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  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Allow Youngkin’s Voter Purge to Resume

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court granted a stay of the lower court’s injunction of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s voter purge: 

    “Governor Youngkin’s decision to purge 1,600 Virginians from the voter rolls 90 days before the election violates federal law. Governor Youngkin and Virginia officials further compounded the situation by failing to take any additional measures to verify impacted individuals’ citizenship status. We know lifelong Virginians and long-term voters were wrongfully removed from the rolls by this haphazard, shortsighted, and inaccurate voter purge. 

    “Governor Youngkin’s purge and the Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the decision pending appeal on the merits demonstrate a blatant disregard for the fundamental right to vote of American citizens caught up in their zeal to prevent something that is already illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison. In a government by, of, and for the people, lawmakers and government officials should take extra steps to ensure they do not infringe on the right to vote of a single eligible American citizen. That did not happen here. 

    “My office has already received calls from constituents who were inaccurately removed from the rolls. With less than a week until the most consequential election of our lifetime, impacted citizens must now take additional actions to ensure their vote will still count. It’s an unreasonable burden to place on voters in a state with an ugly history of voter suppression. I will continue fighting in Congress to shore up voter protections and ensure every American can exercise their fundamental right to vote.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: MP Hanley announces federal investment supporting SKOOKUMbrand’s technology adoption to increase production and sales

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 30, 2024 — Dawson City, Yukon — Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

    Small businesses across the North are providing unique high-quality products while boosting community growth, providing good jobs and contributing to regional and territorial economic development.

    Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced a federal investment of nearly $100,000 in Northern Garments Inc., a Dawson City-based small business widely known as SKOOKUMbrand.

    Through this two-year project, SKOOKUMbrand will upgrade its production equipment to include computer-aided design technology so it can build capacity and meet increasing demand for its award-winning custom-made winter clothing. This investment will also support the purchase of small capital equipment to enhance productivity at the rural worksite and help address challenges with staff recruitment. Additionally, this project includes upgrades to the company’s website to increase its reach and expedite order processing. 

    The Government of Canada is supporting small business growth across the North. Investing in territorial entrepreneur and innovator ecosystems supports dynamic and strong economies and provides benefits to Yukoners and Northerners alike.

    Quotes

    “Supporting small businesses in rural areas to grow is essential to building strong economies and resilient communities. SKOOKUMbrand is contributing to the territorial economy, providing jobs, and designing clothing made in the North for northern weather. By investing in projects like this, our government is supporting northern businesses to expand, adopt new technology and address northern challenges.”

    The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor

    “Small businesses contribute so much to the Yukon. For nearly 20 years, SKOOKUMbrand has produced high-quality Yukon-made outdoor clothing for Yukoners and have shipped its creations to people around the world. By implementing digital technologies, enhancing their online presence, and building capacity, this company can access wider markets.”
      

    Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon

    “Our government is proud to stand behind Yukoners, driving local growth and strengthening our economy. By investing in local businesses, we are helping Yukoners enhance their communities, expand their businesses, and contribute to a resilient, sustainable future for our territory. SKOOKUMbrand embodies the spirit of Yukon—innovative, community-driven and proudly local, crafting products tailored specifically for Yukoners. Through the Economic Development Fund, we are excited to help this outstanding local company grow and reach new heights.”

    Ranj Pillai, Premier and Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

    “Doing business from the North is always challenging. We operate in isolation from our industry peers and face skilled labour shortages, so we need to be resourceful and look to technology to for solutions that enable us to fill the demand for our products. The assistance we’ve been able to access through CanNor and the Yukon government is helping us to expand to become fully digital in sales and manufacturing, provide employee transit to our workplace and scale up to the next level of development. We are extremely grateful for this timely and focused assistance.”

    Megan Waterman, Owner, Northern Garments Inc.

    Quick facts

    • CanNor is contributing up $99,999 over two years for this project through the Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) program. This program makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada’s innovation economy.

    • The Government of Yukon’s Economic Development Fund (EDF) is also investing more than $20,000 in this project between 2023 and 2025. The EDF supports projects and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic benefits to Yukoners and Yukon communities.

    • SKOOKUMbrand is a woman-owned small business located in Dawson City, Yukon. Since 2005, the company has been designing and manufacturing winter outerwear, such as fur-trimmed parkas, and accessories for circumpolar lifestyles.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Kyle Allen
    Director of Communications, Parliamentary Affairs and Issues Management
    Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister Responsible for PrairiesCan, and Minister Responsible for CanNor
    kyle.allen@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

    Leighann Chalykoff
    Communications Advisor, Yukon Region
    Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
    leighann.chalykoff@cannor.gc.ca

    Damian Topps
    Government of Yukon, Economic Development
    867-667-5378
    damian.topps@yukon.ca

    Megan Waterman
    Owner
    SKOOKUMbrand
    megan@skookum.shop

    Stay connected

    Follow CanNor on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene Can Apply for FEMA Assistance and SBA Disaster Loan at the Same Time

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene Can Apply for FEMA Assistance and SBA Disaster Loan at the Same Time

    South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene Can Apply for FEMA Assistance and SBA Disaster Loan at the Same Time

    In addition to applying for FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters in designated South Carolina counties have the option to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration at various stages of their recovery. While FEMA doesn’t require survivors to apply for an SBA loan before being considered for FEMA assistance, the SBA can offer financial support to individuals and business owners to aid their recovery.Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceThe quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.To get in-person assistance, you can visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, please go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day. 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. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. FEMA assistance is available for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.How To Apply for SBA Disaster LoansThe SBA offers disaster loans to assist businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters with their recovery. Homeowners and renters are eligi­­ble to apply for disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate and damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for loans to cover physical damage. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are also available to qualified businesses and nonprofits to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
    dalton.kramer
    Wed, 10/30/2024 – 18:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

    FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

    ATLANTA – FEMA opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Laurens County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.Center location: Laurens CountyOld West Laurens Middle School338 West Laurens School RoadDublin, GA 31021Additional centers are open in Appling, Chatham, Coffee, Liberty, Lowndes, McDuffie, Richmond, Toombs and Washington counties. Additionally, Mobile Disaster Assistance Centers are open in Berrien, Telfair and Ware counties for a limited time. Mobile centers give survivors another option to get help with their application and find other resources.Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.Appling CountyAppling County Agricultural Center2761 Blackshear Highway, Baxley, GA 31513Chatham CountySavannah Technical CollegeStudent Enrichment Center Building5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31405Coffee CountyThe Atrium 114 N. Peterson Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533Liberty CountyMiller Park/HQ Fire Station 6944 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Midway, GA 31320Lowndes CountyCity of Valdosta4434 North Forrest Street Extension, Valdosta, GA 31605McDuffie CountyThomson Depot           111 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA 30824Richmond CountyHub for Community Innovation631 Chafee Avenue Augusta, GA 30904Toombs CountyGeorgia Department of Human Services 162 Oxley Drive, Lyons, GA 30436 Washington CountySandersville School Building Authority514 North Harris Street, Sandersville, GA 31082 FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hoursBerrien County Carrie Dorsey Library315 W. Marion Ave., Nashville, GA 31639Wednesday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 1 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Telfair CountyPiggly Wiggly Parking Lot 48 East Oak Street, McRae-Helena, GA 31055 Monday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 2 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Ware County Courthouse Annex 305 Oak Street, Waycross, Georgia, 31501Monday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 2 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Wed, 10/30/2024 – 18:31

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta to Congress: A Federal Price Gouging Prohibition Protects Families, Small Businesses

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined 16 attorneys general in supporting a federal prohibition on price gouging. While 40 states across the country, including California, ban price gouging, there is no federal price gouging prohibition. Because so many product supply chains are nationwide, states face heightened challenges when protecting consumers from price gouging. A complementary federal price gouging prohibition would provide critical partnership to state enforcement, protect both consumers and small businesses, and strengthen existing state laws.

    “During and after a crisis, it is unfair — and harmful to our economy —for companies to reap higher profits for selling goods and services that families need to survive. That is why California’s price gouging law protects Californians during and after wildfires, severe weather storms, and other emergencies,” said Attorney General Bonta. “A federal price gouging prohibition that complements state law would build on successful partnerships between states and the federal government to protect consumers by making it easier to enforce price gouging prohibitions nationally, up the supply chain. This would benefit California consumers and small businesses who currently bear the brunt of their suppliers’ price setting.”

    Price gouging refers to sellers who take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services. Price gouging prohibitions are not price caps; prohibitions place temporary limits on a business’s ability to raise its profits on essential goods in a crisis. Price gouging prohibitions allow businesses to raise prices to cover costs, but those price increases should not result in an increase in their profits.

    In the letter, the attorneys general explain that the current gap in federal regulations allows larger companies outside of state control to raise prices and pass down costs to smaller businesses. Without a federal prohibition, consumer-facing retailers — often small businesses — bear the burden of reputational and legal consequences of crisis-induced higher prices, even when the most significant price gouging activity may be happening up the supply chain. A federal price gouging prohibition that complemented state prohibitions would allow federal enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, to identify and restrain irrational price increases throughout the entire supply chain.

    In the letter, the attorneys general argue that price gouging laws have key benefits that strengthen the economy. Price gouging laws:

    • Prevent inefficient pricing overreactions in the heat of a crisis. Setting prices too high may damage a business’s reputation and harm long-term profitability.
    • Encourage the production of essential supplies. Increasing production and selling more products, instead of selling the same amount at a higher price, allows businesses to increase their gross profits but not their profit margins and helps ensure people have enough essential supplies at reasonable costs.
    • Prevent hoarding. Encourages businesses to directly limit inefficient over-consumption.
    • Keep prices competitive. If consumers have no choice but to buy an essential product from one particular seller, price gouging prohibitions can restrain high prices for products where there is very little competition. 

    In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joined the attorneys general of New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. 

    In California, price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report.

    For additional information, please see DOJ’s FAQs on price gouging here.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ship Management Company Fined $1.75M for Failing to Maintain an Accurate Oil Record Book that Concealed Unauthorized Discharges at Sea

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Gremex Shipping S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation that managed several ships, including the M/V Suhar, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal district court in Pensacola, Florida, for creating and providing false records to the U.S. Coast Guard to conceal its illegal discharge of oily bilge waste into the ocean, which is a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).

    The charge stems from a Coast Guard investigation of the ship once it arrived in Pensacola on Aug. 25, 2023. The Suhar is a 7,602 gross ton Panamanian-flagged ocean-going bulk carrier that routinely hauled cement from Tampico, Mexico, to Pensacola. Since March 2021, day-to-day operation of the ship was undertaken by Gremex, which was responsible for hiring all crew, and ensuring compliance with all policies on protection of the environment in accordance with international regulations. After boarding the ship to determine compliance with all applicable laws, Coast Guard personnel determined that the vessel’s crew had regularly discharged untreated oily bilge water into sea in a manner that bypassed onboard pollution control equipment, and then falsified the ship’s oil record book to conceal these discharges.

    As part of normal vessel operations, large ocean-going ships like the Suhar generate oily bilge water that periodically needs to be discharged for the vessel to operate safely. The United States and Panama are both parties to an international treaty known as MARPOL, which regulates and limits the at-sea discharge of oily bilge water. To satisfy these marine pollution requirements, vessels typically discharge oily bilge water after it has been processed through an oily water separator, a piece of onboard pollution control equipment which removes oil from bilge water prior to discharge. Ships are required to maintain an oil record book that documents all discharges of oily bilge water so authorities can monitor ships for compliance with these international requirements. Federal law requires that foreign ships arriving at U.S. ports maintain an accurate oil record book.

    Consistent with a sentencing recommendation jointly proposed by the government and Gremex, the court sentenced the company to pay a $1.75 million fine, serve a four-year term of probation and commit to developing and implementing an environmental compliance plan that will be in effect during the time the company is on probation.

    Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida made the announcement.

    The Coast Guard’s Investigative Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Joel La Bissonniere of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Love for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sault Ste. Marie — Piloting a drone? Fly it safely and within the law

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP in Sault Ste. Marie would like to remind the public of the following regulations when operating a drone or remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).

    Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). You should read these regulations in full before you fly your drone for the first time.

    RPA pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked and registered. If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate.

    RESPECT ALL LAWS AND THE PRIVACY AND RIGHTS OF OTHERS WHEN YOU FLY AN RPA.

    While flying

    To keep yourself and others safe, fly your drone:

    • where you can always see it
    • at night only if you have lights on your drone
    • below 122 metres (400 feet) in the air
    • away from bystanders, at a minimum horizontal distance of 30 metres for basic operations
    • away from emergency operations and forest fires
    • away from outdoor concerts, parades and advertised events
    • away from airports 5.6 kilometres (3 nautical miles)
    • away from heliports 1.9 kilometres (1 nautical mile)
    • outside controlled airspace (for basic operations only)
    • away from other aircraft, including other drones

    You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.

    Fines for individuals

    • up to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
    • up to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
    • up to $1,000 for flying where you are not allowed
    • up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

    Fines for corporations

    • up to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
    • up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
    • up to $5,000 for flying where you are not allowed
    • up to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

    Please refer to the following website for a full list of safety regulations and legislation: Flying your drone safely and legally (canada.ca)

    To report a drone incident or suspicious drone activity: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/report-drone-incident

    Should you have any further questions, the RCMP’s Sault Ste. Marie Detachment can be contacted at 705-941-7267 or email at ODiv_SSM_BI@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yukon — Yukon RCMP hope for a safe and enjoyable Halloween for all!

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Here are some safety tips to consider:

    Traffic Awareness: Drive slowly in residential areas and watch carefully for children crossing the street. Remind your children to stay alert for traffic, use sidewalks and cross the street at crosswalks.

    Home Safety: Clear walkways of obstacles to prevent falls and use flameless candles instead of real ones to avoid fire hazards. Keep pets indoors to prevent them from getting scared or escaping during the festivities.

    Costumes: Have something reflective on your child’s costume or carry flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility in the dark.

    Treat Inspection: Check all treats before you eat! Discard anything that is not sealed or looks suspicious.

    Not everyone celebrates Halloween for various reasons, including cultural, religious, or personal beliefs. It is always good to respect different perspectives. A common practice in some areas is to leave outside lights off to indicate your house is not participating in Halloween trick or treating.

    Be safe and have an awesome Halloween!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MEF Honors Industry Leaders at GNE 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEF, a global industry association of network, cloud, security, and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, today announced winners of its 2024 MEF NaaS Excellence Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievements by service providers, technology providers, and professionals pioneering the future of digital services in an ecosystem optimized for a cloud-driven experience.

    Winners were unveiled at MEF’s Global Network-as-a-Service Event (GNE) happening this week in Dallas, Texas and selected by a distinguished panel of senior industry analysts from ACG Research, Analysys Mason, Appledore Research, Atlantic-ACM, AvidThink, Dell’Oro Group, Frost & Sullivan, IDC, Omdia, TeleGeography, and Vertical Systems Group. 

    “We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 MEF NaaS Excellence Awards, celebrating the visionaries advancing the automated network ecosystem,” said Nan Chen, CEO, MEF. “As the industry shifts toward dynamic, cloud-based service models, these awards recognize the achievements of the companies and individuals whose dedication and innovation are shaping the future of digital communications. This year’s honorees exemplify leadership and commitment to a future-ready, cloud-optimized ecosystem.”

    2024 MEF Excellence Awards Winners

    Service Provider Category:

    NaaS Service Provider of the Year

    • Global – Colt Technology Services
    • Europe – Colt Technology Services
    • North America – Lumen Technologies
    • Asia Pacific – Console Connect
    • Latin America – Ufinet

    Best NaaS Vision

    • Colt Technology Services

    MEF 3.0 CE Service Provider of the Year

    • Global – Tie: Verizon Business and Tata Communications
    • Europe – Comcast Business
    • North America – Verizon Business
    • Asia Pacific – Tata Communications
    • Latin America – Ufinet

    Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Service Provider of the Year

    • Global – AT&T
    • Europe – Sparkle
    • North America – AT&T
    • Asia Pacific – Tata Communications
    • Latin America – Cirion Technologies

    SD-WAN Service Provider of the Year

    • Global – AT&T
    • Europe – Colt Technology Services
    • North America – AT&T
    • Asia Pacific – Tata Communications
    • Latin America – Cirion Technologies
    • Middle East / Africa – CMC Networks

    Service Automation Leadership

    • Global – AT&T
    • Europe – Colt Technology Services
    • Asia Pacific – Console Connect
    • Latin America – Orchest Technologies

    Best Services Ecosystem Automation Platform

    • Colt Technology Services

    Technology Provider Category:

    Network Technology Vendor of the Year

    Best NaaS Vision

    SASE Vendor of the Year

    SD-WAN Vendor of the Year

    LSO Solution Provider of the Year

    Most Impactful Service Automation Vendor

    • Netcracker Technology

    Most Innovative Service Automation Vendor

    • InsidePacket

    NaaS Accelerator Live Best of Show

    • Silent Comet – Amartus, NTT Communications, Tata Communications

    Professional Awards:

    MEF Distinguished Fellow

    • Isabelle Morency, Head of Engineering and Standards, Iometrix

    Michael Howard Industry Impact Award

    • Roy Chua, Founder and Principal Analyst, AvidThink

    Industry Executive of the Year

    • Kelly Ahuja, CEO, Versa Networks

    For more information, please visit https://www.mef.net.

    About MEF 
    MEF is a global consortium of service, cloud, cybersecurity, and technology providers collaborating to accelerate enterprise digital transformation. It delivers standards-based frameworks, services, technologies, APIs, and certification programs to enable Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) across an automated ecosystem. MEF is the defining authority for certified Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) business and operational APIs and Carrier Ethernet, SASE, SD-WAN, Zero Trust, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies and services. MEF’s Global NaaS Event (GNE) convenes industry leaders building and delivering the next generation of NaaS solutions. For more information about MEF, visit MEF.net and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.  

    Media Contact: 
    Melissa Power 
    MEF 
    pr@mef.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA will significantly worsen humanitarian catastrophe News Oct 30, 2024

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    NEW YORK/JERUSALEM, October 30, 2024 — The Israeli Knesset’s ban on UNRWA operations represents a devastating blow to Palestinians, further jeopardizing their survival in Gaza and greatly impacting communities in the West Bank, said Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. 

    UNRWA is the largest health provider in Gaza, with over half of Gazans relying on it for essential health care services, including for the treatment of chronic diseases, displacement-related conditions, maternal and child heath, and vaccinations. Each day, UNRWA’s health teams provide over 15,000 consultations in the Gaza Strip. The ban of its activities threatens to create a vast gap in services within an already largely destroyed health system in Gaza—directly and indirectly endangering the lives of Palestinians.

    “UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinians,” said Christopher Lockyear, MSF’s secretary general. “If implemented, the ban on UNRWA’s activities would have catastrophic implications on the dire humanitarian situation of Palestinians living in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank—now and for generations to come. We strongly condemn this decision, which is the culmination of a long-running campaign against the organization.”

    If implemented, the ban on UNRWA’s activities would have catastrophic implications on the dire humanitarian situation of Palestinians living in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank—now and for generations to come.

    Christopher Lockyear, MSF secretary general

    The newly voted legislation will make it almost impossible for UNRWA to work in Gaza or the West Bank. Coordination with Israeli authorities will be impeded and entrance permits to either of the occupied territories will be denied, essentially blocking delivery of UNRWA aid into and within Gaza. UNRWA handles almost all the distribution of UN aid coming into the Strip. This vote adds to the endless physical and bureaucratic impediments imposed by Israel to limit the amount of aid reaching Gaza, and contradicts Israel’s claims that it is facilitating humanitarian assistance into the Strip.

    More than 90 percent of the population of Gaza has been displaced by the war, and many are living in makeshift camps in extremely poor conditions.
    Palestine 2024 © Nour Daher

    Earlier this month, the US sent a letter to Israel demanding they take steps to improve the humanitarian situation within 30 days, and not adopt this legislation. As the leading provider of military and financial support to Israel, the US has an obligation to assess if the conduct of the war is consistent with international and US laws designed to protect civilians and to apply the appropriate legal procedures.

    The Israeli parliament’s passage of legislation banning UNRWA is shocking in its cruelty … In the face of this blatant criminalization of humanitarian aid, the US government yet again offers only weak warnings while maintaining its support for a war without rules.

    Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA

    “After a full year of death, destruction, and deprivation in Gaza, Israel is moving to make it impossible for the largest humanitarian actor to deliver assistance and services amid the most severe humanitarian crisis Palestinians have ever endured,” said Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA. “The Israeli parliament’s passage of legislation banning UNRWA is shocking in its cruelty. This ban would suffocate the humanitarian response in Gaza and cut off people’s access to basic services in the West Bank. In the face of this blatant criminalization of humanitarian aid, the US government yet again offers only weak warnings while maintaining its support for a war without rules and for the continued collective punishment of civilians.”

    The impact of UNRWA’s ban will extend beyond Gaza. Critical services, including refugee camp management, health services, education, and social programs across the West Bank are also at risk of destabilization under this legislation. These bills set a grave precedent for other conflict situations where governments may wish to eliminate an inconvenient United Nations presence. 

    Israeli bill to designate UNRWA a terrorist organization is an attack on humanitarian aid

    Read more

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Each bears his own ghosts’: How the classics speak to these days of fear, anger and presidential candidates stalking the land

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rachel Hadas, Professor of English, Rutgers University – Newark

    “Fear stalks the land, including the Upper West Side,” I wrote to a friend the other day. A week before the election, everyone seems to be afraid.

    Not that we’re afraid of the same things. Newspaper owners and corporate leaders fear Donald Trump’s retribution if they endorse Kamala Harris. Election workers fear the mob. Democrats fear losing votes because of the carnage in the Gaza Strip. Trump’s followers fear immigrants.

    Walled up in our silos, we fear what the people in the other silo might inflict on us. The frightening visions have different names and faces, but everyone seems to fear the future.

    Halloween’s ghoulish displays seem to have generated more sales than ever this year, inflation be damned. What with school shootings, random violence and a general atmosphere of threats, one would think we didn’t need to scare ourselves more.

    But as psychologist Sarah Kollat has recently written, Halloween thrills and chills can feel warming and reassuring. People who have survived a frightening shared ordeal, be it a hurricane or flood or fire or war or even, apparently, a haunted house, feel significantly connected to those who have experienced the same fearful event alongside them.

    Our fear can bring us together. It can also tear us apart.

    Halloween provides the language to talk about threats, real or imagined. “The zombies have arrived, and we have to figure out how to navigate around them,” a citizen of a Vermont town was recently quoted as saying. She was talking about homeless people.

    ‘Treachery, Rage and black Fear’

    It’s both easy and helpful to personify fear as something outside of us – to give it, in Shakespeare’s phrase, “a local habitation and a name.”

    Fear looms and fades; visits at night; thrives in certain conditions. In his epic “The Aeneid,” the Roman poet Virgil describes the war god, Mars, as accompanied by his posse: “the god’s retainers – Treachery, Rage, and black Fear – pound beside him.”

    This nightmare troika has a contemporary ring. If by treachery we understand traps, tricks, ambushes, we can plug in political debate, rife with accusations of mendacity; tricks and rage also characterize a good deal of public discourse. And isn’t anger the opposite side of the coin of fear?

    Virgil, a great psychologist of many kinds of unease, also depicts a less aggressive manifestation of fear: “Up on the wall stood frightened mothers, gazing/After the dust cloud and the bronze-bright squadrons.” Uneasy spectators, helpless to protect their loved ones, they watch their sons marching to war. In a similar passage, “mothers, the unarmed commons,/And weak old men came pouring out to fill/Towers and roofs.”

    Those of us not on a battlefield are in a position of tense watching and waiting.

    We feel powerless to affect the outcome; the stakes are high; we fear the worst.

    Love and heroism in short supply

    Fear is linked to love. In Homer’s “Iliad,” Achilles is reluctant to fight for the Greek side not because he’s afraid of death, even though he knows his life may be short. Rather, he’s too angry to sacrifice his life for a cause and commanders he no longer believes in – until his beloved Patroklos is killed by Hector. Only then do Achilles’ mood and motivation change; he eagerly rejoins the fight.

    Characters in Greek tragedies can make terrible decisions, be subject to madness, destroy themselves and others – but they are rarely afraid. The fear and pity Aristotle ascribes to tragedy are the emotions of the spectator.

    In connection with fear, one of the only characters in Greek tragedy who readily comes to mind is Admetus, the husband of Alcestis in Euripides’ play of that name. Informed that he is fated to die, Admetus scrambles frantically for a substitute to die in his place. His own father huffily refuses, but his wife Alcestis volunteers.

    When at the end of the play a veiled, silent figure we presume to be Alcestis reappears, there’s relief, as well as some nervous laughter. This play, with its – sort of – happy ending, turns out not to be a tragedy after all. It’s closer to dark comedy.

    In our own time, rather than fear of death, fear of loss looms large – fear of isolation, humiliation, status; fear of poverty; fear of change. Elsewhere in “the Aeneid,” a character in the underworld makes a resonant remark about the afterlife: “Each bears his own ghosts.”

    Maybe each of us has our own flavor of fear. There’s not much love or heroism in evidence these Halloween and preelection days. Anger and treachery, fear’s companions, are on daily display.

    Rachel Hadas does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Each bears his own ghosts’: How the classics speak to these days of fear, anger and presidential candidates stalking the land – https://theconversation.com/each-bears-his-own-ghosts-how-the-classics-speak-to-these-days-of-fear-anger-and-presidential-candidates-stalking-the-land-242286

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Slow vote-counting, flip-flopping leads, careful certification and the weirdness of the Electoral College – people who research elections look at what to expect on election night

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeff Inglis, Politics + Society Editor, The Conversation US

    What should you make of the flood of information about the election? Dilok Klaisataporn/iStock / Getty Images Plus

    As Election Day arrives, people’s feelings of eagerness and anxiety can intensify. It’s normal to want to know the results, but it’s also important to make sure that when the results are announced, they’re accurate.

    The Conversation U.S. has covered many aspects of the election, including the mechanics of tallying and reporting the votes. Here are selections from some of those articles:

    1. How long did it take to count votes in 2020?

    In 2020, Election Day was Nov. 3. While some results emerged that evening and over the subsequent days, it was not until four days later, Nov. 7, that The Associated Press called the race for Joe Biden over Donald Trump.

    Waiting can be unsatisfying, wrote John M. Murphy, a communications scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, but it’s key to getting accurate results.

    Murphy warned: “People tend to see what they want to see. … Partisans want that beautiful picture of triumph, blue or red seas cascading across screens on election night.” But, he observed, that might be a mirage – and realizing it’s a mirage means one thing: “Wait. … Wait until we know it’s real.”



    Read more:
    A new president will be elected − but it may take some time to determine who wins

    Election officials count ballots at the Allegheny County elections warehouse in Pittsburgh in 2020.
    Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

    2. Why do candidates’ leads change as the results emerge?

    Every state counts votes slightly differently. Some, like Colorado, allow election workers to begin counting absentee ballots in advance of Election Day, while in other states, like Illinois, the count can’t even start until the polling places close at the end of Election Day.

    In addition, various communities report their results in different ways. Some may release preliminary results every so often while the counting continues, while others may wait until counting is fully complete before announcing any results.

    That’s why vote counts change over time: Partial results are updated, and additional results are added to statewide tallies. In a 2020 article, Kristin Kanthak, a political science professor at the University of Pittsburgh, went through the whole process, including the release of partial results:

    “Importantly … this doesn’t mean the system is ‘rigged.’ Actually, it means the system is transparent to a fault,” she wrote.



    Read more:
    How votes are counted in Pennsylvania: Changing numbers are a sign of transparency, not fraud, during an ongoing process

    3. How do we know the results are accurate?

    Election officials take their jobs very seriously and work hard to count all the eligible votes accurately while under great pressure. They have specific rules and processes for how to handle ballots and vote-counting.

    Derek Muller, an election-law scholar at the University of Notre Dame, explained those steps in detail, highlighting the focus on verifiable facts rather than people’s opinions about the process:

    “Certifying an election is a rather mundane task. … It is little more than making sure all precincts have reported and the arithmetic is correct. But it is an important task, because it is the formal process that determines who won the most votes.”



    Read more:
    No, local election officials can’t block certification of results — there are plenty of legal safeguards

    Washoe County employees in Nevada open ballots as they begin processing mailed ballots in the 2024 primary election.
    AP Photo/Andy Barron

    4. Who invented the Electoral College?

    Of course, the candidate who gets the most votes doesn’t necessarily win the presidency. The official decision is made by the Electoral College.

    Phillip VanFossen, a civics educator at Purdue University, explained that the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787 came up with three ideas, but couldn’t agree. Determined to find common ground, even if it was imperfect, the delegates told 11 men to come up with a solution, which was the Electoral College.

    VanFossen explained that “with this compromise system, neither public ignorance nor outside influence would affect the choice of a nation’s leader. (The delegates) believed that the electors would ensure that only a qualified person became president. And they thought the Electoral College would serve as a check on a public who might be easily misled, especially by foreign governments.”



    Read more:
    Who invented the Electoral College?

    5. Why does the US still have an Electoral College?

    Other nations were inspired by the U.S. Constitution, but not for long, as Westminster College political scientist Joshua Holzer explained:

    “None have been satisfied with the results. And except for the U.S., all have found other ways to choose their leaders.”

    Many people in the U.S. also aren’t satisfied with the Electoral College, and Holzer identifies one effort under way to replace it without amending the Constitution. But even that won’t ensure that the person who becomes president is supported by at least half of the people who cast ballots.



    Read more:
    No country still uses an electoral college − except the US

    – ref. Slow vote-counting, flip-flopping leads, careful certification and the weirdness of the Electoral College – people who research elections look at what to expect on election night – https://theconversation.com/slow-vote-counting-flip-flopping-leads-careful-certification-and-the-weirdness-of-the-electoral-college-people-who-research-elections-look-at-what-to-expect-on-election-night-241340

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SUM Renews Traditions: The University Hosted the D.S. Lvov National Economic Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 30, 2024, the National Economic Forum named after D.S. Lvov was held at the Information Technology Center of the State University of Management, within the framework of which a new master’s educational program of the Eurasian Network University “Economics of Integration Processes in the Eurasian Economic Union” was opened.

    The plenary session was attended by: Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina, Co-Chair of the Forum, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Institutional Economics of the State University of Management Georgy Kleiner, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences Albert Bakhtizin, Head of the Scientific Direction “Macroeconomics and Institutional Theory” of the Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences Viktor Dementyev, Director of the Department of Support of New Businesses of the State Corporation “Rosatom” Dmitry Baidarov, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements of the Institute of Economics and Finance of the State University of Management Sergey Glazyev. The moderator was Director of the IEF of the State University of Management Galina Sorokina.

    The renewal of the tradition of holding the Forum will allow the State University of Management to advance in economic science. This was stated by the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina. Addressing all participants, students of Academician Dmitry Lvov and future economists, she also noted that this decision will contribute to interdisciplinary research, which is especially relevant today.

    It should be noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of Dmitry Lvov’s graduation from the Moscow Ordzhonikidze Engineering and Economics Institute (now the State University of Management). The head of the Department of Institutional Economics at our university, Georgy Kleiner, delivered a report to the audience. Georgy Borisovich drew attention to the fact that not many economists offered their economic paradigm to the world. Academician Lvov saw the essence of economics in the fusion of material factors, spiritual quests, emotions and institutional influences. It is thanks to this science that we are a society. A person is not only the main resource of the economy, but also a beneficiary, a source of progress. He should not be a hostage to the economic system, but a part of it. Dmitry Lvov’s key idea was that the economy should be a link between man and humanity. It was to study such global issues that Academician Lvov created the first Department of Institutional Economics in Russia at the State University of Management.

    During the active work of Dmitry Lvov, the Internet had not yet penetrated into all spheres of life, but today the academician’s speeches would be constantly on everyone’s lips, because he outraged the space with uncomfortable questions. This was very subtly noted by the director of the Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Albert Bakhtizin. Back in 2004, he drew attention to the depopulation of Russia, the unfair division of resources, noted the importance of contacts with China, described the instruments of pressure of the USA on other countries, that is, he saw the contours of the future world order. The speaker analyzed modern economic problems in detail, in particular, he noted that even experts in the USA understand how harmful excessive dollarization is for the world economy.

    Viktor Dementyev, head of the Macroeconomics and Institutional Theory research department at the Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, gave a report on the topic of “The Resilience of Russian Regional Economies under Different Shocks.” According to him, the modern economy has experienced four shocks: the Great Recession of 2009, the sanctions wave of 2015, the pandemic, and, of course, the second wave of sanctions, which is still ongoing. Research has shown that entities that are resilient to one shock are also resilient to others. But at the same time, methods for successfully overcoming one crisis do not always work under another.

    Dmitry Baidarov, Director of the Department for Support of New Businesses at the Rosatom State Corporation, expressed the opinion that economic challenges facing Russia did not appear after the start of the SVO or during the pandemic – they have always been there, it’s just that the attitude towards them was different before. The history of Rosatom shows that if you pay attention to a gap in the economy in time, you can quickly and effectively fill it. For example, the corporation currently fulfills 88% of global orders for the construction of nuclear power facilities. Dmitry Baidarov regretfully noted that the paradigm of a competitive rather than a partnership economy, imported from outside, still prevails in Russia. The speaker said that Rosatom only realized two years ago how much engineers and economists are needed in production, and there are almost none left on the labor market, so the focus of the State University of Management on training just such specialists is very timely.

    Sergey Glazyev, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements at the Institute of Economics and Finance at the State University of Management, said that Dmitry Lvov was his academic advisor, with whom they substantiated the priorities of Russia’s new economic development and discussed the need to create state corporations as opposed to the fragmentation of production cycles. China has followed this path and achieved a lot, and we are facing dynamic catch-up, which is also impossible without the creation of state corporations. For an economic breakthrough, we need not just a sharp increase in investment, but targeted investment lines. The experience of Asian economies shows that this is the only way it works. If we followed the ideas of Lvov, who claimed that money cannot be a moral value and the core of the economy, we would already be world leaders along with India and China, where this is carefully monitored.

    The second part of the plenary session was no less interesting and productive. It was dedicated to the opening of the educational program of the Eurasian Network University “Economics of Integration Processes in the Eurasian Economic Union”.

    The program was presented by the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov, who noted that questions about the “fifth freedom”, freedom of knowledge, are becoming increasingly loud today, so the opening of the new program is fully supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo. The Vice-Rector reported that the program was developed with the assistance of the Eurasian Economic Commission and about 20 master’s students have already been enrolled, and training will start this week. The process will be hybrid, for which a special information environment has been developed.

    One of the developers of the program, Deputy Director of the Department of Macroeconomic Policy of the Eurasian Economic Commission Kanybek Azhekbarov wished all applicants good studies and drew the attention of those gathered to the fact that the program was created on the basis of additional professional education, which has already trained 40 specialists.

    The head of the program, Sergey Glazyev, thanked the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the government of Kyrgyzstan and the State University of Management for their support. He shared plans to expand the program and noted that the Eurasian Economic Union and its labor market cannot effectively exist without a common educational space, and the State University of Management is an excellent platform to begin forming it.

    At the end of the new program, students were presented with a symbolic pass to the State University of Management. After the break, the Forum continued in sections and round tables.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/30/2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: AIOC mandate expands to tourism: Minister Wilson

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “Over the past five years, the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation has had great success in facilitating investments in natural resources and is ready to leverage investments in agriculture, telecommunications and transportation projects with up to $3 billion in loan guarantees.

    “Building on the achievements of the AIOC, I am thrilled to announce that the AIOC’s mandate is now expanding to include tourism. With a growing interest in Alberta’s tourism sector, and a high global demand for authentic cultural and land-based tourism, it makes sense to expand the AIOC’s mandate to include Indigenous investment in major tourism projects.

    “This new focus will open doors to even more opportunities for Indigenous communities to be partners in prosperity while showcasing their rich cultures, histories, and traditions to the world.

    “Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth, and with the AIOC’s support, we can ensure that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of this vibrant industry.”

    Related information

    • Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson is pleased that the Canada Revenue Agency is exempting bare trustees from the 2024 filing requirement

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson, Mr. François Boileau, is pleased that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has proactively waived the 2024 filing requirement for bare trusts, unless it makes a direct request.

    OTTAWA, October 30, 2024 – The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson, Mr. François Boileau, is pleased that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has proactively waived the 2024 filing requirement for bare trusts, unless it makes a direct request.

    In July 2024, the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson announced that our Office was opening a systemic examination into whether the CRA had respected taxpayers’ rights in its administration of bare trust filing requirements for the 2023 tax year.

    In carrying out the examination, we heard from stakeholders that the bare trust information the CRA provided for the 2023 tax year had value, but like the 2023 exemption, it came too late. Many tax preparers complete their hiring and training in the fall for each upcoming tax season. Therefore, announcing relief or an exemption beyond November is not timely.

    In August and September 2024, the Department of Finance Canada consulted with Canadians on technical amendments clarifying the trust reporting rules. It indicated that the legislative proposal would seek to reduce the administrative burden and to exempt bare trustees from the 2024 bare trust filing requirement.

    The CRA’s role is to administer the tax legislation in a manner that is fair and reasonable for taxpayers. It appears unlikely that a bill reflecting the proposed amendments would receive royal assent before many tax preparation firms begin planning for the 2025 tax-filing season. Therefore, it was important that the CRA proactively communicate this exemption, which it did this week.

    We are currently in the final stages of drafting our report on our examination into the CRA’s administration of the 2023 bare trust filing requirements. We have met with stakeholders, examined complaints we received, and sought answers from the CRA. We plan to publish the report in early 2025.

    Background information

    The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson works independently from the CRA. Canadians can submit complaints to the Office if they feel they are not receiving the appropriate service from the CRA. Our main objective is to improve the service the CRA provides to taxpayers and benefit recipients by reviewing individual service complaints and service issues that affect more than one person or a segment of the population.

    The Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson assists, advises and informs the Minister of National Revenue about matters relating to services provided by the CRA. The Ombudsperson ensures, in particular, that the CRA respects eight of the service rights outlined in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to make an announcement about dental care

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    October 30, 2024, Scarborough, Ontario – The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, will make an announcement about the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

    There will be a media availability following the announcement.

    Date

    October 31, 2024

    Time

    10:00 a.m. (ET)

    Location

    The event will be held in-person at:

    ACSA Community Services
    Dorset Park Community Hub
    1911 Kennedy Road, Unit 105
    Scarborough, ON

    Media may also join by Zoom: https://hc-sc-gc-ca.zoom.us/j/63461249397

    Passcode: 241031

    Please indicate your name (first and last) and media outlet when joining the event.

    Twitter: @GovCanHealth
    Facebook: Healthy Canadians

    Media Inquiries

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654
    matthew.kronberg@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Public Inquiries:
    613-957-2991
    1-866-225-0709

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dire benefit forecasts show the need for Welfare that Works

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new report that forecasts young people on benefits will spend an average of 20 more years relying on welfare underscores the need for the Government’s reforms, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

    MSD’s latest Benefit System Insights report, released today, which estimates how many future years different groups of beneficiaries will spend on a main benefit over their lifetimes, found little improvement in these projections between 2022 and 2023 after several years of sustained increases.

    The report found the following:

    • It estimated that people under the age of 25 on a main benefit would spend an average of about 20 more years on a benefit over their lifetimes – 39 per cent longer than the estimate was under the National Government in 2017.
    • People under the age of 25 on Jobseeker Support would spend an average of about 18 more years on a benefit over their lifetimes – 49 per cent longer than in 2017.
    • Those under the age of 20 who were receiving a youth benefit would spend an average of about 23 more years on a benefit over their lifetimes – 51 per cent longer than in 2017.
    • Jobseeker Support beneficiaries of all ages who were ‘work-ready’ would spend an average of about 13 more years on a benefit over their lifetimes – 40 per cent longer than in 2017.

    “These findings show how much of a problem welfare dependency has become in recent years and highlight the urgent need for the Government’s Welfare that Works reforms to get more people into jobs,” Louise Upston says.

    “The trend of people spending longer on benefits set in well before the Covid pandemic and was baked in by the time the previous government left office.

    “Our benefit system should be a safety net, not a dragnet that keeps people down. It must be a genuine pathway to employment for those who can work.

    “This Government has greater aspirations for tens of thousands of young New Zealanders than spending roughly half their working-age lives on welfare.

    “That is why we have returned clear consequences for job seekers who don’t fulfil their benefit obligations to prepare for or find work. It’s crucial that young people are taking basic steps to avoid the trap of long-term benefit dependency.

    “We have also introduced more early intervention for young beneficiaries through a new phone-based employment case management service, 2100 more places for young people to get community job coaching, more regular work seminars, and a traffic light system to help them stay on track with their obligations.

    “The work ahead to address the deep-rooted causes of welfare dependency is considerable, but so is this Government’s commitment to support New Zealanders’ aspirations for a better life through work.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Inside Myanmar with Jason Tower of the USIP – The Diplomat

    Source: United States Institute of Peace

    Jason Tower is the country director of the Burma Program at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he closely follows Myanmar’s civil war, human trafficking, and the industrialization of scam compounds, which have spread across Southeast Asia in recent years.

    He holds unique insights into what is happening on the ground in Myanmar and has authored several reports for USIP over recent years, which include dire warnings about the conflict and the impact this is having on the civilian population.

    A veteran with two decades of experience in regional security, Tower also sounded the alarm on the growth of human trafficking and scam compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, which are “rapidly evolving into the most powerful criminal network of the modern era.”

    Tower spoke with The Diplomat’s Luke Hunt at length about the fall of Myawaddy to anti-regime forces in April and what actually happened afterwards in regards to the Karen National Union and the local Border Force Guard and why many in the rebel camps felt betrayed.

    He also talks about the spectacular failures of the military on the battlefield and China’s expanding role in the conflict as it shores up its own financial and strategic interests – including its oil and gas pipeline that cuts across the country – by drawing ever closer to the junta and its leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

    This includes the complex relationship between the Arakan Army and the Rohingya in Rakhine state where the fighting has been brutal in recent months with the military desperately trying to hang on to what few areas it still controls.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Buckle Up: NASA-Funded Study Explores Turbulence in Molecular Clouds

    Source: NASA

    3 min read

    On an airplane, motions of the air on both small and large scales contribute to turbulence, which may result in a bumpy flight. Turbulence on a much larger scale is important to how stars form in giant molecular clouds that permeate the Milky Way.

    In a new NASA-funded study in the journal Science Advances, scientists created simulations to explore how turbulence interacts with the density of the cloud. Lumps, or pockets of density, are the places where new stars will be born. Our Sun, for example, formed 4.6 billion years ago in a lumpy portion of a cloud that collapsed.

    “We know that the main process that determines when and how quickly stars are made is turbulence, because it gives rise to the structures that create stars,” said Evan Scannapieco, professor of astrophysics at Arizona State University and lead author of the study. “Our study uncovers how those structures are formed.”

    Giant molecular clouds are full of random, turbulent motions, which are caused by gravity, stirring by the galactic arms and winds, jets, and explosions from young stars. This turbulence is so strong that it creates shocks that drive the density changes in the cloud.

    The simulations used dots called tracer particles to traverse a molecular cloud and travel along with the material. As the particles travel, they record the density of the part of the cloud they encounter, building up a history of how pockets of density change over time. The researchers, who also included Liubin Pan from Sun Yat Sen University in China, Marcus Brüggen from the University of Hamburg in Germany, and Ed Buie II from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, simulated eight scenarios, each with a different set of realistic cloud properties.  

    [embedded content]

    This animation shows the distribution of density in a simulation of a turbulent molecular cloud. The colors represent density, with dark blue indicating the least dense regions and red indicating the densest regions. Credit: NASA/E. Scannapieco et al (2024)

    The team found that the speeding up and slowing down of shocks plays an essential role in the path of the particles.  Shocks slow down as they go into high-density gas and speed up as they go into low-density gas. This is akin to how an ocean wave strengthens when it hits shallow water by the shore.   

    When a particle hits a shock, the area around it becomes more dense. But because shocks slow down in dense regions, once lumps become dense enough, the turbulent motions can’t make them any denser.  These lumpiest high-density regions are where stars are most likely to form.

    While other studies have explored molecular cloud density structures, this simulation allows scientists to see how those structures form over time. This informs scientists’ understanding of how and where stars are likely to be born.

    “Now we can understand better why those structures look the way they do because we’re able to track their histories,” said Scannapieco.

    This image shows part of a simulation of a molecular cloud. The colors represent density, with dark blue indicating the least dense regions and red indicating the densest regions. Tracer particles, represented by black dots, traverse the simulated cloud. By examining how they interact with shocks and pockets of density, scientists can better understand the structures in molecular clouds that lead to star formation.
    NASA/E. Scannapieco et al (2024)

    NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is exploring the structure of molecular clouds. It is also exploring the chemistry of molecular clouds, which depends on the history of the gas modeled in the simulations. New measurements like these will inform our understanding of star formation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 694

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 694
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    205 PM CDT Wed Oct 30 2024

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    South-Central Kansas
    Western into Central/North-Central Oklahoma

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 205 PM
    until 900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Developing supercells will pose a threat for large to very
    large hail initially (up to 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter). Later this
    afternoon into the evening, the threat for a few tornadoes will
    increase. A strong tornado or two appears possible, especially early
    this evening. Scattered severe/damaging winds will also become a
    concern later this evening as thunderstorms eventually form into a
    line.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 35 miles northeast of Hutchinson KS to
    35 miles east of Clinton OK. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 693…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24035.

    …Gleason

    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 694
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    205 PM CDT Wed Oct 30 2024

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    South-Central Kansas
    Western into Central/North-Central Oklahoma

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 205 PM
    until 900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Developing supercells will pose a threat for large to very
    large hail initially (up to 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter). Later this
    afternoon into the evening, the threat for a few tornadoes will
    increase. A strong tornado or two appears possible, especially early
    this evening. Scattered severe/damaging winds will also become a
    concern later this evening as thunderstorms eventually form into a
    line.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 35 miles northeast of Hutchinson KS to
    35 miles east of Clinton OK. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 693…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24035.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 694 TORNADO KS OK 301905Z – 310200Z
    AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    35NE HUT/HUTCHINSON KS/ – 35E CSM/CLINTON OK/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /32SSE SLN – 48W OKC/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

    LAT…LON 38419640 35329760 35329955 38419843

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 694 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (60%)

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

    Mod (40%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (40%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Officials Meet Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Officials Meet Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

    FEMA Officials Meet Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

    WASHINGTON – More than a month after Helene made landfall, FEMA officials remain on the ground coordinating with local officials in affected states to help guide their recovery.   Visits included Victoria Salinas, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, meeting with officials over several days in North Carolina and Florida. There Salinas and other FEMA officials discussed how the communities were progressing in their recovery and surveyed the effectiveness of modern building codes in minimizing storm-related damage.FEMA has approved more than $1.3 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property. More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods across affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. Also, FEMA now has 76 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane affected communities. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications and answer questions they have about available resources to help with their recovery.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Operation Blue Roof which is a free service to homeowners for 25 counties in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Residents can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).  The sign-up period deadline is Nov. 5.FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply for disaster assistance online as this remains the quickest way to start your recovery. Individuals can apply for federal assistance by: Applying online at disasterassistance.govUsing the FEMA AppCalling 800-621-3362, Staffed daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. local timeVisiting a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA and state agency officials and apply for assistancePresident Joseph R. Biden has approved major disaster declarations in six states–Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia–affected by Helene. He has also approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton.These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

    SWANNANOA, North Carolina – FEMA sets up a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in an affected North Carolina community. Helene survivors in Swannanoa and nearby areas can visit this center to apply for federal disaster assistance and ask questions about available state and federal resources for their recovery. 

    SAVANNAH, Georgia – FEMA staff and FEMA Corps members help survivors of Hurricane Helene at the Disaster Recovery Center in Savannah.

    CORTEZ, Florida – Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, and other FEMA personnel join Manatee County officials in the Hunters Point Neighborhood in Cortez. There they spoke with an owner of a property development to talk about how building codes helped the community following the recent hurricanes. 

    COLLETSVILLE, North Carolina – Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, surveys the flood damage from Wilson Creek along Brown Mountain Road with members of the Collettsville Fire Department. Salinas also talked with the owners of the Brown Mountain Resort as they shared their story of surviving the flood from Hurricane Helene. 

    FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Toolkit provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene and Milton response and recovery. 
    annie.bond
    Wed, 10/30/2024 – 17:58

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thunder Bay — Beware of calls spoofing RCMP Thunder Bay telephone number

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Central Region Thunder Bay detachment is advising that their phone number, 807-623-2791, has been spoofed and is being used unlawfully to intimidate and defraud victims.

    Spoofing is when a scammer uses a device to mask their real phone number and display a different number that does not actually belong to the caller.

    Be aware that government agencies, including police:

    • Will never ask you to make payments using bitcoin or gift cards,
    • Will not show up to your residence to collect money for a child in jail
    • Will not ask for your personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your date of birth (DOB) or phone number over the phone.

    Please also be aware that the RCMP in Ontario is not the police of jurisdiction. In Ontario, the RCMP enforces federal laws, including national security, border integrity, transnational, serious and organized crime and financial crimes such as cybercrime, money laundering and counterfeiting.

    If you suspect that you are being scammed, hang up. If you have been a victim of a scam, please report it to your local police. You can also report any scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

    Stay informed about the latest scams.

    Protect yourself from spoofing

    • Never assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate
    • Hang up and make the outgoing call when someone claims to be contacting you from your financial institution, service provider, law enforcement or government agency
    • Call the company or agency in question directly, if you receive a text message or email. Make sure you research their contact information and don’t use the information provided in the first message
    • Never click on links received via text message or email
    • When visiting a website, always verify the URL and domain to make sure you are on the official website.

    With questions or concerns about whether an RCMP police officer from Thunder Bay has or is trying to contact you, call the RCMP Thunder Bay detachment directly, Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm, 807-623-2791.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Alpine Banks of Colorado announces financial results for third quarter 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX: ALPIB) (“Alpine” or the “Company”), the holding company for Alpine Bank (the “Bank”), today announced results (unaudited) for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Company reported net income of $13.6 million, or $127.16 per basic Class A common share and $0.85 per basic Class B common share, for third quarter 2024.

    Highlights in third quarter 2024 include:

    • Basic earnings per Class A common share increased 16.8%, or $18.28, during third quarter 2024.
    • Basic earnings per Class A common share decreased 16.8%, or $18.30, compared to third quarter 2023.
    • Basic earnings per Class B common share increased 16.8%, or $0.12, during third quarter 2024.
    • Basic earnings per Class B common share decreased 16.8%, or $0.12, compared to third quarter 2023.
    • Net interest margin for third quarter 2024 was 2.98%, compared to 2.87% in second quarter 2024, and 2.87% in third quarter 2023.

    “Third quarter 2024 results show a continuation of our improving financial performance,” said Glen Jammaron, Alpine Banks of Colorado President and Vice Chairman. “Alpine successfully grew customer deposit balances, paid down brokered CDs and decreased the cost of our funding during the third quarter. Both our net interest margin and return on assets saw improvements over the first and second quarters of 2024.”

    Net Income
    Net income for third quarter 2024 and second quarter 2024 was $13.6 million and $11.7 million, respectively. Interest income increased $1.9 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, primarily due to increases in yields on the loan portfolio and increased balances in due from banks. These increases were slightly offset by decreased yields and volumes in the securities portfolio and decreased rates on due from banks, along with decreased volume in the loan portfolio. Interest expense increased $0.3 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, primarily due to increased balances in deposit accounts. This increase was partially offset by decreases in costs on, and volume of, the Company’s trust preferred securities. Noninterest income increased $1.3 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, primarily due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts, and other income. Noninterest expense decreased $0.8 million in third quarter 2024 compared to second quarter 2024, due to decreases in other expenses and salary and employee benefit expenses slightly offset by increases in occupancy expenses and furniture and fixture expenses. A provision for loan losses of $1.2 million was recorded in third quarter 2024 compared to a $0.2 million provision recorded in second quarter 2024.

    Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, was $35.9 million and $46.0 million, respectively. Interest income increased $18.5 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to increases in volume in the loan portfolio and balances due from banks, along with increases in yields on the loan portfolio, the securities portfolio, and balances due from banks. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in volume in the securities portfolio. Interest expense increased $31.8 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to increases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits, along with increases in volume in deposit balances. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the volume of other borrowings. Noninterest income increased $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to increases in earnings on bank-owned life insurance, service charges on deposit accounts and other income. Noninterest expense increased $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the first nine months of 2023, due to increases in salary and employee benefit expenses and occupancy expenses. These increases were partially offset by decreases in furniture and fixture expenses and other expenses. Provision for loan losses decreased $0.3 million in the first nine months of 2024 due to loan portfolio declines and a small volume of loan charge-offs, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Net interest margin increased from 2.87% in second quarter 2024 to 2.98% in third quarter 2024. Net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, was 2.89% and 3.17%, respectively.

    Assets
    Total assets increased $107.0 million, or 1.7%, to $6.58 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, primarily due to increased cash and due from banks and investment securities balances, partially offset by decreased loans receivable. Total assets increased $110.6 million, or 1.7%, from September 30, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The Alpine Bank Wealth Management* division had assets under management of $1.34 billion on September 30, 2024, compared to $1.09 billion on September 30, 2023, an increase of 23.3%.

    Loans
    Loans outstanding as of September 30, 2024, totaled $4.0 billion. The loan portfolio decreased $36.3 million, or 0.9%, during third quarter 2024 compared to June 30, 2024. This decrease was driven by a $22.9 million decrease in real estate construction loans and a $33.7 million decrease in residential real estate loans, partially offset by a $13.7 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, a $5.0 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $1.6 million increase in consumer loans, and a $0.1 million increase in other loans.

    Loans outstanding as of September 30, 2024, reflected a decrease of $5.0 million, or 0.1%, compared to loans outstanding of $4.0 billion on September 30, 2023. This decrease was driven by a $102.8 million decrease in real estate construction loans, partially offset by a $54.9 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $20.8 million increase in residential real estate loans, a $20.0 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, a $1.8 million increase in consumer loans and a $0.3 million increase in other loans.

    Deposits
    Total deposits increased $74.1 million, or 1.3%, to $5.9 billion during third quarter 2024 compared to June 30, 2024, primarily due to a $110.1 million increase in demand deposits and a $49.5 million increase in money market accounts. This increase was partially offset by a $36.4 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts, a $3.8 million decrease in savings accounts, and a $45.4 million decrease in interest-bearing checking accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit totaled $330.7 million on September 30, 2024, compared to $390.5 million on June 30, 2024. Noninterest-bearing demand accounts comprised 30.7% of all deposits on September 30, 2024, compared to 29.3% on June 30, 2024.

    Total deposits of $5.9 billion on September 30, 2024, reflected an increase of $38.5 million, or 0.7%, compared to total deposits of $5.8 billion on September 30, 2023. This increase was due to a $248.2 million increase in money market accounts, partially offset by a $41.6 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts, a $111.6 million decrease in interest-bearing checking accounts, a $27.0 million decrease in demand deposits and a $29.5 million decrease in savings accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit totaled $330.7 million on September 30, 2024, compared to $563.7 million on September 30, 2023. Noninterest-bearing demand accounts comprised 30.7% of all deposits on September 30, 2024, compared to 31.4% on September 30, 2023.

    Capital
    The Bank continues to be designated as a “well capitalized” institution as its capital ratios exceed the minimum requirements for this designation. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.62%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 14.15%, and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 15.30%. On a consolidated basis, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.23%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 13.59%, and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 15.85% as of September 30, 2024.

    Book value per share on September 30, 2024, was $4,787.58 per Class A common share and $31.92 per Class B common share, an increase of $294.62 per Class A common share and $1.96 per Class B common share from June 30, 2024.

    Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Except as otherwise provided by the Colorado Business Corporation Act, each Class B common share has no voting rights.

    Dividends
    Each Class B common share has dividend and distribution rights equal to one-one hundred and fiftieth (1/150th) of such rights of one Class A common share. Therefore, each one Class A common share is equivalent to 150 Class B common shares for purposes of the payment of dividends.

    During third quarter 2024, the Company paid cash dividends of $30.00 per Class A common share and $0.20 per Class B common share. On October 10, 2024, the Company declared cash dividends of $30.00 per Class A common share and $0.20 per Class B common share payable on October 28, 2024, to shareholders of record on October 21, 2024.

    About Alpine Banks of Colorado
    Alpine Banks of Colorado, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alpine Bank, is a $6.6 billion, independent, employee-owned organization founded in 1973 with headquarters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Alpine Bank employs 890 people and serves 170,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management*, mortgage, and electronic banking services across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank has a five-star rating – meaning it has earned a superior performance classification – from BauerFinancial, an independent organization that analyzes and rates the performance of financial institutions in the United States. Shares of the Class B non-voting common stock of Alpine Banks of Colorado trade under the symbol “ALPIB” on the OTCQX® Best Market. Learn more at www.alpinebank.com.

    *Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed by the Bank.                                                   

    Contacts: Glen Jammaron Eric A. Gardey
      President and Vice Chairman Chief Financial Officer
      Alpine Banks of Colorado Alpine Banks of Colorado
      2200 Grand Avenue 2200 Grand Avenue
      Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
      (970) 384-3266 (970) 384-3257


    A note about forward-looking statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “reflects,” “believes,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “continues,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our evaluation of macro-environment risks, Federal Reserve rate management, and trends reflecting things such as regulatory capital standards and adequacy. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward- looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to:

    • The ability to attract new deposits and loans;
    • Demand for financial services in our market areas;
    • Competitive market-pricing factors;
    • Changes in assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for loan losses and other estimates;
    • Effects of future economic, business and market conditions, including higher inflation;
    • Adverse effects of public health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, including governmental and societal responses;
    • Deterioration in economic conditions that could result in increased loan losses;
    • Actions by competitors and other market participants that could have an adverse impact on expected performance;
    • Risks associated with concentrations in real estate-related loans;
    • Risks inherent in making loans, such as repayment risks and fluctuating collateral values;
    • Market interest rate volatility, including changes to the federal funds rate;
    • Stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings;
    • Geopolitical events, including acts of war, international hostilities and terrorist activities;
    • Assumptions and estimates used in applying critical accounting policies and modeling, including under the CECL model, which may prove unreliable, inaccurate, or not predictive of actual results;
    • Actions of government regulators, including potential future changes in the target range for the federal funds rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve;
    • Sale of investment securities in a loss position before their value recovers, including as a result of asset liability management strategies or in response to liquidity needs;
    • Any increases in FDIC assessments;
    • Risks associated with potential cybersecurity incidents, data breaches or failures of key information technology systems;
    • The ability to maintain adequate liquidity and regulatory capital, and comply with evolving federal and state banking regulations;
    • Changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could restrict growth;
    • The ability to recruit and retain key management and staff;
    • The ability to raise capital or incur debt on reasonable terms; and
    • Effectiveness of legislation and regulatory efforts to help the U.S. and global financial markets.

    There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release or in any subsequent written or oral statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Key Financial Measures
    The attached tables highlight the Company’s key financial measures for the periods indicated (unaudited).

    Key Financial Measures 09.30.2024

    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 09.30.2024

    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 09.30.2024

    Consolidated Statements of Income 09.30.3024

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Moogai could have been a powerful Indigenous horror film – but gets flattened by its own weight

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Alizadeh, Senior Lecturer in Literary Studies and Creative Writing, Monash University

    Elise Lockwood

    Isn’t raising one’s child supposed to be full of joy and laughter? Apparently not, according to the horror genre.

    Consider Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818), one of the earliest and most famous horror novels ever written. It follows a father-like character who creates a child-like progeny, and the former’s failure to love the latter turns the nameless creature into a “monster” in more ways than one.

    Australia is a noteworthy contributor to the sub-genre of parental horror. The Babadook (2014), Relic (2020) and Lake Mungo (2008) are just some Aussie horror films that feature terrified (or terrifying) mums and dads.

    The first half of Jon Bell’s The Moogai made me think it could be in the running for the title of Ultimate Aussie Horror Flick. It is a certifiably Australian horror film. It is also one of very few Indigenous-directed horror films, alongside Tracey Moffatt’s 1993 experimental triptych beDevil.

    Bell’s past credits include work in horror’s sister genre, sci-fi, including for co-writing the script of the acclaimed TV series Cleverman. As with this show, his directorial debut feature fuses a figure from Indigenous spiritual traditions with the modern genre conventions.

    The Moogai is a bad spirit from Indigenous lore that is known to steal children.
    Elise Lockwood

    Being followed by a bad spirit

    The titular figure at the centre of The Moogai is a “bad spirit” from Indigenous lore – “something akin to the boogie man,” Bell said in an interview.

    We first encounter the Moogai – or at least become aware of his ominous presence – in the film’s introductory sequence which recalls the trauma of the forced removals of the Stolen Generations.

    In these scenes, set in 1970, an Indigenous girl runs into a cave in a rural setting to hide from government agents. She and the audience soon realise something very threatening already resides in the cave.

    We hear some heavy breathing, a growl, the girl’s scream and then … cut to 2024, to a posh corporate function in the city, where a bottle of champagne is being uncorked. It’s a terrifically startling cut, and Bell’s incisive use of montage throughout the film is just one facet of his skills as a highly visual filmmaker.

    In one of the most wonderfully disturbing scenes, the protagonist Sarah (Shari Sebbens), not long after having given birth to her second child, cracks open an egg in the kitchen to make breakfast. Inside is a bloody chicken embryo. Unsettled, Sarah throws the egg’s contents in the kitchen sink, but the glistening embryo is alive; it opens its beak and pecks at her fingers.

    This scene of fertility gore succinctly and excellently conveys the film’s central source of horror. Sarah, a successful corporate lawyer, has a Lazarus moment while giving birth. During a brief otherworldly sojourn, the Moogai enters her life to do what the Moogai apparently are known to do: steal children.

    Soon, Sarah’s petrified daughter Chloe (Jahdeana Mary) is mumbling about having seen “that man with the long arms”. Sarah’s estranged biological mother, Ruth (played by a forceful and fascinating Tessa Rose), counsels Chloe: “you look out for that Moogai, baby girl.”

    Shari Sebbens plays the main character, Sarah.
    Elise Lockwood

    Bloodless and thematically heavy

    There’s a clear allegorical, or perhaps metaphorical, association between the demonic entity in The Moogai and the lurid racial policies of Australian governments with regards to the Indigenous. At the same time, the film is careful not to overstate or oversimplify its figurative qualities.

    Sarah is, to be sure, an Indigenous woman fearing for the safety of her children, but she’s not a simple or stereotypical victim. She’s proudly bourgeois, supremely self-important and unabashedly horrible towards those who earn less money than her, including the long-suffering Ruth.

    The Moogai is as much about class – and the horror wealthy folk have of things not always going their way – as it is about maternity, Indigeneity, mental illness and intergenerational conflict.

    It is perhaps due to the these hefty topics that the film starts to become, as it were, somewhat weighty in its second half. While it maintains a degree of dread and includes a few scary moments, its interest in horror recedes. There are, much to my sadness, no scenes of blood and gore – not even when the minor character Ray Boy (Clarence Ryan) is primed to get mauled by the Moogai.

    The Moogai touches on a range of weighty topics from Indigeneity to intergenerational conflict.
    Elise Lockwood

    A toned-down approach to horror

    The final confrontation between the three generations of women and their ghostly tormentor strikes me as something from a fantasy or superhero movie. It seems, for whatever reason, the filmmakers decided to tone down the horror and opt for a restrained offering with an exceedingly positive and heart-warming ending.

    This is a shame, really. If The Moogai had embraced the genre’s darker, more shocking aesthetics, it could have easily earned its place not only alongside recent Australian instant classics such as Talk to Me (2022), but also the year’s best horror films such as The Substance. But it has ultimately settled for a fairly bloodless tale of parental paranoia and cultural dissociation.

    I’m confident viewers who appreciate serious movies with serious themes would approve of the film’s second half. But would these folk deign to see anything that resembles “horror” to begin with?

    Here’s hoping the indisputably talented Jon Bell will continue to work in the genre – and engage with it more wholeheartedly in the future.

    Bell’s directorial debut falls short of embracing the darker side of the horror genre.
    Elise Lockwood

    The Moogai is out in cinemas from October 31.

    Ali Alizadeh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Moogai could have been a powerful Indigenous horror film – but gets flattened by its own weight – https://theconversation.com/the-moogai-could-have-been-a-powerful-indigenous-horror-film-but-gets-flattened-by-its-own-weight-241250

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Biden delivers a eulogy for Ethel Kennedy

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Ethel Kennedy was there as soon as I entered political office in 1972 when I lost my family in an automobile accident. And she was there for me 50 years later when I was elected president.

    She was a hero in her own right.

    May she be reunited with the blessed pieces of her soul.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDtobz49rgQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cory Mills Demands the Department of Justice Investigate Kamala Harris’ Questionless Press Conference Attacking Republican Presidential Candidate and Former President Donald J. Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cory Mills Florida (7th District)

    Washington, D.C. — Last week, Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding that the Department of Justice investigate Kamala Harris’ questionless “press conference” hosted at the official residence of the United States Vice President. As a result, this is a direct use of official authority to affect the upcoming election, potentially breaching the Hatch Act.

    “The Hatch Act, which prohibits using official resources to support partisan political campaigns, does not apply to the President and Vice President in civil provisions, however, it does not exempt them from criminal provisions. Presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris’ questionless “press conference” on Wednesday was filled with defamatory accusations aimed at her political opponent. The American people deserve leaders who uphold the integrity of their official office and play by the rules, not those who exploit their official position for electoral advantage,” said Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07). “There must be accountability for her actions, which once again raises the question about her commitment to ethical governance. As we approach this upcoming election, we must demand that Harris not exploit her office for political gain.”

    Read the full letter HERE. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio Celebrates $4.3 Million for Shaler Township Water System

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

    CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that Shaler Township, a community in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, is receiving $4.3 million in a federal investment for water infrastructure improvements. Specifically, the project will replace defective infrastructure in the Township’s public sewer system through PENNVEST low-interest financial assistance loans. 

    “It’s simple: the good people of Shaler Township need a dependable water system. I’m proud to see these federal dollars come home to make sure Shaler’s water is safe,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “I came to Congress to make life better for folks in Western PA, and fixing our infrastructure—like this project funded through the Infrastructure Law—is a big part of that work.” 

    The project will repair 30,000 feet of defective sewer lines, rehabilitate 177 manholes through direct excavation and in situ lining, and install 29 new manhole structures. This project will help Shaler Township meet water safety standards, as it pulls the Township into compliance with the infiltration and inflow Consent Order with the Allegheny County Health Department. 

    The federal funding for this project comes from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is awarded to Shaler Township through PENNVEST, a Pennsylvania State financing authority. The authority provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems in local water systems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development. PENNVEST’s two-part goal is to provide all Pennsylvanians access to clean water while also supporting the Commonwealth’s economic development.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Protect the Rule of Law From Presidential Abuses of Power

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    The ‘Investigative Integrity Protection Act’ Would Prevent Sitting Presidents from Dismissing Own Active Criminal Prosecutions 

    Read the Bill Here 

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-30) in introducing the ‘Investigative Integrity Protection Act,’ which would prevent a sitting president from dismissing an active criminal prosecution against him or herself, including through coercion of an attorney general by the president or anyone acting on the president’s behalf. 

    “The Rule of Law dictates that no person should be the judge and jury of his own case, yet Donald Trump has promised to throw out the federal criminal cases against him if he becomes President,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Trump used the power of his office in many ways during his first term, so it is imperative that we codify the guardrails necessary to protect our nation from descending into dictatorship.”  

    In the event that an Attorney General would seek to dismiss any criminal prosecution against the president, the Investigative Integrity Protection Act would: 

    • Only allow the court to grant a dismissal after having considered a number of factors, including whether the Attorney General was appointed with the intent of dismissing any criminal prosecution against the President; 

    Congressman Goldman remains committed to protecting American democracy from those who wish to undermine and destroy it.  

    As his first bill in Congress, Goldman introduced the ‘Early Voting Act,’ which would require at least a 14-day window of in-person early voting for federal elections across the country. The bill would also require that election officials maximize polling place accessibility and would take steps to address unacceptably long wait-times for voters in line to cast their ballots and for election results by mandating that election officials start processing and scanning ballots at least 14 days prior to Election Day. 

    In February 2024, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act’ to protect citizens the from intimidation and mass mobilizations of paramilitary groups. This legislation would federally prohibit those in private paramilitary organizations from conducting activity with firearms. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Pettersen Introduce Legislation to Improve Retirement Security for Family Caregivers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) in introducing two bills to give critical support to caregivers across the United States who selflessly support their families. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Senate versions of these bills.

    The Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act (H.R. 9765) and Catching Up Family Caregivers Act (H.R. 9764) would help address the financial challenges faced by individuals who leave the workforce to care for loved ones, often sacrificing their own long-term financial security. Our family caregivers need as many tax breaks and incentives as possible to help navigate the challenges they face while supporting their family.

    “Caregiving is one of the most important jobs, but our current policies penalize selfless Americans who look after their loved ones,” said Rep. Salazar. “I’m proud to co-lead the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act, which will reward caregivers with new opportunities to secure a dignified retirement.”

    The Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to contribute up to $7,000 annually to a Roth IRA, even if their income falls below that threshold. Current law caps contributions at the lower of $7,000 or yearly income, limiting caregivers’ ability to save for retirement when their earnings are reduced due to caregiving responsibilities. By eliminating this income cap for family caregivers, the bill would help to ensure that they can continue to save for retirement despite their reduced wages. 

    The Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to make catch-up contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans, an option typically reserved for those over age 50. For every year they are out of the workforce, caregivers could be eligible for an additional year of catch-up contributions, up to a maximum of five years. This provision would help caregivers who miss critical savings years get back on track with their retirement planning.

    Both bills are supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, the Edward Jones Grassroots Task Force, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the Insured Retirement Institute, and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

    “Caregivers do some of the most important but under-appreciated work in our country,” said Rep. Pettersen. “Caregivers do everything from cooking meals, administering medications, paying bills, and driving their loved ones to frequent medical appointments. Caregivers often take a significant financial hit when they take time out of the workforce to prioritize their loved ones and many struggle with their own financial security and ability to save in the long term. These two pieces of legislation make it easier for caregivers to save for retirement, ensuring they can take care of their own financial health while caring for their family.”

    “Family caregivers provide critical support to their loved ones, yet many are forced to step away from work, significantly inhibiting their ability to save for retirement,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bills would give these individuals a better opportunity to build a secure financial future and help ensure they are not penalized for the vital care they provide.”

    “Family members often make tremendous sacrifices to leave the workforce and care for their aging relatives, and as a result, they miss out on key years of saving for their own golden years,” said Senator Warner. “We need to make it easier for those folks to continue their essential care work while also securing their own financial futures. I’m proud to introduce bills that would give these family caregivers the flexibility to continue contributing to retirement accounts so it’s easier for more people to care for aging relatives without obstructing their own ability to retire with dignity.”

    “Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia too often takes a devastating toll on caregivers, with many experiencing substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM president. “These two bipartisan bills will support our nation’s dementia caregivers by improving access to retirement resources that can help offset some of the financial challenges faced by families impacted by this disease. Thank you to Sens. Collins and Warner for introducing these bills and for your dedication to the Alzheimer’s community.”

    “Edward Jones is grateful for Senator Collins’ leadership in introducing the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and Catching-up Family Caregivers Act,” said Dr. Lamell McMorris, Principal and Head of Policy, Regulatory & Government Relations for Edward Jones. “We know through our experience, that caregivers make significant sacrifices in providing care to loved ones, which can impact their personal financial security and retirement readiness. We believe that this bipartisan legislation will provide savings opportunities to improve the financial futures of millions of Americans and their families.” 

    “Business leaders and HR professionals are responsible for designing and implementing benefit plans that meet the needs of their team members. However, too often, caregiver support is not considered. People are living longer, and workers are caring for both children and elderly parents simultaneously. If we intend to lead with empathy, providing employees with the opportunity to care for ill, injured, or aging loved ones must be a priority,” said Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs, SHRM. “That is why we are honored to support the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act. SHRM is pleased to see the bipartisan progress in Congress being made to help employees reconstitute their retirement nest egg after a period of intensive caregiving.”

    “Family caregivers often pause their careers and retirement savings to provide essential care for loved ones, a service vital to both families and the economy. However, this time away from paid work can result in reduced income and benefits, potentially leading to future financial difficulties, particularly in retirement,” said Jason Resendez, CEO & President of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “If enacted, the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would represent progress towards acknowledging and addressing the economic sacrifices too many family caregivers make.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Women often take time away from careers to care for their families, resulting in a significant loss to their retirement savings. According to the Center for American Progress, an average 26-year-old female making $60,000 a year who leaves the workforce for five years to care for her children will lose close to one million dollars over her lifetime due to lost retirement assets and wage growth. A recent study from the Edward Jones Grassroots Taskforce found that 64 percent of women say their caregiving duties have negatively impacted their ability to save towards their long-term financial goals. Those taking care of an aging parent often face similar repercussions to being a family caregiver. In 2020, AARP found that three in ten caregivers have stopped contributing to their savings. Therefore, these proposals would allow those who dedicate at least 500 hours to family caregiving and are unemployed or severely underemployed the ability to contribute to their retirement now and later.

    Click here to read the full text of the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act.

    Click here to read the complete text of the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Highland-wide virtual jobs fair to coincide with Scottish Careers Week

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council’s Employability team has announced details of the first Highland-wide virtual jobs fair to highlight new job opportunities that will run from the 11 to the 15 November during Scottish Careers Week 2024. 

    The week-long virtual event is being delivered by the Local Employability Partnership for the West – The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Department for Work and Pensions , Developing the Young Workforce and UHI North West and Hebrides.

    Anyone interested in finding out more about career opportunities, looking to change careers or to return to work after a break will be able to log onto sessions hosted by a number of businesses from the comfort of their own home. 

    Employers taking part include Torbhaig Distillary, Carr Gomm, Dounreay, CalMac, Sheil Buses, BEAR Scotland, Balfour Beatty and The Highland Council.

    They will host sessions to provide information about the full-time and part-time opportunities their businesses have, along with apprenticeship schemes and initiatives to attract seasonal and year-round workers

    Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “This Highland-wide virtual jobs fair will provide a fantastic platform to showcase the wide range of opportunities there are for people to develop and learn new skills while in employment. Employers taking part will be on hand to answer questions and explain what opportunities they have for training and up-skilling people.

    “We hope that by being held online people can be flexible and attend without the need for travelling. The sessions are designed for people to drop in and out of throughout the week. It will be accessible to everyone no matter their location or circumstances and will directly connect potential employees with the businesses providing information about work opportunities.

    He added: “The Highland Council’s Employability team will be on hand throughout the week to provide support to attendees.”

    Gilliam Unger, Skills Development Scotland Team Leader said: “SDS are excited to collaborate with partners of the West Highland Local Employability Partnership to put together this event. As it is a virtual event it is accessible for everyone across Highland and is a great opportunity for the people of Highland to find out more about employers and career opportunities locally and further afield.”

    If you would like to attend the event, please email employ.ability@highland.gov.uk to register your interest and receive further information.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –