NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bob Dean Jr. and Affiliated Corporate Entities Agree to $8.2M Consent Judgment to Resolve Allegations of Financial Misconduct Stemming from Evacuation of Nursing Homes During Hurricane Ida

    Source: US State of California

    Bob Dean Jr. and several companies that he owned and operated have agreed to an $8.2 million consent judgment to resolve allegations that they violated the National Housing Act of 1934 (NHA), by misappropriating and misusing the assets and income of four nursing homes in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Ida’s landfall in August 2021. The four nursing homes, all of which were owned and operated by Dean and his companies, and had loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Houma; Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Harvey; Maison Orleans Healthcare in New Orleans; and West Jefferson Health Care Center in Harvey.

    The FHA, part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides mortgage insurance on loans that cover residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, pursuant to the NHA. To encourage lenders to make loans to such facilities, FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses that result from borrowers defaulting on their mortgage loans. To obtain such FHA-insured loans, loan recipients must enter into regulatory agreements with the FHA that provide, among other requirements, that the assets and income of an FHA-insured nursing home may only be spent on goods and services that are reasonable and necessary to the operation of the nursing home. The NHA permits the United States to recover twice the amount of any assets and income of FHA-insured nursing homes that were improperly distributed or misspent.

    In 2023, the government filed a complaint against Dean and his corporate entities alleging that they misspent the nursing homes’ assets and income. The United States alleged that in the five years leading up to Hurricane Ida, Dean funneled money that should have been used to prepare an evacuation site for nursing home residents to his personal bank accounts, leaving his nursing homes — and, more importantly, the nursing homes’ residents — unprepared for a hurricane. As a result, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021, the residents of Dean’s nursing homes had to ride out the storm in an overcrowded and ill-prepared industrial warehouse Dean owned through a corporate entity. The United States alleged that at Dean’s evacuation center, his nursing homes’ residents languished in squalor and did not receive adequate care, leading to the Louisiana Department of Health evacuating the nursing home residents from Dean’s warehouse and revoking Dean’s nursing homes’ licenses. The United States further alleged that, following the hurricane, Dean did not use the homes’ income and assets solely to operate or maintain the nursing homes, but instead to purchase personal goods and services, including antiques, firearms and cars.

    “This settlement demonstrates the department’s continuing commitment to holding accountable those who put their own financial gain over the needs of our nation’s seniors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to take action to protect the integrity of federal programs designed to ensure that nursing home residents, who are among our most vulnerable citizens, receive appropriate care.”

    “As the residents of Louisiana well know, hurricanes and natural disasters can devastate people’s lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Nursing home operators like Mr. Dean have an obligation to protect their residents during such events, particularly if they are going to rely on federal programs to support or sustain their businesses. This settlement will ensure that those individuals charged with caring for our community’s most vulnerable residents take seriously their duty to have proper safeguards and plans in place to avoid tragedies like the one we saw in Independence, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida.”

    “Nursing home providers have obligations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents entrusted to their care,” said HUD General Counsel Damon Smith. “Owners of FHA-insured nursing homes should be on notice that we will hold them accountable when we learn of allegations that they have failed to meet those obligations.”

    “By the time Hurricane Ida bore down on the vulnerable nursing home residents at properties operated by Mr. Dean, he illegally skimmed funding from those facilities and failed to maintain sanitation and adequately equip the warehouse he designated as the evacuation site,” said HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “He unfairly enriched himself while residents under his charge endured horrid conditions including insufficient food and medical care. HUD OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold accountable those who misappropriate funds at the expense of vulnerable populations.”

    The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the case, with substantial assistance from HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Christopher Reimer and Samuel Robins of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Davis Rhorer Jr. and Chase Zachary for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the matter.

    The United States’ complaint stemmed from an investigation that the Justice Department initiated as part of its Elder Justice Initiative, which supports the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice, National Guard deploy search and recovery team, engineers to Florida for Hurricane Milton response

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice has activated approximately 40 members of the West Virginia National Guard to support response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton, which is projected to make landfall in Florida on October 9, 2024. 

    Approximately 10-12 Airmen from the 130th Airlift Wing headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, will deploy to assist the State of Florida with potential search and recovery operations. 

    Additionally, approximately 30 engineers from the 821st Engineer Construction Company headquartered in Summersville, along with support equipment such as skid steers and front loaders from the 601st Engineer Support Company headquartered in Buckhannon, will also deploy to assist with debris removal and management Operations.

    Both groups will initially stage in northern Florida under the command of the Florida National Guard and will deploy to impacted communities as determined by state and local officials. They are expected to spend approximately 12 days on the ground in a State Active Duty status.

    “When our neighbors put out the call for help, time and time again, we answer,” Gov. Justice said. “We supported our friends in Kentucky last year, and now we’re running to the fire in Florida. That’s what we do in West Virginia–we pull the rope together and help our neighbors. So, I’m proud we can join forces with the Florida National Guard in their response efforts. My thoughts and prayers are with our amazing men and women traveling south, all the first responders in the area, and everyone dealing with this challenging hurricane season. Let’s continue to take care of each other.”

    “With the devastation of Hurricane Helene still present, Florida is now under threat of a storm with even deadlier potential,” Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen will be there to help support response and relief efforts as needed, support first responders and officials, help citizens survive, and help stabilize communities in the aftermath of Milton. One of the most important missions of our National Guard is neighbors helping neighbors. With the strong support of Gov. Jim Justice, we are ready to provide any and all assistance we can render.”

    West Virginia National Guard assistance was formally requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, or EMAC process. EMAC is a mutual aid agreement among states and territories of the United States that enables states to request resources during naturaland man-made disasters, complementing the national disaster response system. The requesting state is responsible for covering the costs of the provided aid.

    Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region of Florida late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm. Milton is forecast to bring potentially catastrophic storm surges along the western coast of Florida, torrential rains and flash flooding, damaging hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, and massive power outages as it makes its way across the state before reemerging as a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean. Currently wavering between a Category 4 and Category 5 storm as it churns in the Gulf of Mexico, Milton is forecast to bring ashore rainfall in excess of 15 inches and coastal surges of more than 10-15 feet. 

    Milton will impact Florida communities still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which battered the southeastern United States, killing at least 225 people. Fifty-one of 67 counties in Florida are now under emergency warnings as Milton approaches, and massive mandatory evacuations are underway.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on One-Year Anniversary of Horrific October 7 Attack

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Barbara Lee 13th District of California

    October 07, 2024

    “One year ago today, Israel suffered a horrific terrorist attack by Hamas. We continue to mourn the lives lost on that tragic day. I was devastated by the immense suffering then, and remain devasted by the suffering across the region that has happened since. As we remember the lives lost on October 7 and in the past year, we must continue to push for diplomatic solutions to achieve peace and security in the region.

    As I have maintained from the very beginning of this war, a ceasefire and hostage deal is the key to resolving this conflict. 

    Today, I am thinking of all the hostages that have not returned home. I am thinking of all the innocent lives that have been lost in this horrific humanitarian crisis. I am thinking of the millions of civilians – in Israel, in Gaza, in Lebanon, and across the region – that remain at risk of hunger, death, and displacement. We must continue to do everything we can to prevent any further escalation of violence.

    It is the obligation of the United States and our international allies to use all available leverage and tools of diplomacy to help prevent the outbreak of a regional war, to help end this conflict, and to help achieve peace and security in the region.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Urges Thorough Review of Department of Defense Reserve Suicide Prevention Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), has written a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro urging the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to begin work on a report that reviews suicide prevention matters of the reserve component of the Department of Defense (DOD). The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the GAO to conduct a review of suicide prevention and response policies for reserve personnel, and the extent to which the DOD and military services have coordinated these policies at the federal, state and local levels. Senator King’s letter comes just weeks ahead of the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that was carried out by an Army reservist, who failed to receive adequate mental health care.
    Over one-third of U.S. military service members serve in the reserve component, which provides trained units and qualified personnel in times of war or national emergency, or to fill the needs of the Armed Forces whenever more units and personnel are needed. In 2023, the DOD reported that the suicide rate among reserve component personnel was generally similar to that of the U.S. population. However, reserve component personnel offices often have limited access to military suicide prevention resources.
    “It has been nearly a year since Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Card II committed the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, killing 18 and wounding 13 on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. Since the tragedy, multiple press reports, investigations by the Army, and the Governor of Maine’s special commission have revealed troubling matters. I urge you to consider these investigations and to meet with all stakeholders as you conduct your review,” wrote Senator King.
    “Service members in reserve status are critical to our Armed Forces and represent nearly one-third of the total force. I am concerned that they experience limited access to military-supported suicide prevention resources. Authorities can be confusing and blurred for service members including commanders at all echelons. Effective coordination between unit commanders and local authorities is misunderstood, yet it is critical to ensuring public safety and that service members receive the care that is needed,” continued Senator King.
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Most recently, at the request of Senator King, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new report breaking down suicide rates in the Armed Service by job function. Additionally, he recently wrote a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has unfortunately led to a high number of veteran suicides. This past August, he introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans in an effort to reduce suicides.
    The full text of the letter can be found here or below.
    +++
    Dear Mr. Dodaro:
    I am writing to bring to your attention my interest regarding a requirement for you to conduct a review of suicide prevention matters for the Department of Defense. Senate Report 118-188 accompanying the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 4368) requires you to review suicide prevention and response for the reserve component of the United States military. I worked closely with Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker to include this requirement. I request to be updated regarding your work and appreciate you treating it with the utmost urgency.
    It has been nearly a year since Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Card II committed the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, killing 18 and wounding 13 on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. Since the tragedy, multiple press reports, investigations by the Army, and the Governor of Maine’s special commission have revealed troubling matters. I urge you to consider these investigations and to meet with all stakeholders as you conduct your review. I applaud Governor Mills’ leadership in establishing the “Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston”. I request you review the findings from the Commission and Army investigations as you formulate recommendations. I further request that, if there are additional authorities or resources needed, you identify those in your report and consider including legislative proposals to address those gaps.
    Service members in reserve status are critical to our Armed Forces and represent nearly one-third of the total force. I am concerned that they experience limited access to military-supported suicide prevention resources. Authorities can be confusing and blurred for service members including commanders at all echelons. Effective coordination between unit commanders and local authorities is misunderstood, yet it is critical to ensuring public safety and that service members receive the care that is needed.
    Thank you for the significant work you and your team conduct, and for your continued efforts to inform Congress and assist me in oversight and legislative changes. Please let me know how my staff and I may be of assistance in this matter.  
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Violent Crime Spree

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 200 months in prison for a violent crime spree that included a series of armed robberies and assaults across New Mexico, culminating in the carjacking and shooting of a 62-year-old veteran.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on November 12, 2021, Procopio Montoya Atkinson, 26, robbed a Dollar General store in Northwest Albuquerque. Atkinson feigned a cash purchase of flavored water, and when the female cashier opened the register to give him change, he reached over the counter to take the money. When she shut the drawer, Atkinson escalated his actions by walking behind the counter and demanding money while pointing a firearm at her. Atkinson discharged the firearm toward the ceiling, causing panic. The manager complied with Atkinson’s demands as he began a verbal countdown. Ultimately, Atkinson took $192 from the register and fled.

    The crime spree continued on December 6, 2021, when Atkinson shoplifted clothing and an entire display case full of pocketknives from a Love’s Travel Stop in Belen. Atkinson was confronted by two female employees outside and physically assaulted them while attempting to hit them with his vehicle. Just three days later, on December 9, Atkinson assaulted another female employee at a Walmart in Belen after loading a cart with clothing and tools.

    Atkinson approaching the display case full of pocketknives.

    Atkinson picking up the display case full of pocketknives.

    The discarded display case.

    On December 13, law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant for Atkinson related to the armed robbery from November 12. On December 17, members of the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force established surveillance on his home for his arrest. As they moved in to apprehend him at a gas station, Atkinson displayed awareness of their presence by retrieving binoculars to monitor law enforcement movements. Atkinson drove toward one task force officer while pointing a pistol at him before abandoning his pursuit when backup arrived.

    The crime spree culminated on December 20 when John Doe 3 was driving alone in his vintage Chevrolet truck with his wife and daughter following behind in another vehicle. They were stopped at a traffic light when Atkinson approached John Doe 3’s wife and daughter with a pistol and demanded they exit their vehicle. After they refused to open their doors, Atkinson turned his attention to John Doe 3’s truck, a beautifully restored ’62 Chevrolet. He opened the passenger door and, after a brief struggle, shot John Doe 3 in the back.

    A photo of the scene.

    Responding officers successfully blocked the truck in following an unsuccessful escape attempt by Atkinson and John Doe 3 was airlifted to the hospital.

    John Doe 3 survived his injuries, but the emotional toll of that day has left lasting scars; he experiences ongoing pain and anxiety whenever near that intersection or driving through similar situations, and his beloved truck now sits dormant.

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

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the United States Marshal Service, Belen Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, Federal Response Positioned to Fully Support Florida Ahead of Milton Landfall

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA, Federal Response Positioned to Fully Support Florida Ahead of Milton Landfall

    FEMA, Federal Response Positioned to Fully Support Florida Ahead of Milton Landfall

    Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued and others are underway. If local authorities issue evacuations, please listen and evacuate immediately. Your life could be at risk.

    WASHINGTON — FEMA and its federal partners are leaning forward and have pre-positioned resources to support local and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. President Joseph R. Biden approved an Emergency Declaration for Florida on Monday, authorizing FEMA to coordinate Federal disaster relief efforts to save lives and protect the health and safety of those in the storm’s path. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground, meeting with officials across the impacted states to marshal the full capabilities of the federal government. 

    This includes pre-staging a full slate of response capabilities in Florida and the region, including: seven FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams, eight FEMA Urban Search & Rescue and swift water rescue teams, three U.S. Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, four Health Care System Assessment Teams, five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and an Incident Management Team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) temporary power teams, debris experts and a roofing team, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) debris removal and wastewater experts, 300 ambulances and 30 High Water Vehicles with ladders from the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, FEMA has five incident staging bases with commodities including food and water. Right now, FEMA currently has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water in the pipeline to deploy as needed to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts and can expand as needed.

    The National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Milton will be a large and extremely dangerous hurricane when it approaches the west coast of Florida tomorrow, bringing devastating hurricane-force winds and life-threatening life surge. In addition to storm surge and extreme winds, Milton will bring heavy rain and the risk of life-threatening flooding, especially in areas with coastal and inland flooding. 

    Hurricane Milton is an extremely dangerous, potentially deadly storm. Those in its path are urged to rush to complete preparations today, know how they are going to get information and listen to local officials.  

    FEMA senior leaders across different regions are on the ground in Florida supporting response efforts. FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Willie Nunn will remain in Florida throughout the duration of Hurricane Milton. John Brogan, the Federal Coordinating Officer for Milton and Helene, will also remain in Florida. Nearly 900 staff are already supporting recovery efforts at the Joint Field Office in Tallahassee and operating across the designated counties for hurricanes Helene, Debby and Idalia. This includes more than 460 supporting Hurricane Helene recovery, more than 300 supporting Hurricane Debby recovery and more than 100 supporting Hurricane Idalia recovery.

    FEMA officials are still actively supporting North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia as they respond to and recover from Hurricane Helene including more than 7,400 federal workers of which 1,500 are FEMA staff. FEMA will not divert personnel or resources from these ongoing responses. 

    FEMA understands that people in the path of this storm may still be recovering from hurricanes Helene, Debby and Idalia and urges everyone to protect themselves and take care of others because time is running out to prepare for the hurricane’s potentially deadly impacts.

    Counties in Hurricane Milton’s path have issued evacuation orders. If you need to evacuate, please “evacuate out, not up.” People should visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to determine if they live in an evacuation zone. 

    • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.  
    • Your gas tank and electric vehicle only need to be halfway full or halfway charged to ensure you can evacuate further inland to a safe location and away from storm surge. You may only need to travel tens of miles, not hundreds.
    • If you live in a county with an evacuation order in place and need evacuation assistance, please call 1-800-729-3413 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the hurricane evacuation charter bus schedule. Again, this is for residents that are in areas with evacuation orders. Florida also partnered with Uber to provide free rides to a shelter using the code MILTONRELIEF.
    • The state of Florida has activated the State Assistance Information Line. Residents needing information and resources can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English, Spanish & Creole speakers available to answer questions.
    • A list of emergency shelters, including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and those who have pets can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster.
    • Additional resources and state updates on Hurricane Milton can be found by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
    • For live updates, follow FLSERT on X and Instagram and FDEM on Facebook.

    Download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Newsome, Associate Professor in Global Ecology, University of Sydney

    You don’t have to look far to see what climate change is doing to the planet. The word “unprecedented” is everywhere this year.

    We are seeing unprecedented rapidly intensifying tropical storms such as Hurricane Helene in the eastern United States and Super Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam. Unprecedented fires in Canada have destroyed towns. Unprecedented drought in Brazil has dried out enormous rivers and left swathes of empty river beds. At least 1,300 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj in Mecca as temperatures passed 50°C.

    Unfortunately, we are headed for far worse. The new 2024 State of the Climate report, produced by our team of international scientists, is yet another stark warning about the intensifying climate crisis. Even if governments meet their emissions goals, the world may hit 2.7°C of warming – nearly double the Paris Agreement goal of holding climate change to 1.5°C. Each year, we track 35 of the Earth’s vital signs, from sea ice extent to forests. This year, 25 are now at record levels, all trending in the wrong directions.

    Humans are not used to these conditions. Human civilisation emerged over the last 10,000 years under benign conditions – not too hot, not too cold. But this liveable climate is now at risk. In your grandchild’s lifetime, climatic conditions will be more threatening than anything our prehistoric relatives would have faced.

    Our report shows a continued rise in fossil fuel emissions, which remain at an all-time high. Despite years of warnings from scientists, fossil fuel consumption has actually increased, pushing the planet toward dangerous levels of warming. While wind and solar have grown rapidly, fossil fuel use is 14 times greater.

    This year is also tracking for the hottest year on record, with global daily mean temperatures at record levels for nearly half of 2023 and much of 2024.

    Next month, world leaders and diplomats will gather in Azerbaijan for the annual United Nations climate talks, COP 29. Leaders will have to redouble their efforts. Without much stronger policies, climate change will keep worsening, bringing with it more frequent and more extreme weather.

    Bad news after bad news

    We have still not solved the central problem: the routine burning of fossil fuels. Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases – particularly methane and carbon dioxide – are still rising. Last September, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere hit 418 parts per million (ppm). This September, they crossed 422 ppm. Methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, has been increasing at an alarming rate despite global pledges to tackle it.

    Compounding the problem is the recent decline in atmospheric aerosols from efforts to cut pollution. These small particles suspended in the air come from both natural and human processes, and have helped cool the planet. Without this cooling effect, the pace of global warming may accelerate. We don’t know for sure because aerosol properties are not yet measured well enough.

    Other environmental issues are now feeding into climate change. Deforestation in critical areas such as the Amazon is reducing the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon naturally, driving additional warming. This creates a feedback loop, where warming causes trees to die which in turn amplifies global temperatures.

    Loss of sea ice is another. As sea ice melts or fails to form, dark seawater is exposed. Ice reflects sunlight but seawater absorbs it. Scaled up, this changes the Earth’s albedo (how reflective the surface is) and accelerates warming further.

    In coming decades, sea level rise will pose a growing threat to coastal communities, putting millions of people at risk of displacement.

    Accelerate the solutions

    Our report stresses the need for an immediate and comprehensive end to the routine use of fossil fuels.

    It calls for a global carbon price, set high enough to drive down emissions, particularly from high-emitting wealthy countries.

    Introducing effective policies to slash methane emissions is crucial, given methane’s high potency but short atmospheric lifetime. Rapidly cutting methane could slow the rate of warming in the short term.

    Natural climate solutions such as reforestation and soil restoration should be rolled out to increase how much carbon is stored in wood and soil. These efforts must be accompanied by protective measures in wildfire and drought prone areas. There’s no point planting forests if they will burn.

    Governments should introduce stricter land-use policies to slow down rates of land clearing and increase investment in forest management to cut the risk of large, devastating fires and encourage sustainable land use.

    We cannot overlook climate justice. Less wealthy nations contribute least to global emissions but are often the worst affected by climate disasters.

    Wealthier nations must provide financial and technical support to help these countries adapt to climate change while cutting emissions. This could include investing in renewable energy, improving infrastructure and funding disaster preparedness programs.

    Internationally, our report urges stronger commitments from world leaders. Current global policies are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

    Without drastic changes, the world is on track for approximately 2.7°C of warming this century. To avoid catastrophic tipping points, nations must strengthen their climate pledges, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

    Immediate, transformative policy changes are now necessary if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

    Climate change is already here. But it could get much, much worse. By slashing emissions, boosting natural climate solutions and working towards climate justice, the global community can still fend off the worst version of our future.

    Thomas Newsome receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is immediate past-president of the Australasian Wildlife Management Society and President of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

    William Ripple receives funding from the CO2 Foundation and University of Oregon donor Roger Worthington.

    – ref. Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century – https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-peril-disaster-lies-ahead-as-we-track-towards-2-7-c-of-warming-this-century-240549

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Calls on Administration To Take Action To Address Shortage Of IV Solutions Caused by Hurricane Destruction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and administration officials to use all appropriate authorities to resolve the national shortage of intravenous (IV) solutions caused by the halt in production at the North Carolina IV fluids manufacturing plant hit by Hurricane Helene. Klobuchar also warns that another plant in Daytona Beach, Florida that manufactures IV solutions could also become compromised by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, exacerbating the existing shortage. 
    “Flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina,” wrote Senator Klobuchar. “The plant – the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country – has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant.” 
    “To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness,” Klobuchar continued. “In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions.”
    Klobuchar has been a national leader in efforts to address prescription and over-the-counter drug shortages.
    In June, Senator Klobuchar chaired an Antitrust Subcommittee hearing titled “Strengthening U.S. Economic Leadership: The Role of Competition in Enhancing Economic Resiliency.” The hearing focused on the danger of consolidation in critical supply chains, which can make the country vulnerable to disruptions and supply shortages that can endanger U.S. economic resiliency and national security.
    In July 2023, Klobuchar, and Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) bipartisan legislation to prevent and mitigate drug shortages was passed out of the Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on a bipartisan vote of 17 to 3. The Drug Shortage Prevention Act would require manufacturers of over-the-counter and prescription medicines to notify the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) when they are unlikely to meet demand. The legislation also requires drugmakers to provide information about their suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and in-process materials to the FDA.
    In 2012, Klobuchar and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act, which Collins also cosponsored. This bipartisan legislation was signed into law as part of the Food & Drug Administration Safety & Innovation Act of 2012 (FDASIA). The Klobuchar law allows the FDA to require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA six months in advance if any supply or manufacturing disruption could lead to a prescription drug shortage. The law also created the Drug Shortage Prevention Task Force and requires the FDA to submit a report to Congress every year on drug shortages. In 2023, the number of new drug shortages tracked by FDA was 33, compared to a peak of 251 new shortages during 2011, before Klobuchar’s 2012 bill was passed into law giving FDA more tools to prevent shortages.
    The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Secretary Becerra,
    As you know, Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction and flooding across much of the southern United States. This natural disaster has caused widespread disruption to vital services across the region and country. Notably, flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina. The plant – the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country – has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant. 
    To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness. 
    As you know, the Baxter facility is responsible for the manufacture of approximately 60 percent of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions available to health care providers in the United States. As a result of Hurricane Helene, hospitals, dialysis centers, and other health care providers around the country—including many in Minnesota—are already being forced to ration these basic, but life-saving supplies. This means many patients have no choice but to delay starting dialysis, delay elective care, or potentially receive suboptimal treatments. Hospitals and health providers are now canceling elective surgeries, such as cardiovascular and other surgical operations, and canceling organ transplants. 
    In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions. Steps must be also taken to ensure that companies advertising or selling FDA-approved IV solutions do not engage in price gouging or other illegal practices. I also urge the administration to implement strategies outlined in recent federal supply chain and manufacturing resilience assessments to mitigate any supply and distribution disruptions.,, Today, few companies in the United States make IV solutions, with a majority share flowing from a single plant. No single entity should be responsible for such a large proportion of fundamental medical supplies on which the health of our nation depends.
    Thank you for your continued efforts as we recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and for your attention to this urgent matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bob Dean Jr. and Affiliated Corporate Entities Agree to $8.2M Consent Judgment to Resolve Allegations of Financial Misconduct Stemming from Evacuation of Nursing Homes During Hurricane Ida

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Bob Dean Jr. and several companies that he owned and operated have agreed to an $8.2 million consent judgment to resolve allegations that they violated the National Housing Act of 1934 (NHA), by misappropriating and misusing the assets and income of four nursing homes in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Ida’s landfall in August 2021. The four nursing homes, all of which were owned and operated by Dean and his companies, and had loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Houma; Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Harvey; Maison Orleans Healthcare in New Orleans; and West Jefferson Health Care Center in Harvey.

    The FHA, part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides mortgage insurance on loans that cover residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, pursuant to the NHA. To encourage lenders to make loans to such facilities, FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses that result from borrowers defaulting on their mortgage loans. To obtain such FHA-insured loans, loan recipients must enter into regulatory agreements with the FHA that provide, among other requirements, that the assets and income of an FHA-insured nursing home may only be spent on goods and services that are reasonable and necessary to the operation of the nursing home. The NHA permits the United States to recover twice the amount of any assets and income of FHA-insured nursing homes that were improperly distributed or misspent.

    In 2023, the government filed a complaint against Dean and his corporate entities alleging that they misspent the nursing homes’ assets and income. The United States alleged that in the five years leading up to Hurricane Ida, Dean funneled money that should have been used to prepare an evacuation site for nursing home residents to his personal bank accounts, leaving his nursing homes — and, more importantly, the nursing homes’ residents — unprepared for a hurricane. As a result, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021, the residents of Dean’s nursing homes had to ride out the storm in an overcrowded and ill-prepared industrial warehouse Dean owned through a corporate entity. The United States alleged that at Dean’s evacuation center, his nursing homes’ residents languished in squalor and did not receive adequate care, leading to the Louisiana Department of Health evacuating the nursing home residents from Dean’s warehouse and revoking Dean’s nursing homes’ licenses. The United States further alleged that, following the hurricane, Dean did not use the homes’ income and assets solely to operate or maintain the nursing homes, but instead to purchase personal goods and services, including antiques, firearms and cars.

    “This settlement demonstrates the department’s continuing commitment to holding accountable those who put their own financial gain over the needs of our nation’s seniors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to take action to protect the integrity of federal programs designed to ensure that nursing home residents, who are among our most vulnerable citizens, receive appropriate care.”

    “As the residents of Louisiana well know, hurricanes and natural disasters can devastate people’s lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Nursing home operators like Mr. Dean have an obligation to protect their residents during such events, particularly if they are going to rely on federal programs to support or sustain their businesses. This settlement will ensure that those individuals charged with caring for our community’s most vulnerable residents take seriously their duty to have proper safeguards and plans in place to avoid tragedies like the one we saw in Independence, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida.”

    “Nursing home providers have obligations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents entrusted to their care,” said HUD General Counsel Damon Smith. “Owners of FHA-insured nursing homes should be on notice that we will hold them accountable when we learn of allegations that they have failed to meet those obligations.”

    “By the time Hurricane Ida bore down on the vulnerable nursing home residents at properties operated by Mr. Dean, he illegally skimmed funding from those facilities and failed to maintain sanitation and adequately equip the warehouse he designated as the evacuation site,” said HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “He unfairly enriched himself while residents under his charge endured horrid conditions including insufficient food and medical care. HUD OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold accountable those who misappropriate funds at the expense of vulnerable populations.”

    The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the case, with substantial assistance from HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Christopher Reimer and Samuel Robins of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Davis Rhorer Jr. and Chase Zachary for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the matter.

    The United States’ complaint stemmed from an investigation that the Justice Department initiated as part of its Elder Justice Initiative, which supports the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Air Transport Members Receive Essential Support Through IAM Disaster Relief Program Following Hurricane Beryl   

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    After Hurricane Beryl caused devastation earlier this year, IAM Air Transport members, especially those from IAM Local 2198 in Houston, have found hope through the IAM Disaster Relief Program. 

    The hurricane profoundly impacted the Gulf Coast communities. Among those affected were IAM members who have received crucial assistance in navigating the aftermath of this natural disaster.

    The IAM Disaster Relief Program highlights the union’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being and needs of its members, particularly during crises.

    “The IAM Disaster Relief Program stands as a pillar of support for our members during their most challenging times,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Richie Johnsen. “Our swift action following Hurricane Beryl’s impact demonstrates our commitment to every member.”

    IAM Air Transport leadership continues to take a proactive role in leading efforts to swiftly coordinate with Locals to ensure that members impacted by natural disasters are promptly informed about and provided access to the support services offered by the IAM Disaster Relief Program. 

    “The IAM’s proactive approach in reaching out to its members and providing immediate assistance exemplifies the organization’s dedication to serving and supporting its community,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “This program will remain a vital resource for affected IAM members, ensuring they receive the help they most need.”

    In the event of a disaster, it requires the collective effort of many moving pieces and people, including IAM staff, Locals, Districts, and the work of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, to organize and provide support programs for our members. They play a vital role in ensuring that all members are well-informed about the array of available programs aimed at providing assistance during challenging times.

    If you’re an IAM member and suffer property damage from a natural disaster, you can apply for assistance from the IAM Disaster Relief Fund here.

    To address urgent needs, the IAM encourages its members impacted by the hurricane to apply for support through the IAM Disaster Relief Fund. This fund is specifically designed to provide assistance during natural disasters, helping members and their families navigate hardships.

    Apply for assistance here.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN ANNOUNCES C.A.R.E.S. VAN SCHEDULE FOR HUDSON VALLEY HALLOWEEN AND FALL EVENTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Ryan (New York 18th)

    Congressman Pat Ryan Announces C.A.R.E.S. Van Schedule for Hudson Valley Halloween and Fall Events

    Ryan’s Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van will bring assistance with federal agencies to Halloween and fall community events across NY-18

    WASHINGTON, DC  –  Today, Congressman Pat Ryan announced the schedule of Halloween and fall community events that his mobile office, the Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van will visit across the Hudson Valley. Congressman Ryan’s C.A.R.E.S. Van, staffed by his team of highly-trained caseworkers, brings direct assistance with federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the IRS, and more to Hudson Valley families right in their own community. The C.A.R.E.S. Van has become a staple at community events and celebrations since its unveiling in June 2023.

    “There’s nothing like families and neighbors coming together to celebrate the perfect fall day in the Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Ryan. “I’m proud that the C.A.R.E.S. Van is bringing the direct, one-on-one assistance that Hudson Valley families deserve right to these community events across the Hudson Valley. My team goes that extra mile to cut through bureaucratic red tape and get Hudson Valley families the benefits they’ve earned with the C.A.R.E.S. Van. If you need help navigating anything from IRS returns to Social Security, or just want to join my team and neighbors from across the Hudson Valley for these family-friendly celebrations, hope you’ll be at one of the events!”

    Congressman Ryan’s C.A.R.E.S. Van assists constituents of NY-18 in accessing earned benefits, such as Veterans’ Affairs benefits and Social Security, federal grant funding, passports and visas, immigration and naturalization services, and resolving issues with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service. 

    This summer, Congressman Ryan launched a specialized C.A.R.E.S. Van series that connected Hudson Valley seniors directly with one-on-one assistance from the Social Security Administration, Center for Medicare, and dozens of community partners as well as his team of expert caseworkers who assisted with federal agencies. Over the summer, Ryan also utilized the Van to deliver help with veterans services and federal agencies like assistance accessing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, requesting military medical records, obtaining lost military awards, and more directly to veterans at veterans service organizations (VSOs) throughout the Hudson Valley.

    In March, the C.A.R.E.S. Van completed its first district tour, visiting every one of the 82 cities, towns, and villages in NY-18 in under 10 months. During the first district tour, the Van reached over 1,500 constituents and logged 3,341 miles to bring assistance directly to Hudson Valley families where they are at. The Van has been critical in assisting Ryan’s team in securing nearly $24 million in casework assistance for NY-18 constituents.

    In November, the C.A.R.E.S. Van was utilized to bring assistance from the Social Security Administration back to Ulster County for a one-day senior resource fair organized by Congressman Ryan’s Office. The Van also made multiple stops at veterans service organizations in every county of NY-18 during Congressman Ryan’s Veterans Week of Action, for events that delivered specialized assistance directly to Hudson Valley veterans and honored their service. 

    Congressman Ryan mobilized the C.A.R.E.S. Van to assemble a coalition of community partners to deliver flood recovery resources during on-site events in communities impacted by last July’s devastating flooding.

    The C.A.R.E.S. Van has also been used by Congressman Ryan to partner with other offices and organizations, such as the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds, for specialty events.

    Congressman Ryan has prioritized increasing the responsiveness and accessibility of these services. The C.A.R.E.S Van will visit every municipality in the district over the course of the next year, ensuring that every constituent has direct and easy access to vital federal services. 

    The schedule for the C.A.R.E.S. Van’s Halloween and fall community events is as follows and updates will be provided via social media. 

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9:

    11:00AM – 2:00PM

    Human Services Trunk-or-Treat

    Kingston Plaza 

    151 Plaza Road

    Kingston, NY 12401

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19:

    11:30AM – 1:00PM

    Middletown Recreation Pumpkin Party in the Park 

    Fancher – Davidge Park

    130 Lake Avenue

    Middletown, NY 10940

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26:

    12:00PM – 5:00PM

    Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market

    87 Haviland Road

    Highland, NY 12528

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27:

    1:00PM – 3:00PM

    Town of Poughkeepsie Trunk-or-Treat

    Stanley Still Park

    80 Jackson Road

    Town of Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31:

    6:00PM – 8:00PM

    City of Newburgh Trunk-or-Treat

    Liberty and Grand Streets

    Newburgh, NY 12550

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Votes to Pass Bipartisan Spending Bill to Fund Government, Avert Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 25, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) voted to pass a bipartisan spending bill to keep the government funded through a continuing resolution.

    “The bipartisan spending bill ensures the federal government can continue providing essential services to every corner of New Mexico. From wildfire response to veteran support to nutritional assistance for families, we are protecting the programs that our communities depend on,” said Vasquez.“This bill is just the start—we must continue to work towards a long-term funding solution that provides stability for our government, our economy and the people we serve. Americans deserve a government that doesn’t jump from crisis to crisis.  I remain committed to coming to the table to work with my colleagues across the aisle to keep the government open.”

    The continuing resolution would protect the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to fight wildfires and prioritize fire suppression efforts, while extending the deadline for Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance. It also extends the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s authority to provide benefits to those who have had their SNAP benefits stolen to ensure all New Mexicans still have access to the full SNAP benefits they need.

    The resolution also grants emergency funding for the Department of Defense to use funds for military construction projects and provides critical funding to the Secret Service to protect presidential candidates. 

    Vasquez will continue fighting for additional disaster aid to ensure New Mexicans affected by natural disasters receive the funding and support they deserve. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Are the EU’s instruments and mechanisms for agriculture fit for purpose in the face of protracted droughts? – E-001912/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001912/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), Daniel Buda (PPE)

    High temperatures continue to devastate the EU. Destructive fires, heatwaves and severe droughts – worsened by reduced rainfall – are creating unprecedented challenges for agriculture.

    In Romania, 2.5 million hectares – specifically, 40 % of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower crops – were compromised by drought in 2024[1]. The July drought report from the Joint Research Centre shows that Sicily lost 25 % of its agricultural production, with EUR 2.7 billion in drought damage[2], while parts of Spain imposed water restrictions of up to 80 % for crop irrigation and 50 % for livestock[3]. Greece faces devastating fires again, having lost 120 000 hectares[4] and up to 80 % of livestock in 2023[5]. Poland is also experiencing drought and in 2023, 290 000 farmers were affected[6].

    Such dramatic examples illustrate the new reality of agriculture. Eurostat indicates that Romania, Italy, Spain, Greece and Poland are among the top 10 Member States that produce 85 % of basic EU foodstuffs. Faced with consecutive dry years, the future of food security looks worrying.

    • 1.What information does the Commission have on the EU agricultural and economic impact of the decline in agricultural production and agri-food exports?
    • 2.What long-term measures will be implemented to help farmers, the agricultural sector, rural areas and trade to face these challenges?
    • 3.How will the Commission guarantee food security?

    Submitted: 2.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.zf.ro/companii/seceta-a-produs-pagube-de-1-5-1-8-miliarde-de-euro-ministrul-22466064.
    • [2] Joint Research Centre, JRC MARS Bulletin Vol. 32 No 7, ‘Crop monitoring in Europe – July 2024’, 22 July 2024.
    • [3] https://www.awe.international/article/1860170/catalonia-takes-measures-tackle-the-worst-drought-record.
    • [4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/25/all-my-fortune-was-there-fires-devastate-greek-livelihoods-and-wildlife.
    • [5] https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2023/08/17/greece-s-volos-region-struggles-to-rebuild-after-devastating-fires_6095837_114.html.
    • [6] https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/06/02/poland-fewer-carrots-due-to-drought.
    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: All aboard! More clean buses and trains coming to California’s communities most affected by pollution

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 8, 2024

    What you need to know: The state is awarding $206 million in new funding to expand bus and rail services in disadvantaged communities, which face disproportionate impacts from pollution. 

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that Caltrans will award $206 million for 149 local, clean transportation projects to reduce pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities across the state. The funding announced today brings the state’s total investment in these projects to more than $1 billion in the last decade.

    “Thanks to California’s cap-and-trade program, more clean transit is coming to communities impacted most by pollution. With more than $1 billion invested in clean transit in our communities, we’re bettering the health and day-to-day lives of countless Californians.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This funding is possible through the California Climate Investment funds in the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP), funded by the state’s cap-and-trade program. Over the last decade, LCTOP has provided over $1 billion for over 1,400 projects which expanded bus or rail service, helped transit agencies purchase zero emission vehicles, funded zero emission infrastructure projects, and supported free or reduced transit fare programs. About 96% of this funding has gone to disadvantaged and low-income communities.

    “Caltrans is investing in transit services and infrastructure improvements to enhance and increase travel options in local, disadvantaged communities and help combat climate change,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “The program exemplifies our commitment to ensuring a transportation network that respects the environment and serves all Californians.”

    LCTOP is funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction fund and is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that allocates billions of cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

    Some of the projects that will benefit from LCTOP funding this year include:

    • Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Metro E-Line Operations: $51.3 million for operations benefitting Metro’s E Line light rail service. The new and expanded transit line serves 29 stations and operates 7 days a week
    • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – Free Muni for seniors, people with disabilities and youth: $18 million to operate the Free Muni program that reduces or eliminates Muni fares for seniors, people with disabilities and youth
    • Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) – 40 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Project: $10.3 million to purchase 40 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses in support of OCTA’s transition to a zero-emission fleet

    A full list of projects can be found here.

    For more information about California’s transportation investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and build.ca.gov.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 7, 2024

    News In total, California has deployed 284 highly specialized personnel to support hurricane response efforts in recent weeksSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida this week as a Category 5 hurricane, Governor Gavin Newsom today…

    Oct 7, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s Advisory Council and Million Coaches Challenge are joining forces to train 25,000 youth coaches in California by 2025, setting a new standard for positive youth development and equity in sports. Sacramento, California –…

    Oct 7, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement marking one year since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel:“Today marks the somber anniversary of the horrific massacre of more than 1,200 innocent people — men, women, and children…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A meaty haul: CHP seizes $1.7 million worth of fentanyl in less than a week — including in raw beef

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 8, 2024

    What you need to know: The California Highway Patrol recently conducted two enforcement stops leading to the seizure of nearly $1.7 million of illegal fentanyl and multiple illegally possessed firearms and the arrests of three out-of-state suspects in the Central Valley — including one who attempted to hide fentanyl inside multiple packages of raw beef. 

    SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) last week conducted two traffic stops on Interstate 5 in the Central Valley, leading to the seizure of 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills and 11 pounds of fentanyl valued at $1.7 million. The officers arrested three suspects from out of state, including one who had attempted to conceal the illegal drugs inside multiple packages of raw beef.

    “Throughout the state, California continues the tough work to get deadly and illegal drugs off our streets. I am proud of the efforts by our CHP officers here to help keep our community safe and hold drug peddlers accountable.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In the last week, the CHP announced the following operations:

    • Fresno County – On October 3, a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Fresno County led to a major drug bust after a CHP canine officer was alerted to the presence of narcotics in a cooler in the vehicle. The cooler contained multiple packages of carne asada beef, used to conceal the presence of 11 pounds of fentanyl valued at approximately $500,000. The suspect, a resident of the State of Washington, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Fresno County Jail on felony charges of possession of fentanyl for sale and transportation of fentanyl across non-contiguous counties.
    • Merced County — On October 4, 2024, a CHP Central Division canine officer seized around 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills and two handguns during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Los Banos. The discovery, with an estimated street value of $1.2 million, resulted in the arrest of two suspects, both from the State of Washington, on multiple felony charges.

    Cracking down on fentanyl

    California is taking aggressive action to end the fentanyl and opioid crisis. The Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis provides a comprehensive framework to deepen the impact of these investments, including aggressive steps to support overdose prevention efforts, hold the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, crack down on drug trafficking, and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl.
     
    In June, Governor Newsom expanded the deployment of the Cal Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force by more than doubling the number of service members interdicting fentanyl and other drugs at California ports of entry from 155 to nearly 400. This effort has produced strong results. Cal Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force has now seized over 5,000 pounds of fentanyl powder and 9.6 million pills containing fentanyl since January 2024. These seizures are valued at over $43 million. Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry.

    Addressing the opioid crisis

    The state launched opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment, as well as information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis.
     
    As part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, over-the-counter CalRx®-branded naloxone is now becoming available across the state. Through the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), CalRx®-branded over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, will be available for free to eligible organizations through the state or for sale for $24 per twin-pack through Amneal.

    Images above may be credited to the California Highway Patrol.

    Recent news

    Oct 8, 2024

    News What you need to know: The state is awarding $206 million in new funding to expand bus and rail services in disadvantaged communities, which face disproportionate impacts from pollution.  SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that Caltrans will award…

    Oct 7, 2024

    News In total, California has deployed 284 highly specialized personnel to support hurricane response efforts in recent weeksSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida this week as a Category 5 hurricane, Governor Gavin Newsom today…

    Oct 7, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s Advisory Council and Million Coaches Challenge are joining forces to train 25,000 youth coaches in California by 2025, setting a new standard for positive youth development and equity in sports. Sacramento, California –…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring New York’s Fallen Firefighters

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today honored 32 fallen firefighters at the 27th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony held at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany. The Memorial honors 2,692 New York’s firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, paying tribute to them as well as thousands of firefighters across the state who continue to serve and protect their communities.

    “Let us take a moment to remember the 32 courageous firefighters whose lives were dedicated to protecting others. Their names, now forever honored on the Memorial Wall, symbolize the bravery and sacrifice that define our firefighting community,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate Firefighter Appreciation Day and Fire Prevention Week, let us not only express our gratitude but also commit ourselves to fire safety and the well-being of those who risk everything for us. Together, we uphold the legacy of these heroes and the values they instill in us all.”

    “Our firefighters embody the definition of what it means to selflessly serve one’s community, and today, we remember those we lost fulfilling that service,” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said. “These men and women are heroes who rose to meet challenges that most of us can scarcely imagine, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay to those they have left behind. Today, we mourn alongside their families, friends, and colleagues as we salute their courage.”

    The fallen firefighters added to the wall this year include:

    NAME FIRE DEPARTMENT
    Thomas W. Anderson Jr. Fire Department of the City of New York
    Rev. Msgr. John E. Delendick Fire Department of the City of New York
    James A. Drohan Sr. Ossining Fire Department
    Russell Feliciano Fire Department of the City of New York
    Albert A. Filosa Fire Department of the City of New York
    John P. Fogarty Fire Department of the City of New York
    Niel G. Frazier Jr. Ellington Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
    Frederick H. Gallagher Fire Department of the City of New York
    Joseph P. Giordano Freeport Fire Department
    Wayne T. Goehring Fire Department of the City of New York
    Andrew J. Hornbuckle Fire Department of the City of New York
    Edward V. Hronec Fire Department of the City of New York
    Stewart G. Hunt Ancram Fire Department
    Robert J. Kelly Fire Department of the City of New York
    Lamont Killian Jr. Mount Vernon Fire Department
    Scott E. LaFlesh Plattsburgh Fire Department
    Arthur S. Lakiotes Fire Department of the City of New York
    James C. Mager Fire Department of the City of New York
    Anthony Malfi Fire Department of the City of New York
    Vincent J. Mandala Fire Department of the City of New York
    George P. Matthias Greenport Fire Department
    Thomas J. McDougall Fire Department of the City of New York
    Brian E. O’Flaherty Fire Department of the City of New York
    Jeffrey S. Pells Arlington Fire District
    Philip A. Pinto Jr. Eastchester Fire District
    James T. Redmond Fire Department of the City of New York
    Karl J. Sederholt Fire Department of the City of New York
    Lloyd W. Stuart Fire Department of the City of New York
    John E. Veteri Sr. Larchmont Fire Department
    Michael Verzi Fire Department of the City of New York
    Christopher P. Viviano Fire Department of the City of New York
    Israel J. Vosseller New Haven Volunteer Fire Department

    Governor Hochul also today issued two proclamations to honor the state’s career and volunteer firefighters, marking Oct. 8, 2024 as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of Oct. 7-11, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week. The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control works with local fire departments, fire service organizations, school districts, civic groups, and the National Fire Protection Association to provide the public with information and programs about the importance of fire safety awareness.

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We honor our fallen firefighters on this day and recognize their courage and the ultimate sacrifice they made to keep others safe. We will always be grateful for their dedication and bravery. We thank them for their service and grieve their loss with their families and loved ones.”

    State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “Those honored today include both career and volunteer members from across the State. Illnesses directly related to the response and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site after the attacks of September 11, 2001 continue to take their toll. We also gather to acknowledge and recognize the families, friends, and fellow firefighters of those who we are honoring today. Their loved one’s service required they too serve and sacrifice, and we offer our support and sympathy for their loss.”

    About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

    The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs.

    About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS experts responding simultaneously to two major natural hazards

    Source: US Geological Survey

    RESTON, Va. – As U.S. Geological Survey staff prepare for Hurricane Milton to hit Florida’s west coast as soon as Wednesday, agency experts are still dealing with the after-effects of Hurricane Helene that made landfall in Florida late last month and continued a path of destruction north through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

    While USGS experts are deploying wave sensors and forecasting coastal change in anticipation of Milton’s arrival, many of their agency colleagues have been hard at work mapping landslides, repairing and replacing damaged streamgages, and analyzing sensor data to provide the science information needed to help emergency responders and local officials with ongoing Helene recovery efforts.

    “Thank you to all our USGS employees and our partners for their dedication and commitment in supporting hurricane response efforts throughout the region,” said Holly Weyers, USGS Southeast Regional Director. “I’ve seen remarkable resiliency exhibited by our entire team in the face of incredible challenges. I’m proud of all our USGS employees and our partners and their ability to work together to find effective solutions, even in the most demanding situations, as we continue to support the needs of the communities in the affected areas. You have all made a remarkable difference.”

    To meet requests for local technical assistance, USGS activated its landslide event team last week to collect remotely sensed imagery and map landslides to gain a better picture of the extent and severity of landslide impacts. USGS continues to support requests from the North Carolina and Tennessee geological survey offices to identify landslide locations and landslide impacts to state transportation networks and the infrastructure environments. Hurricanes are known to lead to landslide and debris flow hazards in the southern Appalachian Mountains so experts at the USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center helped create a multi-agency Landslides Observations Dashboard to map landslides associated with Helene and aid state officials in determining the extent and severity of landslide occurrence and impacts. At time of publication, the dashboard shows more than 450 landslides across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, with nearly 320 of these having impacted rivers, roads or structures. 

    Two USGS landslide experts conducted aerial reconnaissance flights between October 3 and October 5 in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to obtain a better understanding of the extent and severity of landslide impacts in the southern Appalachian region. USGS experts continue to review the data and imagery from these flights to confirm locations of some landslides and assist local authorities as they work to protect lives and vital infrastructure. 

    Locations of landslides identified by the team can be viewed on the USGS Landslide Observations Dashboard.

    Well before deadly Hurricane Helene made landfall September 26 on the Florida Big Bend region, USGS water monitoring, coastal storm hazards, and modeling experts were preparing for its arrival and gathering data needed to help emergency managers and communities prepare for and respond to the onset of the large and powerful storm.

    Days prior to the storm striking, hydrographers from the USGS Caribbean Florida Water Science Center in Davie, Florida, deployed wave sensors and barometric pressure sensors to monitor large waves and surge along the coasts. USGS also activated seasonal hurricane real-time gauges in Florida and USGS crews in several other states in Helene’s projected track maintained streamgages critical to helping with flood forecasting. 

    After making landfall as a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds, Hurricane Helene caused coastal flooding along the entire west coast of Florida and damaged multiple gauging stations that are operated out of the Caribbean Florida Water Science Center. Due to the speed of the storm, the state did not receive a high amount of rainfall, so there was minimal inland flooding and USGS teams were not deployed for high water measurements. 

    Helene quickly moved north and further inland, bringing heavy rain and destructive winds across Georgia and the southern Appalachian region, resulting in widespread power outages. Areas such as Atlanta, eastern Tennessee, and western North Carolina experienced extreme or record high river levels, flash floods, landslides, and extensive river flooding. The mountainous terrain around Asheville, North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina worsened the flooding, creating dangerous conditions for local communities.

    The storm saturated the region and many USGS streamgages recorded extreme and historic water levels. Several gauges exceeded the peak of record in north Georgia and western parts of the Carolinas. According to the USGS Asheville field office, dozens of sites serviced by the office observed peak gauge heights that exceeded the current ratings following the storm runoff. Major basins affected included the French Broad and Catawba Basins in western North Carolina, urban tributaries of the Chattahoochee Basin in low-lying parts of Atlanta, and the Ogeechee and Savannah River Basin in Georgia and South Carolina. USGS officials estimated 10 to 20 gauges in Asheville and the upstate South Carolina area were damaged or inundated because of the storm.

    USGS experts from the South Atlantic Water Science Center and the Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center conducted post-storm field operations at safely accessible sites, obtaining high-flow measurements, completing repairs and needed equipment checks, and conducting verifications for streamgages that were inundated but not destroyed during the catastrophic flooding. USGS crews from the Virginia-West Virginia Water Science Center field offices in Marion and Leetown conducted discharge measurements and water-quality sampling in the New River, Shenandoah, and Potomac basins. The most significant flooding was found in the New River basin, with the peak at New River at Galax reaching the second highest peak of record ever documented. New River at Glen Lynn, at the West Virginia border, reached the fourth highest peak on record, which dates back over 100 years.

    With federal and state emergency response agencies conducting extensive rescue and recovery operations, and numerous washed out and blocked roads in the region causing unsafe conditions, it’s no surprise that USGS teams were limited in their immediate ability to assess damage to streamgage networks and replace equipment in several states. Response team members estimate that some locations where streamgages are located still won’t be accessible for at least several weeks. 

    Despite some limitations, dozens of USGS experts were able to safely deploy to other areas to collect sensors, repair gauges and gather scientific data about the storm surge and flooding Helene caused. A USGS team retrofitted a radar gauge at the Nolichucky River below the Nolichucky Dam in Tennessee to bring data back online, while a second team conducted survey work to verify peaks of record at several locations in Tennessee where crest stage gauges were either overtopped or destroyed. In North Carolina, crews from the USGS Asheville and Raleigh field offices continue to repair damaged gauges, flag and survey high water marks, and conduct post-storm field operations for completion of indirect discharge measurements needed for more than 40 streamgages.

    USGS scientists and field crews in Florida continue to access the damage to the streamgage network and replace equipment across three of the hardest hit counties in the state. Crews also retrieved the 13 wave sensors that were deployed between Venice and Panama City days before the hurricane hit the Florida coast. The sensors measure water levels and provide insight on wave height and frequency, storm tide and storm surge. USGS scientists are analyzing the collected data to help identify areas hit the hardest by storm surge and guide emergency responders and local officials with recovery efforts. The resulting information can be used to fine-tune future storm surge and coastal change forecasts during what is proving to be a busy hurricane season. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo and Video Chronology — Kīlauea East Rift Zone wildfire — October 7, 2024

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Photo and Video Chronology — Kīlauea East Rift Zone wildfire — October 7, 2024

    An area of forest continues to burn in a remote area on the south rim of Nāpau Crater following the recent eruption on Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

    October 7, 2024

    An area of forest continues to burn in a remote area on the south rim of Nāpau Crater following the recent eruption on Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Beginning around 4 p.m. HST on October 6, a smoke plume from the burning vegetation became visible in HVO webcam imagery, and intermittent incandescence was seen overnight. There were no indications of renewed eruptive activity from geophysical monitoring signals. On October 7, 2024, an overflight confirmed that the smoke and glow were due to a forest fire. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither.
    On the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, a recent eruption covered a large portion of the Nāpau Crater floor with new lava—dark gray lava near center of image. This eruption started a forest fire that continues to burn vegetation along the southern rim of Nāpau Crater. Photo view looking northwest with Kānenuiohamo visible in the upper left. USGS photo taken on October 7, by L. DeSmither.
    This aerial photo of Nāpau Crater, looking south, shows the lava flows (gray) from the recent Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption. Along the south rim of the crater (background of image), smoke plumes are visible from a small wildfire that continues to burn in a remote area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on October 7, 2024.
    Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. An ongoing wildfire in the vicinity of the recent eruption area near Nāpau Crater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been intermittently visible in HVO webcam imagery. This overflight image taken on Monday, October 7, shows the inactive lava flows from the western rim of Nāpau Crater (center) and on the crater floor (lower left). USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How to Help After Tropical Storm Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: How to Help After Tropical Storm Helene

    How to Help After Tropical Storm Helene

    ATLANTA – There are many ways to help those affected by Tropical Storm Helene across the Southeast. Here are some of the organizations providing support to people who experienced loss from the storm:

    Additionally, National VOAD members and partners are assisting communities in need. National VOAD members and partners will serve these communities as long as necessary. There is no request for donations outside of cash. do not send unsolicited donated goods, and please do not self-deploy.

    For the latest information about North Carolina’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    martyce.allenjr

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Clay and Sioux Counties Closing Permanently

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Clay and Sioux Counties Closing Permanently

    FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Clay and Sioux Counties Closing Permanently

    Des Moines, Iowa — FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers in Clay and Sioux counties will close permanently on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

    Iowa homeowners and renters affected by the flooding on June 16 through July 23, 2024, have until Oct. 22, 2024, to apply for FEMA assistance.

    The DRCs are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays.  They are located at:

    Clay County

    Spencer City Hall

    City Council Chambers

    101 W. Fifth St.

    Spencer, IA 51301

    Sioux County

    City Park Shelter House

    1013 13th Ave.

    Rock Valley, IA 51247

     You can apply for FEMA disaster assistance or get help with your case by:

    If you had flood related damage or storm-caused expenses or are self-employed and live in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux and Woodbury counties, FEMA assistance can provide grants to help cover temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster related needs. U.S. Small Business Administration provides loans to help cover home repairs and other disaster-related needs along with business impacts.

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. For Spanish, press 2. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

     

    April.Bennett

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jake Ellzey’s Statement on FEMA Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Ellzey (Texas, 6)

    The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Mayorkas, has taken actions that make illegal immigration more attractive by reallocating funds that should be prioritized for disaster relief efforts. At a time when FEMA is warning that they do not have enough funding to cover the rest of the hurricane season, money has been funneled into programs that provide aid to noncitizen migrants.

    Over $1 billion has been directed to programs like the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which have been repurposed to support illegal immigrants. With 150,000 households already relying on FEMA aid after devastating hurricanes, this is a gross misallocation of resources.

    The current Administration needs to stop diverting taxpayer money to initiatives that encourage illegal immigration and instead focus on supporting the American people and their immediate needs during natural disasters.

    Here is what we know:

    • Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can meet immediate needs but does not have enough funds for the rest of Hurricane season.
      • Congress recently granted $20 Billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund as part of the September continuing resolution.
      • The Biden Administration has granted North Carolina additional aid in the recovery effort with a 100 percent federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures for six months.
      • 150,000 households have registered for FEMA aid.
    • The Shelter and Services Program (SSP) administered by FEMA provides financial support to non-federal agencies to provide humanitarian services to “noncitizen migrants.”
      • FEMA, on their website, said they have funneled at least $1 billion into the program between FY23 and FY24.
      • New York City’s Department of Homeless Services has given $4,000 in grants to 150 families to help illegal immigrants settle into permanent homes.
      • The Emergency Food and Shelter Program, also under FEMA, was repurposed into a fund for Illegal immigrants. Many of these funds went to Catholic Charities on the border, totaling $13,937,331 in 2023.
    • Secretary Mayorkas’ response is that SSP is a separate appropriated account from disaster relief and is not associated with those funding streams.
      • On FEMA’s website, they claim, “No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.”
      • The December 2022 consolidated funding bill authorizing the split-off program for spending on migrants vaguely described the purpose as for “providing shelter and other services to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security.”

    ######

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hurricane Milton explodes into a powerful Category 5 storm as it heads for Florida − here’s how rapid intensification works

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Zachary Handlos, Atmospheric Science Educator, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 5 hurricane on Oct. 7, 2024, as it headed across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. Twenty-four hours earlier, it was barely a Category 1 storm.

    As its wind speed increased, Milton became one of the most rapidly intensifying storms on record. And with 180 mph sustained winds and very low pressure, it also became one of the strongest storms on the planet in 2024.

    Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, this kind of storm was the last thing Florida wanted to see. Hurricane Milton was expected to make landfall as a major hurricane late on Oct. 9 or early Oct. 10 and had already prompted widespread evacuations.

    Hurricane Milton’s projected storm track, as of midday Oct. 7, 2024, shows how quickly it grew from formation into a major hurricane (M). Storm tracks are projections, and Milton’s path could shift as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. The cone is a probable path and does not reflect the storm’s size.
    National Hurricane Center

    So, what exactly is rapid intensification, and what does global climate change have to do with it? We research hurricane behavior and teach meteorology. Here’s what you need to know.

    What is rapid intensification?

    Rapid intensification is defined by the National Weather Service as an increase in a tropical cyclone’s maximum sustained wind speed of at least 30 knots – about 35 mph within a 24-hour period. That increase can be enough to escalate a storm from Category 1 to Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

    Milton’s wind speed went from 80 mph to 175 mph from 1 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday, and its pressure dropped from 988 millibars to 911.

    The National Hurricane Center had been warning that Milton was likely to become a major hurricane, but this kind of rapid intensification can catch people off guard, especially when it occurs close to landfall.

    Hurricane Michael did billions of dollars in damage in 2018 when it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm just before hitting near Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. In 2023, Hurricane Otis’ maximum wind speed increased by 100 mph in less than 24 hours before it hit Acapulco, Mexico. Hurricane Ian also rapidly intensified in 2022 before hitting just south of where Milton is projected to cross Florida.

    What causes hurricanes to rapidly intensify?

    Rapid intensification is difficult to forecast, but there are a few driving forces.

    • Ocean heat: Warm sea surface temperatures, particularly when they extend into deeper layers of warm water, provide the energy necessary for hurricanes to intensify. The deeper the warm water, the more energy a storm can draw upon, enhancing its strength.
    Sea surface temperatures have been warm in the Gulf of Mexico, where Hurricane Milton was crossing just northwest of the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Oct. 7, 2024. A temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
    NOAA

    • Low wind shear: Strong vertical wind shear – a rapid change in wind speed or direction with height – can disrupt a storm’s organization, while low wind shear allows hurricanes to grow more rapidly. In Milton’s case, the atmospheric conditions were particularly conducive to rapid intensification.

    • Moisture: Higher sea surface temperatures and lower salinity increase the amount of moisture available to storms, fueling rapid intensification. Warmer waters provide the heat needed for moisture to evaporate, while lower salinity helps trap that heat near the surface. This allows more sustained heat and moisture to transfer to the storm, driving faster and stronger intensification.

    • Thunderstorm activity: Internal dynamics, such as bursts of intense thunderstorms within a cyclone’s rotation, can reorganize a cyclone’s circulation and lead to rapid increases in strength, even when the other conditions aren’t ideal.

    Research has found that globally, a majority of hurricanes Category 3 and above tend to undergo rapid intensification within their lifetimes.

    How does global warming influence hurricane strength?

    If it seems as though you’ve been hearing about rapid intensification a lot more in recent years, that’s in part because it’s happening more often.

    The annual number of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean that achieved rapid intensification each year between 1980-2023 shows an upward trend.
    Climate Central, CC BY-ND

    A 2023 study investigating connections between rapid intensification and climate change found an increase in the number of tropical cyclones experiencing rapid intensification over the past four decades. That includes a significant rise in the number of hurricanes that rapidly intensify multiple times during their development. Another analysis comparing trends from 1982 to 2017 with climate model simulations found that natural variability alone could not explain these increases in rapidly intensifying storms, indicating a likely role of human-induced climate change.

    How future climate change will affect hurricanes is an active area of research. As global temperatures and oceans continue to warm, however, the frequency of major hurricanes is projected to increase. The extreme hurricanes of recent years, including Beryl in June 2024 and Helene, are already raising alarms about the intensifying impact of warming on tropical cyclone behavior.

    Zachary Handlos receives funding from the National Science Foundation. He is affiliated with the American Meteorological Society as the incoming chair of their Board on Higher Education. He is also an academic faculty partner of the Georgia Climate Project.

    Ali Sarhadi receives funding from NSF and Georgia Tech.

    – ref. Hurricane Milton explodes into a powerful Category 5 storm as it heads for Florida − here’s how rapid intensification works – https://theconversation.com/hurricane-milton-explodes-into-a-powerful-category-5-storm-as-it-heads-for-florida-heres-how-rapid-intensification-works-240754

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ocasio-Cortez Statement on the First Anniversary of October 7th

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

    Washington, D.C. – On the first anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released the following statement: 

    “The violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, murdering more than 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds of innocent men, women, and children, was a crime against humanity and an atrocity that will shock generations to come. It was the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. I have seen footage from that day. I will never forget it. 

    “In the weeks after the attack, I met with hostage families whose loved ones were being held in Gaza. Their message to me and to the world was clear: we can save the hostages, secure a ceasefire, and stop the needless suffering of Israeli hostages and Palestinians alike.

    “Instead, Prime Minister Netanyahu pursued a path of mass revenge, killing over 40,000 Palestinians, blocking humanitarian aid, pushing Gaza to the brink of famine while only further endangering the lives of hostages, and consistently undermining ceasefire negotiations.

    “One year after the attack, the region is barreling toward even wider conflict. The Biden Administration has failed in its responsibility and own stated goals to prevent a wider regional conflict. The administration’s refusal to enforce U.S. Leahy laws and humanitarian standards has contributed to the devastation in Gaza, added to the profound human toll on and since October 7th, and allowed the conflict to escalate. 

    “None of this was inevitable. And it can still be stopped. Hamas, Israel, and Hezbollah should agree to a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. The Biden Administration must uphold U.S. humanitarian law and withhold offensive military support when it is violated. The world must come together to build a lasting peace. All of us must protect our Jewish communities at home and abroad from rising antisemitism. All of us must demand respect for the lives of Palestinians and human rights everywhere. The only way to end these horrors is through a diplomatic solution.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UPDATE: Hurricane Milton Emergency Resources And Declarations – As Of 6:00 PM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    UPDATE: Hurricane Milton Emergency Resources And Declarations – As Of 6:00 PM

    Naples, Fla., October 7, 2024

    NAPLES, Fla. – This Wednesday, Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a major hurricane.

    The office of Congressman Byron Donalds is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and is actively coordinating storm preparations alongside federal, state, and local partners. The Congressman and his team stand ready to support our Southwest Florida community and ensure all necessary resources are available. Please see below for the latest emergency resources and declarations:

    Southwest Florida Formal Evacuation Declarations:

    Southwest Florida Shelters Open To Public:

    • Collier County:
    • Lee County:

    Emergency Hotlines:

    Local Government Operations:

    School Closures:

    Live Cameras:

    Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Operations:

    Weather Updates:

    Other Emergency Resources:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pressure builds on schools and teachers

    Source: Australian Education Union

    08 October 2024

    In short

    • Principals and teachers say a lack of resources and funding mean the needs of students with disability at their school are not being met.
    • The increasing incidence of disability, combined with a teacher shortage and insufficient funding, creates a perfect storm.

    In my first year teaching in a public primary school, I had two students with disability in my class. The second year, just one. Even though I was fresh out of university, it was manageable. I had the time to make sure they felt part of the class, and the work was adjusted to meet their needs.

    We applied for and got additional funding to pay for a teacher’s aide. If one of the children needed a break from the classroom, they could take it. If they needed help with their work, they got it.

    A decade later it couldn’t be more different. At the public school I work at now there are up to eight students with a diagnosed or undiagnosed disability in every class. We have a lot of students with autism, ADHD and mental health issues, which have increased noticeably since the onset of the COVID pandemic.

    When you consider our school serves a multicultural community with high levels of disadvantage, you can imagine how diverse and complex our classrooms are.

    Every child with disability is unique. It is wonderful, it is eye-opening, and it is a good experience, but it also means they need something different to cater for their needs.

    Declining support

    Our biggest issue is that, as the number of students with disability has exponentially increased, the
    available support has declined.

    If we are lucky, we have a counsellor in the school three days a fortnight. All they do is assessments to determine disability and needs. Our children with mental health issues, particularly trauma, need face-to-face counselling sessions but we just don’t have the capacity.

    Because we have so many students who aren’t at the level of learning that they should be, the assessments take priority. We have to make sure we are supporting them based on a diagnosis that is accurate, not just by guessing.

    Finding a place in a support class for students with disability is nearly impossible. At the last count in my area, the number of approved applications was 10 times higher than the number of vacant positions.

    Many students with disability don’t attract individualised funding, and there is such a large percentage of students who need additional support but there isn’t enough funding to go around.

    We did have a specialist teacher with expertise in teaching students with disability, who provided advice and support, but she retired and has not been replaced.

    Teachers teaching in the support units within mainstream schools who have additional university qualifications, and therefore more knowledge on teaching students with disability, seem to be fewer than they once were.

    Not enough teachers

    Because of the teacher shortages, we had 10 vacant positions at the start of the year. That means every teacher has to be in class and we can’t run programs such as English as an additional language or dialect, even though more than 95 per cent of students are from
    a non-English speaking background.

    Teachers do the best they can, but without the right support it is exhausting doing all your programming and planning, all the assessing for the students in your class, along with individualising learning programs and making adjustments to cater for different students’ needs – whether it be learning, behaviour or social skills.

    You also have to be so conscious of the classroom dynamic. That can shift when one student walks into a class. Relationships can be disrupted and children can trigger one another. It becomes like putting out spot fires at times because one child who may be on the autism spectrum and has sensory needs might be triggered by another student who has externalising behaviours from mental health. That might upset a child with ADHD who has been sitting too long because you are trying to manage the other two children who are annoyed with one another.

    Fortunately, at our school we fund an extra class in each year to reduce the class sizes. If there were 30 or 31 kids in the class, it would be utter chaos.

    We have a high number of early career teachers and you can just imagine how challenging it is for them. But even those who have been teaching for more than 25 years say every year is the hardest year they have ever had because of the increasing number of children with really complex needs.

    As public school teachers we join the profession to make a difference. We set really high standards for ourselves because we are educating the next generation and we don’t want to let kids down. But right now, we are being let down by a lack of resources and so are our students.

    This article was originally published in the Australian Educator, Spring 2024

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Issues Statement on Historic, Devastating Wildfires in Western North Dakota

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Over the weekend, several large wildfires in western North Dakota damaged property and communities, resulting in a death and an individual with serious injuries. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum declared a statewide fire emergency on Oct. 3 to implement the necessary response and recovery actions.
    “Kris and I are praying for the families and communities affected by this devastating wildfire situation in western North Dakota,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “I’m grateful for the quick action of the North Dakota National Guard and our firefighters, first responders, and emergency managers who are working to ensure the safety of North Dakotans, their homes, and their property. My office is coordinating with state and federal officials and is ready to help with recovery efforts.”
    On Monday, Cramer spoke with the North Dakota National Guard’s (NDNG) adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, about several Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs to provide financial assistance for North Dakotans affected by the fires. FEMA Region 8 plays a crucial role in assisting North Dakota with cost-sharing measures to offset the state’s financial burden.
    FEMA authorized the use of federal Fire Management Assistance Grants on Sunday to assist with costs associated with firefighting for the Bear Den Fire and the Elk Horn Fire. When the funds were authorized, the Bear Den Fire was threatening 100 primary and 500 other structures near Mandaree. The Elk Horn Fire was threatening 20 primary homes near Watford City in addition to buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment and oil infrastructure.  
    The NDNG, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and the North Dakota Forest Service have mobilized resources to maintain high readiness levels of fire-related resources and capabilities. As local, state, tribal, and federal fire response efforts persevere through this historic fire situation, the State Emergency Operations Center is running 24-hour operations.
    Safety Information from the Office of the Governor:
    Remember to follow burn restrictions. Additionally, fires should not be started on days with a Red Flag Warning, which is when warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds are forecasted to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Current conditions and information can be found at https://NDResponse.gov/burn. 
    Use caution with outdoor equipment of any kind. While pulling a camper, boat or trailer, remember to cross your tow chains. Never park on tall, dry grass.
    Make sure to dispose of cigarettes properly.
    If you are in an area that allows recreational fires, never leave them unattended and be sure to put them out completely.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Priority areas to be focus of flood recovery, prevention works

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    Between December 2023 and February 2024, the City of Greater Bendigo experienced widespread flooding across the municipality.

    In addition to the cleanup, recovery and additional proactive inspection and maintenance works undertaken, the City has prioritised six key areas to receive upgrade and improvement works after they experienced significant flood and storm damage earlier this year.

    The program of works includes:

    • Willis Road, Huntly – install new box culverts
    • Pasley Street, Huntly – drain reshaping/widening and driveway culvert upgrades
    • Gungurru Road, Huntly – pit installation
    • Domain Village, McIvor Highway, Junortoun – install new box culverts
    • Strickland Street / Sullivan Street, Epsom – pipe realignment
    • Railway Place / Midland Highway, Goornong – drain reshaping and widening and vegetation management, subject to V-Line authorisation

    Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the works would take up to six months to complete.

    “The works are subject to contractor and material availability, but these are our priority areas to receive treatment as soon as possible,” Mr Cooney said.

    “These areas have been chosen following an assessment of our customer request enquiries, feedback received through our recovery drop-in sessions held earlier this year, and impact assessment data undertaken immediately after the flood and storm events.”

    Priority pit inspection and drain clearing will also take place in the next three months in the following precincts:

    • Dead Horse Gully/Shakespeare Street to Patterson Street, Heathcote
    • Gungurru Road, Huntly
    • McIvor Forest Estate, Junortoun
    • Cameron Court / Aspiring Drive, Huntly
    • Peake Court / Strickland Street, Epsom
    • Heathcote Redesdale Road / Moylans Road, Redesdale
    • Shakespeare Street floodway, Heathcote

    Earlier this year the City submitted four applications to the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund.

    Applications to undertake waterway flood mitigation plans for Epsom, Huntly, Junortoun and Heathcote, and prepare a Goornong Flood Study were successful.

    Unfortunately, applications to prepare a separate Huntly drainage analysis and flood mitigation plan, with a focus on Goldleaf Wetland, and a drainage and culvert improvement program were not supported this time around.

    Mr Cooney said despite being unsuccessful, the City would still release its share of the funds for these projects to progress works and would continue to seek other funding opportunities.  

    “The City will invest $2.25M over the next three years, with a particular focus on improving drainage and culvert infrastructure in Huntly, Junortoun and Heathcote. Our focus will be on fixing infrastructure that otherwise sees streets or suburbs cut off for a period of time when we get flood events.

    “The City will also invest in expanding the scope of the Huntly waterway flood mitigation plan to include Goldleaf Wetland and use this process to identify future investment opportunities for the site, which is used as a detention basin to store stormwater runoff.

    “The City is in the final stages of designing the Racecourse Creek levy, which would help mitigate flooding along the Epsom/Ascot/Midland corridor, to the right of Bendigo Creek, and will seek State and Federal funding to repair a critical 1.2km section.

    “I thank residents for their patience when it comes to our flood recovery. The damage that has been caused is extensive and very expensive to fix.”

    To support the community’s resilience during an emergency, the City is currently working with emergency services and community organisations on a range of emergency initiatives, including:

    • Confirming locations for sandbagging before a rain event
    • Ensuring clear processes and protocols are in place to activate emergency relief centres when required
    • Facilitating conversations amongst agencies and community organisations about other emergency planning initiatives needed at a local level

    Mr Cooney said the City was taking a community-led approach to understand what communities need heading into the summer months.

    “This means the processes we put in place will be different for each community and we’ll be working with local community groups to confirm the details and promote key locations where people can access help and support, as they are needed,” he said.

    “If we do find ourselves in an emergency this summer, these details will also be promoted via the City’s social media accounts.

    “The City also has a range of information on our website and an engagement program planned to raise awareness about how to prepare your property for floods and fires, and the importance of having a plan in the event of an emergency.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Verizon is ready, offers tips as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon is ready, offers tips as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida

    ALPHARETTA, GA – As Hurricane Milton approaches the Florida coast, Verizon remains committed to keeping communities and first responders connected. In addition to a hardened network designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, Verizon’s engineers undertook steadfast preparation measures to ensure resources are in place for rapid response.

    “At Verizon, our top priority is supporting the communities we serve. Our responsiveness and partnership at times of crises truly matters” said Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. “From families, to businesses, to first responders, we are here to provide the reliable service they can count on. Our team is working tirelessly to keep our customers connected now and in the days ahead.”

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, satellite communications have proven to be an important communication tool when terrestrial services have been impacted. Make sure your phone is ready in advance. Customers with an iPhone 14 or newer should upgrade to iOS 18 to ensure they can send text messages or connect with emergency services via satellite. And for those with Google Pixel 9 devices, emergency messaging is also available via satellite. Both operating systems have demos available allowing customers practice in messaging via satellite in advance. Learn more, here.

    Verizon’s networks are primed

    Verizon’s networks are primed to maintain connectivity even in the face of extreme weather conditions. With redundancy built into critical paths and components, Verizon’s network is engineered with the goal of withstanding severe weather. Verizon engineers have prepared by conducting thorough checks, as well as ensuring backup systems, like batteries and generators, are operational and refueled. Verizon has also installed liaisons at area Emergency Operations Centers to allow seamless partnership with local, state, and government agencies to ensure a rapid restoration.

    In preparation for potential network recovery operations, Verizon has staged in close proximity a fleet of portable network solutions, including satellite-based portable network assets, providing crucial connectivity in scenarios where fiber connections are compromised, as well as mobile generators to assist communities in the result of commercial power loss.

    Verizon Frontline stands at the ready, prepared to assist first responders in any capacity needed

    The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team stands ready to help ensure that public safety agencies on the front line of any potential disaster have the mission-critical communications capabilities needed to achieve their missions. This team, composed primarily of former first responders and military personnel, is solely dedicated to supporting public safety customers during emergencies at no cost to the supported agencies.

    In the first nine months of 2024, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has responded to more than 1,000 requests for mission-critical communications support from more than 500 different agencies in 46 states.

    Being prepared is essential to support local businesses and communities

    Recognizing the critical role of connectivity in business continuity, Verizon Business provides a suite of solutions tailored for seamless operations during emergencies. Businesses and government organizations need the right game plan. Suggested actions include:

    • Mitigate customer disruption: Think about what you need to ensure continuous service to your customers, and what software and equipment your business needs to continue operations. Make a detailed list, including service contracts and warranty information, and all pertinent phone numbers for local authorities, utility companies, suppliers, and vendors.
    • The right tech makes an impact: Ensure you have the right technology to support your business connectivity needs assuming you might need to move away from your primary location.
    • Contacts and documents are key: Make sure you have contact information updated and readily available for all employees, including at-home information for remote workers and branch information for satellite offices.
    • Test, test, and test again: Stress-test primary and backup networks and shore up any weak areas.
    • Keep track of equipment: Ensure employees working from home have documented all corporate equipment being used to work from home in case of damage or loss.
    • Have a backup plan: Ensure backup plans are in place to shift work in case work-from-home employees in a storm-impacted area have to evacuate their homes or their home loses commercial power.

    Are you hurricane ready?

    Verizon’s team works year-round to ensure customers remain connected to their loved ones and the activities that provide comfort during a disaster. As residents prepare to stay connected and entertained, consider these tips:

    • Stock Up on power supplies like batteries for flashlights and radios or device chargers. Take it a step further by charging your devices that can act as chargers for other devices like laptops and power stations. Don’t forget to ensure you have the cables!
    • Download movies, books, apps and games in case of a power outage. Or gather board games, card games, and puzzles to go device-free.
    • Locate important documents that you may need later as well as sentimental photos and items.
    • Plan non-perishable meals. Keep a few non-perishable ingredients, like a manual can opener and other kitchen tools on hand.
    • Grab some candles, blankets, pillows, or anything that makes your hurricane safe space comfortable.
    • Read up on the American Red Cross’ hurricane preparedness tips.
    • Bookmark our Check Network Status page or go to My Verizon app and click Support Topics to notify us if you experience any network issues or to check to see if there are any known issues in your area. Enter your location, select the type of service issue, and we will provide a real time status update.

    More information

    Visit Verizon’s Online Emergency Resource Center, verizon.com/about/news/emergency-resource-center, for further details on Verizon’s emergency response capabilities.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Marshall, Lankford Slam Biden-Harris for Using Disaster Relief Funds for Migrant Shelters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in a letter to President Joe Biden calling out the Administration’s reliance on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address the border crisis which has diminished FEMA’s readiness for disaster relief, including hurricane response.
    “Yesterday, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas stated: ‘We are expecting another hurricane hitting—we do not have the funds, FEMA does not have the funds, to make it through the season.’…Your Administration has spent over $650 million on FEMA’s border-related programs in FY2024. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has spent around $1.5 billion on FEMA’s border-related programs. We are concerned that your Administration’s reliance on FEMA to address the ongoing border crisis, under Vice President Harris as ‘border czar,’ has diminished FEMA’s readiness for disaster relief, including hurricane response,” the Senators wrote in the letter. 
    “FEMA’s continued entanglement in DHS’s efforts to respond to the border crisis could impact its readiness and emergency response mission. Rather than ensuring FEMA is ready to respond to hurricanes and other emergencies, FEMA has been pulled into a border crisis mission. FEMA’s mission is ‘helping people before, during, and after disasters,’ not helping DHS clean up the impact of your Administration’s reckless border policies. We are very concerned that FEMA’s role at the border has impacted its readiness and preparation efforts for Hurricane Helene and its response efforts,” the Senators continued. 
    View the letter here or by scrolling below. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/7/2024 Blackburn Announces Pop-Up Office Hours to Assist Flood Victims in East Tennessee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in counties across East Tennessee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced pop-up office hours in affected counties for staff to provide immediate assistance to flood victims:
    “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent flooding,” said Senator Blackburn. “As we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to support recovery efforts, I want to ensure that every impacted resident has access to the resources they need.”

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

    Pop-up office hours will be available to help residents access critical federal resources and navigate replacing any federal documentation that may be needed to receive federal assistance, including social security cards, veteran records, and tax information.
    Staff can also assist flood victims in following up on disaster assistance applications with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 
    Constituents are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation with them, such as proof of residency and identification, to streamline the process.
    For more information on pop-up office hours, please contact (423) 753-4009. 

    SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS:

    Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Johnson and Carter Counties
    Johnson County Courthouse – Lower Courtroom9:00AM – 12:00PM ET222 West Main StreetMountain City, TN 37683
    Carter County Courthouse – Mayor’s Conference Room2:00PM – 5:00PM ET
    801 E Elk AveElizabethton, TN 37643
    Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Washington and Unicoi Counties
    Jonesborough Visitors Center Community Room9:00AM – 12:00PM ET117 Boone St.Jonesborough, TN 37659
    Erwin City Hall2:00PM – 5:00PM ET211 N Main AveErwin, TN 37650
    Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Greene and Cocke Counties
    Greene County Annex
    9:00AM – 12:00PM ET204 N Cutler St.Greeneville, TN 37745
    Cocke County Recreation Center2:00PM – 5:00PM ET466 Learning WayNewport, TN 37821
    Friday, October 11, 2024 – Hamblen and Hawkins Counties
    Hamblen County Mayor’s Office
    9:00AM – 12:00PM ET511 W 2nd St. Morristown, TN 37814
    Mayor’s Office Admin Building2:00PM – 5:00PM ET301 E. Washington St. Rogersville, TN 37857

    MIL OSI USA News –