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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Election Day Program for 2024 General Election

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ALBUQUERQUE – United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Jeremy Peña and Sean Sullivan will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSAs Peña and Sullivan have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers for the District of New Mexico, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    “Our vote is our voice. That is why the Department of Justice will ensure every citizen can vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Similarly, elections do not run themselves. We will protect our election officials and staff from interference and unlawful threats of violence. The Department will ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). 

    “The vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” continued U.S. Attorney Uballez. “And ensuring free and fair elections depends on you. If you have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud, call us.”

    Members of the public can reach AUSA Peña at (505) 269-2038 and AUSA Sullivan at (505) 350-3153 any time the polls are open in New Mexico.

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI can be reached by the public at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

    Finally, complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Philadelphia Seeking Information in Arson and Sabotage

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    FBI Philadelphia is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an unknown individual in the arson and sabotage of the side of a United States Department of Defense contractor building in State College, Pennsylvania.

    On June 4, 2024, an unknown individual spray painted pro-Palestinian graffiti on the side of a United States Department of Defense contractor building located on Science Park Road in State College, Pennsylvania. The graffiti stated, “FOR THE MARTYRS”, “ESCALATE 4 RAFAH”, and “FREE PALESTINE”. The suspect then tried to enter the secure facility but fled on foot after being confronted by security.

    In the early morning hours of June 9, 2024, the same individual returned to the location and spray-painted the building with “INTIFADA IS HERE” as well as an inverted red triangle indicting the “rising” is here. The individual also doused the area in a flammable liquid. The area included a compressed natural gas pipeline, a natural gas generator, and a nearby transformer, all of which are in close proximity to the building. The suspect set fire to the liquid and fled on foot in the same direction as the previous incident.

    The suspect is described as being White, between 5’9” and 6’0” tall, with longer blond or light brown hair, and with a shoe size between a men’s 10 and 11 or a women’s 12 and 13.

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible.

    If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI field office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

    FBI Philadelphia can be reached at (215) 418-4000.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Philadelphia Men Sentenced to Almost a Decade in Prison for Separate Gunpoint Carjackings in the City

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Marc Anthony Targeted a Woman in Fairmount in 2022; Asiem Brooking Carjacked a Man in Olney in 2023

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that two Philadelphia men have each been sentenced to almost 10 years in prison for carrying out separate carjackings in the city.

    Asiem Brooking, 21, was sentenced on October 17, 2024, by United States District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick to 117 months in prison and three years of supervised release for committing an armed carjacking in the city’s Olney section in January 2023.

    At around 8:15 p.m. on January 28, 2023, as a 54-year-old man was about to get out of his Nissan Altima on the 5400 block of North 6th Street, Brooking opened the passenger side front door, pointed a gun at the victim, and threatened to kill him. After the victim complied with Brooking’s demand to hand over his wallet and keys, the defendant fled the scene in the Altima.

    In May of 2023, Brooking was charged by indictment with one count of carjacking and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to both counts in July of this year.

    Marc Anthony, also known as Nasir Johnson, 22, was sentenced on October 18, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Karen S. Marston to 115 months in prison and five years of supervised release for carjacking a woman at gunpoint in the city’s Fairmount section in January 2022.

    At about 1:15 p.m. on January 6, 2022, Anthony and an unknown accomplice, both masked and armed with handguns, approached a 40-year-old woman who had just parked her Hyundai Sonata on the 800 block of North 28th Street. As they ordered the victim out of the car at gunpoint, she asked to retrieve her dog from the back seat, struggling to do so as they yelled for her phone and passcode. Once the victim and her dog were clear, the carjackers fled the scene in the Sonata.

    Anthony was charged by indictment in May 2022 with one count of carjacking and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to both charges in May of this year.

    “These criminals who think nothing of terrorizing our community at gunpoint are a true priority for my office, the FBI, and our partners on Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “By ensuring that people like Brookings and Anthony are prosecuted and held accountable for their violent and disturbing crimes, we’re making the city safer — one offender, one block, one neighborhood at a time.”

    These cases were investigated by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Press Release by the United States Attorney Relating to the November 2024 General Election

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today that two District Election Officers will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. The District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). 

    “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the DEOs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The public can reach them by calling 215-861-8200 and asking for the District Election Officers.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public by calling 215-418-4000.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 1-800-253-3931.

    “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, call 911 immediately before then contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office Activates Election Day Program to Stop Fraud and Protect Voting Rights

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

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Erik S. Goes will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.

    AUSA Goes has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said Thompson “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).

    “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” Thompson said. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Goes will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (304) 340-2395 or (304) 345-2200.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (304) 346-2300.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at (800) 253-3931.

    “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” Thompson said. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MiddleGround Capital secures 83.54 percent of all shares in Takeover Offer for STEMMER IMAGING AG

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, RUSSIA, SINGAPORE, OR SOUTH AFRICA OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER PURSUANT TO LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS IN SUCH RELEVANT JURISDICTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

    LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ventrifossa BidCo AG (the “Bidder”), a holding company controlled by MiddleGround Capital (“MiddleGround“) has secured 10.00 percent of all shares of STEMMER IMAGING AG (“STEMMER”; ISIN DE000A2G9MZ9 / GSIN A2G9MZ) in its voluntary public takeover offer for STEMMER (“Takeover Offer”). The additional acceptance period ended on October 18, 2024. In addition, the Bidder has signed a purchase agreement for approximately 69.36 percent of the shares with the majority shareholder of STEMMER, PRIMEPULSE SE. Together, with the shares it already holds, the Bidder has now secured a total of 83.54 percent of STEMMER shares.

    All required merger control and foreign direct investment clearances have been obtained and the Takeover Offer is not subject to any further conditions. The settlement of the Takeover Offer is currently expected to occur on November 5, 2024.

    About MiddleGround
    MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm based in Lexington, Kentucky with over $3.7 billion of assets under management. MiddleGround makes majority investments in middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution businesses. MiddleGround works with its portfolio companies to create value through a hands-on operational approach and partners with its management teams to support long-term growth strategies. For more information, please visit: https://middleground.com.

    About STEMMER IMAGING AG
    STEMMER IMAGING AG is the leading international systems house for machine vision technology. With a background of all-round engineering expertise, STEMMER IMAGING AG delivers the entire spectrum of machine vision services for both, industrial and non-industrial applications – from value-added services to the development of subsystems and its own products, based on an extensive commercial range of products. For more information, please visit: https://www.stemmer-imaging.com/.

    Media Contacts:

    International media inquiries
    Stephan Göttel
    Kekst CNC
    Stephan.Goettel@kekstcnc.com   
    +49 162 269 4588

    US media inquiries
    Doug Allen/Maya Hanowitz
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    MiddleGround@dlpr.com
    +1 (646) 722-6530

    Important Note

    This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares in STEMMER, whether directly or indirectly in or into the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore or South Africa, in jurisdictions where such offer pursuant to legislation and regulations in such relevant jurisdictions would be prohibited by applicable law.

    The Takeover Offer itself as well as its terms and conditions and further provisions concerning the Takeover Offer is set out in in detail in the offer document as approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht). Investors and holders of shares in STEMMER are strongly advised to thoroughly read the offer document and all other relevant documents regarding the Takeover Offer since they will contain important information. Shareholders not resident in Germany wanting to accept the Offer must make inquiries on relevant and applicable legislation, including but not limited to whether governmental consent is required and possible tax consequences. The Takeover Offer is not made, directly or indirectly, and sale will not be accepted from, or on behalf of, shareholders in any jurisdiction where presenting the Takeover Offer or acceptance thereof would be in conflict with the laws of such jurisdictions.

    The Takeover Offer is exclusively subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. Any agreement that is entered into as a result of accepting the Takeover Offer will be exclusively governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and is to be interpreted in accordance with such laws.

    The Takeover Offer and the information and documents contained in the offer document are not being made and have not been approved by an “authorized person” for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA“). Accordingly, the information and documents contained in the offer document are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom unless an exemption applies. The communication of the information and documents contained in the offer document is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is a communication by or on behalf of a body corporate which relates to a transaction to acquire day to day control of the affairs of a body corporate; or to acquire 50 per cent or more of the voting shares in a body corporate, within article 62 of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005.

    The Takeover Offer described herein is made on the basis of the exemptions to publish a prospectus in Switzerland set out in article 36 para. 1 lit. b of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA“). None of the offering documentation or information relating to the Takeover Offer constitutes a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA. No such documentation or information has been nor will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oriental Rise Holding Limited Announces Full Exercise of Underwriter’s Over-Allotment Option

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ningde, China, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oriental Rise Holding Limited (“Oriental Rise” or the “Company”) (NasdaqCM: ORIS), an integrated supplier of tea products in mainland China, today announced US Tiger Securities, Inc. (“US Tiger”), who acted as the underwriter and sole book-runner of the Company’s underwritten initial public offering (“IPO”), has exercised the full over-allotment option and purchased an additional 262,500 ordinary shares of the Company at the IPO price of $4.00 per share. As a result, the Company has raised $8.05 million in gross proceeds, before underwriting discounts and other related expenses, through the issuance of a total of 2,012,500 ordinary shares in the IPO.

    US Tiger acted as sole book runner for the Offering. The Crone Law Group served as counsel to the Company. VCL Law LLP served as counsel to the underwriter.

    A registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-274976) relating to the Offering was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by the Company, and subsequently declared effective by the SEC on September 30, 2024. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus relating to the Offering was filed with the SEC on October 17, 2024 and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus related to the Offering may be obtained, when available, from US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10022, or by telephone at +1 646-978-5188.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, 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.

    About Oriental Rise Holding Limited

    Oriental Rise Holding Limited is an integrated supplier of tea products in mainland China. Our major tea products include (i) primarily-processed tea consisting of white tea and black tea, and (ii) refined white tea and black tea. Our business operations are vertically integrated, covering cultivation, processing of tea leaves and the sale of tea products to tea business operators (such as wholesale distributors) and end-user retail customers in mainland China. We operate tea gardens located in Zherong County, Ningde City in Fujian Province of mainland China. For more information, visit the Company’s website at https://ir.mdhtea.cn/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    Sherry Zheng
    Weitian Group LLC
    Phone: 718-213-7386
    Email: shunyu.zheng@weitian-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 45.5 million in financing to accelerate Laserax’s international growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Laserax announces the raising of $45.5 million in its Series C financing led by the Business Development Bank of Canada, BDC, through its Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, with significant participation from existing investors Investissement Québec (IQ), Desjardins Capital. The package also includes a new credit facility from Desjardins Technologie & Innovation and support from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC-IRAP). This achievement testifies to the investors’ confidence in the Québec-based company’s ability to materialize its ambitious growth plan aimed at making it a world leader in the industrial laser technology sector.

    “In an ecosystem where successful start-ups are too often bought by foreign multinationals, this round of financing sends a strong message to our industry that Laserax is fully committed to its ambition to conquer and dominate the market. Beyond this investment, which will substantially accelerate our organic growth, we intend to rapidly add other financial tools to make strategic acquisitions in order to strengthen our geographic positioning and diversify our technological portfolio”, says Xavier Godmaire, President of Laserax.

    A PLAYER IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION

    Through its many innovations, Laserax is actively participating in the transition to a greener, more efficient economy by developing laser technologies that have a major impact on the productivity and carbon footprint reduction of its manufacturing customers.

    The company is particularly active in the transportation electrification and renewable energy production markets. Laserax has a strong intellectual property position, guaranteeing protection and differentiation of its technologies. The new investments will be used in particular to accelerate Laserax’s innovation velocity through the hiring of new talent and the acquisition of specialized equipment.

    “Over the past 14 years, Laserax has built strong relationships with leaders in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and battery manufacturers. We have a team of brilliant professionals, and I’m very proud to be pushing the boundaries of laser with them to propel Laserax to new heights,” insists Alex Fraser, CTO and co-founder of Laserax.

    QUOTES

    “Laserax continues to assert its leadership in industrial laser solutions. With an experienced management team and exceptional technological know-how, the company is well-positioned to seize significant market share in a rapidly transforming sector. BDC is proud to lead this round of financing and contribute to the energy transition by supporting the development of more sustainable industrial innovations.”
    Geneviève Bouthillier, Executive Vice President, BDC Capital

    “With its innovative technologies, Laserax plays an important role in the manufacture of electric vehicles and batteries that are at the heart of Quebec’s energy transition. We’re proud to support this dynamic company in its initiatives to enhance its performance and make its ingenuity more widely known in industries committed to decarbonizing our economy.”
    Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Greater Montreal Area

    “Laserax continues to grow in the Capitale-Nationale region with this major investment project. Already recognized for its expertise in technological innovation, the company is taking another step forward to strengthen its competitiveness and accelerate the production of its laser solutions, which are assets for the electrification of transportation and energy storage in all our regions.”
    Jonathan Julien, Minister responsible for Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the National Capital Region

    “As a financial partner of Laserax since 2013, Desjardins Capital is proud to once again support Laserax in its growth. From its modest beginnings as a startup with a few employees in the basement of Laval University, Laserax has become a young multinational. It is now a major player in the automotive industry. Laserax embodies our ability to support Quebec entrepreneurs at every stage of their growth.
    Nathalie Bernard, Chief Operating Officer, Desjardins Capital

    ABOUT LASERAX

    Founded in 2010, Laserax is an innovative company specializing in industrial laser solutions. With over 115 employees, the company has recorded an average annual growth rate of 60% in recent years, and is forecasting revenues of $100 million in 2026-2027. Headquartered in Quebec City, the company also operates facilities in Michigan, Germany and Japan.

    SOURCE

    info@laserax.com

    Laserax | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

    MEDIA CONTACT :

    Anne-Marie-A. Savoie | annemarie@fernandezcom.ca | C 418 934-7448

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinDepo Revolutionizes Crypto Investments with Simplicity and Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  CoinDepo, a cryptocurrency investment platform established in 2021, has gained recognition in the digital asset market, owing to its unique approach to simplifying investments and focusing on user security. Notably, CoinDepo has positioned itself as a reliable platform for those seeking an accessible yet profitable way to invest in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

    Committed to security and transparency, the company is carving out a niche in the highly competitive crypto market, aiming to make digital assets a more approachable investment option for everyone.

    At its core, CoinDepo’s mission is to offer investment opportunities that are as simple and straightforward as traditional banking deposits but with the added benefit of significantly higher returns. By eliminating the complexities and risks of active trading and staking with fluctuating interest rates across various platforms, CoinDepo ensures that even newcomers to the crypto world can confidently start earning on their crypto assets. With fixed annual interest rates on crypto savings accounts ranging from 12% to 24% APR, combined with compound interest, CoinDepo offers a compelling alternative to the often minimal returns found in traditional savings accounts.

    The CoinDepo platform is expanding rapidly, currently managing over $75 million in user assets across various cryptocurrencies and boasting a steadily growing user base of more than 20,000 private and institutional investors worldwide.

    A Focus on Security and Stability

    Since its inception, CoinDepo has made security one of its core values. The platform integrates cutting-edge technologies, including secure cloud and cold wallets, as well as enterprise-grade multi-layer security powered by Fireblocks, a leading provider of custodial solutions for banks and crypto platforms. This ensures users can safely store and manage their crypto assets. In a crypto market where cyber threats are an ongoing concern, CoinDepo has proven that security is not secondary but a foundational aspect of the user experience.

    Moreover, CoinDepo has developed and implemented the “Overcollateralization Mechanism,” which guarantees that all user assets deposited on the platform are fully insured and backed by additional liquidity provided by guarantors in exchange for rewards. This makes CoinDepo an even more reliable and trustworthy option compared to many other platforms in the industry.

    Looking Ahead: Expansion and New Services

    As CoinDepo looks to the future, the company has an ambitious roadmap. One of the key milestones on the horizon is the upcoming launch of the native COINDEPO token, scheduled for Q2 2025. This utility token will offer various benefits for platform users, including the ability to earn interest rewards for holding tokens.

    What sets the COINDEPO token apart is its unique feature of automatic staking on the platform immediately after purchasing the token during the Private Sale and Pre-sale phases. This allows buyers to earn daily compound interest even before the token is officially launched—a feature designed to make early participation even more attractive. Additionally, those purchasing the token early will enjoy a substantial discount off the listing price.

    Beyond the token launch, CoinDepo has other major plans for 2025. The platform is preparing to introduce a crypto lending service with unsecured microloans in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. This will simplify access to liquidity for individuals and businesses when they need it most. CoinDepo is also working on launching a crypto credit card service, enabling users to make fiat payments within a credit line, without the need to sell their crypto assets.

    Another exciting development is the upcoming service for direct instant swaps between any supported assets on the platform. This will allow users to easily and flexibly switch between cryptocurrencies, avoiding additional fees typically incurred when trading on crypto exchanges.

    One of the company’s more immediate goals is to expand its payment options for the European market, something customers have been actively requesting. By adding more payment providers in this region, CoinDepo aims to make its services even more accessible and user-friendly.

    The Human Side of CoinDepo

    Beyond technical innovations, CoinDepo takes pride in its commitment to human values. In a world where the crypto space is often associated with quick profits and high-risk ventures, CoinDepo has chosen a different approach.

    The company is involved in several charitable initiatives, including supporting educational programs for children in Africa. These programs aim to improve the lives of underprivileged communities by providing children with access to education and new opportunities. CoinDepo sees these efforts as an extension of its mission to help people, whether they are customers, colleagues, or new startups in the crypto space.

    As CoinDepo continues to grow and evolve, it strives to be more than just a profit-driven business. By combining financial innovation with social responsibility, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the evolving world of crypto finance.

    A Look at CoinDepo’s Current Promotions

    To attract new users and expand its community, CoinDepo is currently running a limited-time promotion offering a $50 bonus in COINDEPO Tokens for anyone who signs up. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to build a loyal user base while also preparing for the future launch of its native token, COINDEPO.

    The $50 bonus is available for all new users who register on the platform before the end of October 2024. It’s an exciting opportunity for new users to start exploring the platform with an immediate boost to their deposit balance.

    In conclusion, while CoinDepo’s features and security measures are impressive, what truly sets the platform apart is its balanced approach to crypto investments. It offers a simple, reliable, and secure way to earn passive income in a volatile crypto market while also giving back to the community.

    About Us

    CoinDepo operates under the stringent security protocols of Fireblock and is supported by a seasoned team of industry professionals. Through its active involvement in charitable initiatives that underscore its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable growth, the platform has further distinguished itself. CoinDepo has a robust ecosystem that includes innovative offerings, including a micro-credit crypto service that lends out cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, a crypto credit card that enables users to easily spend their profits, and, most importantly, a breakthrough DeFi aggregator.

    Contact

    Name: Christian d’Ippolito
    Email: info@coindepo.com
    Website: https://coindepo.com/

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by CoinDepo. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e59df7be-f227-4b0b-a479-cd3082b03fac

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Renovates Two Schools in Samara Region

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Renovates Two Schools in Samara Region

    Rosneft financed the renovation of primary general education school No. 28 and secondary comprehensive school No. 29 in Syzran. The large-scale renovation of educational facilities was carried out under the cooperation agreement between Rosneft and the Samara Region Government.

    Rosneft is actively involved in the social and economic development of its operating regions. Thanks to the Company’s support, a number of major social projects have been implemented in Samara Region.

    School No. 28 underwent its first major renovation in 70 years. The building, which accommodates 440 students, has had its roof, windows and doors completely replaced, its unique stucco and frescoes on the façade restored, its technical networks renewed, its staircases reinforced, and fire alarms and CCTV systems installed both inside and outside the building. In addition, the classrooms, canteen and cloakroom have been refurbished to make it easier for people with reduced mobility to move around.

    The Company also financed major works to improve the surrounding area. In particular, a universal playground has been created for students and neighbourhood residents, and street fitness equipment has been installed.

    The Company also financed the reconstruction of the middle and high school building of the secondary comprehensive school No. 29. All the building’s technical networks were replaced, fire alarm and CCTV systems were installed and the facade was renovated. The renovation allowed for an increase in classroom and ancillary space. The sports hall has been completely renovated.

    As a result of a major overhaul, the middle and high school buildings and the primary school building, which was reconstructed with Rosneft funds last year, now form a single landscaped space.

    The reconstruction of schools No. 28 and 29 has made it possible to create comfortable conditions for children’s education and to improve the efficiency of the implementation of state education programmes.

    Reference:

    Samara Region is one of the key regions of Rosneft’s operations, where the Company is represented by enterprises of the full production cycle: upstream, midstream and downstream.

    The cooperation agreement between Samara Region and Rosneft has been in force since 2014. Within the framework of the agreement, activities are carried out to address the priority issues of the socio-economic development of the territories. Thanks to the Company’s support, a number of major social projects have been implemented in the region: educational institutions have been built or renovated in several cities and districts, ice palaces have been built, a new swimming complex has been opened in Samara, the Palace of Culture has been reconstructed, and a polyclinic has been overhauled in Syzran.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    September 2, 2024

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Opens Master’s Programme for Foreign Students in Ufa

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Opens Master’s Programme for Foreign Students in Ufa

    The Rosneft Scientific Institute in Ufa has opened a master’s programme in Petroleum Engineering for international students at the Ufa State Petroleum Technological University (USPTU). Ten applicants from Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon were the first students on the programme.

    As part of the programme, Company specialists will work with university lecturers to teach students how to design, develop and produce onshore and offshore oil and gas fields, work with Rosneft’s digital software products, learn about innovative well drilling technologies and much more.

    Classes will be held in English. In this way, the specialised educational programme will be available to the majority of foreign students who do not speak Russian.

    To date, Rosneft Ufa Institute has opened 11 special and multi-disciplinary departments in the leading universities of the Republic of Bashkortostan: Ufa University of Science and Technology and Ufa State Petroleum Technological University. The departments reach more than 750 students. The most proactive will be invited for internships and paid apprenticeships. This year, more than 40 top graduates joined the Institute. Their theses proposed innovative solutions to the Company’s production challenges.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    September 3, 2024

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Our most global, transparent Global Diversity & Inclusion Report yet

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Our most global, transparent Global Diversity & Inclusion Report yet

    Today, I am sharing Microsoft’s 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Report, our most global and transparent report to date. This marks our sixth consecutive annual report and the eleventh year sharing our global workforce data, highlighting our progress and areas of opportunity.

    Our ongoing focus on diversity and inclusion is directly tied to our inherently inclusive mission — to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, enabling us to innovate in the era of AI. As we approach our company’s 50th anniversary, we remain deeply committed to D&I because it is what creates transformational solutions to the most complex challenges for customers, partners and the world.

    Key data

    We gather a range of data, which is presented in specific ways throughout the report. In the following section, it is important to understand the distinction between our *Broader Microsoft business and our **Core Microsoft business.

    New and expanded data

    • Datacenters: As we lead the AI platform shift, our workforce continues to expand to include employees with varied backgrounds and roles, and we are sharing new data this year on a growing employee population in datacenter roles. The population of datacenter employees grew 23.9% globally and 28.9% in the US in 2024, more than tripling since 2020.
    • In our most global report to date, we expanded new global Self-ID data to include Indigenous and military employees, as well as those with disabilities. For example, 5.7% of global employees in our core Microsoft business self-identified as having a disability, an increase of 0.2 percentage points year over year.
    • We continue to have pay equity. For median unadjusted pay analysis, the data shows we have made progress in narrowing the gaps. This year we expanded pay equity analysis and median unadjusted pay analysis to not only include women inside and outside the US, but also include a combined view of women globally. Increasing representation for women and racial and ethnic minority groups at more senior levels, combined with maintaining pay equity for all, will continue to reduce the median unadjusted pay gap. 

    Representation

    • Representation of women in our core Microsoft workforce is 31.6%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points year over year. Additionally, the representation of women in technical roles is 27.2%, an increase of 0.5 percentage points year over year.
    • Representation of women in our core Microsoft workforce rose year over year at all leadership levels except Executive.
    • Leadership representation in our core Microsoft workforce of Black and African American employees at the Partner + Executive level grew to 4.3%, an increase of 0.5 percentage points year over year. Leadership representation in our core Microsoft workforce of Hispanic and Latinx employees at the Executive level rose to 4.6%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points year over year.
    • In our broader Microsoft workforce, representation of racial and ethnic minority groups is 53.9%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points year over year.

    Culture and inclusion in focus

    Employee sentiment and engagement

    • Our semi-annual Employee Signals survey focuses on employee experience and helps us deepen our understanding so we can adjust our efforts where needed. These insights show that employees continue to feel like they are thriving, with a global and US score of 76. Within Employee Signals, we focus on thriving, which we define as “being energized and empowered to do meaningful work.” This is designed to measure employees’ sense of purpose, which is important to personal and professional fulfillment. We survey employees on three dimensions of thriving: Feeling energized, feeling empowered and doing meaningful work.
    • Our Daily Signals survey results indicate employee perceptions around Microsoft’s commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace increased two points year over year to an average score of 79.
    • Since introducing the concept of allyship to employees in 2018, we have inspired and led a positive impact on our culture. As of June 2024, 95.6% of employees reported some level of awareness of the concept of allyship, up from 65.0% in 2019 when we first started asking employees about their awareness.

    A commitment that spans decades

    Our annual D&I report not only reviews our data, but also illuminates the intentional strategy and actions that have helped us make progress across our company’s journey.

    Examples include:

    • Being one of the first Fortune 500 companies to expand antidiscrimination policy and benefits to LGBTQIA+ employees in 1989.
    • Announcing our Racial Equity Initiative in June 2020, outlining actions and progress we expect to make by 2025 to help address racial injustice and inequity in the US for Black and African American communities.
    • Launching immersive D&I learning simulations in 2021, allowing employees to practice crucial D&I skills, such as recognizing and addressing bias, responding to microaggressions and demonstrating effective allyship.
    • Building on more than a decade of helping to reskill military service members through our Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), and this year expanding this skilling opportunity to train military spouses for portable, in-demand IT roles.
    • Introducing pronouns and self-expression features in Microsoft 365, an innovation brought directly to fruition because we listened to, and collaborated with, customers, partners and employees who asked for these features.

    A mission as bold as ours

    At Microsoft, we’re guided by our mission, worldview and culture. Our mission is the why; it drives our actions. Our worldview is the what, shaping our strategy and products. Culture is the how, influencing everything with a focus on growth and innovation. Culture is also the who: Who makes up the workforce, who services our customers, who innovates the future of tech. The diversity of the workforce, combined with inclusion, unlocks individual and collective potential. This is what is necessary to stay relevant, compete at scale and win.

    Every person. Every organization. Every day. Everywhere.

    Here’s to making progress for the next 50 years.

    Lindsay-Rae

    Notes

    * Broader Microsoft business: Includes the core Microsoft business, plus minimally integrated companies. Employees of joint ventures and newly acquired companies are not included in the data, including Activision, Blizzard, and King. LinkedIn was acquired in December 2016, GitHub was acquired in June 2018, and Activision, Blizzard, and King were acquired in October 2023. We provide standalone data for these three acquisitions. Nuance Communications was acquired in March 2022 and fully integrated in August 2023. 

    **Core Microsoft business: Represents 88.4% of the worldwide broader Microsoft workforce. 

    Tags: Diversity and Inclusion Report

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Statement on Waterloo Post Office

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement on the USPS decision to retain certain postal operations in Waterloo. 

    “I personally advocated to the Postmaster General to prevent the outsourcing of all mail processing operations in Waterloo and to ensure there would be no job losses. While their decision to retain some mail processing in Waterloo and not cut any postal jobs is a positive step, this is not the end of the conversation. I will continue working to protect jobs and ensure reliable postal service for all Iowans.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Leger Fernandez Visits Roswell New Mexico to Survey Flood Damage, Releases Statement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM)

    To download photos and videos of the Congresswoman’s visit this LINK

    ROSWELL, NM – Following historic flooding in Chaves County over the weekend, Congresswoman Leger Fernández visited Roswell today, toured affected areas, and released the following statement.

    “In Roswell today, we assessed the damage that this weekend’s 500-year flood event caused. We walked through the muck that destroyed people’s homes and cars, Roswell businesses, and the artwork in its famous museum. We heard stories of families stranded on tops of trucks, hanging on to trees and watching in horror from the convention rooftop. But we also heard stories of  neighbors saving each other from danger. We saw the local high school football team showing up to help their community clean out the ruined remains of what was once a home,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

    “I will push to have a federal disaster declared as quickly as possible after the State sends in its request.  The federal government must mobilize resources to help families and businesses recover. It was irresponsible for Speaker Johnson to strip the additional FEMA funding Democrats requested in the temporary government funding bill passed in September. As natural disasters like this continue to intensify, Speaker Johnson must act quickly to make sure FEMA and the SBA have the funding they need to help families and businesses from North Carolina to New Mexico,”she continued.

    “Thank you to our brave first responders, local officials, and volunteer personnel for their tireless work. Please be sure to document your losses, follow official instructions for your safety and our accounts for updates,”she concluded.

    To download photos and videos of the Congresswoman’s visit this LINK.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan, Spanberger, Wittman Announce $2.25 Million Grant Award for Richmond International Airport

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

    Richmond, VA – Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) announced Richmond International Airport (RIC) will receive $2,250,000 to design a consolidated Passenger Screening Checkpoint to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion. 

    In September, McClellan led a bipartisan push supported by Spanberger and Wittman to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calling for increased federal funding to support the design and construction of a consolidated passenger screening checkpoint to meet current and projected capacity requirements. 

    “Richmond International Airport has incredible impacts on the Central Virginia economy. Last year, the airport reported record passenger traffic, which will continue to grow in the coming years,” said McClellan. “We must ensure we modernize and upgrade existing infrastructure to support current and future needs. I’m thrilled by today’s funding announcement to build a new consolidated passenger screening checkpoint, which will increase capacity and efficiency.”

    “For the second year in a row, Richmond International Airport is on track to serve a record number of passengers,” said Spanberger. “The airport is integral to the continued growth of our Commonwealth’s economy and Virginians’ ability to get where they’re going through the air. I’m proud to have worked alongside Representatives McClellan and Wittman to bring this funding home.”

    This grant funding was awarded through the Department of Transportation (DOT) FAA’s Airport Terminals Program. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Airport Terminals Program provides competitive grants for airport terminal development projects that address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports. 

    Read the lawmakers’ letter to the FAA here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chaos at the Executive Office Committee

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “The farce of today’s Executive Office Committee meeting will have left even the most ardent defender of the institutions uncomfortable.

    “Before the committee even met there were serious questions about how it could go ahead given that the chair had a meeting with Ms O’Neill without any other members of the committee present at which she discussed how the meeting would progress. Confidence was hardly improved either by the fact that some members of the committee agreed to submit their questions to the Executive Office in advance.

    “But even with all of that, the First Minister’s approach to the committee was to refuse to answer questions even when they self-evidently related to the duties of the Executive Office.

    “None of the questions surrounding Sinn Féin’s multiple scandals were addressed. In spite of what the First Minister and the chair of the committee may claim, all my questions were related to the Ministerial Code and Ms O’Neill’s fitness to hold office.

    “Frankly, the most telling upshot from today will be how many Unionists now sign the motion of no confidence which I submitted to the business office some weeks ago.

    “The only people who can bring this to a head is the DUP who can remove O’Neill from office by resigning the deputy First Minister. I trust they will do so. If they don’t want to sign my motion of no confidence they should table their own.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: McAuley highlights British Heart Foundation defibrillator opportunity for Ballymoney

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Ballymoney Councillor Jonathan McAuley:
    “I was interested to note that the British Heart Foundation has put out a call to communities across Northern Ireland to apply for a free lifesaving defibrillator.
    “The BHF has over 320 defibrillator packages available to communities across the UK as part of our Community Defibrillator Funding Programme.
    “Areas with greatest need and who have limited access to defibrillators will be prioritised and one of the areas in Northern Ireland they are particularly keen to receive applications from Newhill in Ballymoney.

    “I would encourage local groups to avail of this opportunity. Applications can be made online here.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: mRNA vaccine candidate for norovirus – the start of an RCT

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Norovirus, a virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, can be a particular problem in closed settings which have high numbers of vulnerable (e.g. elderly) people, such as care home and cruise ships.  But we’ve never had a vaccine against norovirus.

    Now, a phase 3 randomised controlled trial of a new norovirus vaccine candidate is being launched in the UK and globally, to investigate whether the vaccine works.

    The vaccine candidate is an mRNA vaccine, produced by Moderna, and the trial is being run as a collaboration between the NIHR, Moderna and DHSC.

    Journalists came to this SMC briefing to hear from those running the trial about what the vaccine is, how it works, what data so far has suggested about whether it will work, how the trial will be run and how it will recruit those most at risk from norovirus, etc.

    Speakers included: 

    Dr Patrick Moore, Chief Investigator of the study, and GP

    Prof Saul Faust, Professor of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Southampton, and NIHR Vaccination Innovation Pathway co clinical lead

    Dr Melanie Ivarsson, Chief Development Officer, Moderna

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Baranki, kokoshniks, bast dolls: Russian Culture Day held at HSE

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    At the end of October, the Russian Culture Day festival was held in the HSE building on Pokrovsky Boulevard. The traditional holiday, organized by Directorate for Internationalization of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, is designed to help foreign and Russian students learn more about our country and its color, make new acquaintances and get a boost of emotions.

    Today, almost 5,000 foreign students study at the HSE Moscow campus. To help them adapt to a new country, HSE offers them the opportunity to get to know multicultural Russia as part of the Russian Culture Day festival. On October 17, in the atrium on Pokrovka, participants had the opportunity to take part in master classes on assembling and painting a wooden hut, making a bast doll and wax candles, and also take lessons on playing the button accordion, balalaika, and wooden spoons. In addition, they could enjoy pies, bagels, and drinks in a Russian teahouse, play quizzes on Russian literature and music, cuisine, and geography, and guess the paintings and meanings of rare Russian words.

    Foreign students studied each topic with interest and took souvenir photos wearing kokoshniks. Edna Jacob came to Russia from Tanzania as part of the HSE International Preparatory Year program (International Prep Year). “A teacher from HSE told us about today’s event, and we were all excited. I’ve already made a wooden hut and painted it,” she shared. “I’ve fallen madly in love with HSE, there are wonderful people and teachers here. I see that they teach us with a special passion for their work.”

    Zhang Yifan came to HSE from China. “This is my second month at HSE, and I will be studying for a total of four months as part of an exchange program. I am studying sociology here as a postgraduate. HSE is different from my university. I was a little worried before coming to Moscow, but now I am very inspired, I like it here,” she said.

    Other HSE students also shared their impressions of the festival.

    Ilya Shevchenko, OP “Economics”, 1st year

    — I can study history in lectures, or I can sit here and make dolls out of bast, immersing myself in the atmosphere. It’s great that HSE organizes such festivals. One of the best things about HSE is that there is constant life here, something is always happening, and every time you want to stop and participate.

    Elena Hassan, MP “Pedagogical Education”, 2nd year

    — I have already managed to make a candle from wax with my own hands, decorated it, I am thinking of using it in the interior of my home. A good and interesting event, everyone here is involved in the process of creating different products, very soulful.

    Alina Asanalieva, OP “Economy”, 4th year

    — It’s atmospheric and cozy, everyone here is cheerful, playing something. I took part in all the activities: guessing cities, famous people, books. HSE is distinguished by such events, every day is a holiday. They help you relax between classes, thanks to HSE for such an opportunity.

    Taisiya Gavrishchuk, MP “Pedagogical education”, 1st year

    — I played the accordion here. I can play the piano, but the accordion is completely different, you can’t even see the keys where to press. It was an unforgettable experience, I really liked it. I also tried to play the spoons and bells, it was also fun. The mood is positive, I like it here.

    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 USA: Kaptur Announces New NASA Funding Opportunities for Northern Ohio Businesses And Local Companies to Support NASA Hypersonic Research and Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Toledo, OH – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced the availability of new major NASA funding opportunities that will enable local businesses in Northern Ohio to partner with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This funding opportunity is part of NASA’s latest hypersonic technology initiative, centered around Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) in Sandusky and the Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, which Congresswoman Kaptur has long championed. The new Request for Information (RFI) for Hypersonic Test Planning Services aims to foster collaboration between NASA and commercial providers to advance the future of reusable hypersonic flight.

    “Ohio’s aerospace legacy is built on a tradition of innovation in flight — from the Wright Brothers, to astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. During my service, I have tirelessly advocated for their legacies and for NASA’s Glenn Facility in Cleveland and NASA’s Armstrong facility in Sandusky to advance their place in the nation’s pursuit to understand the cosmos around us. This new NASA funding opportunity presents a window for local businesses in our region of Northern Ohio to lead in advancing the future of flight,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Northern Ohio is where the next breakthroughs in hypersonic technology will happen. It’s a privilege to support partnerships between these facilities and local industry as we help shape America’s future in aerospace, ensuring that innovation and progress start right here in our communities. The path to the cosmos truly runs right through America’s heartland, and I am proud to support these ongoing efforts to reach beyond the stars and to challenge what is possible.”

    “Airbreathing hypersonic flight has the potential to transform the aerospace industry and aid the US to maintain its economic advantage in aerospace while significantly advancing its military capability. NASA intends to advance fundamental airbreathing hypersonic technologies to enable a revolutionary advancement in routine, reusable high-speed flight,” noted NASA.

    This initiative builds upon Congresswoman Kaptur’s ongoing efforts to secure vital federal funding for local participation in NASA’s mission, including the recent award in February, 2024 of up to $282 Million to Fremont-based aerospace leader Sierra Lobo. This funding will support NASA’s spaceflight hardware development and testing at the Glenn Research Center. Sierra Lobo’s success demonstrates the role Northern Ohio companies play in advancing NASA’s work and in the region’s aerospace capabilities.

    Businesses interested in learning more about NASA’s hypersonic testing services opportunity are encouraged to respond to the Request for Information by November 18, 2024. This program offers a platform for local companies to collaborate with NASA, contribute to the advancement of US aerospace technologies, and drive the future of commercial and defense applications.

    For additional details on NASA’s hypersonic flight test services visit the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center website. For more information about this funding opportunity you can click here. For any questions about the federal grant application process you can contact Congresswoman Kaptur’s local office.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA is Hiring for the Pennsylvania Disaster Recovery Team

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA is Hiring for the Pennsylvania Disaster Recovery Team

    FEMA is Hiring for the Pennsylvania Disaster Recovery Team

    Harrisburg, Penn. – Are you interested in helping your neighbors and community recover from Tropical Storm Debby that affected Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties? FEMA has an immediate need to employ local residents as temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts as part of the disaster recovery team. For its offices in Harrisburg, FEMA is looking to hire one Creative Specialist, two Voluntary Agency Liaison Specialists, one External Affairs Specialist, one Media Relations Specialist, and one Intergovernmental Affairs/Congressional Affairs Specialist.  Visit the links for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation:External Affairs Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/814972000 Deadline: 10/28/2024Creative Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/815253400 Deadline: 10/29/2024Voluntary Agency Liaison Specialists (2 positions)https://www.usajobs.gov/job/814973900  Deadline: 10/27/2024Media Relations Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/815055700   Deadline: 10/28/2024Intergovernmental Affairs/Congressional Affairs Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/814971600Deadline: 10/28/2024The announcements will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the noted deadline dates, or when 100 applications are received for each specialty.  Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is up to 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.FEMA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring that its workforce reflect the diversity of the nation. Conditions of Employment:You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for these positions.You must successfully pass a background investigation.Selective Service registration is required for males born after Dec. 31, 1959.You must be at least 18 years old.You must be a high school graduate or hold a GED.Review the Additional Information section for additional key requirements.To see other FEMA career postings, visit fema.gov/careers.The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance is November 12, 2024. For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Pennsylvania, visit fema.gov/disaster/4815.                                                                                        ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). 
    erika.osullivan
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 15:46

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL conference on the future of policing opens in South Korea

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    23 October 2024

    From artificial intelligence to climate change, the event will study trends impacting the global security landscape.

    INCHEON, Korea – INTERPOL, in collaboration with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), is convening the first-ever Future of Policing Congress to address emerging challenges facing law enforcement. 

    The two-day (23-24 October) event will take place alongside the Korea Police World Expo (KPEX) in Incheon, aiming to address the rapidly changing global security landscape and help prepare law enforcement agencies worldwide for the future.

    Bringing together law enforcement leaders, industry experts, academics, and stakeholders from various sectors, the Congress will see delegates explore how global ‘megatrends’ will shape the future of policing. 

    The event will in turn serve as a platform for participants to identify potential future scenarios, understand their security implications and identify steps to prepare law enforcement to adapt. 

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

    “The Future of Policing Congress is not just a moment of reflection. It is a call to action. Recent years have taught us that the world changes faster than we ever could have imagined. Our ways of working, learning, and operating must keep pace.”

    Commissioner General CHO Ji Ho, Korean National Police Agency said:

    “Today’s Congress goes beyond simply talking about challenges in policing. It presents countries with an invaluable opportunity to canvass new possibilities in responding to technology-driven and engage with one another for better cooperation.”

    Innovation-as-a-service

    In recent years, INTERPOL has expanded its strategic foresight capabilities to offer member countries ‘innovation-as-a-service, helping member countries anticipate emerging trends and threats.

    Engaging with global experts from the public and private sectors, INTERPOL has rolled out initiatives such as the Future Foresight Lab, Young Global Police Leaders Programme and the Responsible AI Lab. 

    In 2023, INTERPOL launched Vision 2030 – a major initiative to help steer the strategic direction for the future of global law enforcement.

    This was followed by the creation of the INTERPOL Future Council– a diverse group of experts that, from strategic futurists to legal practitioners, academics and young law enforcement voices, helps ensure INTERPOL remains at the forefront of global law enforcement innovation. 

    Changing models of policing

    The Future of Policing Congress is organized into three sessions: the first explores future scenarios, the second examines their impact on law enforcement, and the final session focuses on how law enforcement can prepare to face future challenges.

    The Congress, which was built as a hands-on workshop, is facilitated by academics and experts from private sector and international organizations. It utilizes innovative tools like discussions provoked by AI-generated videos and questions on specific topics.

    The Future of Policing Congress looks at the future from 5 dimensions including social, technological, economic, environmental, and geopolitical landscapes. The impact on law enforcement will be explored in terms of evolution of crime, policing duties, data and evidence, and changing models of policing, trust and citizen expectations.

    The path forward for law enforcement preparedness will encompass equipment and tools, skill sets, processes and procedures, organizational structures, and international cooperation.

    The outcomes of the Congress will be compiled and disseminated to INTERPOL’s 196 member countries.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 72 Year Old Tahlequah Resident Sentenced To 17 Years For Child Sex Abuse Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Phillip Dale Wilson, age 72, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 204 months each on two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country.  The terms are to be served concurrently for a total prison term of 17 years.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

    On December 18, 2023, Phillip Dale Wilson pleaded guilty to the charges.  According to investigators, beginning in December of 1999 and continuing until November of 2005, Wilson sexually abused a child he knew to be under the age of 12.  Investigators also established that between April 2004 and March 2011, Wilson sexually abused a second child he knew to be under the age of 12.  The investigation further revealed that between September 2001 and December 2015 Wilson sexually abused three other children under the age of 12 and another child under the age of 16.

    The crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    “This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI to investigate anyone who would harm the most vulnerable members of the community, our children,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater.  “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue child sex offenders and send them to federal prison where they belong.”

    “Due in large part to the bravery of the victims and the exceptional investigative work of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, the defendant will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “No prison sentence can undo the physical and emotional damage the defendant inflicted on his victims, but I hope they can have some measure of peace in knowing the defendant no longer poses a threat to them or other children.”

    The Honorable Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for Puerto Rico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Wilson will remain in 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 Nicole Paladino represented the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Stoughton Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Armed Robberies of Postal Workers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Since July 2022, there have been at least 23 assaults on USPS letter carriers in Boston and surrounding communities

    BOSTON – A Stoughton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the armed robberies of United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers that took place on Nov. 29, 2022 in Mattapan and Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park. In one instance, the defendant robbed the letter carrier at knifepoint.

    Kenneth Demosthene, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2024, Demosthene pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States, aiding and abetting and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, aiding and abetting. In May 2023, Demosthene was indicted by a federal grand jury along with his alleged co-conspirator Myesha Lewis.

    USPS has seen a rise in the use of arrow keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An arrow key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These arrow keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 23 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and its surrounding communities. These incidents included the attempted or successful robbery of USPS arrow keys from letter carriers. Additionally, of these 23, 15 of the robberies were instances where the perpetrators were reportedly armed with a knife, firearm, or both.

    On Nov. 29, 2022, in Mattapan, Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis followed and forcibly robbed a USPS letter carrier of an arrow key. Demosthene approached the letter carrier and said, “I’m going to need your master key,” before reaching into the letter carrier’s mail satchel and grabbing the arrow key. The arrow key was secured around the letter carrier’s belt with a brass chain. It is alleged that the force used to physically break the brass chain caused the letter carrier to be pulled off the front steps. Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis fled the scene in a rental vehicle.

    On Dec. 16, 2022, in Hyde Park, Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis robbed another USPS letter carrier of an arrow key at knife point. Demosthene approached the USPS letter carrier and said, “Give me your f****** arrow key.” The letter carrier put their hands in the air as the defendants attempted to remove the arrow key, at first by force pulling at the chain. Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis then attempted to cut it with the knife – eventually breaking the arrow key loose, and fleeing the scene on foot.  

    Lewis is expected to plead guilty on Oct. 30, 2024.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in $41 Million Health Insurance Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A Dallas pharmacy owner who routinely billed insurance companies for headache sprays, pain creams, and scar creams never dispersed to patients was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

    Ivor Jallah, 37, was indicted in November 2020 and pleaded guilty in June 2024 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. He was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 120 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $41,494,313.97 in restitution.  Mr. Ivor’s coconspirator, Shannon Turley, 46, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and is set to be sentenced in November.

    “By billing for prescription medication patients never needed nor received, these defendants brazenly lined their pockets at the expense of each and every client who paid into health insurance,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Healthcare is already a significant expense for many Americans. We cannot and will not allow pharmacy operators to abuse the system in this way.”

    “Healthcare fraud schemes are more complex, more resource-consuming, and more costly to the American taxpayer than ever. For this defendant, as one avenue to personal enrichment ran its course, he simply began operating a new pharmacy or engaging in a new method to circumvent existing system safeguards,” explained Dallas FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge P. J. O’Brien. “From fraudulent credentials to fabricated invoices, the conspiracy was designed to thwart detection. The FBI will continue to work with our partners from the Northern District of Texas, Texas Department of Insurance, and others to bring justice to criminals who attempt to undermine our healthcare system.”

    According to plea papers, Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley – who together operated at least nine Texas pharmacies, including Preferred RX, EZ Pharmacy, Avenue H Pharmacy, and Wallis Pharmacy – paid individuals they referred to as “marketers” for insured patients’ personally identifiable information. Some patients were aware of the scheme and required the marketers pay a fee for their information; others were oblivious to the fraud.

    Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley caused employees to input the patient information onto pre-populated prescription pads. In some cases, they paid physicians to fraudulently stamp prescription forms when they had not seen patients, while in other cases, they used physicians’ stamps without their knowledge.

    Initially, the pharmacies shipped out a fraction of the medications they billed to insurance. At some point, however, Mr. Jallah decided to stop shipping out any medication they billed to insurance.

    When insurance companies conducted audits to determine whether the prescription claims were legitimate, Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley fabricated drug purchase invoices to support the claims they submitted to insurance.

    Mr. Jallah also directed pharmacy employees to create faux prescription delivery logs and directed the so-called “marketers” to ask patients to sign the logs regardless of whether they received prescriptions. In cases where the marketers could not obtain patient signatures, Mr. Jallah directed pharmacy employees to forge them.

    Over the course of the scheme, Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley submitted at least $46 million in bogus claims to insurers, $41 million of which were reimbursed.

    Eight defendants have previously pled guilty to charges associated with the pharmacy fraud and been sentenced to a combined 290 months in prison.  Two other defendants await sentencing. 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marty Basu, Joshua Detzky, and Lindsey Pryor prosecuted the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Miller and Lisa Dunn. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Sampson County Men Indicted Following October 2023 Murder of Five

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., is announcing federal charges against two men arising from the murders of five people in a Sampson County house in October 2023. The indictment alleges that the two are responsible for the murders.

    In a superseding indictment returned on August 27, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Robert Andrew Daquan Williams, aka “Double Tap, Drew and TTG,” age 31, and Derek George, aka “Pete,” age 35, with drug distribution and robbery charges. The superseding indictment also alleges possession of a firearm to further the drug and robbery charges and that the firearm was discharged resulting in the murder of five victims.

    Williams and George are each charged with one count of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack), one count of conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Williams also faces one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. A third individual named in the indictment is charged with illegal gun possession but is not currently facing charges related to the murders.

    If convicted, Williams and George face punishment up to and including the death penalty. Williams has been in custody since November 9, 2023. George was arrested following the federal indictment and remains in custody.

    “The charges brought in this case demonstrate the partnership between local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute individuals believed to be contributing to violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “In this case, a combination of old-fashioned police work and community tips led to the identification and ultimate arrest of those that are alleged to have caused this act of violence. We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our communities and to ensure justice for those that perpetrate violent criminal activity.”

    “Five people were taken from their families by this crime which impacted the entire community. We hope these federal charges can bring some sense of peace and justice for everyone affected,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina.

    “Too many lives were lost in another case of senseless violence,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms Tobacco and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “This incident has had a major impact on the community, and it is important that ATF and our partners apply every resource available to identify, apprehend and bring the individuals who are alleged to be responsible for this terrible crime to justice.”

    “As the sheriff of Sampson County, it is my responsibility to use every resource available to help keep the residents of Sampson County safe,” said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. “I greatly appreciate all the people and agencies that have assisted in this investigation.”

    The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clinton Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Lemons  and Casey Peaden are prosecuting the case. This is an ongoing investigation. If any person has information related to these crimes, please contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141 or the FBI.

    This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for 7:24-CR-00013-D-BM.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Doctor Charged with Health Care Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Doctor allegedly received kickbacks for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans

    BOSTON – A New York doctor was charged today in federal court in Boston for allegedly receiving kickbacks in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans.

    Dr. Kenneth Fishberger, 75, of East Setauket, N.Y. was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.

    According to the charging documents, Fishberger, an internist in Long Island, N.Y., was a licensed medical doctor in the State of New York for approximately 47 years. It is alleged that from approximately June 2013 through December 2019, Fishberger conspired with others, including a principal for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, and a salesperson for the company, to order hundreds of medically unnecessary TCD scans in exchange for kickbacks. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain – It is further alleged that Fishberger and his co-conspirators used false diagnoses to order the unnecessary brain scans, for which a co-conspirator would submit claims to Medicare and other insurance companies, including private insurance companies, on behalf of the medical diagnostic company for payment. In exchange, Fishberger was paid cash kickbacks of approximately $100 per test. According to the charging documents, the scheme resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $891,978 to Medicare and private insurance companies.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Denver Man Convicted Of Being A Felon In Possession Of Ammunition By Federal Jury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Tyrell Braxton, 25, of Denver, was found guilty by a federal grand jury of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

    According to the facts established at trial, in the early morning hours on August 19, 2023, a large group of people gathered on the southwest corner of 28th and Welton in Denver. Shortly before 4 am, multiple gunshots were heard, and Denver Police officers were dispatched to a shooting. Surveillance video from a nearby home showed Braxton repeatedly displaying a firearm for hours prior to the shooting. The video also showed Braxton getting into a man’s face before firing six shots at the man and the people standing near him. This man was shot and killed.  Two women were shot and injured. After Braxton started shooting, other individuals on scene also began to fire, and a second man was shot and killed. Ultimately, law enforcement recovered 71 spent shell casings that were identified as being fired from eight different firearms. Braxton fled the scene with his firearm and was a fugitive before being captured. Braxton was on federal supervised release at the time for a prior unlawful possession of a firearm and had been released from prison in April 2023.

    “Violent criminals have no place on our streets,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “Our office works hard to hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions, and I am grateful for the dedicated support of our local law enforcement partners.”

    Sentencing will be held on January 29, 2025.

    United States District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the trial. The Denver Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives handled the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Celeste Rangel and Special Assistant United States Attorney Leah Perczak handled the prosecution.

    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.

    Case Number: 24-cr-00029-RBJ-1

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Couple Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON— A Texas couple was sentenced to prison after they were previously convicted of assaulting law enforcement and other charges during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Mark Middleton, 55, and Jalise Middleton, 54, both of Forestburg, Texas, were sentenced to 30 and 20 months in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss. Mark Middleton was additionally sentenced to 36 months’ supervised release, and a $2,000 fine. Jalise Middleton was additionally sentenced to 30 months’ supervised release, and a $2,000 fine.

                A federal jury previously convicted the Middletons of two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, as well as civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding.  In addition to the felonies, the Middletons were convicted of misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in the Capitol grounds or building, and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or building.

                Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States, the government voluntarily moved pre-sentencing to dismiss the Middleton’s conviction on obstruction of an official proceeding.

                According to evidence presented during the trial, on Jan. 6, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building to assist U.S. Capitol Police officers with protecting the Capitol building and grounds from a group of amassed rioters. At about 2:09 p.m., MPD officers struggled against rioters who had refused repeated orders to step back from the police line and bike rack barricades.

                According to trial evidence and police body-worn camera footage, as the officers struggled with the group of rioters, a male individual, later identified as Mark Middleton, pushed against the barricades and the police line with his body. Officers are heard on body-worn camera footage repeatedly ordering Mark Middleton and others to “Get back!” In response, Mark Middleton is heard yelling “f— you!” as he continued to push against the police barricades. Evidence showed that Mark Middleton resisted MPD officers, grabbed onto an MPD officer’s left hand or wrist, and pulled the officer forward towards the crowd.

                At the same time, a woman, later identified as Jalise Middleton, is seen on body-worn camera footage repeatedly grabbing and striking the same officer over the barricade with her hand. Another officer then approached to assist, and Jalise Middleton struck that officer as well. Video footage shows that the couple continued to grapple with and strike at the officers and attempted to pull an officer into the crowd as various flags were jabbed toward the officers’ faces.

                MPD officers later deployed a chemical spray, forcing the Middletons to retreat from the barricaded line. Both defendants later posted social media messages touting their key role in helping to breach the barricades by fighting officers and that they had only stopped due to pepper spray.

                Mark and Jalise Middleton were arrested on April 21, 2021, in Forestburg, Texas.

                This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

                This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Dallas and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Global: Schools need a new approach in identifying special educational needs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Penelope Hannant, Assistant Professor in Educational Inclusion, University of Birmingham

    Media_Photos/Shutterstock

    The assessment system for children and young people with additional needs in England is failing.

    More people than ever are on waiting lists for autism and specific learning difficulties. Some NHS trusts are closing waitlists for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Services are overloaded and past breaking point.

    Based on my expertise in neurodiversity and educational inclusion, I believe a different approach is needed to identify and support those with additional needs in schools.

    In the current education system, when there are concerns about a child’s progress, behaviour or wellbeing, schools follow a multi-step process to assess the child’s strengths and needs.

    This process involves trying school-based approaches such as literacy, mathematics and nurture groups, before seeking help from external specialists if this does not lead to improvement. Specialists may include educational and clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, specialist teachers and community paediatricians, among others.

    The right support

    Making accurate and timely referrals to these specialists is a complex task. A crucial role is played by the school’s special educational needs coordinators (Sencos)– qualified teachers who are responsible for the strategic development and provision of assistance for children with special educational needs and disabilities across a school.

    A Senco’s decisions are pivotal in determining which specialists to involve and when. Mistakes at this stage can have significant emotional and financial consequences. Misdirected referrals can strain school budgets and leave the child’s needs unmet.

    Despite this, current teacher training and Senco training does not adequately prepare teachers or Sencos for these complex and crucial analyses – and other responsibilities leave Sencos short of time.

    Introducing a more detailed assessment process within schools would help bridge the gap between education and specialist services. It would provide a comprehensive and holistic understanding of each child’s needs.

    I took this approach in my recent research based on tracking three cases from first referral to final conclusion. Rather than being referred directly to a specialist following the Senco’s observations, three children with different learning and development needs were referred instead to a developmental psychologist who made their own assessment of the child’s overall needs. This was unusual and occurred as part of my research.

    In each case, the developmental psychologist collected detailed background histories. They also conducted thorough observations and assessed cognition, achievement and behaviour using both standardised and “gold standard” diagnostic tools. The resulting reports offered a comprehensive overview of each child’s strengths and challenges, directing them to the most appropriate specialist.

    One assessment outcome confirmed the Senco’s initial concern of autism. One revealed additional co-occurring diagnoses of dyslexia and dyspraxia. The third identified ADHD, differing from the Senco’s initial judgment. Without the developmental psychologist’s input, some of these children’s needs would have been missed.

    Following the developmental psychologist’s thorough assessments and full profiles of each child, diagnoses were made immediately or within six months. Rapid targeted recommendations were provided in each case.

    Skilled practitioners in schools could help children get more appropriate support more quickly.
    Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

    To address the inefficiencies of the current system, which leads to long waiting lists, I believe a skilled educational inclusion practitioner should become part of the school environment. This would be someone with expertise across various areas, and with strong connections to both educational and health services.

    This role would span a number of schools and does not necessarily require a developmental psychologist. Specialist teachers or Sencos could receive additional training in developmental psychology. By doing so, they could help promote greater understanding of neurodiversity in schools, where the foundations of relationships and learning begin.

    This educational inclusion practitioner would create a profile of the child’s strengths and difficulties. They would take on the role of diagnosing specific learning difficulties and identifying appropriate specialists for likely neurodivergence, and recommending interventions – thereby streamlining referrals and reducing guesswork.

    My research highlights the value of having a skilled practitioner in schools or trusts with expertise beyond that of what a Senco would bring. A skilled generalist who connects education, home and health services can foster better collaboration between health and education, and more thoroughly assess a child’s needs.

    The costs would be minimal compared with the significant benefits of avoiding late, missed or incorrect diagnoses in childhood. This, ultimately, would have a positive impact on children’s lives and futures.

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

    – ref. Schools need a new approach in identifying special educational needs – https://theconversation.com/schools-need-a-new-approach-in-identifying-special-educational-needs-235909

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