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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby celebrates over a decade of Purple Flag status

    Source: City of Derby

    With October marking Purple Flag Month, Derby is celebrating over 10 years of holding the Purple Flag accreditation. The city was first awarded the purple flag in July 2013 for its city centre evening and night-time economy.

    The Purple Flag recognises towns and cities that provide a safe, welcoming, and well-managed night-time economy, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for parks. The Purple Flag is only accredited to towns and cities that are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home, provide a good mix of venues, and are appealing after dark.

    With safety being a top priority, the accreditation means that Derby has benefitted from more visitors, lower crime and anti-social behaviour, and a safer city centre. It also recognises the hard work that goes on both on the streets and the planning from local authorities to make the city centre safer at night.

    Visitors and residents who go on nights out in Derby can benefit from increased safety, such as the teams of volunteers and workers who give up their weekends to keep people safe. Street pastors, BID wardens, taxi marshals, licensing officers, Derbyshire Police, door staff, ambulance crews and CCTV operators also work together to ensure the safety of Derby’s visitors and residents.

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:

    I am proud to be a cabinet member of a city that has repeatedly met the high standards required for the Purple Flag status. For over a decade, Derby has been recognised as a city that puts in hard work and collaboration, from local authorities to volunteers, to ensure the safety of everyone at night.

    This recognition, for over 10 years, shows that together, we gave created an evening and night-time economy that is vibrant and safe, and we are committed to going even further in the future to ensure the safety of everyone, particularly women and girls in our city.

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

    I am incredibly happy to be celebrating Purple Flag Month. I am also proud that Derby has retained its status of being a Purple Flag city for over a decade now. Through a partnership effort, our teams have been working hard to ensure that Derby remains a safe city for all. This year we have also invested £147,679 of government funding in new CCTV cameras in the city centre to make everyone, particularly women and girls, feel safer at night.

    I look forward to working further on the city centre’s safety and ensuring that Derby is a safe and welcoming city for all. We have an ambition to use the next application as a launch pad to go beyond the Purple Flag standard and do even more for community safety.

    Derby City Council is currently in the process of reapplying for the Purple Flag status, and the council remains confident that the city’s vibrant and well-managed night-time economy will once again meet the high standards required. The reapplication process will be an opportunity for the Council to showcase its ongoing efforts to prioritising safety at night, particularly for women and girls.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Language is the key to understanding the soul of a country”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: freepic.com

    21 countries and 52 universities open their doors every semester to HSE students participating in the international academic mobility program. In the fall semester of this year, Sofia Malyukova, a third-year student of the bachelor’s program, went to study at the Ca’Foscari State University (Venice, Italy) under the academic mobility program.Foreign languages and intercultural communication» Foreign language schools National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    Her training in Ca’Foscari, whose rich history spans over 150 years, will last for two modules: from September 2024 to February 2025.

    Why Italy and the University of Venice

    — I have dreamed of studying in Italy since the 10th grade, and today, thanks to the HSE School of Foreign Languages, my dream has come true. I chose the Ca’Foscari University of Venice thanks to the positive feedback from students of our educational program who had already studied in Venice and were absolutely delighted with this university. In addition, the process of creating a curriculum turned out to be quite easy, since Ca’Foscari offers an extensive list of subjects for international students.

    Studying at the HSE School of Foreign Languages

    — I studied Italian from the age of 14 with a teacher, outside the school curriculum, because I was always attracted by the culture and history of Italy, and language is the key to understanding the soul of the country. Now my level of Italian is C1-C2, which allows me not only to communicate freely at the university, but also to feel confident outside of it.

    Having entered the first year of the bachelor’s degree program at the School of Foreign Languages (SFL) of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, I decided to choose French as my second foreign language because I wanted to learn another language from scratch. And I continue to intensively develop my Italian skills thanks to the variety of extracurricular activities of the HSE School of Foreign Languages related to Italian: I take part in annual International scientific and practical conference for students and postgraduates “Lingua e cultura italiana: soft power in the XXI century”, and also help with the preparation of events for the Italian Club of the HSE University School of Economics.

    Educational program at the University of Venice

    — The program for this semester is intense. I will study English and French, the theory of the first foreign language, the theory of teaching a foreign language, intercultural communication. Mobility at Ca’Foscari University will certainly bring me new unique experience for my future career. This university is one of the strongest in the field of linguistics. Here I will be able to expand my knowledge in a unique intercultural academic environment and learn how cultural differences affect corporate interaction, which is especially important for my specialization “Intercultural Corporate Communication”, which I will begin studying this academic year.

    Life in a city of contrasts

    — Venice certainly made a strong impression on me right away. It is a city that seems like a fairy tale and almost unreal, especially when you see it for the first time. Walking along narrow streets, crossing numerous bridges, you understand that every corner here breathes history. Venice is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, it is a tourist center, which is felt most strongly in the city center. But once you turn aside, go deeper into lesser-known neighborhoods, you find yourself in quiet, almost deserted places, where it seems that time has stopped.

    Of course, at first we had to get used to the absence of familiar streets, avenues and cars. Instead, locals travel by water trams (vaporetto), which is very convenient and fast.

    As for the climate, there is very high humidity, which is especially noticeable during the rainy season (usually late October and February). On rainy days, the streets can be slightly flooded, a phenomenon called “high water” (aqua alta), and then you have to go around the streets next to the canals. So living on the water is not only romantic, but also difficult. On the other hand, it has its charm: Venice is surrounded by water, and you always feel it.

    When I was choosing a place to live, I wanted to live not in Venice itself, but on the mainland, where there are more amenities for living. That’s why I found an apartment in the small town of Mestre, 15 minutes from Venice. These cities are connected by regular buses and trains, so there are no problems with transportation.

    And for students in Venice, there is a special transport card that allows you to move around Venice and the nearby cities (Mestre and Marghera) by bus, tram and vaporetto. Some campuses of Ca’Foscari University are located near vaporetto stops, so students also actively use this transport. However, in Italy there are often strikes during which employees of the transport industry do not work, so you have to plan your routes in advance.

    Ca’Foscari is like home

    — Studying at the University of Venice is an unforgettable experience due to the intercultural exchange, as students from all over the world study here. Among my friends there are not only Italians, but also guys from Japan, Korea, Turkey, America, Great Britain, Russia.

    All foreign students are treated very kindly, including by teachers who value foreign students very much and are always ready to help. All Italians are very hospitable and open, so I immediately felt at home among them.

    At the university, classes usually start early in the morning, but some subjects can be held in the evening, depending on the course. The class lasts for an hour and a half, which is universal for all Italian universities. In addition to classes at the Italian university, I take some compulsory subjects of my educational program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics online.

    Overall, my workload here is distributed very conveniently, thanks to which I have time to devote to additional education, my hobbies and travel around Italy. For example, I have already managed to visit seven cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Verona, Peschiera del Garda, Padua and Treviso.

    As for the canteen, the university has one, but not all campuses. For example, some campuses are just classrooms in historical buildings, where there is no canteen. Moreover, breaks between classes last only 15 minutes, so it is best to take a snack from home to avoid standing in line at the canteen. I cook at home most often, but I also like to try different dishes of Italian cuisine. Sometimes we get together with foreign friends at Italians, cook pasta together and chat, exchanging impressions and telling each other about our cultures.

    Studying here is a unique cultural experience that I will definitely not forget. Venice teaches you not to rush, to enjoy the moment and the beauty around you. There is a special magic in Venice that cannot be explained in words, but can only be felt by seeing the city with your own eyes.

    Advice for those who want to take part in academic mobility

    — First of all, it was necessary to draw up an individual curriculum and coordinate it with the educational office. I chose the subjects that I would study in Italy and transfer upon my return. Therefore, it is very important that the content of the curriculum corresponds to the subjects studied at that time in our educational program at the School of Foreign Languages of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The motivation letter was also an important document, as it was where I could explain how the opportunity to participate in the mobility program was connected with my academic and career goals and why my candidacy should be selected. The motivation letter is the only opportunity to “talk” to the admission committee, so it is very important to talk about your experience, personal qualities and plans for the future. Do not be afraid to fully disclose your achievements and show your desire for new heights!

    In addition to the motivation letter, letters of recommendation from teachers play a significant role. In my experience, it is important that they reflect various aspects of your activities. For example, I attached recommendations that covered not only my academic successes, but also extracurricular achievements (active participation in the life of the HSE School of Foreign Languages and the HSE School of Foreign Languages Italian Club, experience of volunteering at Olympiads and working as a teaching assistant).

    My main advice is to start preparing for the competition in advance and carefully work through each document. Approach this process as responsibly as possible and keep in mind that the commission pays attention not only to your academic achievements, but also to how you show yourself outside of your studies. Show your activity and interests, tell how the academic mobility program is connected with your plans for the future, and then your chances of successfully passing the selection will increase significantly.

    And of course, don’t be afraid of anything. Follow your dream, dare and be sure that getting the coveted letter that you have passed the competitive selection for the academic mobility program is quite possible. Good luck!

    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 United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to the Virtual Launch of the UNEP Emissions Gap Report

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergr…

    The message of today’s Emissions Gap report is clear:

    We are teetering on a planetary tight rope.

    Either leaders bridge the emissions gap, or we plunge headlong into climate disaster – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.

    This report shows annual greenhouse gas emissions at an all-time high – rising 1.3 per cent last year.  They must fall 9 per cent each year to 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the very worst of climate change.

    Current policies are taking us towards a catastrophic 3.1 degrees Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century.

    As this report rightly puts it, people and planet cannot afford more hot air.

    The emissions gap is not an abstract notion.  There is a direct link between increasing emissions and increasingly frequent and intense climate disasters. 

    Around the world, people are paying a terrible price.

    Record emissions mean record sea temperatures supercharging monster hurricanes;

    Record heat is turning forests into tinder boxes and cities into saunas;
     
    Record rains are resulting in biblical floods.

    Today’s report shows affordable, existing technologies can achieve the emissions reductions we need to 2030 and 2035 to meet the 1.5 degree limit.

    But only with a surge in ambition and support.

    The upcoming United Nations climate conference – COP29 – must drive progress in two ways. 

    First, COP29 starts the clock for countries to deliver new national climate action plans – or NDCs – by next year. 

    Governments have agreed to align these plans with 1.5 degrees.

    That means they must drive down all greenhouse gas emissions and cover the whole economy – pushing progress in every sector.

    And they must wean us off our fossil fuel addiction: showing how governments will phase them out – fast and fairly; and contributing to global goals to accelerate renewables rollout and halt and reverse deforestation.

    The largest economies – the G20 members, responsible for around 80 per cent of all emissions – must lead. I urge first-movers to come forward.

    Second, finance will be front and centre at COP29. 

    Developing countries urgently need serious support to accelerate the transition to clean energy and deal with the violent weather they are already facing. 

    COP29 must agree a new finance goal that unlocks the trillions of dollars they need. And provides confidence it will be delivered.

    We know the price of climate inaction is far greater.

    This would require a significant increase in concessional public finance, that can be complemented by innovative sources, such as fossil fuel extraction levies.

    The COP29 outcome must also send clear signals, to drive action on debt relief and reform of the Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger and bolder.

    Today’s Emissions Gap report is clear: we’re playing with fire; but there can be no more playing for time.

    We’re out of time.

    Closing the emissions gap means closing the ambition gap, the implementation gap, and the finance gap.

    Starting at COP29.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to Launch Call for Applications under National Crime Prevention Strategy

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Government of Canada to Launch Call for Applications under National Crime Prevention Strategy

    Gabriel Brunet
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
    Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
    819-665-6527
    Gabriel.Brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister MacKinnon to visit the Gordie Howe International Bridge worksite and meet with workers

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, will be in Windsor to visit the Gordie Howe International Bridge worksite and meet with workers.

    Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, will be in Windsor to visit the Gordie Howe International Bridge worksite and meet with workers.

    He will be accompanied by Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh.

    A photo opportunity and media availability will follow.

    Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

    Date:    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Time:    2:30 p.m. EDT

    Place:   Gordie Howe International Bridge
                  35 Prospect Avenue
                   Windsor, Ontario

    To register, contact media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca with your name and media outlet before 10:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, October 25, 2024. 

    Matthieu Perrotin  
    Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Labour and Seniors
    matthieu.perrotin@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on United Nations Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    “Today we mark 79 years since the United Nations was founded based on peace, equality and the rule of law. Eight decades later, Canada firmly believes that the United Nations is still the only global institution capable of addressing the challenges of our time. There’s no alternative that brings together nations of all sizes on an equal footing to collectively address the complex issues we are all facing…”

    October 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

    “Today we mark 79 years since the United Nations was founded based on peace, equality and the rule of law. Eight decades later, Canada firmly believes that the United Nations is still the only global institution capable of addressing the challenges of our time. There’s no alternative that brings together nations of all sizes on an equal footing to collectively address the complex issues we are all facing.

    “We need this unique and essential forum more than ever. This year, we have seen the most armed conflicts since the United Nation’s inception. They have displaced millions, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of the violence and instability they bring. Climate change has led to more frequent and severe weather events, including flooding and droughts, and contributed to rising levels of extreme poverty, inequality and instability. In a rapidly changing world, the United Nations is critical in driving global solutions.

    “Canada is a key contributor to the United Nations and its sixth-largest donor. Our contributions are numerous and varied. We champion efforts to speed up the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs], with our prime minister serving as co-chair of the SDG Advocates. We firmly support sustainable development and climate change initiatives and strongly advocate for human rights and gender equality.

    “At the recent United Nations General Assembly, Canada reiterated that countries around the world are faced with a choice. We can choose a world where rules can be broken by the powerful, bringing us back to darker times of tension and conflict. Or we can choose a world that upholds human rights, opportunities for all, peace and prosperity—bringing us to a world where people solve problems by working together.

    “Canada remains committed to ensuring that the United Nations continues to be a force for good in the world. We are actively working with partners so that the organization remains fit for purpose now and in the future. This means a United Nations that embodies the principles on which it is founded. This should be reflected in the top leadership which is why Canada calls for the next secretary-general to be a woman and for countries intending to put forward candidates to give due consideration to women candidates.

    “As we look ahead, Canada is committed to working with the United Nations and its member states to consolidate the gains in gender equality made to date and to confront efforts to reverse the progress made on existing rights and principles and stifle further needed progress. Together, we will work toward a strong, effective United Nations as a pillar of the rules-based international system.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada reduces immigration

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan: a plan that will pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term. For the first time ever, the levels plan includes controlled targets for temporary residents, specifically international students and foreign workers, as well as for permanent residents.

    October 24, 2024—Ottawa—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan: a plan that will pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term. For the first time ever, the levels plan includes controlled targets for temporary residents, specifically international students and foreign workers, as well as for permanent residents.

    Immigration is essential to our country’s economic success and growth. As Canada reopened following the pandemic, the needs of businesses were greater than the supply of workers available to support their recovery. We took decisive measures to attract some of the world’s best and brightest to study and work in Canada, and to integrate them into the economy quickly. This meant a faster economic recovery. It also meant that robust immigration helped prevent a recession, while contributing to Canada’s workforce.

    In response to the evolving needs of our country, this transitional levels plan alleviates pressures on housing, infrastructure and social services so that over the long term we can grow our economic and social prosperity through immigration. This unprecedented plan offers a comprehensive approach to welcoming newcomers—one that preserves the integrity of our immigration programs and sets newcomers up for success. Canadians also expect a well-managed immigration system from the Government of Canada.

    The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is expected to result in a marginal population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026 before returning to a population growth of 0.8% in 2027. These forecasts account for today’s announcement of reduced targets across multiple immigration streams over the next two years, as well as expected temporary resident outflows resulting from the 5% target, natural population loss and other factors.

    With this year’s levels plan, we have listened to Canadians. We are reducing our permanent resident targets. Compared to last year’s plan, we are:

    • reducing from 500,000 permanent residents to 395,000 in 2025
    • reducing from 500,000 permanent residents to 380,000 in 2026
    • setting a target of 365,000 permanent residents in 2027

    The Levels Plan also supports efforts to reduce temporary resident volumes to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026. Given temporary resident reduction measures announced in September and this past year, Canada’s temporary population will decrease over the next few years as significantly more temporary residents will transition to being permanent residents or leave Canada compared to new ones arriving.

    Specifically, compared to each previous year, we will see Canada’s temporary population decline by

    • 445,901 in 2025
    • 445,662 in 2026
    • a modest increase of 17,439 in 2027

    These reductions are the result of a series of changes over the past year, including a cap on international students and tightened eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers, implemented to decrease volumes and strengthen the integrity and quality of our temporary resident programs. The changes are designed with long-term economic goals in mind to make sure that we continue to attract the best and the brightest.

    These changes will help provinces, territories and stakeholders align their capacities and allow the population to grow at a sustainable pace as we encourage institutions to do their part in better welcoming newcomers.

    Other measures from the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan include the following:

    • Transitioning more temporary residents who are already in Canada as students and workers to permanent residents
      Representing more than 40% of overall permanent resident admissions in 2025, these residents are skilled, educated and integrated into Canadian society. They will continue to support the workforce and economy without placing additional demands on our social services because they are already established, with housing and employment.
    • Focusing on long-term economic growth and key labour market sectors, such as health and trades
      Permanent resident admissions in the economic class will reach 61.7% of total admissions by 2027.
    • Strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec and supporting their economic prosperity
      Of the overall permanent resident admission targets, Francophone immigration will represent 
      • 8.5% in 2025
      • 9.5% in 2026
      • 10% in 2027

    Through this plan, we are using our existing programs so that everyone—including newcomers—has access to the well-paying jobs, affordable homes and social services they need to thrive in our beautiful country.

    Aïssa Diop
    Director of Communications
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Aissa.Diop@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Communications Sector
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Each year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tables the Immigration Levels Plan, a forward-looking snapshot of immigration targets for the next three years.

    Each year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tables the Immigration Levels Plan, a forward-looking snapshot of immigration targets for the next three years.

    The plan provides permanent resident admissions targets for 2025, with notional commitments for 2026 and 2027. For the first time, we’re extending our levels plan to also include targets for temporary residents, taking into account the full scope of all newcomers and helping reduce temporary resident (TR) volumes to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026.

    Development of the levels plan

    When developing the Levels Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers

    • priorities and objectives for immigration, including those set out in the Immigration Refugee and Protection Act
    • economic and regional needs
    • international obligations and commitments
    • processing capacity
    • the capacity to settle, integrate and retain newcomers

    Throughout the year, IRCC engages with a broad range of stakeholders and partners, including provinces and territories, to help inform our plan. IRCC also conducts public opinion research through surveys and focus groups with newcomers, Canadians living in rural areas, Francophones living in communities outside of Quebec, as well as Indigenous Peoples.

    Findings from these consultations and public engagement initiatives informed the Immigration Levels Plan and are published in the Levels Consultation Report.

    Permanent resident targets

    Permanent resident (PR) programs include economic streams, family reunification, refugees and protected persons, and humanitarian and compassionate admissions.

    This year’s levels plan reduces permanent resident targets starting in 2025 and forecasts decreases for the following two years, resulting in a pause in population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth and economic prosperity for the long term.

    The plan

    • represents an overall decrease of 105,000 admissions in 2025, as compared to projected 2025 levels
    • prioritizes in-Canada applicants and pathways for those already here
      • More than 40% of anticipated PR admissions in 2025 will be from those who are already in Canada as temporary residents.
      • Research has demonstrated that newcomers with in-Canada experience have positive long-term success. These skilled, educated newcomers can continue to support the workforce and economy, without placing additional demands on our social services.
      • Adjustments will be made to our economic immigration streams to prioritize transitions of workers already here to permanent residents and to be responsive to labour market needs—our in-Canada focus. We will put emphasis on our federal economic priorities in programs, including the Canadian Experience Class and regional immigration programs, to attract workers we need, such as in health care and trades occupations.
    • focuses on economic immigration, with approximately 62% of total permanent resident admissions that will be dedicated to the economic class, in key sectors such as health and trades, by 2027
    • continues to reunites families and loved ones, including spouses, children, parents and grandparents. In 2025, nearly 24% of overall permanent resident admissions will be allocated to family class immigration
    • upholds Canada’s long-standing commitment to resettle the world’s most vulnerable, including human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ refugees, religious and ethnic minorities, and women and children in precarious situations
    • strengthens Francophone communities outside Quebec and supports their economic prosperity. Of the overall permanent resident admission targets, Francophone immigration will represent
      • 5% in 2025
      • 5% in 2026
      • 10% in 2027

    These targets allow for a continued increase in volume year-over-year of Francophone admissions outside Quebec, despite decreased overall PR levels.

    Temporary resident targets

    In March 2024, Canada announced a plan to decrease the number of temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years, including temporary foreign workers and international students. Starting in 2025, Canada will have targets for temporary residents as part of the levels plan.

    TR targets will capture the number of new workers and students arriving in Canada:

    • Student arrivals are aligned with the previously announced
    • Worker arrivals are those under the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

    TR targets were calculated by assessing a number of factors, such as the number of individuals expected to depart Canada in each program (such as when a permit expires), individuals transitioning to permanent residents, approval rates for each program, estimated renewal rates and other factors.

    As such, categories excluded from the TR targets but included in the stock of TRs are:

    • Work or study permit extensions or change of status from within Canada (since we would be counting an individual’s status more than once). This is factored into the outflows.
    • Seasonal workers who enter and leave Canada within the same year (since they aren’t a part of our year-end population count).
    • Asylum claimants who are seeking protection in Canada (since they are entitled by law to have their claim assessed so we can’t control the volumes like we do with other programs).

    Measures designed to achieve the 5% target

    • International student cap: IRCC introduced an annual cap on international student study permits, including a further 10% reduction in 2025 relative to 2024 targets.
    • Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) reform: IRCC tightened eligibility requirements for PGWPs to better align the program with immigration goals and labour market needs.
    • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program) reform: ESDC introduced a 10% cap on employers hiring temporary foreign workers under the low-wage stream, and announced an increase to the starting hourly wage for temporary foreign workers in the high-wage stream by 20%.
    • Limiting work permits for spouses of temporary residents: IRCC is tightening work permit eligibility for spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers.

    For more information, please consult our latest news release on strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes.

    Taken together, the targets are expected to result in a net decrease in temporary residents over the next two years. Specifically, compared to each previous year, we will see:

    • 445,901 fewer TRs in 2025
    • 445,662 fewer TRs in 2026
    • a modest increase of 17,439 TRs in 2027

    Asylum

    Like many countries, Canada is experiencing more asylum claims as the number of displaced people worldwide continues to grow, and that contributes to growing volumes. To align with our humanitarian responsibilities, the government has been working on several measures to address integrity issues and strengthen the in-Canada asylum system, including

    • implementing a partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals
    • improving claims processing while maintaining the fairness and integrity of the asylum system, as announced in 2024
    • reviewing visa decision making so that our highly trained officers have the right tools to detect fraud and reduce the number of non-genuine visitors
    • exploring more measures to further strengthen visa integrity

    Impact of the Plan

    • The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is expected to result in a marginal population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026 before returning to a population growth of 0.8% in 2027.
    • The plan will reduce the housing supply gap by approximately 670 000 units by the end of 2027.
    • Continued robust GDP growth and enable GDP per capita growth to accelerate throughout 2025 to 2027, as well as improve housing affordability and lower the unemployment rate.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller Tours Marshall Health’s Community Project Funding Site

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) toured the former Strayer University building on Marshall Health’s Teays Valley Campus to see how the $3 million community project funding Congresswoman Miller secured is being used to advance medical research opportunities and health services.

    Click here for photos and b-roll

    “Marshall Health Network is committed to serving West Virginians by equipping their physicians with the necessary tools to provide the best quality care for their patients. I am glad that Marshall Health can use the funding I secured for them towards renovating the former Strayer University facility into a toxicology laboratory and occupational health suite. This will allow their staff to perform important medical research and ensure that students and physicians receive an invaluable educational experience to help them succeed in the medical field. I look forward to coming back once all renovations have been completed and to hear updates on the impact their critical work has on the region,” said Congresswoman Miller.

    “I extend Marshall Health Network’s deepest gratitude to Congresswoman Miller for her unwavering support and commitment to improving health care access in West Virginia. Congresswoman Miller’s advocacy for critical funding and resources has been instrumental in moving this project forward, ensuring that our region has the tools necessary to address the ongoing challenges of substance use and workplace safety. By championing initiatives like this state-of-the-art medical toxicology center at Marshall Health – Teays Valley, Congresswoman Miller is helping to create safer environments for workers, empower employers and support individuals in recovery. We are truly grateful for her leadership and steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of our community,” said Kevin W. Yingling, R. Ph., M.D., CEO of Marshall Health Network.

    “We are so appreciative of Congresswoman Miller’s support for our major priority initiatives: addiction and behavioral health, gerontology and healthy aging, obesity and diabetes, and rural health and primary care, which emphasize our commitment to the health and wellbeing of West Virginians. In addition to expanded clinical services, the new facility in Putnam County will offer vital instruction and hands-on experience in toxicology for students in a variety of health care fields. The center will also serve as a foundation for future research, resulting in new job creation,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University.

    Congresswoman Miller touring the former Strayer building with Marshall Health Network

     Congresswoman Miller with Marshall Health Network

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Welcome $23 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Denver, Colorado Springs Airports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed $23 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve airport infrastructure in Denver and Colorado Springs. This funding comes from the Airport Terminals Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
    “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps investing in Colorado and creating good-paying jobs. This time by improving travelers’ experiences at both Denver International Airport and the Colorado Springs Airport,” said Hickenlooper. “Giddy up!”
    “I’m grateful the FAA is supporting Colorado’s airports as they improve and modernize to meet our state’s changing needs,” said Bennet. “These dollars will help ensure our airports can continue to fuel our economy and better connect communities across our state.”
    Specifically, this funding includes:
    Airport Name
    Project Description
    Funding
    Denver International Airport
    Increase the efficiency and capacity of its baggage handling system
    $15 million
    Colorado Springs Airport
    Improve energy efficiency, ensure accessibility, and modernize gate areas
    $8 million
    Just this year, Hickenlooper and Bennet have welcomed nearly $140 million from the FAA for Colorado’s airports.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Peters, Durbin, Stabenow, Duckworth, and 18 Fellow Senators Demand Stellantis Keep Its Promises to Autoworkers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 – In a letter sent yesterday to the automative giant that is responsible for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and more, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and 18 of their colleagues urged Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to honor the collective bargaining agreement signed last year with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the promises the company made to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.
    “We are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year’s collective bargaining agreement…” wrote the senators. “We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.”
    In the contract ratified last year, Stellantis committed to: 
    Make nearly $19 billion in new investments and product commitments in the U.S.;
    Re-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was “indefinitely idled” last year;
    Establish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;
    Continue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and
    Manufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.
    Instead, Stellantis has taken actions that undermine the commitments made to the UAW and leave “behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today,” wrote the senators. These actions may include moving the next generation Dodge Durango out of the U.S. and into “low-cost” countries like Mexico, as well as delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant.
    This year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world. The company has also benefited from billions of dollars in financial assistance from American taxpayers and the federal government. In July, the Department of Energy announced Stellantis would receive nearly $335 million in federal dollars to support Belvidere Assembly Plant’s conversion to electric vehicle production.
    “Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise, boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies,” wrote the senators. “We believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.”
    Joining Sanders, Peters, Durbin, Stabenow, and Duckworth on the letter are Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    To read the full letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boilermakers host successful USA clay shoot, youth day

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    This is what we’re supposed to do as a union. We stick together and take care of each other, and we stick together to take care of our community—and that’s the youth.

    John Fultz, IVP-Northeast

    In partnership with the Boilermakers union, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance raised more than $120,000 in the annual USA Boilermakers Kansas City Sporting Clays Shoot and hosted more than 60 youths at a Boilermakers Get Youth Outdoors Day in separate events this past September.

    Now in its third year, the youth event doubled attendance from previous years. Kids enjoyed the day Sept. 15 at Powder Creek Shooting Park in Lenexa, Kansas, learning gun safety, skills, blasting clays and fishing under the guidance of Boilermakers and other union volunteers. All supplies—from fishing gear to protection and ammunition—were provided, as well as lunch for all.

    IVP-Northeast John Fultz was among the event volunteers. He spent the day baiting hooks, taking fish off the hooks and watching kids’ smiles light up with each catch.

    “I really enjoyed it—it was like being with my grandkids when they caught their first fish,” he said. “It makes you happy to see them so successful and to watch the moms and dads get excited for their little ones.”

    Fultz said being covered in worms for a day was worth it. He noted that IBB staffer Mallory Smith volunteered all day fixing fishing poles, baiting hooks, helping kids however she could—and also covered in worms.

    “This is what we’re supposed to do as a union. We stick together and take care of each other, and we stick together to take care of our community—and that’s the youth.”

    The following Saturday, on Sept. 22, 116 men, women and youth met at Powder Creek for USA’s popular sporting clays competition. Twenty-five teams competed, each firing 100 rounds per person along the course’s stations. Union partners, Boilermaker local lodges and other unions sponsored the stations to offset event expenses.

    The 2024 Kansas City shoot winners were:

    Highest overall team score: Callender Printing

    Class A high score: Boilermakers Local 363

    Class B high score: Mark One

    Class C high score: IBEW Local 226

    Top overall shooter: Austin Post

    Top senior shooter: Clinton Shipp

    Top youth shooter: Charlie Jenkins

    Top female shooter: Kym Savage

    “I want to especially recognize Kym Savage for her work organizing Boilermakers, volunteers, donations, and all the effort she put into the youth event and shoot coordination,” Fultz said. “And it was fun to have her on our team to enjoy the hard work she’d put into the event. Winning as the day’s leading female shooter was well earned.”

    Profits from the shooting event support U.S.A.’s mission to “unite the community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage.” This was the 15th year for the Boilermaker-sponsored event. The Boilermakers union is a charter member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. Free membership is available to all Boilermaker members. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Report Shows NASA’s $75.6 Billion Boost to US Economy

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s work, including its Moon to Mars exploration approach, is advancing science and technology for the Artemis Generation, while also driving significant economic growth across the United States, the agency announced Thursday.
    In its third agencywide economic impact report, NASA highlighted how its Moon to Mars activities, climate change research and technology development, and other projects generated more than $75.6 billion in economic output across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in fiscal year 2023.
    “To invest in NASA is to invest in American workers, American innovation, the American economy, and American economic competitiveness,” says NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Our work doesn’t just expand our understanding of the universe — it fuels economic growth, inspires future generations, and improves our quality of life. As we embark on the next great chapter of exploration, we are proud to help power economic strength, job creation, scientific progress, and American leadership on Earth, in the skies, and in the stars.”
    Combined, NASA’s missions supported 304,803 jobs nationwide, and generated an estimated $9.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes throughout the United States.
    The study found NASA’s Moon to Mars activities generated more than $23.8 billion in total economic output and supported an estimated 96,479 jobs nationwide. For investments in climate research and technology, the agency’s activities generated more than $7.9 billion in total economic output and supported an estimated 32,900 jobs in the U.S.
    Additional key findings of the study include:

    Every state in the country benefits economically through NASA activities. Forty-five states have an economic impact of more than $10 million. Of those 45 states, eight have an economic impact of $1 billion or more.
    The agency’s Moon to Mars initiative, which includes the Artemis missions, generated nearly $2.9 billion in tax revenue. These activities provided about 32% of NASA’s economic impact.
    The agency’s investments in climate change research and technology generated more than $1 billion in tax revenue.
    Approximately 11% of NASA’s economic impacts are attributable to its investments in climate change research and technology.    
    NASA had more than 644 active international agreements for various scientific research and technology development activities in the 2023 fiscal year. The International Space Station, representing 15 countries and five space agencies, has a predominant role in the agency’s international partnerships.
    In fiscal year 2023, NASA oversaw 2,628 active domestic and international non-procurement partnership agreements, which included 629 new domestic and 109 new international agreements, active partnerships with 587 different non-federal  partners across the U.S., and partnerships in 47 of 50 states. 
    NASA Spinoffs, which are public products and processes that are developed with NASA technology, funding, or expertise, provide a benefit to American lives beyond dollars and jobs. As of result of NASA missions, our fiscal year 2023 tech transfer activities produced 1,564 new technology reports, 40 new patent applications, 69 patents issued, and established 5,277 software usage agreements. 
    Scientific research and development, which fuels advancements in science and technology that can help improve daily life on Earth and for humanity, is the largest single-sector benefitting from NASA’s work, accounting for 19% of NASA’s total economic impact.

    The study was conducted by the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
    To review the full report, visit:
    https://go.nasa.gov/3NEtUIq
    -end-
    Meira Bernstein / Melissa HowellHeadquarters, Washington202-615-1747 / 202-961-6602meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / melissa.e.howell@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: St. Louis area state parks and historic sites host fun fall activities

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 18, 2024 – Fall fun abounds at Missouri state parks and historic sites. From Halloween hikes to spooktacular events, there’s something for everyone!

    Friday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. – Halloween Night Hike at Mastodon State Historic Site.
    Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly night hike at Mastodon State Historic Site! Participants will cover some non-spooky Halloween topics. Don’t worry – no jump scares here! Meet at the start of the Spring Branch Trail, located in the picnic area at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial. From there, participants will hike the 0.8-mile loop, featuring an accessible packed gravel surface. Those attending are invited to wear a non-scary, family friendly Halloween costume. Costume or not, you should come dressed for the weather and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring a flashlight. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, call or text 636-215-9784 or visit icampmo.com.

    Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Spooktacular Halloween at Meramec State Park.
    Meramec State Park is hosting its annual Spooktacular Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 19. Join the park team for a coloring contest, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, a movie and more! This will be held in the park campground at 115 Meramec Park Drive in Sullivan. The event is free, open to the public and registration is not required.

    Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – International Archaeology Day at Mastodon State Historic Site.
    Celebrate International Archaeology Day at Mastodon State Historic Site. All the free interpretive programs will be accessible from the museum parking lot at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.

    Registration is required for the Archaeological Evidence program, but not for the afternoon programs. Starting at 10 a.m. in the museum auditorium, visitors can learn about archaeological evidence with a hands-on program. Participants will learn how to order evidence and how to sort facts from inferences and opinions. They will also have the opportunity to interpret a mock archaeology site. This program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but all are welcome. Space is limited and registration is required and can be done by calling or texting 636-215-9784. At 1 p.m., guests can discover archaeological sites around the world in this interpreter-led presentation, “Archaeology Around the World.” From 3 – 4 p.m., try your hand at the ancient hunting technique of atlatl throwing. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, this program will be canceled.

    Saturday, Oct. 19, noon – 3 p.m. – Bones, Graveyards and Burials at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site.
    The leaves are falling, winds are howling, and ghostly spirits are calling in St. Charles, Missouri. It’s the perfectly creepy, chilly time of year to join the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site team and archaeologist for an eerie program exploring mysterious customs and the stranger side of burials. So, come learn about the interestingly spooky secrets beneath your feet and beyond! Presenters will cover topics ranging from specific challenges archaeologists face when they come across a burial, to the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery, to the history of the expression “saved by the bell.” Throughout the program, they will discuss local burials and archaeological digs that occurred right here in St. Charles. Members of the Archaeological Institute of America will also be on hand providing programs in honor of International Archaeology Day. Join the free program in the backyard of the historic site located at 200 S. Main St. in St. Charles.

    Monday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Homeschool Hour: Outdoor Literature at Mastodon State Historic Site.
    Homeschoolers are invited to join the team at Mastodon State Historic Site for fun, educational activities. Each Homeschool Hour has two time slots, with the 10 a.m. slot for all ages, while the 1 p.m. slot is strictly for homeschoolers ages 10 and up and includes more advanced activities. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call 636-464-2976 or visit icampmo.com (morning session) or icampmo.com (afternoon session). The majority of this session will take place outside, so dress appropriately. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.

    Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. – Toddler Thursdays at Mastodon State Historic Site.
    Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site. Designed for toddlers and their grown-ups, Toddler Thursdays focus on different topics and include activities and a craft. Join the team in the museum auditorium at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive.

    Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. – St. Francois Adventure School: Bugs at St. Francois State Park.
    Our world is full of fascinating bugs. Homeschoolers and their adults are invited to join the park naturalists to get an up-close look at some of our tiny friends that have six, eight or more legs! The day begins at 9:45 a.m. with check-in at the campground amphitheater, followed by the first portion of the program at 10 a.m. After a discussion on the diverse world of insects, spiders and other arthropods, we will head out on Swimming Deer Trail to see if we can get a bug bingo. Students ages 5-8 will have a 0.25-mile hike while students ages 9-14 will have a 2-mile hike. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, especially on the trail. Strollers will not be allowed on the trail. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call 573-358-2173 or visit icampmo.com (ages 5-8) or icampmo.com (ages 9-14). St. Francois State Park is located at 8920 U.S. Highway 67 N. in Bonne Terre.

    Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Babler’s Halloween Weekend at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.
    This event is free, open to the public and registration is not required. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood.

    The weekend schedule follows:

    Saturday, Oct. 26
    10 a.m. – Wile E. Coyote – Speed on over to the park to learn about Missouri’s wiliest mammals yet: coyotes. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m.
    2 p.m. – Slither Me Timbers – Slither on over to meet one of Babler’s resident snakes and learn more about snakes, including how they are beneficial to you. Meet at the visitor center.
    4-8 p.m. – Babler’s Howl-oween – Trick-or-treating will be at the visitor center.
    8 p.m. – Camper Judging – Any camper who wants to participate in the Halloween decorating contest will be rated by a panel of judges. Judging starts at 8 p.m.

    Sunday, Oct. 27
    10 a.m. – Batty Business – Join an interpreter in learning about Missouri’s only flying mammals. Meet at the visitor center.

    Saturday, Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m. – St. Francois Halloween at St. Francois State Park.
    Everyone is invited to partake in some Halloween fun at the St. Francois State Park campground at 8920 U.S. Highway 67 N in Bonne Terre, Missouri. From 5-6 p.m., there will be a costume contest. The costume contest photo booth will run from 5-6 p.m. at the campground amphitheater stage, so stop by and get entered in the contest. There will be five categories: 0-3 years old, 4-7 years old, 8-12 years old, 13 years and older, and best group costume. Please keep the costumes family-friendly. From 6:30-8 p.m., trick-or-treating is open to the general public and will take place in the park campground. Driving through the campground will not be permitted during these hours. Participating campsites will be given a Halloween placard to post. Campers are responsible for providing their own candy to hand out and trick-or-treaters should bring a flashlight and bag for candy. At 8 p.m., the best decorated campsite award will be presented.

    Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Rural Heritage Day at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site.
    Join the fun at Ste. Genevieve’s annual Rural Heritage Day. This festival celebrates rural Ste. Genevieve and features activities that allow participants to explore the area’s cultural history. Activities include free self-guided tours of the Felix Vallé House at 198 Merchant St. in Ste. Genevieve as well as live demonstrations and hands-on activities in the Shaw House courtyard. This is a communitywide event with multiple locations in downtown Ste. Genevieve hosting public programs.

    Saturday, Oct. 26, 2 – 8 p.m. – Halloween Hootenanny at Washington State Park.
    Come out to Washington State Park, located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto, for the park’s annual Halloween Hootenanny.

    This year’s event schedule is as follows:

    2 p.m. – Web Master: Nature’s Greatest Artist – Join the park team at the amphitheater for a closer look at the life of an arachnid. Journey through the different species and have a closer look at Missouri spiders.
    4 p.m. – Haunted Happenings – Meet in front of the showerhouse, where you can sit back, relax and enjoy popcorn around the campfire as the park team shares spooky stories.
    6 p.m. – Masks and Mayhem – Campers and non-campers alike are invited to dress up and meet at Campsite #2, and trick or treat their way around the campground loop. Registered campers are also invited to participate in the campsite decorating contest.

    For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Elephant Rocks State Park conceptual development plan survey now online

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 18, 2024 – Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to provide input for Elephant Rocks State Park’s conceptual development plan update. A 30-day comment period will begin Oct. 19, with a survey available online at mostateparks.com/cdp.

    This survey kickstarts the conceptual development planning process. Input regarding the park’s recreational opportunities, infrastructure and amenities will help guide the park’s future development.

    For more information on conceptual development planning, please visit mostateparks.com/cdp or call Daniel Engler, planner, at 573-751-5382.

    Elephant Rocks State Park is located at 7406 Highway 21 in Belleview.

    For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri Medicaid Enhances Maternal Health by Reimbursing for Doula Services

    Source: US State of Missouri

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2024

    CONTACT: Baylee.Watts@dss.mo.gov 

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Social Services’ MO HealthNet Division (MHD) is proud to announce that on October 2, 2024, the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a State Plan Amendment (SPA) that enables the state to begin reimbursing for doula services.

    This CMS approval aligns with Missouri’s emergency regulation, which was published on September 27 and took effect on October 1. The emergency regulation was necessary to ensure these valuable services could be accessed as quickly as possible. A newly filed permanent regulation is expected to receive full approval and become operational when the emergency rule expires in six months.

    The SPA clarifies how doulas are defined for Medicaid billing and outlines service definitions. Doulas interested in these services should look for an upcoming provider bulletin that will provide details, including reimbursement rates. This bulletin will also contain information about future educational webinars aimed at helping doulas with enrollment and addressing any questions.

    Medicaid participants will have access to the following doula services:

    • Prenatal Support: Sessions aimed at enhancing health literacy, covering what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth, identifying normal experiences, communicating concerns to providers, and discussing nutrition, exercise, tobacco cessation, and self-monitoring of existing health risks or conditions.
    • Community Navigation: Connecting pregnant and postpartum women on MO HealthNet (Medicaid) to resources and assistance programs based on individual needs.
    • Childbirth Support: Assisting with birth planning, what to expect, and providing non-medical support during labor while respecting personal and cultural preferences.
    • Postpartum Support: Sessions designed to help women understand what to expect, identify normal experiences, communicate concerns to providers, transition back to well-woman care, family planning, screening for postpartum depression, parenting education and skills, and transition to other insurance as necessary.
    • Lactation Education: Offering up to two lactation education and support sessions that cover the fundamentals of breastfeeding.

    MHD is implementing a range of strategies to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes within Missouri’s Medicaid program. Providing reimbursement for doula services is a vital part of a comprehensive approach to improve maternal health.

    For more information on maternal and infant health in Missouri, please visit healthymomsbabies.mo.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Parson Issues Executive Order 24-11, Rescinding 177 Past Executive Orders

    Source: US State of Missouri

    OCTOBER 23, 2024

    Jefferson City — Today, in an effort to leave state government better than he found it, Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 24-11, which rescinds 177 past executive orders that are no longer necessary or applicable. These orders date back to the 1980s with many being past state of emergency declarations or found to be in conflict with changes to state law and/or Missouri and U.S. Courts’ opinions.

    “Since the very beginning, we have always looked to cut red tape, streamline bureaucracy, and reduce the size of government where possible,” Governor Parson said. “This action today helps untangle a web of unnecessary and contradicting executive orders that no longer serve their intended purposes, ensuring more efficient and effective operations across state government.”

    The vast majority of the 177 executive orders being rescinded are because the issue or crisis they were intended to address no longer exists. It is now common practice for executive orders to be issued with a specific date of rescission so that they do not linger in effect unnecessarily.

    A list of the executive orders being rescinded, along with brief explanations, can be found in the attachment. To view Executive Order 24-11, click here.

    Reasons for EO 24-11.pdf

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Digital Era—Rolling Out New Modernized Driver License System

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle and Driver License (MVDL) division is preparing to deploy its modernized driver license and processing system at all license offices, with a launch date of Tues., Nov. 12. Installation of new equipment and the system conversion process for this vital upgrade will necessitate short license office closures. Customers with an expiring November driver license received an additional postcard notifying them of this transition.

    While the Department is emphasizing that license offices will be open on election day, Tues., Nov. 5, customers are advised to plan for interruptions to license office operations on the following dates:

    Wed., Nov. 6 – License offices are open but only available for motor vehicle transactions. Driver license services will be unavailable.

    Thurs., Nov. 7 – Some license offices will be closed, and many will remain open for motor vehicle services only. Driver license services will be unavailable in all offices.

    Fri., Nov. 8 – All license offices throughout the state will be closed for system conversion.

    Mon. Nov. 11 – Veterans Day. All license offices will be closed statewide in observance of the federal holiday.

    “We want to thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding during the transition. We are confident they will come to agree that it’s a small inconvenience compared to the benefits the modernized system will provide once it becomes fully operational,” said Missouri Department of Revenue Director Wayne Wallingford, referencing the second and final phase of the modernization project, scheduled to roll out in July of 2026. “The second phase will be to the Department’s motor vehicle system, which will enable the two systems to ‘talk’ to each other. This final enhancement will make transactions much more seamless for our customers and our frontline staff.”

    Phase II work will begin immediately after Phase I is complete. The in total three-year project was made possible by 2021 legislation creating an auto dealer administrative fee for an Administrative Technology Fund, dedicated to building a new integrated MVDL computer system. The new system will replace antiquated legacy systems within the Department that include more than 50 disparate software programs with limited ability to work together.

    “Since early August, the Department has been making available training opportunities for license office staff on the new driver license system,” said the Department’s MVDL Division Director Ken Struemph. “As with any major system upgrade, we expect instances where processing times will be longer following rollout, and we encourage our customers to plan accordingly. Once fully operational, the Department will be much better positioned to fulfill Director Wallingford’s vision of providing every customer the best experience every time.”

    Phase I improvements customers can expect include the following:

    • Easier navigation of eServices, such as online driver license renewals
    • Eliminating the need for driver test results to be physically taken from the Highway Patrol by the customer to a license office
    • Mobile identification credentials
    • A user-friendly system that will reduce Department employee training and ultimately help support staff retention, both of which have associated cost savings.

    For additional information on the Department’s system modernization, please visit https://dor.mo.gov/MV-DL/index.html.

                                                                                        ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE – Presidential and parliamentary elections: Bishops denounce irregularities and violence

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Maputo (Agenzia Fides) – “The post-election period was marked by a cowardly attack to silence, if not the truth, then at least democracy”. With these words, the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique condemned the murder of the two members of the opposition party PODEMOS, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, killed in an ambush after the parliamentary elections on October 9 (see Fides, 22/10/2024).”We condemn the barbaric murder of two political figures, because it recalls, with similar methods, other murders of political or civil society figures, also linked to opposition parties, that took place following previous elections,” said the Mozambican bishops in their statement of October 22.The bishops also complain that there were serious irregularities in the election on October 9, such as “serious fraud, repeated insertion of ballot papers that had already been cast into the ballot box, falsification of news.” Following the allegations of alleged electoral fraud and in connection with the murder of the two opposition representatives, protests broke out in Maputo and other cities on October 21, which were violently suppressed by the police. According to the Mozambican Business Association, the day of protest had serious economic consequences, with a loss of 203 million euros for the private sector.The bishops are meanwhile calling for the right to demonstrate to be respected, but are appealing to the young demonstrators not to allow themselves to be instrumentalized in acts of violence.In conclusion, the Bishops’ Conference notes that “more than half of the registered voters did not go to the polls”, stressing that “we have experienced the highest abstention in our history of multi-party elections, which seems to indicate that the irregularities and fraud recorded in previous elections have shown a large part of the population that their will expressed at the ballot box is not respected and the exercise of this important civil right is useless”.In conclusion, the Bishops called on everyone to take the path of forgiveness and courage towards the truth in order to return the country to normality. So far only some partial results of the election have been published, which point to a victory for FRELIMO, the party that has been in power since independence in 1975. The final official results are expected tomorrow, October 25. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – New Encyclical by Pope Francis: “Dilexit nos” and Mission

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 24 October 2024

    Vatican Media

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Dilexit nos”. He loved us. Pope Francis’ Encyclical, published today, follows the golden thread of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in order to enter into the Mystery of divine love manifested in the gift of Creation and in the “more admirablel” gift of Redemption. A mystery, that of the “Dilectio” of Christ – suggests the Pope – to which every dynamic of the salvific mission that Christ himself entrusted to his Church also refers.The new document of the Pontifical Magisterium, written in Spanish, was announced by Pope Francis in June, the month traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.The Pontiff, who has had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus since his youth, has now dedicated an encyclical to it, consisting of five chapters divided into 220 paragraphs, as the universal Church celebrates the 350th anniversary of the first revelation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673 (the celebrations began on December 27, 2023, and will end on June 27, 2025, ed.).In the Encyclical, the mercy and grace that the Sacred Heart of Jesus pours into the lives of His followers are also referred to as the source of all authentic apostolic and missionary work. The word “mission” appears a total of 16 times in various sections of the text.Drawing on the Gospel account, Pope Francis points out that when Christ “calls you and summons you for a mission, he first looks at you, plumbs the depths of your heart and, knowing everything about you, fixes his gaze upon you” and then “speaks to us inwardly, calls us and leads us to a better place”, “to let us find fresh strength and peace”, that is, “his Heart” (nn. 39-43).A heart that “frees” the Church from a dangerous “dualism”: “that in communities and pastors excessively caught up in external activities, structural reforms that have little to do with the Gospel, obsessive reorganization plans, worldly projects, secular ways of thinking and mandatory programmes”. The result is often “a Christianity stripped of the tender consolations of faith, the joy of serving others, the fervour of personal commitment to mission, the beauty of knowing Christ and the profound gratitude born of the friendship he offers and the ultimate meaning he gives to our lives. This too is the expression of an illusory and disembodied otherworldliness.” (n 88).The mission of those who are looked upon by Jesus, therefore, can draw impetus by looking to his Sacred Heart because “at the same time in which the Heart of Christ leads us to the Father, he sends us to our brothers. In the fruits of service, fraternity and mission that the Heart of Christ produces through us, the will of the Father is accomplished” (n 163).Pope Francis quotes his predecessor Saint Paul VI, who, addressing religious Congregations dedicated to the spread of devotion to the Sacred Heart, recalled: “There can be no doubt that pastoral commitment and missionary zeal will fan into flame, if priests and laity alike, in their desire to spread the glory of God, contemplate the example of eternal love that Christ has shown us, and direct their efforts to make all men and women sharers in the unfathomable riches of Christ” (n 208).”As we contemplate the Sacred Heart, mission becomes a matter of love”. Mission, Pope Francis emphasizes, “as a radiation of the love of the heart of Christ, requires missionaries who are themselves in love and who, enthralled by Christ, feel bound to share this love that has changed their lives. They are impatient when time is wasted discussing secondary questions or concentrating on truths and rules, because their greatest concern is to share what they have experienced. They want others to perceive the goodness and beauty of the Beloved through their efforts, however inadequate they may be. Is that not the case with any lover?” (n 209).To better understand the dynamics of love proper to the mission, Pope Francis cites the words of the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri who, “in love, tried to express this logic” in the Vita Nova as follows: “I declare that, in thinking of its worth, love so sweet makes me feel that, if my courage did not fail me, I would speak out and make everyone else fall in love” (n 209).In every apostolic work, the Pontiff says, “we should not think of this mission of sharing Christ as something only between Jesus and me. Mission is experienced in fellowship with our communities and with the whole Church. If we turn aside from the community, we will be turning aside from Jesus. If we turn our back on the community, our friendship with Jesus will grow cold. This is a fact, and we must never forget it. Love for the brothers and sisters of our communities – religious, parochial, diocesan and others – is a kind of fuel that feeds our friendship with Jesus”, adds the Pope, who suggests practicing “acts of love for our brothers and sisters in community” because these “may well be the best and, at times, the only way that we can witness to others our love for Jesus Christ. He himself said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35)” (n 212).“If we are concerned with helping others, this in no way means that we are turning away from Jesus. Rather, we are encountering him in another way. Jesus is calling you and sending you forth to spread goodness in our world. His call is one of service, a summons to do good, perhaps as a physician, a mother, a teacher or a priest. Wherever you may be, you can hear his call and realize that he is sending you forth to carry out that mission”, underlines the Pontiff, who concludes his fourth encyclical with an appeal addressed to all the baptized: “In your own way, you too must be a missionary, like the apostles and the first disciples of Jesus, who went forth to proclaim the love of God, to tell others that Christ is alive and worth knowing. Saint Therese experienced this as an essential part of her oblation to merciful Love: “I wanted to give my Beloved to drink and I felt myself consumed with a thirst for souls”. That is your mission as well. Each of us must carry it out in his or her own way; you will come to see how you can be a missionary. Jesus deserves no less. If you accept the challenge, he will enlighten you, accompany you and strengthen you, and you will have an enriching experience that will bring you much happiness. It is not important whether you see immediate results; leave that to the Lord who works in the secret of our hearts. Keep experiencing the joy born of our efforts to share the love of Christ with others” (nn 214-215-216).(F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2695 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2695 of 14 October 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2701 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2701 of 14 October 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National Adoption Week Campaign highlights the need for more adopters

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This National Adoption Week, we’re showcasing adoption journeys of all kinds, and the important people who are there along the way, as part of this year’s You Can Adopt campaign The Journey.

    The campaign raises awareness of modern adoption and showcases the diversity of adoptive families today, showing that the journey to a family is not always a traditional one.

    This is reflected in new data commissioned for National Adoption Week, which shows 65 per cent of Brits say there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ family and 42 per cent come from a ‘non traditional’ family structure.

    The campaign will show adopters that they are not alone by highlighting the people who play a significant role in each family’s lifelong journey and makes each experience unique – from foster carers and social workers to birth families and the adoption community.

    To mark the theme of ‘The Journey’ a new short film, set onboard a train, follows the stories of 3 adoptive families on their travels, reflecting on the ups, downs and detours of their lifelong journey.  

    Rachel, who features in the film alongside her 2 year old adopted daughter Winnie, father Daniel and social worker Becky, said: “You have an idea in your head of what family looks like, and for us it’s been different, but even more wonderful in different ways. For me, it’s really important that Winnie has a sense of herself and her identity – that she understands that not only do all families look different, but she has more than one family, and that’s OK.”

    Locally, there is a particular need to find adopters that can offer safe, loving and permanent homes to those repeatedly facing the longest delays in finding a family, including children aged 5 or over, children with additional and/or complex needs, brother and sister groups, and those from some ethnic minority backgrounds. Children from these groups typically wait an average of 7 months longer to be adopted than other children.

    Simon Green, Adoption@Heart Head of Service, said: “National Adoption Week is a crucial moment to raise awareness and highlight the importance of adoption. At Adoption@Heart, we are committed to supporting both adoptive families and children throughout their adoption journey, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.

    This week serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that adoption can have, not only for the children, but for the families who open their hearts and homes to them.

    We encourage anyone considering adoption to contact us, learn more about the process, the support available, and the life changing difference they can make”.

    People that are interested in finding out more about the adoption process are invited to an information event to find out more and get their questions answered.

    Adoption@Heart hold information events at least twice a month with the next sessions being held at 10am on Saturday 9 November and (online) and at 6.00pm on Monday 25 November in Oldbury. Bookings can be made online by visiting Adoption@Heart.

    For more information about adoption, how to access adoption support, or to enquire about becoming an adopter, contact Adoption@Heart by calling 01902 553818 or emailing info@adoptionatheart.org.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Cemeteries to revert to winter opening hours

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council Cemeteries to revert to winter opening hours

    24 October 2024

    Derry City and Strabane District Council have confirmed that its cemeteries will revert to winter opening hours from Sunday October 26th.
    Cemetery openings will continue at 8am however they will close at the earlier time of 4.30pm until the end of March.
    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, encouraged people to spread the word about the winter arrangements.
    “With the darker evenings drawing in and clocks set to go back in the early hours of this Sunday morning our Cemeteries teams will now close the facilities at the earlier time of 4.30am during the winter months,” she said.
    “I’d appreciate if people can spread the word over the coming days, particularly to family and friends who don’t access social and press media so that they can visit the graves of their loved ones before closing time.”
    Council currently operate 10 active cemeteries and 20 closed cemeteries across the city and district.
    The active cemeteries are City Cemetery, Alla Claudy, Ballyoan, Altnagelvin, Aughalane, Ardstraw, Castlederg, Mountcastle, Strabane and Urney.
    Meanwhile, Council have confirmed that repair work on the City Cemetery lower trunk route will be completed by Tuesday October 29th.
    Motorists and pedestrians are advised to expect some minor disruption and to follow the signage while work is completed in the coming days.
    For updates on cemetery services and opening hours visit derrystrabane.com/cemeteries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant Pleads Guilty, Three Others Sentenced in Upstate Meth Trafficking Case

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

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Three members of an Upstate drug ring have been sentenced to federal prison and the final member has pleaded guilty for their role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

    Richard Brian Walker, 49, of Chesnee, was sentenced to 270 months’ imprisonment. Walker additionally pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

    Rebecca Elizabeth Whitesides, 54, of Mooresboro, N.C., 120 months’ imprisonment. Whitesides also pled guilty to money laundering. 

    Amanda Gail Tuck, 45, of Chesnee, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment.

    The final defendant Jeffrey Michael Wilson, 54, of Commerce, Georgia pled guilty to conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wilson was convicted in a prior federal methamphetamine conspiracy case in 2000.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that on Jan. 18, 2023, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over Whitesides on I-85 and searched her car, finding almost two kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigation into her bank accounts demonstrated that she was assisting others to conceal payments for drug proceeds.

    On Feb. 22, 2023, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office was conducting surveillance on Walker’s home and observed Wilson’s car arrive and leave. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Wilson, locating more than 5,800 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded semi-automatic pistol with 19 rounds. Over the course of the conspiracy, Wilson was responsible for trafficking 50 kilograms of methamphetamine with Walker.

    A search warrant was also executed on Walker’s residence and storage building that day, and investigators located over 500 grams of methamphetamine and 85 grams of fentanyl, a loaded pistol, a rifle, and an unmarked short-barreled AR-15 style rifle, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” Tuck was also located on the premises.

    Only a month later, on March 24, 2023, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over Tuck and located almost a kilogram of her methamphetamine in a U-Haul truck.

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced the defendants and accepted Wilson’s guilty plea.  The court ordered each sentence to be followed by a term of supervised release. Judge Coggins will sentence Wilson at a later date. The maximum penalty for the offense is life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Schoen is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced to 82 Months for Federal Weapons Offense

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RONALD TAYLOR (“TAYLOR”), age 31, of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 1, 2024 to 82 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.  TAYLOR previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

    According to court documents, on August 31, 2023, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office stopped a stolen vehicle, after receiving notification via the “Flock System” that the vehicle had been reported stolen two days prior in a carjacking in Harris County, Texas.  TAYLOR, the driver, was accompanied by his fiancé and his three-year-old daughter.  The officers conducted a vehicle inventory search prior to towing and processing the vehicle and, located three loaded firearms and ammunition inside.  TAYLOR admitted that all three firearms were his.

    TAYLOR knowingly possessed these firearms despite his status as a prohibited person, having already been convicted of three prior felonies, including one for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

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

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

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

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Charles Edward Ketcher, Jr., age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    On March 15, 2024, Ketcher pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  According to investigators, on October 14, 2023, Ketcher was captured on a surveillance camera carrying a rifle.  At the time Ketcher possessed the rifle, he knew he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

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

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.   Ketcher was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Charlton Aria Acquisition Corp. Announces Pricing of $75,000,000 Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Wilmington, DE, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: CHARU) (the “Company”) announced today the pricing of its initial public offering of 7,500,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) and trade under the ticker symbol “CHARU” beginning October 24, 2024. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one right to receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and rights are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “CHAR” and “CHARR”, respectively. The underwriter has been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,125,000 units offered by the Company to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on October 25, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

    The Company is a blank check company incorporated as an exempted company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, which will seek to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. While it may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, it intends to focus on industries that complement the management team’s and board of director’s background and network, and to capitalize on the ability of its management team and board of directors to identify and acquire a business.

    Clear Street is acting as the sole book-running manager in the offering.

    A registration statement on Form S-1 (333-282313) relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and was declared effective on October 24, 2024. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from Clear Street, Attn: Syndicate Department, 150 Greenwich Street, 45th floor, New York, NY 10007, by email at ecm@clearstreet.io, or from the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Registration Statement and related preliminary prospectus filed in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

    Contact Information:
    Charlton Aria Acquisition Corp.

    Mr. Robert W. Garner
    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
    221 W 9th St #848
    Wilmington, DE 19801
    Email: ceo@charltonaria.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Remote Access for Education: Transforming Learning with TSplus Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As schools and universities navigate the shift towards digital learning, recent feedback from schools in the UK underscores the vital role TSplus remote access solutions can play in maintaining continuity and efficiency in education. Designed to support both educators and students, TSplus provides secure, flexible, and easy-to-use solutions that enable seamless access to educational resources from anywhere.

    Remote Access for Education Enhances Remote Learning and Security

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Longdendale High School turned to TSplus to facilitate remote learning. According to Malcolm Ogden, Network Manager at the school, TSplus delivered the perfect balance of functionality and security.

    “We initially implemented TSplus because the remote tools we were using weren’t reliable,” Malcolm shares. “TSplus allowed us to set up a secure server within an hour, a lifesaver during those critical times.”

    The software’s remote desktop access enabled staff and students to connect to the school’s network with ease, enhancing both learning and collaboration. “It’s incredibly user-friendly, and the performance is outstanding even with multiple users. The system has run smoothly, ensuring education was never interrupted,” Malcolm adds.

    Security was another crucial factor. Longdendale’s use of two-factor authentication (2FA) and advanced security features ensured the protection of sensitive student data. “Knowing our network is secure allows us to focus on what matters—supporting our students,” says Malcolm.

    Cost-Effective and Reliable Remote Access for Education

    At Rayner Stephens High School, IT Manager Simon praises TSplus for its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. “We used to rely on Microsoft Remote Desktop, but it was expensive and difficult to manage. TSplus, on the other hand, is straightforward, customizable, and doesn’t strain our server resources.”

    TSplus also ensured continuity of education during remote learning periods, with Simon particularly noting the 2FA feature that strengthened the school’s cybersecurity. “TSplus offers a robust, affordable solution that evolves with our needs,” Simon explains.

    TSplus Remote Access for Education Trial Version

    TSplus is committed to empowering educational institutions with cutting-edge remote access solutions. Their technologies are trusted by prestigious institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Stuttgart, to provide secure, efficient remote access for staff and students alike.

    Schools looking to optimize their remote learning environment are invited to visit https://tsplus.net/remote-access-for-education/ and to experience the benefits firsthand by downloading the free trial (Here).

    Watch the video here to see how TSplus is transforming the future of education.

    About TSplus

    TSplus is a leading provider of remote desktop and application delivery solutions, designed to simplify and secure access to business and educational resources from any location. With a focus on affordability, security, and user experience, TSplus serves thousands of organizations worldwide, helping them improve efficiency and flexibility through reliable remote access technology. Whether in education, healthcare, or business, TSplus is committed to enabling seamless digital experiences for users across the globe.

    Press Contact:

    Floriane Mer

    Marketing Manager at TSplus

    Floriane.mer@tsplus.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e125a62c-8542-4ba4-929a-c524e6de8cf0

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9e2946d0-268f-46cb-8e1c-7073fedb3a5c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Iterate.ai Partners with Intel, Bringing its AI Manager to Intel AI PCs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif. and DENVER, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iterate.ai, whose AI platform enables enterprises to build production-ready AI applications and ready-to-use products for private AI requirements and the AI PC era, has partnered with Intel to bring Generate, Iterate.ai’s secure AI Manager application, to Intel AI PCs.

    From summarizing customer comments to analyzing inventory to providing logo designs and much more, Generate gives businesses an essential personal AI assistant and instant go-to resource for business guidance and generative AI needs. Generate utilizes RAG and multiple secure vector databases and runs LLMs locally on AI PCs using its advanced capabilities. The Generate framework enables businesses to benefit from multiple small and large language models. With this partnership, Intel is including Generate in application bundles for use on Intel Meteor Lake AI PCs and Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake AI PCs.

    As a private LLM manager and personal AI assistant, Generate utilizes LLMs optimized for Intel’s AI PC architecture to provide businesses with increased productivity and seamless user experiences. Generate can run on a private cloud in an on-premise data center—or even locally on an AI PC, with no internet connection required. That flexibility maximizes the application’s security, prevents data leakage, and conforms to stringent IT regulations. Users can simply point Generate at documents and data in a private cloud or stored locally, ask questions or make requests, and quickly receive results to drive their businesses forward.

    Generate’s capabilities and benefits for businesses include:

    • Analyze Local Documents on AI PCs: Gain insights from legal, employee training, HR, or product documents by asking questions, defining terms, or generating new content with tailored modifications based on existing documents.
    • Private Documents: Keep sensitive information secure and compliant by storing all documents locally—nothing goes to the cloud, ensuring trust and privacy.
    • Vector Database: Efficiently handle spatial queries, indexing, and data analysis for applications like mapping, navigation, and spatial analytics.
    • Document Search: Instantly find and retrieve relevant information for research, reference, or decision-making.
    • Workflow Cards: Leverage LLM-powered workflows to automate tasks—such as searching the web for new data, integrating it with existing documents, and generating updated content.

    “Generate on Intel AI PCs is a business’s ally and oracle when it comes to boosting productivity and navigating decisions that eliminate inefficiency, spur creativity, and drive growth,” said Brian Sathianathan, CTO and co-founder Iterate.ai. “Business owners can ask everything from ‘How do I build an e-commerce site?’ to ‘What are the red flags in this office lease?’ to ‘How can I do SEO well?’ and receive precise answers to their specific business and needs. We’re proud to partner with Intel to provide businesses with this valuable resource.”

    “We are excited to collaborate with Iterate.ai to bring the AI capabilities offered by Generate to Intel AI PCs,” said Justin Christiansen, GM Software and Services Partners at Intel. “This unleashes the productivity benefits of generative AI to Intel AI PC users with enhanced privacy and security as the applications run locally on the device. Users can confidently gain insights and efficiencies leveraging private documents to answer questions, generate content, instantly retrieve information and more.”

    About Iterate.ai

    Iterate.ai is at the forefront of empowering businesses with state-of-the-art AI solutions, like Generate and its AI low code platform, Interplay. Interplay is cloud-agnostic and can run AI on the edge and in secure private environments. With six patents granted (including “drag-and-drop AI”) and nearly a dozen more pending, Iterate.ai’s platform offers corporate innovators a low-risk, systematic way to scale in-house, near-term digital innovation initiatives. With its largest office in San Jose, CA and Denver, CO, Iterate.ai has a global presence with other offices in North America (Texas, Washington, Arizona), Europe (Stockholm), and Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Singapore).

    Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    The MIL Network –