NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rare book collection returns to EIT

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    27 seconds ago

    After surviving Cyclone Gabrielle and more than two years in chilled, climate-controlled care, a rare and irreplaceable collection of books has returned to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus.

    The 225 books, which include out-of-print and culturally significant works of Māori and New Zealand history, were removed from the library following the February 2023 floods to protect them from humidity and further damage.

    With support from MTG Hawke’s Bay, the collection was packed into eight boxes and transferred into the museum’s chilled, climate-controlled archival facility.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, with a rare collection of books that have been in safe keeping at MTG.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, said the books are significant taonga that could not be replaced.

    “They include important Ngāti Kahungunu histories and other titles that are out of print and incredibly hard to find. And they inform our postgraduate programmes.”

    Many of the books were saved thanks to their position inside a cabinet, which kept them above the flood line as water and mud swept through the library.

    “The bottom of the cabinet got wet, but the books inside stayed dry. We were incredibly lucky.”

    Last week, the books were returned to the refurbished Tim Twist Building, formerly the Twist Library and now EIT’s central student hub Te Parongo.

    The rare collection joins the other books from EIT’s wider physical library collection that have now been returned to the shelves.

    In the months following the cyclone, staff packed the 30,000-book collection into boxes, stored them in apple bins, and moved them to dry storage at the far end of campus. Over three months, each book was unpacked, assessed, cleaned, scanned and repackaged.

    Heather said 13.7 per cent of the books were damaged in some way.

    “We thought there would be more damage after so long, but we were really lucky. I think it came down to the care we took in those early months.”

    A second three-month phase of work earlier this year saw the collection re-sequenced and returned to the library shelves.

    Heather acknowledged the many staff across campus who played a role in restoring and returning the books to the library, and thanked MTG Hawke’s Bay for stepping in when it was needed most.

    Ondene van Dulm, Executive Director for Student and Academic Services, also expressed her appreciation for the work of those within and outside of EIT.

    “The support from MTG in caring for these books while EIT facilities have gradually been rebuilt is a shining example of how community comes together in the face of adversity.

    “Just as we have been welcoming staff and students back onto campus over the last 18 months, it’s now a huge pleasure to have this rare book collection back in its rightful home.”

    While the majority of EIT’s library collection is now digital, Heather said print books still play an important role for students.

    “The library has a much more significant online collection these days, with databases covering subjects like nursing, health sciences, computing, business and all of our degree programmes.

    “But there are some titles that aren’t available as e-books, and some students simply prefer using print when they can.”
    The team is now looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of the new semester.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

    Source: United Nations 2

    The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness.

    Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses of more than $50 billion annually.

    “Unlike slow-onset river floods, flash floods leave very limited time for reaction,” the agency said in a news release on Wednesday.

    “That makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.”

    One-day precipitation totals from NASA’s IMERG multi-satellite precipitation product show heavy rainfall over central Texas on July 4, 2025.

    Months of rains in hours

    Overnight 3 into 4 July, torrential rains – up to 46 centimetres (about 18 inches) in a matter of hours – sent a wall of water surging through Kerr County’s Guadalupe River basin at around 4 AM, catching many residents and vacationers off guard.

    The US National Weather Service issued timely alerts – including a flash flood watch more than 12 hours in advance, upgraded to a flash flood emergency about three hours before impact.

    The warnings were disseminated by Weather Radio, emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, were not reached in time.

    Floodwaters surged dramatically as the Guadalupe River rose nearly 8 metres (about 26 feet) in about 45 minutes.

    Among the hardest hit was the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic, along the river, where at least 27 campers and counsellors died, according to media reports. Texas state authorities report that more than 160 people remain missing.

    The disaster has triggered one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in state history.

    More frequent and severe floods

    Flash floods are not new, but their frequency and intensity are increasing in many regions due to rapid urbanization, land-use change and a warming climate.

    “A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and so this means that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent,” WMO said.

    The Texas disaster joins a string of recent catastrophic floods. In 2022, flash floods in Pakistan killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions. In 2024, floods in Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw $36 billion in economic damages.

    And just this week, a flash flood along the Nepalese-Chinese border swept away the main bridge linking the two countries.

    UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

    In September 2022, Pakistan was hit by devastating flooding which left large swathes of the country under water.

    Supporting countries

    To help countries predict such hazards, WMO operates the Flash Flood Guidance System, a real-time forecasting platform used in over 70 countries. It integrates satellite data, radar, and weather models to detect local flash flood threats and supports training programs to build national capacity.

    Beyond technology, the agency plays a convening role by building national capacity, certifying experts, and facilitating real-time coordination between forecasting agencies and disaster managers.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Rio Grande Valley investigation results in Georgia woman sentenced for smuggling firearms into Mexico

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A Georgia woman was sentenced for smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley.

    Mirna Luna, 38, was sentenced July 9 by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. to a 46-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of trafficking of firearms. Luna pleaded guilty April 1.

    “Firearms trafficking poses a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and our commitment to preventing illegal weapons from reaching the hands of criminals and foreign terrorist organizations. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle such smuggling operations.”

    According to court documents, Luna traveled from her Canton, Georgia, residence Dec. 15, 2024, and attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros Port of Entry into Mexico. Once there, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving. Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one.

    She will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Where do giant volcanic eruptions come from? New study finds missing link to ‘blobs’ deep within Earth

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicolas Flament, Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow, Environmental Futures, School of Science, University of Wollongong

    Volcanic eruptions at Earth’s surface have significant consequences. Smaller ones can scare tourists on Mount Etna or disrupt air traffic.

    Giant, large-scale eruptions can have more serious impacts. One such event contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Giant volcanoes also triggered events that led to the largest mass dying on Earth, the Permian–Triassic extinction 252 million years ago).

    But what fuels a giant eruption, and how does it make its way to the surface from deep within the planet?

    In a new study published in Communications Earth and Environment, we show that columns of hot rock, which rise some 3,000 kilometres through Earth’s mantle and cause giant eruptions, are connected to continent-sized source regions we call BLOBS.

    Hidden blobs within Earth

    BLOBS are hot regions at the bottom of Earth’s mantle (between about 2,000km and 3,000km in depth) which might be composed of different material compared with the surrounding mantle rocks.

    Scientists have long known about these two hot regions under the Pacific Ocean and Africa. Geologist David Evans from Yale University suggested the acronym BLOBS, which stands for Big LOwer-mantle Basal Structures.

    These BLOBS have possibly existed for hundreds of millions of years. It is unclear whether they’re stationary or if they move around as part of mantle motion (called convection).



    Read more:
    Volcanoes, diamonds, and blobs: a billion-year history of Earth’s interior shows it’s more mobile than we thought

    Mantle plumes were the implicit link in previous studies relating BLOBS to giant volcanic eruptions. Their shape is a bit like a lollipop: the “stick” is the plume tail and the “candy” is the plume head.

    Connection between the deep mantle and Earth’s surface showing the relationship between BLOBS, mantle plumes and giant volcanic eruptions – not drawn to scale.

    Mantle plumes rise very slowly through the mantle because they transport hot solid rock, not melt or lava. At lower pressures in the uppermost 200km of Earth’s mantle, the solid rock melts, leading to eruptions.

    A long-sought relationship

    In our new study, we simulated mantle convection from 1 billion years ago and found that mantle plumes rise from moving BLOBS and can sometimes be gently tilted.

    Giant volcanic eruptions can be identified by the volume of volcanic rocks preserved at Earth’s surface. The ocean floor preserves detailed fingerprints of mantle plumes for the past 120 million years or so (there is not much seafloor older than that).

    Oceanic plateaus, such as the Ontong Java-Manihiki-Hikurangi plateau currently in the southwest Pacific Ocean, are linked to plume heads. In contrast, series of volcanoes such as the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain and the Lord Howe seamount chain are linked to plume tails.

    We used statistics to show that the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions are significantly related to the mantle plumes predicted by our models. This is encouraging, as it suggests that the simulations predict mantle plumes in places and at times generally consistent with the geologic record.

    Model BLOBS, plume tails, and giant volcanic eruptions under the African hemisphere from 300 million years ago. BLOBS are coloured in dark red and plume tails are coloured by depth in yellow to orange tones, with warmer colours at greater depths. At the surface, the outlines of continental blocks are shown in transparent grey, and giant volcanic eruption locations are shown as green triangles.

    Are BLOBS fixed or mobile?

    We showed that the considered eruption locations fall either onto or close to the moving BLOBS predicted by our models. Eruption locations slightly outside moving BLOBS could be explained by plume tilting.

    We represented fixed BLOBS with 3D images of Earth’s interior, created using seismic waves from distant earthquakes (a technique called seismic tomography). One out of the four seismic tomographic models that we considered matched the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions, implying that the fixed BLOBS scenario cannot be ruled out for geologically recent times – the past 300 million years.

    One of the next steps for this research is to explore the chemical nature of BLOBS and plume conduits. We can do so with simulations that track the evolution of their composition.

    Our results suggest the deep Earth is dynamic. BLOBS, which are some 2,000km below Earth’s surface, move hundreds of kilometres over time, and are connected to Earth’s surface by mantle plumes that create giant eruptions.

    To take a step back and keep things in perspective: while deep Earth motions are significant over tens of millions of years, they are generally in the order of 1 centimetre per year. This means BLOBS shift at roughly the rate at which human hair grows.



    Read more:
    Where should we look for new metals that are critical for green energy technology? Volcanoes may point the way

    Nicolas Flament receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Anglo American and De Beers.

    Annalise Cucchiaro receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Anglo American and De Beers.

    – ref. Where do giant volcanic eruptions come from? New study finds missing link to ‘blobs’ deep within Earth – https://theconversation.com/where-do-giant-volcanic-eruptions-come-from-new-study-finds-missing-link-to-blobs-deep-within-earth-259804

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Provincial Fire Ban Issued for Area Between Provincial Forest and Churchill River

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 9, 2025

    The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a fire ban effective at 8 a.m. on July 10, 2025, due to high fire activity and extreme fire risk. The ban encompasses the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River. 

    The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District within the boundary. The ban does not include ATV/UTV restrictions at this time.

    “The extreme heat we have been experiencing means there is a need for everyone to take precautions and use extreme caution outdoors,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “Please be cautious if you are using ATVs/UTVs and report a fire if you see one.” 

    The SPSA encourages municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to continue to determine if fire bans are needed in their areas to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.

    A list of fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here.

    The SPSA has recently brought in assets from Quebec to assist with wildfire efforts. The two Quebec CL-415 aircraft and 100 wildfire personnel are currently assigned to the DITCH, PISEW, DORE and MUSKEG fires.

    As of 11:00 a.m., there are 65 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, seven are categorized as contained, 13 are not contained, 29 are ongoing assessment and 16 are listed as protecting values.

    Four communities remain under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval and Kinoosao. 

    A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.

    Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.

    People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assisting Flood Recovery Efforts in Texas

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that four New York State Police staff and three canines will deploy to Kerr County, Texas to support search efforts following devastating floods. This assistance was primarily deployed as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s all-hazards national mutual aid system. EMAC has been ratified by the U.S. Congress (PL 104-321) and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. EMAC’s Members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

    “Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life in Texas, and we are sending our prayers as they continue to heal and recover from this devastating flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is committed to helping those in need, and I am grateful for our State Police personnel who will be assisting officials in Kerr County as they continue their search efforts.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Disaster recovery requires an immense amount of resources and we are grateful to be able to answer the call to help when needed. New York is always prepared to support our neighbors in moments of need, and our thoughts are with the people of Texas.”

    New York State Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police is proud to support the people of Texas during this difficult time. Our Troopers and canines are trained for exactly these types of missions, and we are honored to assist in the search and recovery efforts. Whether here at home or across the country, we stand ready to help when called.”

    New York State has a history of deploying resources to neighbors in need. In 2024, More than 200 emergency management staff members from numerous State agencies responded to calls for help in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October and November. Team members included staff from the National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Agriculture and Markets, Office of Information Technology Services, New York City and Ulster and Montgomery counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raise-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raise-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Meth, Repeat Gun Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Curtis Hill, III, 36, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on three different occasions, Hill sold methamphetamine to confidential sources. On one of these occasions, Hill was in possession of firearms. In a separate incident, following these drug buys, Hill ran from officers following traffic stop, where he tossed methamphetamine during the chase. These drugs were ultimately recovered by law enforcement and a firearm was found in his vehicle.

    At the time of these offenses, Hill was on federal supervised release. Hill has previous convictions for assault and battery, common law robbery, assault battery of a high and aggravated nature, and a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Hill to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Lydon further sentenced him to 24 months imprisonment for violation of his supervised release, which is to run concurrent with his 15-year sentence.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the West Columbia Police Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 9th, 2025 N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system. 

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New Jersey Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought and Excessive Hea

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean as well as counties of Bucks and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.

    Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Myrtle Creek and Drain

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) in Douglas County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 13-20.
    Beginning Monday, July 14, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Myrtle Creek and Drain to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The centers’ hours of operation are as follows:

    DOUGLAS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Myrtle Creek Community Center
    425 NW Second Ave.
    Myrtle Creek, OR  97457
    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 14
    Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m.,
    Tuesday, July 15

    DOUGLAS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Drain Civic Center Meeting Room
    205 West A Ave.
    Drain, OR  97435
    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16
    Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m.,
    Thursday, July 17

    The following DLOC locations are open on the days and times as shown below:

    COOS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Myrtle Point City Hall
    Conference Room
    424 Fifth St.
    Myrtle Point, OR  97458
    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10
    Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Permanently closes at 4:30 p.m.,
    Friday, July 11

    DOUGLAS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Roseburg Public Safety Center
    Third Floor – Salmon Conference Room 303
    700 SE Douglas Ave.
    Roseburg, OR  97470
    Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 24, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raises alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raises alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raises-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 
    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 
    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 
    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 
    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus man sentenced to life in prison for drug, firearm, sex trafficking crimes

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant used violence & drug withdrawals to sex traffic women, caused overdose death

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – David Price, 56, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life plus a consecutive 65 years in prison for his role in a narcotics distribution ring involving bulk amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and other narcotics. The defendant purposefully provided a narcotics mix to cause the overdose death of an adult female because she was talking to the police about his drug trafficking. Price also sex-trafficked victims through drug withdrawals and violence.

    A federal jury found Price guilty on all counts following a trial in January and February before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.

    As part of this case, which charged 25 total defendants, the government seized more than $1.7 million, 50 firearms and nine vehicles, including a motorcycle.

    A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.

    A superseding indictment returned in October 2022 charged additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.

    Price, who is also known as “DP,” was charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024 with 11 drug, firearm and sex trafficking crimes.

    According to court documents and trial testimony, Price was part of a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as marijuana, oxycodone and alprazolam. The drug trafficking organization operated from January 2008 until it was dismantled by law enforcement in 2022.

    Drug offenses took place at residences on Burgess and Harris avenues, which are within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.

    In July 2021, Price distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine that resulted in the overdose death of an adult female. The testimony at trial indicated he purposefully killed her because she was talking to the police about his drug business.

    The government also proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Price conspired to commit sex trafficking. From 2016 until 2022, Price and other members of the conspiracy would force and/or coerce adult female drug addicts into performing commercial sex acts by providing, withholding, or threatening to withhold controlled substances and lodging. Investigation showed that various women would be allowed to stay at a drug residence associated with Price, receive a front of drugs so they were not in active withdrawal, go to Sullivant Avenue and have sex for money, pay the debt from the front drugs, and then be allowed to remain at the house.

    Price was also found guilty of three counts of sex trafficking related to his violence and coercion of three adult females. The testimony at trial indicated that he would lock the females inside his residence for days or weeks at a time and refuse to let them leave, forcing them to engage in sex acts. One victim was locked in a dog cage, shot and stabbed by Price. Another was restrained. A third was beaten and choked and left with a black eye. Price would refuse to provide them drugs unless or until they engaged in the sex acts, forcing them into withdrawal if they did not comply.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kenner Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TEVIN BORNES (“BORNES”), age 31, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 2, 2025, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

    According to court documents, in response to a complaint, law enforcement searched BORNES’ apartment on July 31, 2023 and seized 12.5 grams of marijuana, 47.74 grams of pure crystal methamphetamine, 9.75 grams of cocaine base, 137.22 grams of methamphetamine, 14.5 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 4 firearms, including: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, equipped with a machinegun conversion device, a Pioneer Arms Model Sporter, 7.62 millimeter caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Del-Ton DTI-15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

    BORNES pled guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of the indictment. Count 1 of the indictment charged BORNES with possession, with intent to distribute, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

    Count 2 charged BORNES with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  For this offense, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised release.

    Count 3 charged BORNES with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o).  For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.

    Count 4 charged BORNES with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  For this offense, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each of the charged counts, BORNES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kenner Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.

    *   *   *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster assistance is now available to eligible survivors in Kerr County affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that began July 2, 2025

    Under Individual Assistance, FEMA and the State may be able to provide several types of financial and direct assistance to individuals and families

    Assistance may include funding for residents and non-residents in Kerr County who sustained damage

    For example, non-residents may include out-of-state survivors who may have been visiting or staying in Kerr County at the time of the disaster

     Survivors may be eligible for:Other Needs Assistance (ONA)Medical/Dental: Money to help cover expenses related to disaster-caused injuries or illnesses

    This funding can also be used to help replace medical/dental equipment, breastfeeding equipment or prescribed medicine damaged or lost due to disaster

    (Also available to non-residents)Transportation: Money to repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle to use

    (Also available to non-residents)Funeral Expenses: Money for eligible disaster-caused funeral expenses such as cost of transfer of remains, casket or urn, funeral services, death certificates, burial plot, cremation, interment, cost of reinterment if disinterment is caused by the disaster, and/or occurs in a family cemetery on private property

    (Also available to non-residents)Displacement: Money for housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster

    Serious Needs Assistance: Money for essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breast-feeding supplies, medicine and other serious disaster-related needs

    Note: This is not a reimbursement for loss of power or replacing food

    It is intended for emergency needs only

    Childcare: Money for childcare expenses or an increase in childcare expenses caused by a disaster

     Personal Property: Money to repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, clothing, and essential tools such as a personal or family computer damaged in the disaster

    (Also available to non-residents)Miscellaneous Items: Money to help pay for specific items that were purchased or rented after the disaster to help you recover

    For example, a chainsaw to help clear fallen trees that prevent safe access to your home

    Moving and Storage: Money for moving and storing personal property from your home to prevent additional damage, usually while making repairs to your home or moving to a new place due to the disaster

    How To Apply for Disaster AssistanceTo request assistance, survivors must first apply with FEMA

     The fastest way is by going online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Central Time

    Help is available in many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     Non-residents will need to include the address or damage location in Kerr County on their application, but their mailing address can be their current home address

     FEMA and the State work with every household on a case-by-case basis

    For ONA-related questions, please contact State’s ONA Helpline at 1-800-582-5233

     Learn more about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program at fema

    gov/assistance/individual

    For the latest information about Texas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 16:03

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims Disability Pride Month

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 9, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Disability Pride Month.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

     
    California joins communities around the nation in recognizing July as Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate the many ways that people living with disabilities – whether visible or invisible, mobility or cognitive, vision or hearing, learning or sensory, developmental or acquired – add to the diversity and strength of our state.
     
    Observed in July, Disability Pride Month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a major civil rights milestone signed into law on July 26, 1990. Sponsored by California Congressman Tony Coelho, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, removing barriers to employment, transportation, public services, and other critical areas.
     
    California is home to more than 7 million adults with disabilities and provides one in eight kids with disability services in schools. For decades, our state has played a pivotal role in promoting the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. In partnership with the Legislature, the Newsom Administration is working to expand educational opportunities, employment options, health, and homecare access, civil rights, and community living for people of all ages with disabilities. The state also continues to prioritize accessibility of all state services and is deepening our commitment to employment opportunities for people with disabilities within state service.
     
    As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let us reflect on the essential contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, our state, and our nation, and reaffirm our commitment to their rights and independence.
     
    NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim proclaim July 2025 as “Disability Pride Month.”
     
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of July 2025.

    ELENI KOUNALAKIS

    Acting Governor of California

    ATTEST:

    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.

    Secretary of State

    Recent news

    Jul 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $35 million for law enforcement partners, local governments and community groups tackling impaired driving. Sacramento, California – Helping to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — As wildfire conditions intensify across the Pacific Northwest, Governor Newsom has directed the deployment of a CAL FIRE Type 3 engine strike team to assist firefighting efforts in southern Oregon. The deployment includes five fire engines and a…

    Jul 8, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $35 million to law enforcement partners to keep communities safe from impaired driving

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 9, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $35 million for law enforcement partners, local governments and community groups tackling impaired driving.

    Sacramento, California – Helping to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced more than $35 million in funding to nearly 150 local law enforcement agencies, local governments, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

    The majority of the funding will support combatting impaired driving in communities, such as drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as localized public outreach efforts. 

    As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the grant funding comes from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California. CHP administers grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. 

    “This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.” 

    On top of combatting impaired driving in communities through trainings and public education campaigns, grant recipients will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

    Multiple recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

    Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

    The growing cannabis market

    California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection. The Department of Cannabis Control recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing. To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

    Taking down illicit cannabis

    Reinforcing the state’s commitment to public safety, public health and the legal and regulated cannabis market, officials in 2024 seized $534 million worth of illegal cannabis. Through Governor Newsom’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control, officials worked together to take down illegal cannabis operations, including residential illegal cultivation, and unlawful retail and delivery services.

    Since its inception in 2022, the Task Force has served 500 search warrants against illicit cannabis operations, seizing and destroying over $650 million in unlicensed cannabis. Operations have resulted in the eradication of more than 800,000 plants and over 220 tons of processed cannabis, along with the seizure of 190 firearms, more than $1 million in cash, and over 50 arrests statewide.

    The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    California has invested $1.6 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Last August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California’s crime rate remains at near historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.

    Recent news

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    Jul 8, 2025

    News What you need to know: The $101 million being made available today will support the development of affordable multifamily rental housing in Los Angeles, prioritizing the needs of displaced residents in the fire-devastated regions. Los Angeles, California – Six…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 18 highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts.The deployment includes a total of four…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament deplores the democratic backsliding and repression in Georgia

    Source: European Parliament

    After decades of democratic progress, MEPs now believe Georgia is a victim of state capture and repeat their calls for new parliamentary elections in the country.

    In a report adopted on Wednesday by 490 votes in favour, 147 against with 49 abstentions, Parliament says the rigged October 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia marked a clear turning point towards an authoritarian government in the EU candidate country. This flawed election paved the way, they say, for the ruling Georgian Dream party to illicitly capture state institutions and remove democratic safeguards, push ahead with repressive legislation while also cracking down on political opponents, journalists, and peaceful protesters.

    With the Georgian government jeopardising the country’s EU accession path, the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.

    Georgia must return to the course of democratic reforms

    While calling on Georgian Dream to return to a democratic path and Euro-Atlantic integration, MEPs reiterate their solidarity with the Georgian people and their legitimate pro-European aspirations. MEPs emphasise that upcoming municipal elections do not present an opportunity to reflect the democratic choice of the Georgian people unless imprisoned and detained political opposition leaders are released and the elections are held in an improved electoral environment. They also express deep concern over Georgia’s current restrictive media environment and attacks on the political opposition, including declarations by leaders of Georgian Dream indicating their intention to declare opposition parties unconstitutional.

    Quote

    “Sadly, we could not assess any progress by Georgia because, from having once been an inspiring leader among Eastern Partnership countries, Georgia has become a brutal dictatorship. Since the adoption of this report in committee, the situation has deteriorated: almost all leaders of the opposition have been detained and are in jail. Independent media are on the verge of collapse. The largest civil society organisations face threats and severe legal restrictions. Georgia is an example of how a country can be captured by Russian interests from within without a shot being fired. But the Georgian people are not giving up, they continue protesting every day, for more than 200 days, despite violent repression. The EU and its member states must take action before it is too late. We owe it to the brave Georgians fighting for a free and pro-European future,” rapporteur Rasa Juknevičienė (EPP, Lithuania) said.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs support EU aid worth €280 million for flood-stricken countries

    Source: European Parliament

    Parliament adopted a proposal to unlock €280 million of EU Solidarity Fund money to assist countries affected by devastating floods in 2024.

    On Wednesday, MEPs with 643 votes in favour, 13 against, and 35 abstentions endorsed a Commission proposal to provide financial help to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to deal with the consequences of severe flooding in September and October 2024.

    The € 280,740,903 in aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) will be distributed as follows:

    • Austria: €42.8 million
    • Czechia: €114 million
    • Poland: €76 million
    • Slovakia: €2.1 million
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina: €45.7 million
    • Moldova: €195,200

    The funds will support a wide range of recovery measures, including infrastructure repair, temporary accommodation, improvements to preventive infrastructure, protecting cultural heritage sites, and clean-up operations.

    MEPs expressed their deepest solidarity with the victims, their families, and all the individuals affected by the destructive floods. They also said the Commission should substantially expand the EUSF budget or its equivalent in its upcoming proposal on the new EU long-term budget (MFF). MEPs also added that the EU should continue to address climate change adaptation and mitigation by supporting European and national policies to prevent natural disasters.

    Quote

    “Parliament takes another positive step in supporting citizens in need. Following today’s vote, extra funds will aid the victims of last year’s tragic floods in Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This was made possible by last year’s decision to give more money to the European Solidarity Fund. Now it can help repair infrastructure, provide shelter, and improve preventive actions. As natural disasters grow more frequent and severe, the EU must be able to provide swift and effective financial aid,” Andrzej Halicki (EPP, PL), Parliament’s rapporteur, said.

    Background

    The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), the EU’s main post-disaster relief instrument, since its launch in 2002, has provided over €9.6 billion to help respond to 136 major crises – including 116 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies – across 24 EU countries (as well as the UK) and four candidate countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI San Antonio Issues Warning About Disaster Related Fraud Schemes

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI stands united with our Texas Hill Country communities and those who have been impacted by the devastating floods of July 4. We urge the public to be aware of and vigilantly guard against fraud schemes that commonly emerge in the wake of major disasters.

    Unfortunately, after major catastrophic events it is common for scammers to seek opportunities to take advantage of the charitable public who generously contribute to recovery efforts. Fraudsters capitalize on the goodness of regular Americans by posing as charities or humanitarian aid organizations where fraudulent donations can be solicited in person, online, or via cryptocurrency. 

    In 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 4,500 complaints representing approximately $96 million in losses from fraudulent charities and disaster relief campaigns.

    “Tragically, natural disasters often create ideal situations for opportunistic criminals to prey on those experiencing profound loss or those offering assistance to others,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp. “Scammers who view this heartbreaking disaster as an illicit financial opportunity will be identified and held accountable. They should know that the FBI and our partners will use every tool at our disposal to stop them or anyone else who seeks to use this disaster for personal gain.”

    “In the wake of tragedies like the one residents and visitors to the Texas Hill Country recently experienced, the worst elements of our society often look to take advantage of those who have lost everything,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “If you or someone you know is a victim of fraud related to the recent flooding, do not hesitate to report it to the FBI. Here in the Western District, we will do everything we can to hold to account those who would take advantage of a person’s loss and heartache.”

    We remind the public that some criminals claim to be representatives of the government or well-known nonprofits (such as the American Red Cross), and they solicit donations through emails, texts, or phone calls. Officials with government disaster agencies never call or text to ask for financial information, and there is no fee to apply for assistance. To learn more about legitimate flood resources available those effected by disaster, visit the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.

    Sometimes, scammers offer to help victims secure government-provided temporary housing if the resident pays a small fee to reserve a space or as a security deposit on a key. Other scams include unsolicited work crews who show up unannounced offering to do quick repair work. Contact your insurance company before hiring anyone, and make sure the company you hire is licensed and bonded. 

    Do your own research before you donate. Best practices include, but are not limited to:

    • Donate to charities you know and trust.
    • Designate the donation for a specific disaster relief effort as opposed to a general fund.
    • Practice good cyber hygiene. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts. To protect against common scam tactics such as Smishing, Vishing, and Spear Phishing, see – ic3.gov-PSA
    • Verify the legitimacy of any solicitation by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number.
    • Beware of organizations with names that are similar to, but not exactly the same as, those of reputable charities.
    • Avoid charities that ask for you to pay by cash, gift card, virtual currency, or wire transfer.
    • Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity; do not make checks payable to individuals.
    • Know that most legitimate charity websites end in “.org” rather than “.com.”
    • Make contributions directly; do not rely on others to make a contribution on your behalf.
    • Utilize resources provided by the Federal Trade Commission to learn how you can donate safely and avoid scams.

    Report It

    If you believe you have been a victim of disaster-related fraud, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI and follow the prompts. You can also make a complaint at tips.fbi.gov. Suspicious email solicitations and fraudulent websites can be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov. 

    You can also submit complaints of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement related to any man-made or natural disaster to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Employers and employees should make reasonable work arrangements after tropical cyclones or rainstorms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Labour Department (LD) today (July 10) reminded employers to make practical and reasonable work arrangements for employees after the cancellation of tropical cyclone warnings or rainstorm warnings, with due consideration to the road and traffic conditions and other factors, and make flexible arrangements for staff to resume work or work remotely (if applicable). This will help maintain good labour-management relations, and ensure the safety of employees as well as the smooth operation of organisations.
          
         “For staff who have genuine difficulties in resuming work on time upon cancellation of a tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning, employers should be sympathetic and handle each case flexibly. For example, employers may allow employees to resume work in stages, permit employees who have difficulties in returning to workplaces to work remotely (if applicable) or allow more time for them to report for duty and resume work,” an LD spokesman said.
          
         The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.
          
         “As natural calamities cannot be avoided, for employees who are not able to report for duty or resume duty on time due to adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should neither deduct their wages, good attendance bonus or allowances, nor reduce employees’ entitlement to annual leave, statutory holidays or rest days under the Employment Ordinance, or ask for additional hours of work from employees to compensate for the loss of working hours when they are unable to report for duty,” the spokesman said.
          
         Employers should note that they have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.
          
         The LD has published the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’”, which provides the major principles, reference guidelines and information on relevant legislation on making work arrangements for the reference of employers and employees. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs meeting of steering committee on handling extreme weather (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

    Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

    According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

    In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

    • The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
    • The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
    • District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

    The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

    The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs meeting of steering committee on handling extreme weather (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

    Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

    According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

    In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

    • The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
    • The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
    • District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

    The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

    The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1614

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1614

    Mesoscale Discussion 1614
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1207 PM CDT Wed Jul 09 2025

    Areas affected…Southern Virginia into the Carolinas

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch possible

    Valid 091707Z – 091900Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…60 percent

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing within the southern Appalachians
    will pose a severe wind threat through the early evening hours as
    they spread east into southern Virginia and the Carolinas. Watch
    issuance is probable as thunderstorm coverage increases.

    DISCUSSION…Latest GOES/MRMS imagery show the early stages of deep
    convection developing along the southern Appalachians from far
    southwest VA into western NC. A gradual increase in storm coverage
    is anticipated over the next few hours as temperatures continue to
    warm into the upper 80s and lingering MLCIN is removed via
    boundary-layer heating/mixing. Downstream dewpoints in the mid 70s
    are supporting a plume of MLCAPE between 2000-2500 J/kg across the
    Carolinas into the Chesapeake Bay region. Convection will likely
    intensify as it migrates into this very buoyant environment;
    however, displacement from stronger mid-level flow to the north
    suggests that storms may move off the higher terrain somewhat
    slowly, driven mainly by propagation along convective outflows.
    Similar to yesterday, this environment will support strong to severe
    downburst winds, but unlike yesterday thunderstorm coverage should
    be greater as multiple convective clusters spread east through the
    early evening. Watch issuance is expected in the coming hours as
    thunderstorm intensity and coverage begin to increase.

    ..Moore/Mosier.. 07/09/2025

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

    ATTN…WFO…AKQ…RAH…ILM…RNK…CAE…GSP…MRX…

    LAT…LON 34778327 34948345 35258351 35698322 35998246 36368192
    37008118 37398070 37437833 37207799 36847798 34657964
    34448010 34448082 34718292 34778327

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1615

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1615

    Mesoscale Discussion 1615
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1226 PM CDT Wed Jul 09 2025

    Areas affected…South Carolina into far eastern Georgia

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely

    Valid 091726Z – 091930Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…20 percent

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are developing in an environment
    supportive of strong to severe downburst winds. This threat should
    remain relatively brief/isolated; watch issuance is not expected.

    DISCUSSION…Deep convection is rapidly developing from
    south-central GA into portions of SC within a weak low-level
    confluence zone and along a strengthening sea-breeze boundary. This
    comes as temperatures quickly warm into the low 90s within a very
    moist environment. Morning guidance has largely displayed a 3-5 F
    cool and dry bias across the region so far today, which has resulted
    in initiation slightly earlier than anticipated as well as SBCAPE
    values upwards of 4000-5000 J/kg. Observed dewpoint depressions on
    the order of 15 F suggest that LCLs are likely at around 1 km AGL
    with near-surface lapse rates on the order of 7-8 C/km. This
    combination of extreme buoyancy atop a shallow low-level
    dry-adiabatic layer should promote strong, water-loaded downdrafts
    capable of damaging/severe downburst winds (most likely between
    40-60 mph) through late afternoon. Very weak flow over the region
    (generally less than 15 knots per regional VWPs) will favor
    disorganized multicells with limited duration. Consequently, the
    short-range predictability and coverage of damaging winds will
    remain limited and precludes watch issuance.

    ..Moore/Mosier.. 07/09/2025

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

    ATTN…WFO…ILM…CHS…CAE…GSP…JAX…FFC…TAE…

    LAT…LON 32198060 31918100 31548123 31228136 30958153 30868198
    31008235 31238274 31468310 31768330 32318335 33318296
    34278211 34468175 34508139 34348035 34218002 34077982
    33907972 33757972 32198060

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH

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    MIL OSI USA News –