NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers: Flood-hit farmers need our help

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is calling on Kiwis to get in behind flood-affected farming families at the top of the South Island, as recovery efforts ramp up and the scale of the damage becomes clearer.
    President Wayne Langford visited the area on Monday July 7 and says the destruction in parts of Nelson and Tasman is extensive, with some farms totally unrecognisable.
    “I drove back up through the Motueka River and you can just see where it’s come through and swallowed everything in its path. It’s total devastation,” he says.
    “One farm I visited had about 50 hectares taken out. The river changed course and just chewed right through it. Orchards nearby got absolutely smoked as well.”
    Langford says it’s clear some properties have been hit far worse than others – and that those farmers urgently need our support.
    “The damage can really vary. Some places have just lost boundary fences, but others have lost entire blocks. I met a guy who has lost a quarter of his farm.
    “It’s heartbreaking to see, and the real kicker is that the worst of the damage is to farms right by the river – which are also some of our most productive.”
    He says it’s now time for the rest of the farming community to do what we do best in times of adversity – to get in behind these families and show them some support.
    “We know what to do in these situations. The Rural Support Trust is doing good work on the ground, and local volunteers are already rolling up their sleeves.
    “For people who really want to help, the best thing they can do is donate to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust. That’s the best way to get the support to where it’s needed most.”
    The trust is designed to get funding directly to farmers who have suffered extraordinary loss – not just business-as-usual setbacks, Langford says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Joins Lawsuit to Prevent Trump Administration from Distributing Thousands of Forced Reset Triggers Across the Country

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday joined a lawsuit led by the attorneys general of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, suing the Trump Administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), over its official plans to return thousands of forced reset triggers (FRTs) into communities across the United States. A semi-automatic firearm equipped with an FRT allows a shooter to engage in sustained rapid fire, similar to a fully automatic machine gun, so long as the trigger is held down. Thus, a firearm equipped with an FRT can unleash massive carnage in mere seconds. Although ATF previously classified FRTs as illegal machine guns, the Trump Administration’s ATF signed a settlement agreement reverting that classification and agreed to return thousands of seized FRTs into communities across the United States. Following the Trump Administration’s settlement, Attorney General Bonta issued a law enforcement bulletin, reminding law enforcement that the Trump Administration’s settlement does not alter the fact that FRTs remain illegal under California law. In an amended complaint filed yesterday, California joined the coalition of 16 other attorneys general in this litigation to prevent the imminent redistribution of FRTs that are illegal to possess under federal law.

    “It is a devastating fact that in our nation, children and teens are more likely to die by gun violence than any illness or accident. In California, we know that commonsense gun laws save lives, and we won’t stand idly by as the Trump Administration pours illegal weapons into our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Forced reset triggers turn firearms into deadlier machine guns, and they are illegal in California. We’re joining this lawsuit to prevent FRTs from entering California and to challenge the unlawful settlement agreement entered by the Trump Administration with manufacturers of FRTs.”

    Despite the federal prohibition, ATF estimates that at least 100,000 FRTs have been distributed across the country in recent years. FRTs have become increasingly popular, including among individuals who are prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law. ATF’s records also establish that machine gun conversion devices, including FRTs, are showing up more often at crime scenes. 

    Multiple lawsuits seeking either to enforce or challenge the prohibition on FRTs were filed during the Biden Administration. A federal judge in New York agreed that FRTs are banned under federal law. A federal judge in Texas disagreed and held that FRTs do not qualify as machine guns under federal law, but that ruling was on appeal when the Trump Administration announced that it had settled these lawsuits — in a way that eviscerates the federal FRT prohibition. ATF has agreed to abandon its enforcement actions and appeals; promised to stop enforcing the federal ban on machine guns against FRTs, even against individuals and sellers who were not parties to any of these lawsuits; and pledged to return FRTs that it previously seized.

    This multistate lawsuit seeks to prevent the return of FRTs, arguing that they are prohibited by federal law, which prohibits anyone from owning machine guns, including devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into machine guns. The federal government cannot violate federal law, even when it tries to bury those violations in a settlement agreement. The lawsuit also argues that the return of FRTs will permanently threaten public safety nationwide. And, as the lawsuit highlights, ATF has even admitted that returning FRTs in states that prohibit them would “aid and abet” violations of state laws. In California, FRTs are “multiburst trigger activators” under Penal Code section 16930, and under Penal Code section 32900, an FRT cannot be owned, sold, offered for sale, manufactured, imported, given away, or lent. An influx of FRTs into California communities would harm public safety and increase costs to the State.

    Attorney General Bonta yesterday, through the amended complaint, joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Colorado, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia in the lawsuit.

    A copy of the amended complaint is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Merkley Fight Back Against Trump Funding Cuts with Renewed Effort to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Boost Economic Opportunities in Forest-Dependent Communities

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    July 08, 2025

    For Immediate Release: July 8, 2025 

    EUGENE, OR –  As the Trump Administration illegally cuts and withholds funding for wildfire mitigation projects, Oregon’s U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley teamed up to introduce the Wildfire Resilient Communities Act in Congress. This legislation would provide dedicated federal support to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in Oregon and across the West, while also empowering communities to prepare for wildfires.

    “I’m proud to join Senator Merkley in introducing this bill to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen forest-dependent communities,” said Hoyle. “Year after year, wildfires have devastated our towns, economies, and forests. This legislation invests in prevention, resilience, and local jobs—because protecting our communities shouldn’t stop at putting out fires. It starts with smart, proactive stewardship, and that’s exactly what this bill delivers.”

    “You can’t get ready after the fire starts,” said Merkley. “Our bill would ensure communities can seize every moment to prepare for and mitigate wildfires by supercharging investments in critical hazardous fuels projects. Increasingly extreme wildfire seasons fueled by climate chaos are not cooling down anytime soon, and we need a considerable increase in federal resources—not cuts—to make our forests, timber economies, and communities healthier and more resilient.”

    Merkley and Hoyle’s Wildfire Resilient Communities Act would double down on essential efforts to boost wildfire preparedness by creating a $30 billion fund to allow the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other land management agencies to increase catastrophic wildfire reduction projects; reauthorize and triple funding up to $3 billion for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program; permanently reauthorize the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program, which is critical for the five collaboratives in Oregon; and create a County Stewardship Fund that would provide payments to counties for stewardship contracts on federal land.

    As Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for federal land management agencies, Merkley has been leading the charge to sound the alarm over federal funding freezes and cuts to critical wildfire mitigation work ahead of another extreme wildfire season, leading a series of actions to demand the Trump Administration restore funding for critical projects and reverse course on reckless reorganization efforts.

    The Wildfire Resilient Communities Act is cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

    The bicameral bill is endorsed by Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Sustainable Northwest, Silvix Resources, and Lomakatsi Restoration Project.

    “Southern Oregon has been hard hit by the health and economic impacts of smoke and fire,” said Pam Marsh, Oregon State Representative, House District 5. “Senator Merkley’s legislation will help us jumpstart the collaborative forest projects that will protect our communities, while rewarding counties for their support of stewardship agreements.  This is how we’ll start the work that will help us respond to changing conditions.”

    “The Wildfire Resilient Communities Act supports the critical fuels reduction work that is being done in our communities,” said Paul Anderes, Chair of Union County Board of Commissioners. “This bill will expand upon the progress that has been made in so many landscapes to make our fire prone communities safer.”

    “Through focused investments in forest restoration and community protection we can prepare our communities and landscapes for wildfires,” said Michael Dotson, Executive Director of Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center. “Our forests were more adapted to fire before we cut down so many of the large, fire resistant trees. We replaced too many of our old growth forests with flammable second growth forests. We need to fund the kind of work that can restore our forests and help build more fire and climate resilient landscapes and communities, and Sen. Merkley’s bill would help us do that.”

    “The need for increased investment in our federal forests and rural communities has never been more urgent,” said Dylan Kruse, President at Sustainable Northwest. “We can’t afford to keep playing catch up. This bill takes immediate action to address the massive management backlog on our forests, and expands effective programs to prepare for the future. We commend Senator Merkley for his bipartisan leadership and introducing legislation that will make a real difference with resources that meet the scale of need.”

    “Senator Merkley is to be commended for reintroduction of the Wildfire Resilient Communities Act, which will provide important funding for community preparedness and wildfire risk reduction on federal lands, in addition to reauthorizing the phenomenally successful Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program and providing the funding necessary to continue this important forest health work,” said Susan Jane Brown, Principal, Silvix Resources.

    “Under Senator Merkley’s leadership, this Act would provide much needed, long-term funding for collaborative, science-based strategies to reduce wildfire risk while increasing forest health and supporting local economies. It elevates stewardship-based forestry, an ecologically-centered approach to restoration that Lomakatsi has championed and utilized for two decades to build ecosystem and community resilience across the landscape, with agency, tribal, and non-profit partners, in close coordination with the communities we serve,” said Marko Bey, Executive Director, Lomakatsi Restoration Project.

    Full text of the Wildfire Resilient Communities Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update – July 8

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 8, 2025

    As of 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, there are 68 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, seven are categorized as contained, 15 are not contained, 30 are ongoing assessment and 16 are listed as protecting values. 

    This year, Saskatchewan has had 357 wildfires, which is well above the five-year average of 208 to date. 

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

    Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 Line for assistance.   

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582. 

    The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) Recovery Task Team continues to meet with community leaders to discuss recovery efforts. Their current focus is working with communities to support debris removal, site clean-up and help communities initiate the recovery process. 

    The Government of Saskatchewan announced $20 million yesterday to support these priorities as well as for communities and individuals who sustained losses during the provincial emergency declaration period (May 29 to June 26, 2025), or who were under a local state of emergency at the time of their loss.  

    This funding is in addition to the $500 Government of Saskatchewan payments to evacuees 18 years of age and older. This financial support will reach over 10,000 individuals who qualify, including the recent evacuees. The SPSA continues to coordinate with communities that have asked for its support in distributing this financial assistance. 

    The SPSA is also offering retroactive food security support for those communities supported by the SPSA, where the residents are not staying in SPSA provided hotels. The agency will provide those who qualify $40 per day for the head of household, plus $20 for each additional member, up to a maximum of $200 daily.  

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

    The latest information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Statement on Passage of Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Dingell Statement on Passage of Reconciliation Bill

    Washington, July 3, 2025

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement on the House passage of Republicans’ reconciliation bill. 

    “Why would anyone vote for this big bad bill? It is one of the most consequential, devastating, dangerous bills Congress has passed in recent history. It is going to rip health care away from 17 million people, make the biggest cuts to food assistance ever, and ensure the poorest Americans get poorer while the richest get even richer. People will die, children will go hungry, and working Americans will struggle even more to make ends meet, all so Republicans can give another tax break to billionaires. My Republican colleagues have betrayed and abandoned the vulnerable Americans who the government is supposed to serve. This is a complete and total failure. The American people know this is wrong, overwhelmingly disagree with it, and will not forget those who chose to vote for this cruelty.”

    Nationwide, among many other provisions, this bill will:

    1. Kick 17 million people off their health care and make premiums, deductibles, and copays soar for millions more: The bill cuts more than $1 trillion from health care, including the largest Medicaid cut ever, and will cause a $500 billion cut to Medicare. More than 50,000 people will die directly because of these cuts.
       
    2. Cut services and risk closures for hospitals and nursing homes: Under the bill, as many as 300 hospitals, especially those in rural areas, will have to cut services and staff – if not close completely. One in four nursing homes are expected to close. 
       
    3. Make the largest cut to nutritional assistance ever: The bill cuts SNAP by 20 percent, while forcing states to cover more of SNAP’s cost – which could lead to dozens of states eliminating SNAP entirely. Red tape requirements will cause 5 million people to lose food assistance and put tens of millions of kids at risk of losing school breakfast and lunch.
       
    4. Increase energy costs: The bill includes devastating cuts to cheap, clean energy sources including wind and solar that will cause families to pay an average of $400 more per year for their utilities. Seniors and low-income people will also have an even harder time getting assistance to pay their energy bills. And it makes us more dependent on foreign oil.
       
    5. Kill more than a million jobs: The bill includes devastating cuts to clean energy will cost more than 840,000 jobs in just the next 5 years and an additional 790,000 jobs over the next 10 years. 
       
    6. Weaken our public schools and make higher education more expensive: The bill creates a permanent, unlimited tax credit for private school vouchers that undermine our public schools and attacks protections for student borrowers. 
       
    7. Make dangerous weapons cheaper: The bill eliminates taxes on silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns – which have been in place since 1934 – flooding our streets with more dangerous weapons and devices that make shootings deadlier. 
       
    8. Add $4 trillion to the debt: This includes $700 billion in interest payments alone. It will cause our debt to rise to as much as 128% of our GDP by 2034, threatening to bankrupt our country and mortgaging our children’s futures. 
       
    9. Does all of this to give almost a trillion dollars of tax cuts to the top 1%: This bill is a reverse Robin Hood — transferring money from the poorest to the wealthiest. People making over $1 million will have an average tax cut of at least $80,000 a year while the bottom 20% of families will see their taxes rise.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: BRICS, Bosnia & Herzegovina & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (8 July 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Secretary-General/BRICS
    Bosnia And Herzegovina
    Haiti
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Ukraine
    South Sudan
    Somalia
    Briefings Tomorrow

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/BRICS
    The Secretary-General is wrapping up his visit to Rio de Janeiro, where he was attending the BRICS Summit. He held a number of bilateral meetings today, notably with the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang. They discussed cooperation between the United Nations and China, sustainable development, climate change and financing.
    And yesterday afternoon, on the margins of the BRICS, the Secretary-General also met the Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The Secretary-General noted the importance of the consolidation of the ceasefire to lay the groundwork for the resumption of negotiations.
    He also held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan. They exchanged views on the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the next round of meetings on Cyprus.
    The Secretary-General is leaving Rio later today and will be back in New York at daybreak tomorrow.

    BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
    This morning, the General Assembly held a ceremony in solidarity and reflection on the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, as mandated by the General Assembly.
    Courtenay Rattray, the Secretary-General’s Chef de Cabinet, delivered remarks on the Secretary-General’s behalf, saying that we must remember the more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys who were killed at Srebrenica, and we pay tribute to the strength, to the dignity and the courage of the survivors and their families.
    Thirty years ago, the Secretary-General said in his message, the United Nations and the world failed the people of Srebrenica. This collective failure, he added, was the result of policies, propaganda, and international indifference.
    Today, he said, we remember, and we must also confront reality.
    After Srebrenica, the world said – once again – “Never Again”. Hate speech is on the rise again – fueling discrimination, extremism, and violence. We see the glorification of war criminals. We see the same dangerous currents that once led to atrocity crimes. The Secretary-General said we cannot ignore these warning signs.

    As a note, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will be representing the Secretary-General at the official remembrance in Srebrenica that takes place this Friday.

    HAITI
    Turning to Haiti, where the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that armed attacks in the Centre department last week displaced more than 16,000 human beings. Most have found refuge with host families, while 2 per cent of them have settled in seven informal displacement sites that were created in the wake of these incidents.
    These developments reflect the continued deterioration of the security situation in Haiti, which is compounding humanitarian needs in a country where more than 1.3 million people are already internally displaced. Half of those are children. Overall, 6 million people in Haiti need humanitarian assistance, amid persistent insecurity and the gradual collapse of essential services.
    Displaced women and girls face particular risks.
    They face severe risks to their safety, including exposure to sexual and gender-based violence, with cases reported in some displacement sites.
    Despite major challenges, humanitarian partners continue to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable in Haiti. From January to March, more than 720,000 people received emergency food assistance, 25,000 people received emergency shelter kits, and 35,000 benefited from essential non-food items. Nearly 170,000 people gained access to safe drinking water, and 55,000 accessed emergency sanitation facilities.
    However, as we said yesterday, the lack of funding is significantly impacting our ability and our partners’ ability to meet the growing needs of the Haitian people. And as I said, unfortunately, the Haitian humanitarian appeal remains the least funded of all of our humanitarian appeals, which are almost all underfunded. Out of the $908 million we need, we have less than $75 million in the bank.
    OCHA remains committed to working closely with humanitarian partners, national authorities and others to increase funding levels, coordinate the delivery of assistance, facilitate humanitarian access, and ensure that the needs of Haiti’s most vulnerable people are addressed.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=08+July+2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mzYocjcMe0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: Hospitals rationing critical supplies, ambulances stalling

    Source: United Nations 2

    What little fuel remains is powering essential operations, but it is running out fast, and there are virtually no additional accessible stocks left, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, citing reports from the UN relief coordination office, OCHA.  

    “Hospitals are rationing. Ambulances are stalling. Water systems are on the brink. And the deaths this is likely to cause could soon rise sharply unless the Israeli authorities allow new fuel to get in,” said Mr. Dujarric.

    “We need fuel urgently and we need it in large quantities to power the most essential parts, notably water desalination, hospitals and telecommunications,” he added, noting fuel has not entered the enclave in the last few months.

    Khan Younis displacement

    Meanwhile Israeli forces continue to attack civilian infrastructure in Gaza and issue new displacement orders.

    On Tuesday, such orders were issued for parts of Khan Younis, specifically ordering those staying in tents to move, Mr. Dujarric reported.

    The map published alongside the order indicates that some areas included had not been subject to displacement orders since before the March ceasefire, he said.

    “The issuance of a displacement order does not relieve any party from the imperative to spare civilians, including those who are unable or unwilling to move.”  

    Safeguard hospitals

    Mr. Dujarric also reiterated the UN World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to protect the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, warning that the hospital is overwhelmed with trauma injuries at double its capacity.  

    In a video message sent from the hospital on Monday, Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the facility is running critically low on trauma supplies, essential medicines, equipment and fuel, and that staff are exhausted.

    Humanitarian movements

    Meanwhile, OCHA reported that humanitarian movements inside Gaza remain heavily restricted: only four out of 12 attempts on Monday to coordinate movements with the Israeli security authorities were fully facilitated, and just one delivered supplies.

    Four more attempts were rejected by Israeli authorities, halting efforts to evacuate patients, retrieve disabled trucks or clear debris.  

    Although the remaining four were initially approved, ground-level impediments ultimately undermined the ability to carry out the missions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: South Sudan’s longest cholera outbreak enters critical stage

    Source: United Nations 2

    The outbreak – which started in September 2024 and was confirmed a month later – comes amidst a protracted humanitarian crisis exacerbated by rising intercommunal violence, climate shocks such as flooding and catastrophic hunger.  

    “Now, more than ever, collective action is needed to reduce tensions, resolve political differences and make tangible progress in implementing peace,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan.  

    Alarming escalation

    Since the cholera outbreak was declared in October 2024, UN agencies and partners have documented over 80,000 cholera cases and 1,400 deaths.  

    This is in addition to regional outbreaks of mpox, hepatitis and measles among other communicable diseases.

    South Sudanese authorities, civil society and UN agencies held an inter-ministerial meeting on Monday to discuss what they called an “alarming escalation” in the spread of the outbreak. 

    “This is not merely a public health crisis, but a multi-sectoral emergency exacerbated by flooding, displacement, and limited access to basic services,” the ministers wrote in a communiqué released.  

    The group resolved to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to areas which already have outbreaks and to other areas at risk for outbreaks. The Government of South Sudan will coordinate these efforts.

    Partners will also work to preposition materials, improve water and sanitation infrastructure and coordinate proactive and reactive vaccination campaigns.  

    Time is running out

    With the peak of the rainy season on the horizon, the next eight weeks are critical in containing and mitigating the outbreak before severe flooding begins.  

    “Time is of the essence to prevent a further escalation of the outbreak,” the officials wrote.  

    Floods more than double the frequency of cholera outbreaks by imperiling access to clean water and impeding humanitarian access to affected areas. And with rising global temperatures making floods more severe, millions of South Sudanese who were not previously in regions of concern may now be at risk for cholera outbreaks.

    A preventable disease  

    Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food. Although highly communicable, it is preventable through proper hygiene, regular handwashing, safe food preparation and storage, improved sanitation infrastructure, and vaccination.

    Symptoms typically include watery diarrhoea. Most cases are mild to moderate and can be treated effectively with oral rehydration salts (ORS) mixed with clean, boiled water.

    However, in severe cases, cholera can be fatal—sometimes within hours—if not treated promptly.

    Infected individuals can also transmit the disease through their faeces for up to ten days, even if they show no symptoms.

    Need for additional funds

    In South Sudan, the already inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure and overstretched public health system has further deteriorated as a result of displacement and conflict. This has ripened the conditions for the spread of cholera.

    The UN and its partners are working quickly to preposition emergency supplies, especially in these previously low-risk areas, but they are hampered by funding shortfalls. Agencies estimate that they will need $1.69 billion – of which they have only received $368 million – to address the many intersecting humanitarian needs in the country.  

    Nevertheless, the group of ministers insisted that this outbreak is and must remain a priority for all involved.

    “Cholera response and flood preparedness must be treated as urgent national priorities,” they said in the communiqué. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon who Conspired to Distribute Drugs and Possessed Firearms Sentenced to Over Twenty-Five Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A Cedar Rapids man who conspired to distribute controlled substance was sentenced July 7, 2025, to more than 25 years in federal prison.

    James Colquhoun, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 10, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony, carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between January 2024 and February 13, 2024, Colquhoun knowingly conspired with others to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine in the Cedar Rapids area.  On February 13, 2024, officers stopped Colquhoun’s vehicle and searched it.  During the search, officers located over 500 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, over $25,000, and a firearm.  Colquhoun knowingly possessed those controlled substances with the intent to distribute them.  After the traffic stop, officers searched Colquhoun’s hotel room where he resided.  During the search of his hotel room, investigators located over 600 grams of heroin, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and another firearm.  In 2014, Colquhoun was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and carrying a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime.  

    Colquhoun was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Colquhoun was sentenced to 336 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Colquhoun is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hudson, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR-00029-001.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman sentenced for smuggling firearms into Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 38-year-old Georgia woman has been sentenced today for smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Mirna Luna pleaded guilty April 1.

    U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now handed Luna 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 0f trafficking of firearms.

    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.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Possessing An Unregistered Explosive Device

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jerry Brandon Pearce, age 56, of Indianola, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for one count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (Destructive Device).

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    On November 25, 2024, Pearce pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive device not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  According to investigators, on September 4, 2023, law enforcement responded to blast reports at Pearce’s residence.  There, agents encountered Pearce and two bystanders suffering injuries from a detonated grenade.  An investigation of the blast site revealed that Pearce had modified the unregistered explosive before accidentally setting it off, and that Pearce also possessed assembly components for building additional grenades.

    “This case underscores the serious danger posed by illegal and unregistered explosive devices,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims.  “Thanks to the swift response and thorough investigation by our law enforcement partners, a potentially deadly situation was contained before further harm occurred.  Our office remains committed to prosecuting those who violate federal firearms laws and to supporting initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods that protect our communities from violent crime.”

    “Pearce’s actions were egregious and could have been fatal,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Pearce put his own interests ahead of the safety of the community and caused immense harm.  Such caustic conduct cannot and will not be tolerated.”

    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.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.   Pearce will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard J. Lorenz and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Tree pollen reveals 150,000 years of monsoon history—and a warning for Australia’s northern rainfall

    Source: Flinders University

     

    Northern Australia’s annual monsoon season brings relief to drought-stricken lands and revitalises crops and livestock for farmers. But a study of 150,000 years of climate records shows that the monsoon is likely to intensify – triggering a higher risk of flooding while worsening the impact of droughts in East Asia.

     

    Led by Professor Michael Bird, researchers at James Cook University and Flinders University have assessed sediments at Girraween Lagoon near Darwin, revealing a continuous record of monsoon rainfall patterns dating back beyond the last interglacial period.

     

    This research published in the scientific journal Quaternary Science Reviews offers insight into how climate change could alter monsoon patterns across East Asia and Australia.

     

    “This is the longest terrestrial record ever produced at the southern end of the Indo-Australian monsoon system, which delivers vital rainfall to millions across the Southern Hemisphere. The record also has implications for the Northern Hemisphere where tens of millions in Asia rely on monsoons for food and their livelihoods.

     

    “Our study shows how the two monsoon systems are interrelated over thousands of years and reveals what causes them to change. Our analyses shows that that rainfall in northern Australia is closely tied to sea level changes, which shift the location of the northern coastline by up to 320 km. These shifts strongly alter local rainfall, with wetter periods occurring when the coastline is closer to the Australian landmass and the oppose effect is prolonged drought in East Asia.”

     

    “Intriguingly, the research also uncovered what we consider bursts of intense monsoon activity – some lasting less than 10,000 years. These bursts align with Heinrich events – abrupt pulses of freshwater into the North Atlantic from rapidly melting ice linked to the weakening of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean,” said Professor Bird.

     

    These findings carry a warning from scientists because the Gulf Stream is already weakening due to climate change, and the study suggests this could lead to increased rainfall in northern Australia while contributing to droughts in parts of East Asia.

     

    “This isn’t just ancient history. It is a window into the rainfall patterns that are emerging today. Our data suggest that the weather tr

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 11: Alberta wildfire update (July 8, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Building Resilient Food Systems in Sierra Leone: Sustainable Agriculture, Community Empowerment, and Strategic Partnerships for Long-Term Food Security

    Source: APO

    The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) working with its development partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank, is implementing a Food Systems Resilience Programme.

    This programme seeks to reduce food and nutrition insecurity and enhance the resilience of food systems for vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone. It focuses on rehabilitating Inland Valley Swamps (IVS) and on restocking livestock.

    Global Context: Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Food Supply Chains and the Lasting Effects of COVID-19

    The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly disrupted production and supply chains, impacting much of Africa and beyond as the two countries are major global producers of commodities such as oil, gas, cereals, oil grains, and fertilizer. Commodity prices for fuel, wheat, oil palm, and fertilizer have soared. This comes on the back of increases in shipping costs and disruption in the global food supply chain due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has kept global food prices higher than pre-pandemic levels.

    The government developed a Quick Action Food Security Response Plan (QA-FSRP) outlining the much-needed interventions to support the government’s ability to respond to potential food security threats from the Russia-Ukraine crisis. It focuses on short-term measures, as well as lays the foundation for medium to long-term investment to boost agriculture productivity. This plan outlines both immediate interventions and lays the foundation for medium- to long-term investments to boost agricultural productivity.

    Empowering Farmers through Critical Support and Capacity Building

    The primary objective of this component is to strengthen the legacy Inland Valley Swamps developed by sister projects that are not being properly utilized to intensify rice and vegetable production by rehabilitation.

    One of the key achievements is the provision of critical agricultural inputs coupled with capacity building to all beneficiaries with technical support from the MAFS Agricultural Engineering division to actualize the rehabilitation and cultivation of 850 ha of Inland Valley Swamp across the six districts in Sierra Leone. This approach warranted the timely completion of cultivation across all the beneficiary farming groups with a huge prospect of high yield during harvest.

    Another key success story is the introduction of cash-based support to for targeted farmers based on measured work. This approach has empowered farmers to make choices based on their priorities, needs, and preferences, to exercise greater control over their own lives.  

    Lessons learned and Solutions

    One of the programme’s key achievements is the provision of critical agricultural inputs, paired with capacity-building support for all beneficiaries, facilitated by technical assistance from the Agricultural Engineering division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This support enabled the successful rehabilitation and cultivation of 850 hectares of Inland Valley Swamp across six districts in Sierra Leone. The intervention has resulted in timely planting across all beneficiary groups, with promising high yields anticipated during harvest. Additionally, the IVS intervention in peri-urban areas like Bo has mitigated the effects of flooding, thanks to reconstructed waterways and drainage canals. 

    Empowering Farmers with Cash-Based Support

    A key component of the programme is the conditional cash transfer model, which gave farmers the freedom to buy what they needed most, whether it is medicine, food, schoolbooks, clothes, or many other things. For instance, in one of the IVS sites in the Daru community after the disbursement of cash to farmers, qualitative evidence showed that farmers who successfully received their cash support used some of it to purchase food, pay school fees, buy mobile phones, and pay hospital bills for their children.

    Community Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement for Sustainable Impact

    The active involvement of community and chiefdom stakeholders makes it easier to organize and establish any structure and create ownership and sustainability. When community members are given the space to act and are involved in the design of the activity, they bring innovative ideas and demonstrate willingness and commitment to see it through. This is visible in this project through the involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, local community members, and district stakeholders in the formal handing over of agricultural inputs, collaboration in project implementation, and involvement in key decision-making platforms such as the project stakeholder engagement and inception workshops. Women and youth have also demonstrated a strong willingness to learn skills and accept changes.

    Recommendations to Peers

    Providing training alongside inputs can promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, leading to long-term environmental benefits. Additionally, the involvement of government technical staff in monitoring and training beneficiaries during the IVS rehabilitation and cultivation exercise proved highly valuable. These staff members are expected to maintain a consistent presence in the communities for ongoing monitoring after the project concludes, ensuring continuity.

    Furthermore, the use of a community-based model, in which beneficiary farming groups were actively involved in the rehabilitation and cultivation of IVS paddy fields is a clear testament to the sustainability of the project.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Monitoring stations detect small magnitude earthquakes at Mount Rainier

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Mount Rainier as seen from Paradise Ridge, Washington.

    As of 1:00 PM PT on July 8, 2025 – an earthquake swarm, consisting of hundreds of very small earthquakes have occurred since approximately 1:30 AM PDT this morning. An earthquake swarm is a cluster of earthquakes occurring in the same area in rapid succession. Currently, there is no indication that the level of earthquake activity is cause for concern, and the alert level and color code for Mount Rainier remain at GREEN / NORMAL.

    The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network is in the process of looking at each earthquake and identifying its location, depth and size, if possible. This process is called locating. Some earthquakes are too small to locate. You can follow along in that process and watch the data on their website https://pnsn.org/volcanoes/mount-rainier. This swarm consists of hundreds of very small earthquakes with the largest so far being a magnitude 1.6 at 04:52 AM PDT (11:52 UTC), ranging from depths of 1 to 4 miles (2-6 km) below the summit.  Earthquakes are too small to be felt at the surface and will likely continue for several days.  There would be no damage caused by such small events.

    Typically, earthquakes at this volcano are located at a rate of about 9 earthquakes per month. Swarms typically occur 1-2 times per year, but are usually much smaller in terms of number of events. Earthquakes are one of several parameters we monitor to indicate what a volcano is doing. Right now, this swarm is still within what we consider normal background levels of activity at Mount Rainier. Past swarms have been attributed to circulation of fluids interacting with preexisting faults.

    Seismicity beneath Mount Rainier, Washington, showing earthquakes during 2020-2025 in blue, and those that occurred as part of an earthquake swarm on July 8, 2025, in orange.

    The last large swarm at Mount Rainier in 2009 had a maximum magnitude of M2.3 and lasted three days. The 2009 swarm had over 1000 earthquakes, of which the PNSN officially located 120 earthquakes.

    To receive updates, you can sign up for USGS volcano notifications here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Typhoon Danas hits East China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HANGZHOU, July 8 (Xinhua) — Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon this year, made landfall for the second time in Dongtou District of Wenzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Tuesday evening, local authorities confirmed.

    According to the Zhejiang Provincial Meteorological Station, the center of the typhoon made landfall at 21:25 local time, with wind gusts of up to 23 m/s and a minimum pressure of 990 hectopascals at the center.

    On the night of July 6-7, Danas made its first landfall in Taiwan’s Chiayi County. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again and put us where we need to be.”

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined SiriusXM’s Patriot’s David Webb on The David Webb Show to unpack the enormous border security wins in President Trump’s historic ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) in the wake of recent violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Mullin also spoke about the importance of modernizing the air traffic control industry.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how the Democratic Party is fueling the attacks on our ICE agents:

    “What’s really damning here is that the people who call on violence on the ICE agents have been absolutely silent about that. That’s the Democrat leaders. I mean, they have been the ones that stirred this fire. They’re the ones that have [stoked] the flames, and I would say, led to this…

    “The Democrat Party has still said nothing about it. But are we surprised? Because this lawless activity is what they received in their own hometowns, which most these people are not from that, they’re from a blue state, from a blue city. When you start looking at their backgrounds, these are the leaders that have actually [stoked] these flames, that brought these people into this rage, that thinking that this is okay.”

    On how the OBBB restores America’s sovereignty at the southern border:

    “Keep in mind that the Biden administration, over the last four years, gutted the ICE agents, gutted the retention centers, they gutted the Border Patrol, and they handcuffed, I would say not literally, but dang near, anybody from being able to enforce border law and border security, meaning that the people that were crossing, 89% of the individuals crossing illegally was detained and released into the United States on parole, which means they was never actually in the hearing, which they should have been, in less than 24 hours. And so the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ restored that. We put $46 billion to finish the wall…

    “God forbid something happens in three and a half years, and God forbid we get a Democrat back in the White House, they can’t stop this. This wall is going to be completed, and honestly probably be completed before President Trump leaves office, and then we put just over $4 billion for new agents, up to 10,000 ICE agents and those agencies related to ICE, because ICE isn’t the only one going in and arresting illegals. We also use local law enforcement, and we want to reimburse local law enforcement that’s willing to work with us.”

    On the importance of $12.5 billion in OBBB to modernize our air traffic control industry:

    “Air and Space has become our second largest industry in our state. But also, what a lot of people don’t realize is, in Oklahoma City, we train all the air traffic controllers across the United States. We have a huge facility there. And one thing you’d be surprised when you go into these towers, they’re using technology from the 80s, literally from the 80s, instead of using a true GPS system that we all have in our vehicles…

    “With the $12 billion, we’ll be able to start going into these towers systematically and upgrading the systems to technology that every other aviation system in the world is using…

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again, and put us where we need to be. And luckily, we have an actual Transportation Secretary that knows what they’re doing, not, you know, Pete Buttigieg.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor Urges Justice Department to Reinstate Prosecutor in Major Florida Fraud Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately reinstate Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon following his abrupt removal from the Department of Justice. Gordon had been leading the prosecution of Leo Govoni, a St. Petersburg man accused of stealing over $100 million from medical trust funds meant to help individuals with disabilities, injured workers and retirees across Florida.

    “These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity,” wrote Castor. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.”

    Castor closed, “I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.”

    Castor’s letter also raises concerns about Gordon’s dismissal as potential political retaliation for previously prosecuting January 6 insurrection cases. Castor calls the firings of Gordon and other career prosecutors “a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law… These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.”

    The Trump Administration’s action to remove a prosecutor in charge of holding a serial fraudster accountable for preying on vulnerable Floridians runs contrary to his claims of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in health care and across the federal government.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    I urge you to reconsider the recent dismissal of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon from the Department of Justice. His removal—documented in your June 27 memo—comes at a pivotal moment in the federal prosecution of St. Petersburg fraudster Leo Govoni, who stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest fraud schemes in Florida’s recent history. The timing and circumstances of Mr. Gordon’s termination raise serious concerns about political retribution and threaten to derail justice for victims who have already suffered for far too long.

    Mr. Govoni is charged with embezzling over $100 million from medical trust funds intended to safeguard the long-term care of vulnerable individuals, including individuals with disabilities, injured workers, and retirees across Florida. These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity

    The harm inflicted is especially profound in the Tampa Bay area:

    • In St. Petersburg, Rebekah Bowman trusted Govoni with $800,000 from a settlement meant to care for her disabled son, Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong support due to a severe seizure disorder. Govoni personally assured her the funds would be protected and grown. Instead, federal investigators found the account partially emptied, and the nonprofit declared bankruptcy. Rebekah shared: “He promised that he would take care of the money and help it grow… and then I shouldn’t have to worry about the money.” After watching Govoni remain free while her son’s care became uncertain, she said: “He gets to walk free and the rest of us still have to struggle.”
    • In Tampa, Melissa Beck witnessed her father, Thomas Hancock, denied chemotherapy despite having over $347,000 in a Medicare Set-Aside account Govoni’s nonprofit claimed to manage. Hancock, permanently disabled after a fall in 2007, died on May 16, 2025, from complications of cancer and COPD. Melissa discovered the alleged theft only after his death and now seeks justice. She said: “My feeling is this man killed my father… My father could’ve gotten treatment. Maybe he could have survived?” And added: “There’s no amount of money that is going to bring my dad back… but my dad deserves justice, and I will fight until my last breath to get it.”
    • The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.

    Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons. Mr. Gordon previously served as senior trial counsel for the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His team prosecuted individuals involved in the January 6 violent insurrection, during which nearly 140 police officers were injured, suffering broken bones, burns, and blunt trauma. Officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes after being assaulted; four others died by suicide in the aftermath. Rioters committed serious crimes, including:

    • Assaulting law enforcement officers with flagpoles, bear spray, and blunt weapons
    • Seditious conspiracy, as in the case of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio
    • Obstruction of congressional proceedings
    • Destruction and theft of government property
    • Unlawful entry into restricted federal buildings, often while armed

    As of January 20, 2025, 1,575 individuals were charged in connection with the attack. Yet on his first day back in office, in what is a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 convicted rioters, including violent offenders. He has since fired prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases. Your dismissal of Mr. Gordon—alongside two other career prosecutors—marks the first time that non-probationary federal attorneys were removed for their role in these prosecutions. These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.

    I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reed and Coons Release Joint Statement on Cancellation of Ukrainian Weapons Shipments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Ranking Senate Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement following reports that the Pentagon had cancelled already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine: 
    “The Pentagon’s reported cancellation of already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine risks the lives of the brave Ukrainian men and women on the front lines of freedom and rewards President Putin and his Russian forces. This assistance – including vital air defense interceptors and artillery munitions – was provided by Congress and designated to be delivered months ago. Ukraine continues to enjoy strong, bipartisan support across Congress, and we call on Secretary Hegseth to immediately restart the steady supply of these munitions.
    “This is the latest and most dramatic blow to our support for Ukraine. It comes at a perilous time, just after Russia conducted the biggest missile strike of the three-year war on civilian targets in densely populated Ukrainian cities, and on the heels of North Korea’s announcement that it would send tens of thousands more troops to aid in Russia’s brutal invasion.
    “Putin continues to be the foremost obstacle to peace. Unable to meet his goals on the battlefield, he has long hoped he could simply outlast the West. If Secretary Hegseth does not reverse this damaging step, we risk proving Putin right. President Zelenskyy has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. In contrast, Putin has rejected this deal time and again.
    “Despite that stark reality, the administration has decided not to enforce our existing sanctions against Russia, declined to join our European allies in levying additional sanctions, and now we are walking away from supplying Ukraine with American weapons they need to defend their sovereignty, and protect their hospitals, churches, schools, and apartments from relentless Russian attacks.  This is not theoretical for the Ukrainians. They are not preparing stocks for some potential future fight. Their fight is now, their people are in the crosshairs.
    “We agree with the president’s stated objective of bringing about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. President Trump has a critical opportunity to actually achieve peace through strength: to improve Ukraine’s leverage and force Putin to negotiate. The United States must stand with the people of Ukraine. The world is watching. Our adversaries are watching.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University

    Stellalevi / Getty Images

    Science in the United States in in trouble. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say the cuts risk losing an entire generation of young scientists.

    In addition, about 280,000 scientists and engineers have been affected by US federal workforce cuts. Billions of dollars in further cuts have been proposed to US hospitals, universities and research institutions.

    The US has long been the global destination for science. But perhaps no longer. The rest of the world, including Australia, is looking to lure scientists from the US.

    And many of those scientists are looking to move. In March, a Nature survey suggested more than 75% of US researchers were considering leaving the country.

    What moves are under way to capitalise on this American brain drain? Where does Australia sit – and, importantly, are we doing enough?

    What are other countries doing?

    In May, the European Commission announced a two-year, €500 million package to woo scientists and researchers called Choose Europe. The announcement of the package highlighted how “academic and scientific freedom is increasingly under threat”, and offers researchers higher allowances, longer contracts and reduced regulatory barriers to innovation.

    Canada also has active efforts. The Toronto-based University Hospital Network, for example, aims to raise C$30 million to attract and recruit clinician scientists and medical talent.

    China, too, is actively seeking US scientists with dedicated recruitment programs and large salaries. This is accelerating the existing trend of Chinese-born scientists leaving the US.

    Programs such as the EU’s and Canada’s ostensibly aim to attract and recruit top talent from “around the world”. Given the timing, however, it’s no secret which country’s scientists they have their eyes on.

    What about Australia?

    In Australia, the scientific community is understandably concerned about events in the US and their impact on Australian research. The US is Australia’s largest research partner, with a conservatively estimated A$386 million in funding for Australian research organisations coming from the US government.

    At the same time, the US cuts represent an opportunity for Australia as for other countries. The Australian Academy of Science recently launched its Global Talent Attraction Program to take advantage of “a rare opportunity to strengthen our nation by attracting world-leading researchers to our shores”. The program will offer relocation packages for selected researchers, together with research funding, access to Australian infrastructure and family relocation support.

    As well as attracting US talent, it may also be an opportunity to reverse the brain drain and bring back talented Australians who may have moved to the US for what were once better career prospects.

    The global picture

    Attracting, recruiting and retaining US researchers and innovators at all levels is the right thing for Australia to pursue right now. But broader international relationships are also worth some effort, including with countries in our region such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, as well as in Europe.

    These can be facilitated through existing initiatives such as the strategic arm of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund. Backed by the Australian government and delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (where I am the CEO) and the Australian Academy of Science, the fund brings together innovators and research initiatives in priority partner countries and Australia. Areas of interest include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and hydrogen production.

    With the US pulling out of international collaborations, there is a chance for Australia to establish itself as a science and technology hub within our region.

    Australia has much to offer the world. We can provide insights into the behaviour and management of bushfires, floods and droughts. We bring a sophisticated understanding of extreme weather modelling, and are a global gateway to exceptional oceans and atmospheric research.

    We have huge clout in renewable energy and battery technologies. Australian-invented solar panels represent the majority of household solar around the world and Australian batteries technology is among the best.

    Australian researchers, policymakers and citizens are right to be concerned by what’s happening in the US. But we don’t need to wait anxiously. We have an extremely rare opportunity to foster talent in Australia on our terms.

    Kylie Walker is CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and previously worked for the Australian Academy of Science (2011–2016).

    – ref. American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists – https://theconversation.com/american-science-is-in-crisis-its-a-great-opportunity-for-australia-to-snap-up-top-scientists-260593

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor cites Orlando aerospace facility for safety, health failures after fire injures workers

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ORLANDO, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited an Orlando target-missile manufacturer for exposing workers to fire, burn, and inhalation hazards, after a December 2024 fire at its facility, hospitalizing two employees and injuring others. 

    Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that two employees of Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace Inc. were severely burned, and another sustained injuries from burns and smoke inhalation while they worked on a missile component. OSHA also determined that the employer exposed other workers to burn and inhalation hazards from incorrectly stored and handled explosives and from failing to classify the physical hazards of a highly reactive chemical.

    Aerojet Rocketdyne was cited with one willful and six serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $262,451.

    The employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 

    Learn more about OSHA. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Egyptian Prime Minister

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 08, 2025

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Tuesday with HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, currently visiting the country.

    During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and enhance them, particularly in the investment and economic fields, and explored promising opportunities to elevate them to broader horizons for the benefit and prosperity of both countries and their brotherly peoples.

    The discussions also covered the latest developments in the region, especially in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to a number of issues of common concern.

    Both sides affirmed their keenness to develop bilateral relations in all fields and stressed the continuation of joint mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of prisoners and detainees, and facilitate the entry of aid to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip.

    They also expressed their full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and the consolidation of stability and peace in the region.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Helio Highlights: May 2025

    Source: NASA

    The Sun is 93 million miles away from Earth, on average. Even though it’s far away, we can still see and feel its effects here. One of the most beautiful effects are the auroras – colorful lights that dance across the sky near the North and South Poles. These are also called the Northern and Southern Lights. They happen when tiny particles from the Sun hit gas molecules in our atmosphere and give off energy.
    Sometimes the Sun becomes very active and sends out a lot more energy than normal. When this happens, we can see auroras in places much farther from the poles than normal. In May 2024, around Mother’s Day, the Sun sent powerful solar storms in the direction of Earth. These storms were also called the Gannon Storms, named after Jennifer Gannon, a scientist who studied space weather. The Northern Lights could be seen as far south as Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. The Southern Lights were also visible as far north as South Africa and New Zealand.

    Scientists who study the Sun and its effects on our solar system work in a field called heliophysics. Their studies of the Sun have shown that it goes through cycles of being more active and less active. Each one of these cycles lasts about 11 years, but can be anywhere from 8 to 14 years long. This is called the Solar Cycle.
    The middle of each cycle is called Solar Maximum. During this time, the Sun has more dark spots (called sunspots) and creates more space weather events. The big storms in May 2024 happened during the Solar Maximum for Solar Cycle 25.
    On May 8 and 9, 2024, an active area on the Sun called AR3664 shot out powerful solar flares and several huge bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs headed straight for Earth. The first CME pushed aside the normal solar wind, making a clear path for the others to reach us faster. When all this energy hit our atmosphere, it created auroras much farther from the poles than usual. It was like the Sun gave the auroras a huge power boost!

    Auroras are beautiful to watch, but the space weather that creates them can also cause problems. Space weather can mess up radio signals, power grids, GPS systems, and satellites. During the May 2024 storms, GPS systems used by farmers were disrupted. Many farmers use GPS to guide their self-driving tractors. Since this happened during peak planting season, it may have cost billions of dollars in lost profit.
    Because space weather can cause so many problems, scientists at NASA and around the world watch the Sun closely to predict when these events will happen. You can help too! Join local science projects at schools, teach others about the Sun, and help make observations in your area. All of this helps us to learn more about the Sun and how it affects our planet.
    Here are some resources to connect you to the Sun and auroras

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance for South Texas Severe Storms and Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance for South Texas Severe Storms and Flooding

    Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance for South Texas Severe Storms and Flooding

    AUSTIN, Texas – South Texas residents who have been affected by the March severe storms and flooding have two weeks left to apply for disaster assistance

    Homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties who were displaced or have property damage from the March 26-28 storms have until Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to apply for FEMA Assistance

     To date, more than $70

    5 million in state and federal assistance has been approved for South Texas survivors

    This includes: $39

    2 million for Housing Assistance and $31

    3 million for Other Needs Assistance

    There are many types of assistance available for survivors with uninsured losses

    Assistance may include money for rent, home repair or replacement, vehicle damage, medical expenses, moving and storage, and temporary housing

    While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, it may be able to help where insurance did not

    File your insurance claim first, then apply for FEMA Assistance

    There are several ways to apply or check the status of your application:The fastest is by going online to DisasterAssistance

    govDownload the FEMA App for mobile devices Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a

    m

    and 10 p

    m

    CT

    Help is available in most languages

    Visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in person support

    To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Ex: DRC 78552)

     To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTubeResidents and businesses in the four eligible counties can also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) to help recover

    Texas residents can apply for a disaster loan online at SBA

    gov/disaster or by calling 800-659-2955

     To find a Texas location for in-person assistance, visit appointment

    sba

    gov/schedule/

    No appointment is necessary

    The filing deadline to return applications for SBA low interest disaster loans physical property damage due to the March severe storms and flooding is July 22, 2025

    For the latest information about Texas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4871

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Tue, 07/08/2025 – 14:43

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cheatham and Dickson Counties

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cheatham and Dickson Counties

    Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cheatham and Dickson Counties

    Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Cheatham and Dickson counties to assist Tennesseans who experienced damage or loss from the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding

     Cheatham County: Kingston Springs City Hall, 396 Spring Street, Kingston Springs, TN 37082Hours: 8 a

    m

    -3:30 p

    m

    CT Today; 8:00 a

    m

    -6:00 p

    m

    Wednesday-Saturday

    Closed Sunday Dickson County: Dickson County Government Building, 303 Henslee Drive, Dickson, TN 37005Hours: 8 a

    m

    –6 p

    m

    CT Tuesday-Friday; Saturday 9:00 a

    m

    -1:00 p

    m

    Closed SundayWhen the above recovery centers move to a new location or a new recovery center opens, details will be provided to the public

    To find a center near you, visit fema

    gov/drc

    Homeowners and renters in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties can apply for FEMA assistance at a recovery center

    FEMA representatives will help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources

      The deadline to apply for assistance is Aug

    19

    FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, vehicle, medical needs, funeral expenses or the replacement of personal property

    In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U

    S

    Small Business Administration and state agencies will be available to assist survivors

    It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Lines are open seven days a week and specialists speak many languages

    To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    kwei

    nwaogu
    Tue, 07/08/2025 – 15:07

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Weeks Left to Apply for Federal Assistance for April Storms

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Two Weeks Left to Apply for Federal Assistance for April Storms

    Two Weeks Left to Apply for Federal Assistance for April Storms

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark

    – Time is running out

    Only two weeks are left for homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for federal disaster assistance if you had damage or losses in the April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas

    You may qualify for federal assistance if you are a resident of Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, St

    Francis, Saline, Sharp or White County

    Disaster survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage or losses to their primary homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance

     FEMA grants do not have to be repaid and FEMA assistance is not taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits

    FEMA assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and home replacement assistance

    The Individual Assistance program is designed to help you with basic home repair costs and temporary housing if you are unable to live in your home while you look for a long-term or permanent housing solution

     You may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance even if you have insurance

    However, you will need to file a claim with your insurance carrier and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA

    By law, FEMA cannot pay for losses covered by your insurance

    Low-interest disaster loans from the U

    S

    Small Business Administration are also available to Arkansas residents, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations that are recovering from the April storms

    To apply to SBA or to download an application, go to SBA

    gov/disaster

    You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba

    gov

    The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA loan for physical property damage is Tuesday, July 22
    toan

    nguyen
    Tue, 07/08/2025 – 14:28

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Information on the EU infringement procedure against Italy for failure to transpose Directive (EU) 2021/555 on firearms – E-002677/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002677/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    The Commission recently sent a letter of formal notice to Italy (procedure INFR(2025)2070) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2021/555 laying down strict rules on the control and traceability of civilian firearms in the European Union.

    The Directive is designed to harmonise the laws of the Member States with a view to combating illicit arms trafficking and ensuring greater security for the European public. The deadline for full transposition was 31 January 2023, but Italy has not yet completed this legislative process.

    Given the importance of the Directive in preventing criminal activities and ensuring greater public security across Europe, can the Commission state what its views are of the response provided by the Italian authorities under procedure INFR(2025)2070 and say what steps it considers need to be taken for Italy to correctly transpose Directive (EU) 2021/555?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Greek islands’ lack of resilience to natural disasters and the need for sustainable spatial planning – E-001667/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. In 2021-2027, at least EUR 14.8 billion from Cohesion Policy funds is allocated to support islands, targeting competitiveness, green transition, better connectivity, housing, sustainable tourism and inclusive growth. Member States may also use these funds for disaster risk management, including flood prevention, response and resilience measures in islands, based on the national or subnational climate risk assessments. Greece, in particular, allocates EUR 726 million in public funding for flood risk prevention and management, including in insular areas, under the Cohesion Policy programmes. As per the shared management principle, national authorities are responsible for selecting and implementing projects. Furthermore, under the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan[1], the reform for the preparation of urban plans addresses gaps in spatial planning and land use to promote sustainable economic activity and environmental protection.

    2. The Commission acknowledges the pressure from excessive tourism and construction in islands. However, the EU has no competence on construction policy.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Heatwave in Southern Europe and measures under the Preparedness Strategy to combat the adverse effects of climate change – E-002654/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002654/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Leire Pajín (S&D), Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

    At the end of June 2025, the authorities of multiple countries in Southern Europe sent their respective citizens alerts about high temperatures, which reached record-high levels. According to one study, approximately 43 000 people die each year due to extreme heat, and projections indicate that deaths linked to heat could triple with respect to current rates. The risks associated with climate change must be urgently addressed to avoid putting EU citizens’ health and safety at even greater risk.

    • 1.What concrete measures is the Commission taking in collaboration with Member States to prevent deaths, forest fires and other adverse effects of heatwaves?
    • 2.To what extent will the Commission integrate the fight against the worst effects of heatwaves in Europe into its Preparedness Union Strategy and, specifically, in the next strategy on adaptation to climate change?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to ensure adequate funding for adaptation to climate change in the next multiannual financial framework?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Zelenskiy says he ordered intensified contacts with US for deliveries of arms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he ordered an expansion of contacts with the United States to ensure critical deliveries of military supplies, primarily air defence.

    Zelenskiy issued his call a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would send more weapons to Ukraine, mainly defensive ones, to help the country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    “Today, I instructed the minister of defence and the commander in chief to intensify all contacts with the American side,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

    “We currently have all the necessary political statements and decisions and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and positions,” he said.

    Zelenskiy said the current focus for deliveries was on “air defence, as well as other elements of supply from the U.S.”

    “These are critical deliveries that mean saving lives and protecting Ukrainian cities and villages. I expect results from these contacts very soon. And this week, we are preparing formats for meetings of our military and political teams.”

    The U.S. Defense Department said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The U.S. decision to halt some arms shipments to Kyiv prompted Ukraine to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances.

    Russia’s military has in recent weeks boosted air attacks on Ukrainian cities by drones and missiles.

    Trump on Tuesday again expressed disappointment at Russian President Vladimir Putin over the failure to introduce a ceasefire as part of moves to secure a peace. He said he was considering additional sanctions on Moscow.

    -Reuters