.
     
    The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.
     
     
    1 Exclusively developed for this project and only available to Seatrees and its partners.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Increases Quarterly Dividend 10.7 Percent and Announces a Common Stock Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.31 per share, an increase of 10.7% from the previous quarter dividend rate. The dividend will be payable on April 1, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, Marquette had 4,367,477 shares issued and outstanding.

    The Company also announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 of its outstanding common stock at prevailing market prices through open market or negotiated transactions. The repurchase program is authorized to last through December 31, 2025.

    Marquette National Corporation is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of $2.2 billion. The Company’s banking subsidiary, Marquette Bank, is a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland, offering an extensive line of financial solutions, including retail banking, real estate lending, trust, insurance, investments, wealth management and business banking to consumers and commercial customers. Marquette Bank has 20 branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois. For more information visit: https://emarquettebank.com

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies (including the effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iii) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (iv) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election or any changes in response to failures of other banks; (v) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets (including the impact of the significant rate increases by the Federal Reserve since 2022); (vi) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) the loss of key executives or employees; (ix) changes in consumer spending; (x) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; (xi) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xiii) concentrations within our loan portfolio, large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (xiv) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversity their exposure; (xv) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xvi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xvii) breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, and (xviii) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated.. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dibden Road fire updates

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Friday, 24th January 2025

    Following the recent fire on Dibden Road, the council and partners have been actively working to ensure the safety of residents and facilitate recovery efforts.

    The building at the centre of the fire was a privately owned shoe factory that was no longer operational.

    The fire began on the evening of Monday 20 January and was responded to by Norfolk Fire Service.

    Key actions so far:

    1. Safety measures:
      • Precautionary asbestos testing was conducted periodically throughout, and all results have been negative.
      • Additional testing was performed in nearby areas, including a the playground at George White Primary School to enable it to reopen after a two-day precautionary closure.
    2. Debris removal:
      Environmental protection officers joined contractors to engage with residents near the site to address concerns about debris. Inspections found minimal debris in gardens, which the contractor is clearing. If you have any outstanding concerns about debris in your garden, please email compliance@norwich.gov.uk with the details.
    3. Work on the site:
      Demolition work is underway, with the work scheduled to restart on Monday 27 January, due to the high winds forecast on Friday 24 January.
    4. Road closures:
      Dibden Road will remain closed until work is completed and rubble is removed.
    5. Bin collections:
      • Disrupted bin collections are resuming from the afternoon of Friday 24 January.

    Looking ahead

    The council and its partners are committed to keeping residents informed as recovery efforts continue. Regular updates will be shared via social media and the council website when necessary.

    We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this time.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New solar plants expected to support most U.S. electric generation growth

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    January 24, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), January 2025
    Note: Capacity values represent the amount of generating capacity at utility-scale power plants (greater than 1 megawatt). Other renewables include geothermal, waste biomass, wood biomass, and pumped storage hydropower.

    In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), we expect that U.S. renewable capacity additions—especially solar—will continue to drive the growth of U.S. power generation over the next two years. We expect U.S. utilities and independent power producers will add 26 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to the U.S. electric power sector in 2025 and 22 GW in 2026. Last year, the electric power sector added a record 37 GW of solar power capacity to the electric power sector, almost double 2023 solar capacity additions. We forecast wind capacity additions will increase by around 8 GW in 2025 and 9 GW in 2026, slight increases from the 7 GW added in 2024.

    In contrast to solar and wind, generating capacity for most other energy sources will remain mostly unchanged in 2025 and 2026. Natural gas-fired capacity growth slowed in 2024, with only 1 GW of capacity added to the power mix, but natural gas remains the largest source of U.S. power generation.

    We forecast U.S. coal retirements will accelerate, removing 6% (11 GW) of coal generating capacity from the U.S. electricity sector in 2025 and removing another 2% (4 GW) in 2026. Last year, coal retirements represented about 3 GW of electric power capacity removed from the power system, which is the lowest annual amount of coal capacity retired since 2011.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook
    Note: Other renewables include geothermal, waste biomass, wood biomass, and pumped storage hydropower.

    We expect that planned renewable capacity additions will support most of the growth in U.S. electric power generation, which we expect will increase by 2% in 2025 and by 1% in 2026. The U.S. electric power sector produced a total of 4,155 billion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity in 2024, up 3% from 2023.

    Natural gas
    In 2024, U.S. natural gas-fired power plants generated a total of 1,767 billion kWh, 4% more than in 2023. Natural gas-fired power accounted for around 42% of the U.S. electricity mix, mostly unchanged compared with 2023. We expect natural gas generation will decline in 2025 by 3% to 1,712 billion kWh and decrease a further 1% to 1,692 billion kWh in 2026.

    Renewables
    We expect renewable power generation will increase 12% in the United States to 1,058 billion kWh in 2025 and increase a further 8% to 1,138 billion kWh in 2026. Renewable sources were the second-largest contributor to U.S. power generation in 2024 and accounted for 945 billion kWh, up 9% from 2023.

    Nuclear
    We expect U.S. nuclear power generation to grow 2% to 796 billion kWh in 2025 and increase a further 1% to 800 billion kWh in 2026. Nuclear power generation in 2024 was up slightly from 2023, totaling 781 billion kWh. Increased nuclear generation in the forecast is partly due to the addition of the two Vogtle power plant units that began commercial operations in July 2023 and April 2024, as well as the expected restart of the Palisades power plant in October 2025.

    Coal
    We expect U.S. coal power generation to remain unchanged at around 640 billion kWh in 2025 and 2026. Coal electricity generation was 647 billion kWh in 2024.

    Principal contributor: Katherine Antonio

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Asit Kumar Mishra, Research Fellow in School of Public of Health, University College Cork

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    There is something cosy and appealing about settling down next to a roaring fire in winter but, every year, nearly 61,000 premature deaths in Europe are caused by air pollution as a result of people burning wood or coal to heat their homes.

    Wood-burning stoves are often considered safer, cleaner and more attractive than open fires. This may, in part, explain why from 2021 to 2022, sales of wood-burning stoves increased by 40% in the UK.

    However, burning wood is not necessarily a healthier or greener alternative to coal or gas for home heating.

    Wood burning produces a complex chemical mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gases, which can be breathed deep into the lungs. The specific contents vary based on the type of stove and the type of fuel, but chemicals can include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and a range of volatile organic compounds, such as cancer-causing formaldehyde and benzene.

    Exposure to wood smoke affects the heart, blood vessels and the respiratory system – and PM2.5 is considered to be the biggest threat. Wood smoke increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and can exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Exposure to PM2.5 from wood burning can also cause premature death.

    Exposure to this pollution also leads to loss of work days, reduced productivity, higher expenses on healthcare and increased hospital admissions.

    The risks are higher for people over 65, children, pregnant women and people with existing heart or lung conditions. Chronic wood smoke inhalation has been associated with systemic inflammation, which can make the lungs more vulnerable to infections, such as flu and COVID.

    In the UK and Ireland, solid fuel heating is the main source of outdoor PM2.5 during wintertime. While wood is the dominant solid fuel in the UK, peat burning is regularly found to make the largest contribution to PM2.5 in Ireland.

    Under cold, stagnant weather conditions, air pollution, even in small rural towns, can be as high as that found in very polluted parts of north India.

    Exposure to outdoor air pollution caused by wood burning is an obvious health risk. But the pollution also finds its way into homes, worsening indoor air quality. Also, when lighting or refuelling a wood stove, large quantities of PM2.5 escape into the indoor air. Depending on how effective the home ventilation is, the PM2.5 levels can take hours to reduce.

    Looks aren’t everything

    In surveys carried out in Ireland and the UK, it was found that most people using solid fuel stoves did it for the aesthetics and the “homely feel”. The desire to save money or necessity came next.

    Most people who use indoor wood burning in London are in wealthier neighbourhoods, while those most affected by the consequent air pollution are in poorer areas.

    Educational campaigns regarding the effect of wood-burning stoves on health and the environment can be an important tool to reduce their usage. New initiatives, such as the Clean Air Night held in the UK and Ireland, are valuable in raising awareness and possibly changing long-term heating habits.

    Encouraging users to move to more efficient and renewable heating technologies like heat pumps can reduce emissions and harm to health. This move even works out to be cheaper, except for people who source their own wood.

    Communities can also be provided with information on their local air quality, allowing them to visualise real-time effects of their actions. For example, the PM2.5 sensor network map for Cork is freely accessible to the community and identifies locations and times when PM2.5 pollution is unhealthy.

    If you have a wood burner, you could check that the pollution levels aren’t too high before you fire it up.

    How to reduce emissions

    People who rely on solid fuel stoves as their only source of home heating can adopt the following measures to reduce emissions. Use low-emission labelled stoves that reduce pollution. When burning, have small hot fires, with enough air supply and do not let the fire smoulder.

    Choose carefully what is burnt, in compliance with relevant regulations. Do not burn garbage, plastics, cardboard, treated or painted wood in your stoves. These items increase exposure to toxic pollutants.

    Ensure that stoves are installed and maintained annually by professionals. And, when lighting up or refuelling, make sure that the room the stove is in is well ventilated. This means open windows, no blocked vents, and exhaust fans or kitchen hoods can be used for additional ventilation.

    People who use solid fuel stoves as a secondary source of heating could consider using the stove less or even stopping using it altogether. That really would be a breath of fresh air.

    Asit Kumar Mishra is a DOROTHY co-fund Fellow and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101034345.

    John Wenger has previously received funding from several governmental organisations in Ireland for research into solid fuel burning, including the EPA and Irish Research Council.

    – ref. Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment – https://theconversation.com/wood-burning-stoves-are-a-serious-problem-for-your-health-and-the-environment-245737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Programme (WFP) to purchase and transport approximately 48,000 metric tons of maize on behalf of the Government with World Bank funding

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Malawi have signed an agreement to import 48,000 metric tons of maize, valued at US$ 35 million and funded by the World Bank Group, to help food-insecure communities affected by the El Niño-induced drought.

    WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa met today with the Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs to discuss the details of the agreement and reaffirm their shared commitment to addressing Malawi’s urgent food needs.

    “This is a significant step in complementing Malawi Government’s efforts in provision of relief assistance to food-insecure households across the country,” said Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs in Malawi. “The gesture reflects the strong commitment of the Government and its partners in alleviating hunger and improve food security as per the call made by the State President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera when he declared state of disaster early last year.”

    “WFP is focused on making sure critical resources reach the people who need them most,” said Eric Perdison, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa. “This collaboration shows the strength of partnerships in tackling the challenges caused by climate-related crises.”

    “The Word Bank mobilized US$ 50 million earlier this year to help Malawi address the impact of the recent El Niño-induced drought in the country”, said Firas Raad, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi. “We hope this financing will provide greater food security to vulnerable households, and we are proud of our close collaboration with WFP.”   

    This funding comes from the Crisis Emergency Response Component (CERC), of the Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa – Phase 3, a World Bank Group programme that helps countries quickly access resources during emergencies. Under this agreement, WFP will procure and transport approximately 48,000 metric tons of maize from Tanzania to Malawi to fill some of the food deficit caused by the El Niño drought. The Government of Malawi will distribute the food to approximately 954,000 households, in a national effort to alleviate hunger and help towards ensuring communities have access to food until the next harvest between April and July.

    Malawi is currently facing acute food insecurity challenges, with 5.7 million people rendered food insecure following the El Niño-induced drought which negatively affected 44 percent of crops. WFP is collaborating closely with the Government of Malawi to address this emergency. Beyond this agreement, WFP is assisting over two million people with food assistance, including malnutrition treatment and school meals. WFP also provides logistics support to help the Government transport maize to distribution points across Malawi.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

    MIL OSI Africa –