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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cape Girardeau Felon Admits Stealing Gun, Possessing Machine Guns

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

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – A convicted felon on Tuesday admitted stealing a pistol from a Cape Girardeau County gun store and being caught days later with two machine guns.

    Dayvion Jyraud Parker, 21, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to five felonies: stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of possession of a machine gun.

    Parker admitted that on June 17, 2024, he and another man stole a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol from a federally licensed firearm dealer in Cape Girardeau County. Parker first hid the pistol under his jacket before placing it between his back and the back of his wheelchair. On June 25, law enforcement officers performing a court-approved search of a home in Cape Girardeau found Parker lying on a bed with two pistols between the bed frame and the wall. Both pistols were equipped with auto sears, or “switches,” that rendered them fully automatic.

    Parker is a felon and is barred from possession firearms. He was also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant and was on probation in Illinois for aggravated discharge of a firearm.

    Parker is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28, 2025. The theft charge carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison. The felon in possession charges each carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and the machine gun charge carries a potential 10-year prison term.

    Parker’s co-defendant, Danaje Raymond Webster, 23, has not yet been arrested. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Transocean Ltd. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced today that it will report earnings for the third quarter 2024 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

    The company will conduct a teleconference to discuss the results starting at 9 a.m. EDT, 2 p.m. CET, on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Individuals who wish to participate should dial +1 785-424-1226 approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and refer to conference code 827284.

    The teleconference will be simulcast in a listen-only mode at: http://www.deepwater.com, by selecting Investors, News, and Webcasts. A replay of the conference call will be available after 12 p.m. EDT, 5 p.m. CET, on October 31, 2024. The replay, which will be archived for approximately 30 days, can be accessed at +1 402-220-9184, passcode 827284. The replay also will be available on the company’s website.

    About Transocean

    Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

    Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 26 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.

    For more information about Transocean, please visit: http://www.deepwater.com.

    Analyst Contact:
    Alison Johnson
    +1 713-232-7214

    Media Contact:
    Pam Easton
    +1 713-232-7647

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is conservatism really on the rise in Canada? Blaine Higgs’ big loss in New Brunswick suggests not

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Noah Fry, PhD Candidate, Political Science, McMaster University

    Make no mistake, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs lost big on Monday night. The province’s voters delivered a forceful rebuke of Higgs’ Progressive Conservatives similar to the 1995 election, when the party won only six seats against Frank McKenna’s Liberals.

    This time, the PCs were reduced to 16 seats while the Liberals won 31. The Greens dropped to two seats.

    This seat count downplays the Liberals’ 13-point popular vote lead in a tough political environment.

    Historically, the Liberals have had inefficient support that’s been concentrated in safe francophone ridings. This time, they made inroads with anglophones beyond Moncton.

    Higgs, among Canada’s most socially conservative premiers, lost his own safe seat of Quispamsis, which was among the province’s most Conservative ridings in the 2020 election.

    The result was a referendum on Higgs’ brand of conservatism. Along with the failure of the resurgent Conservatives in British Columbia to win a clear victory on Oct. 19, Higgs’ loss challenges the narrative that conservatism is on the rise across Canada.



    Read more:
    Move over, Danielle Smith: What Canadians should know about New Brunswick’s Blaine Higgs

    Governing to the (far) right

    Since gaining power in 2018, Higgs embraced a neoconservative social agenda.

    Most notably, he triggered a national conversation on trans children’s recognition in schools. Using the language of “parental rights,” Higgs introduced parent consent restrictions for name and pronoun changes for children under 16.



    Read more:
    New Brunswick’s LGBTQ+ safe schools debate makes false opponents of parents and teachers

    Research shows trans children have high rates of suicidal ideation, especially when they’re not supported in how they identify.

    Over time, Higgs supported anti-trans and anti-sex education protesters, even as many advocates, parents and educators raised concerns about the safety and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. He also refused to deny what’s known as the so-called kitty litter myth that falsely alleges students are allowed to identify as animals and use litter boxes.

    When confronted by parents about a safe-sex presentation slide for a high-school audience, Higgs banned the group that conducted the presentation.

    It didn’t end there. Higgs erroneously suggested an Indigenous nation sought to claim most of the province from property owners. In 2021, his government discouraged land acknowledgements by provincial employees. Higgs also argued that Indigenous people had already ceded their land.

    Taking aim at francophones, social issues

    Higgs’ relationship with francophones was just as bad. He refused to learn French in Canada’s only bilingual province after promising he would. He alleged he was unfairly targeted as an anglophone.

    When coming to power in 2018 with a minority government, Higgs weakened bilingual requirements for paramedic positions. Later, he controversially proposed ending French immersion programs, arguing it was unfair to “English Prime” students in the province.

    When he won a majority in 2020, Higgs lowered taxes on the highest income earners while constraining increases to health care and education.

    Higgs was successful in uniting the right. As a former leadership contender of the linguistic segregationist Confederation of Regions party, Higgs welcomed far-right People’s Alliance representatives to his party.

    But his tenure faced internal opposition. Atlantic conservatism tends to be closer to the political centre. Higgs’ Maritime counterparts, Premiers Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, have largely avoided social issues.

    On the province’s Policy 713, also called the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, six PCs voted with an opposition motion against the proposed changes. Four were cabinet ministers.

    Several ministers resigned from cabinet with letters blasting Higgs’ leadership.

    Almost half of PC riding associations sought a leadership review. They fell just short of the minimum needed to trigger a review.

    Most leaders recognize when their time was up. Not Higgs.

    An embattled campaign

    The PCs’ tumultuous time in government made for an uninspired campaign. Twelve of the 26 winning PC representatives from 2020 did not run again. In their place came more social conservatives who would not oppose Higgs.

    The PCs received bad news early. They were projected to fall short of their 2024-25 balanced budget aims.

    Still, Higgs campaigned on his fiscal management. He offered a two per cent HST cut as a reward. For some, this proposal rang as vote-buying from a government that could have pursued a sales tax cut at any point in its six-year tenure.

    The PCs campaigned on few other commitments. Their two-page platform made generic promises like “respect parents.” They also sought to “compel individuals into drug treatment” and “axe the carbon tax.”

    Meanwhile, the Liberals hammered the PCs on housing, health care and education. All three areas had been stressed by population growth and tight funding. Housing policy was a particular weakness given the PCs’ long-term resistance to rent caps and its record as a housing-starts laggard.

    Higgs’ confidence in his record was misplaced. While his social conservativism has an audience in New Brunswick, few saw it as a priority relative to the cost of living.

    His other campaign efforts made little difference. Higgs sought to make his opponent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He also stirred anti-immigration sentiment over federal asylum-seeker plans. Both efforts seemed desperate.

    Rejection of grievance politics?

    The Liberals’ return to power could be attributed to a referendum on Higgs. There is no doubt Higgs had personal defects that cost him his own riding.

    But his loss is more than a personal rejection. It also seems a rejection of a grievance politics that favours anger over substance.

    After repeatedly focusing on social issues over matters like housing, the grievances lost their allure. Even for the most steadfast Conservative voters, Higgs’ targeting of minorities came across as bullying.

    While Higgs may be the worst offender, he is not the only practitioner of grievance conservatism. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith play the same tune. Will their political fates be any different?

    Noah Fry 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. Is conservatism really on the rise in Canada? Blaine Higgs’ big loss in New Brunswick suggests not – https://theconversation.com/is-conservatism-really-on-the-rise-in-canada-blaine-higgs-big-loss-in-new-brunswick-suggests-not-241971

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: AMGFC24 – Betazone: Keeping AI on Track

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    From bespoke gene editing to AI-powered healthcare, we are living in an age of breakthroughs propelled by advances in AI. What are the trade-offs societies and industries need to manage as AI adoption progresses?
    Speaker:

    Erik Brynjolfsson, Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Professor; Director, Digital Economy Lab, Stanford University
    Host:

    Zeina Soufan, Senior Anchor, Asharq News

    This is the full audio from a session at the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2024 in Dubai on 16, Oct, 2024. Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/events/annual-meeting-of-the-global-future-councils-2024/sessions/keeping-ai-on-track/
    Links:

    Article based on this session: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/10/ai-augment-rather-than-dictate-human-action/
    Related podcasts:

    Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) :

    YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts) – https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts

    Radio Davos (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1504682164) : https://pod.link/1504682164

    Meet the Leader (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1534915560) : https://pod.link/1534915560

    Agenda Dialogues (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1574956552) : https://pod.link/1574956552

    Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p77BEVba_i4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark UK-Germany defence agreement to strengthen our security and prosperity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A landmark defence agreement will be signed by Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in London today in a major moment for NATO, and European security and prosperity. It is the first-of-its-kind agreement between the UK and Germany on defence.

    • Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will sign the landmark Trinity House Agreement today (Wednesday 23 October), bringing the two nations closer together than ever before.

    • Agreement will boost the economy, investment, and jobs, paving the way for a new artillery gun barrel factory to open in the UK.

    • German aircraft will operate from Scotland as part of the agreement, bolstering European security.

    The signing of the Trinity House Agreement marks a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany and for European security. This agreement between Europe’s two biggest defence spenders will strengthen national security and economic growth in the face of growing Russian aggression and increasing threats.

    The new partnership will help drive investment into the UK – with the agreement paving the way for a new artillery gun barrel factory to be opened in the UK, supporting more than 400 jobs and nearly half a billion-pounds boost to the British economy. The opening of the Rheinmetall factory will see the UK manufacture artillery gun barrels for the first time in 10 years, using British steel produced by Sheffield Forgemasters.

    The deal will see the UK and Germany work together systemically for years to come on a range of ground-breaking defence projects and across all domains (air, land, sea, space and cyber). This includes working jointly to rapidly develop brand-new extended deep strike weapons that can travel further with more precision than current systems, including Storm Shadow.

    It will bring the two nation’s defence industries closer than ever, including a long-term commitment to manufacturing Boxer armoured vehicles, supporting skilled jobs across the UK. The deal also aims to support and expanded complex weapons development in the UK, laying a path for Sting Ray Torpedoes procurement.

    The Trinity House Agreement includes:

    • New long-range strike weapons – working jointly to rapidly develop a new system that can fire even further and be more precise in its targeting than any current system.

    • New boost for British industry – a new large calibre gun manufacturing facility in the UK, supporting more than 400 jobs, and planned to use British steel, bringing nearly half a billion-pound economic boost to the UK over 10 years.

    • New cooperation to strengthen the Eastern Flank – the armies training and exercising more together, using the front as a catalyst for developing new ways of fighting.

    • Land Industrial Cooperation – cooperation on Boxer armed vehicles and kickstarting collaboration of land-based drones.

    • Protecting critical underwater infrastructure – working together to protect the vital cables in the seabed on the North Sea. This includes exploring new offboard undersea surveillance capabilities to improve detection of adversary activity.

    • German planes in Scotland – German P8 aircraft will periodically operate out of Lossiemouth to help protect the North Atlantic.

    • New drones – working towards drones that could operate alongside our fighter jets, as well as drones that can be used by other military force.

    • Exploration and development of new Maritime Uncrewed Air System capabilities.

    • New Ukraine support – new joint work to enable German Sea King helicopters to be armed with modern missile systems as well as work on capability coalitions.

    • Joint work with partners to integrate air defence systems to better protect European air space against the threat of long-range missiles, building on work agreed at the NATO Defence Ministers meeting just last week.

    The agreement is a key example of the Government delivering on its commitment to reset relations with European allies and bolster national security. It will be signed less than 100 days after the Defence Secretary visited Berlin to kick off negotiations in July and is the first pillar in a wider UK-Germany treaty pledged by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The Trinity House Agreement is a milestone moment in our relationship with Germany and a major strengthening of Europe’s security.

    It secures unprecedented levels of new cooperation with the German Armed Forces and industry, bringing benefits to our shared security and prosperity, protecting our shared values and boosting our defence industrial bases.

    This landmark agreement delivers on the Government’s manifesto commitment to strike a new defence relationship with Germany – less than four months since winning the election in July – and we will build on this new cooperation in the months and years ahead.

    I pay tribute to our negotiating teams who have worked hard at pace to deliver this.

    German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said:

    The UK and Germany are moving closer together. With projects across the air, land, sea, and cyber domains, we will jointly increase our defence capabilities, thereby strengthening the European pillar within NATO. We can only strengthen our ability to act together. This is why our cooperation projects are open to other partners.

    We must not take security in Europe for granted. Russia is waging war against Ukraine, it is increasing its weapons production immensely and has repeatedly launched hybrid attacks on our partners in Eastern Europe.

    With the Trinity House Agreement, we are showing that the NATO Allies have recognised what these times require and are determined to improve their deterrence and defence capabilities. As it lays the foundation for future projects, the Trinity House Agreement is an important contribution to this. It is particularly important to me that we cooperate even more closely to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and to close critical capability gaps, for instance in the field of long-range strike weapons.

    Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall AG commented that:

    Rheinmetall’s investment in the gun hall reflects a forward-looking approach to innovation, collaboration, and national defence. It ensures the UK remains a leader in developing and manufacturing defence technologies that safeguard both national and global security.

    Gary Nutter, Chief Executive Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said:

    I am delighted to confirm that Sheffield Forgemasters will reinstate gun barrels manufacture after a 20-year hiatus, to supply large-calibre gun-barrels to Germany’s Rheinmetall AG, servicing UK defence contracts and exports.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Statement on Gulf Coast Passenger Service Grant Approval

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – Today, an agreement was reached among stakeholders on the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant which will provide crucial funding to restore passenger rail service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The $178,435,333 grant was previously awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration.

    U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has used his position as Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to restore the return of passenger rail to the Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. While serving as chairman, he helped negotiate the infrastructure bill which is the origin of the CRISI Grant.

    Senator Wicker released the following statement:

    “I appreciate the partnership shared by local and state government officials and the freight rail companies, CSX, and Norfolk Southern. This service will provide economic opportunities to the Gulf Coast Region and provide an alternative way to move people safely. Years of hard work and cooperation have brought us to this important moment,” Senator Wicker said.

    Scheduled to resume in 2025, the services are expected to provide economic growth opportunities, boost tourism, and reduce traffic on our roadways. Two trains will run roundtrip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.

    A groundbreaking ceremony was held today in Mobile for the layover track, where a train is stored when not in use. That piece of the project had been one of the remaining hurdles to restoring the route.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown, UAW Workers, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Zanesville Mayor Don Mason Tout Successful Fight to Save Local Jobs by Fixing Misguided Biden Administration Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown

    ZANESVILLE, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Zanesville Mayor Don Mason and UAW workers to highlight his successful fight pushing the Biden Administration to fix a flawed electrical distribution transformer regulation that would have cost Ohioans’ jobs and devastated U.S. electrical steel manufacturers—including Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs. Cleveland-Cliffs makes grain-oriented electrical steel used to form the cores of electric distribution and power transformers and non-grained-oriented steel used in other end uses at its Zanesville plant.

    The Administration’s rule would have required all new transformers to be produced with a different kind of steel metal that’s almost entirely manufactured overseas – rather than what’s known as grain-oriented electric steel, which Cleveland-Cliffs produces in Ohio, at its Zanesville plant, and in Pennsylvania.

    “This was a bipartisan effort with the mayor, UAW, Cleveland-Cliffs, and other Ohioans,” said Brown. “Together we got the Biden Administration to back down, saving union jobs in Zanesville. I will always go to bat for Ohio workers and Ohio businesses, and stand up to anyone who threatens our jobs.”

    “Senator Brown understands that the United States cannot become reliant on countries like Japan, China and Mexico for our energy security. That’s why he fought back against the Department of Energy’s flawed transformer rule and helped achieved changes to the regulation that will preserve utilization of GOES in transformers.  Because of Senator Brown’s successful advocacy, Cleveland-Cliffs is now making investments in the production of electrical steel and preserving good-paying, UAW jobs at Zanesville Works,” said Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President & CEO, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. 

    “The hard-working people of the Zanesville community appreciate the efforts and support of Senator Sherrod Brown and other federal legislators. Those successful efforts persuaded the Department of Energy to back off their proposal and will keep well-paying American  jobs in Zanesville,” said Zanesville Mayor Don Mason. “Without those efforts, materials and supplies for the transmission grid and industry would have shifted from reliable domestic sources to unreliable offshore sources. Those efforts also support reliability in the delivery of electricity to businesses and homes at a time when reliability is most needed. Furthermore, those successful efforts support the continued investment by American companies in American cities and American workers.”

    “I would like to thank Cleveland-Cliffs, our UAW leaders, and our elected officials, especially Senator Sherrod Brown, and Mayor Don Mason, who represent us and have fought against regulations that would have closed our plant, by forcing transformers manufacturers away from the Grain Oriented Electrical steel that we finish here at Zanesville,” said Eric Spiker, President, UAW Local 4104. “We are not the only ones that benefit from the work that the Senator has done. The communities that surround us, the State, and the country as well benefit.”

    Brown joined Ohio manufacturers, Ohio workers, and rural electric co-ops to fight the regulation. His push—which included proposing the bipartisan Distribution Transformer Efficiency & Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)—led the Biden administration to correct major deficiencies in the proposed rule. This bill was built upon another bipartisan Senate effort from last June when Brown, Cruz, and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) sent a bipartisan letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, signed by an additional 13 Democrats and 32 Republicans, calling on the Department to fix the proposed regulations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cuellar Announces $562,500 in Federal Funding to Expand Pleasanton Police Department

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

    Pleasanton, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $562,500 in federal funding to expand Pleasanton Police Department.  

    “The COPS Hiring Program is the reason many of our communities can hire the officers we rely on to keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that our communities are safe and that our brave police officers get the support they need.” 

    This federal funding was awarded to the City of Pleasanton from the Department of Justice’s Office of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). This award is administered through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) and will be used to hire five new police officers in Pleasanton.  

    Pleasanton will utilize the new officers to promote safety and police effectiveness in the city. The five new officers added through the COPS program will increase the department’s total to 30 officers. 

    The COPS program provides grants, training, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies across the country as they work to reduce violent crime.   

    The COPS Hiring Program pays up to 75% of entry-level officer salary and up to $125,000 per position, with three years of funding over a five-year period. Local agencies must match at least 25% of the funding awarded.   

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Rule to Boost Consumer Rights and Privacy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010:

    “I’m pleased the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking this critical step to strengthen consumer rights, privacy, and competition in the financial services industry. By giving Americans greater control over their personal data, this new rule empowers consumers to switch to better providers without facing unnecessary barriers and fees. This will allow families to make better financial choices. 

    “But we must do more to include those who have been historically shut out of the banking system. Our most vulnerable communities, including those who rely on Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to access nutritional assistance, deserve the same protections. Expanding this rule to include Electronic Benefits Transfer card users would ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, benefits from these safeguards. I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to work with all appropriate agencies to expand these protections.”

    The rule requires financial institutions, credit card issuers, and other financial providers to unlock an individual’s personal financial data and transfer it to another provider at the consumer’s request for free. Consumers will be able to more easily switch to providers with superior rates and services. By fueling competition and consumer choice, the rule will help lower prices on loans and improve customer service across payments, credit, and banking markets.

    Today’s rule ensures consumers will be able to access and share data associated with bank accounts, credit cards, mobile wallets, payment apps, and other financial products. It aims to address market concentration that limits consumer choice over financial products and services. Consumers will be able to access, or authorize a third party to access, data such as transaction information, account balance information, information needed to initiate payments, upcoming bill information, and basic account verification information. Financial providers must make this information available without charging fees.

    The rule also establishes strong privacy protections, requiring that personal financial data can only be used for the purposes requested by the consumer. It ensures that third parties cannot use consumer data for other purposes that benefit the third party, but that consumers do not want. It also helps move the industry away from “screen scraping,” a still common but risky practice that typically involves consumers providing their account passwords to third parties who use them to access data indiscriminately through online banking portals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to overhaul anti-money laundering regime

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will introduce a single supervisor and a new funding model in a major overhaul of New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

    “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will change the supervisor structure that monitors AML/CFT compliance and introduce a new funding model for the system. These reforms will allow the system to be more responsive to industry and community needs, more agile, and more focused on the real risks posed by anti-money laundering to New Zealand businesses.

    “The changes will deliver a critical Government priority to reform key sectors where the cost of regulation is overly burdensome for businesses and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the AML/CFT system to meet international standards.”

    The Government is introducing the changes following a Financial Action Task Force evaluation of New Zealand’s regulatory regime and a subsequent review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

    A single-supervisor model will replace the current three-supervisor model and will establish the Department of Internal Affairs as the sole supervisor of the AML/CFT system.  Currently, supervision of different parts of the AML/CFT system are overseen by the Reserve Bank, Financial Markets Authority, and Internal Affairs.

    “The Government is very aware of the risks money-laundering and financing of terrorism poses to New Zealand businesses and moving to a single supervisor will improve the efficiency of the system, establish a more risk-based approach, and enable more timely provision of guidance and support. I have heard from businesses that this will provide substantive regulatory relief,” Mrs McKee says. 

    “In considering how to improve the supervisory model, I will be focusing on how the positive effects can be felt as soon as possible, such as ensuring work on industry guidance and codes of practice starts promptly.”

    “The Government will also introduce a new sustainable funding model for the AML/CFT system as part of the reforms. The funding model will establish an industry-levy to support a flexible and coordinated system that will deliver sector benefits. The levy will be designed to ensure that costs are equitable and reasonable for the sector and will not place undue burden on small businesses.” 

    An AML/CFT National Strategy and work programme will be introduced as part of the funding model. Legislation will require any amendments to the levy to be informed by the National Strategy and work programme. 

    “This work programme will be developed in partnership with industry and agreed by Cabinet to ensure that the AML/CFT system is focussed on industry priorities. The new funding model will mean better and more efficient regulation, supervision, and support for industry.

    “The changes will ensure New Zealand maintains its international reputation and will align our AML/CFT system with the financial sectors of our key trading partners to support trade, investment and economic growth.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Resetting the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for post-1989 forestry participants

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Your views sought

    We want your feedback on 2 proposals relating to cost recovery settings for forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) participants. We anticipate that changes would be made by early 2025.

    • Proposal 1: A reduced annual charge for post-1989 forestry ETS participants.
    • Proposal 2: Amending the Climate Change (Forestry) Regulations 2022 for the field measurement approach during the 2023–25 reporting period.

    As part of this consultation, we are holding 2 webinars and an online hui.

    Summaries of the proposals are on this page and full details are in the discussion paper.

    Submissions are open from 23 October until 5pm on 13 November 2024.

    About Proposal 1

    If you have post-1989 forest land in the ETS, the per hectare annual charge is calculated for the financial year. It’s based on the amount of land you have in the ETS on 1 July.

    We are proposing to reduce the per hectare annual charge from $30.25 to $14.90, starting in the 2024–25 financial year.

    About Proposal 2

    Forestry participants with at least 100 hectares of post-1989 forest land in the ETS have to use the field measurement approach to calculate carbon stored in their forests for their emissions returns.

    When the previous (2023) cost recovery regulations were enacted, they imposed a service fee. The fee resulted in additional costs for those who could use their existing field measurement approach data or use default carbon tables to calculate carbon stock, during the shorter 2023–25 reporting period.

    To address this issue, we are proposing to update the regulations. This means, that for any emissions return that covers all or part of the shorter 2023–25 reporting period, people using the field measurement approach can calculate carbon stock using:

    • the default carbon tables (in regulations) if they do not have field measurement approach participant specific tables, or
    • existing participant specific tables if they have them.

    Discussion paper

    Resetting the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for post-1989 forestry participants [doc: 65715]

    Webinars on the proposals

    To support this consultation, we are running 2 webinars and an online hui. These sessions will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss the proposals. The online hui is a dedicated session for whenua Māori to give feedback on the proposals. You must register to attend the webinars or hui. 

    Times and dates of the webinars and the hui

    Webinar 1: 4pm on Thursday 31 October 2024.

    Register to attend Webinar 1 – Connect

    Webinar 2: 12pm on Thursday 7 November 2024.

    Register to attend Webinar 2 – Connect

    Online hui: 12pm on Monday 4 November 2024.

    Register to attend the online hui – Connect

    Making your submission

    Send us your feedback on the proposals in the consultation document by 5pm on 13 November 2024.

    We would prefer if you made a submission electronically – either by using the online form or by email. However, we will also accept written submissions sent by post.

    You are welcome to make your submission on the whole discussion document, or you can choose the areas relevant to you. Provide supporting evidence with your submission where possible.

    Online

    Online submission form – Alchemer

    Email

    If you are sending us a submission by email, we encourage you to use the submission template which has the same questions as the online form. 

    Submission template [doc: 65718]

    The email address is etsforestrychanges@mpi.govt.nz

    Post

    If you prefer to make your submission in writing, send it to:

    NZ ETS Cost Recovery
    Forestry System Directorate
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

    If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: O2Gold Announces C$1.5M Non-Brokered Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O2Gold Inc. (NEX:OTGO.H) (“O2Gold” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing of: (i) 15,000,000 subscription receipts of the Company (the “Subscription Receipts”) at a price per Subscription Receipt of C$0.05; and (ii) 15,000,000 flow-through subscription receipts of the Company (the “FT Subscription Receipts”) at a price per FT Subscription Receipt of C$0.05, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of C$1,500,000 (together, the “Offering”).

    The Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts will be created and issued pursuant to the terms of subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement“) between the Company and the subscribers. Each Subscription Receipt and FT Subscription Receipt will be deemed to be automatically converted, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holder thereof, into one unit of the Company (a “Unit“) and one flow-through unit of the Company (a “FT Unit”), respectively, immediately upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below) at or before the date that is 120 days from the closing date of the Offering (the “Escrow Release Deadline”).

    Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a “Type 1 Warrant”). Each Type 1 Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share (a “Type 1 Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.08 per Type 1 Warrant Share for a period of 36 months following the closing date of the Offering. Each FT Unit will consist of one flow-through common share in the capital of the Company (a “FT Share”) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a “Type 2 Warrant”). Each Type 2 Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share (a “Type 2 Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.08 per Type 2 Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering. Each FT Share shall qualify as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”).

    The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Subscription Receipts will be used by the Company to incur eligible “Canadian exploration expenses” that will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures” as such terms are defined in the Tax Act (the “Qualifying Expenditures”) related to the Company’s project in Quebec. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Subscription Receipts effective December 31, 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts will be used by the Company for general working capital and corporate purposes, and for exploration costs incurred at the Company’s project in Quebec.

    Upon closing of the Offering, the gross proceeds of the Offering will be deposited in escrow with the Company’s legal counsel pending satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions, in accordance with the provisions of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied at or before the Escrow Release Deadline, each of the then issued and outstanding Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the Company’s legal counsel will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of the Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts held by such holder. To the extent that the escrowed funds are insufficient to refund such amounts to each holder of the Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts, the Company shall be liable for and will contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy the shortfall.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, each Subscription Receipt and FT Subscription Receipt shall automatically convert into one Unit and one FT Unit, respectively, upon:

    (a)  the receipt of all required regulatory approvals in connection with the uplisting of the Common Shares from the NEX to Tier 2 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”);

    (b)  the receipt of all required regulatory approvals in connection with the conditional listing approval by the Exchange for the listing of the Common Shares and FT Shares issued under the Offering, together with the listing of the Type 1 Warrant Shares and Type 2 Warrant Shares upon exercise of the Type 1 Warrants and Type 2 Warrants, respectively; and

    (c)  the Company having delivered a notice to the Company’s legal counsel confirming that all escrow release conditions have been met or waived;

    (collectively, the “Escrow Release Conditions”).

    The Offering is subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals including the approval of the Exchange. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Offering is expected to close on or about November 13, 2024, or such other date as determined by the Company.

    The Company may pay finders’ fees of up to 7.0% of the gross proceeds raised by the Company from the sale of Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts to subscribers directly introduced to the Company by eligible finders. The Company may issue to eligible finders non-transferable finders’ warrants of up to 7.0% of the number of Subscription Receipt and FT Subscription Receipts sold in the Offering. Each finders’ warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Unit at a price of the greater of (i) C$0.05 and (ii) the Discounted Market Price (as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) of the common shares of the Company as of the date hereof per Unit for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to registration under U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities laws or an exemption therefrom or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom, respectively.

    About O2Gold

    O2Gold is a mineral exploration company.
    For additional information, please contact:
    Scott Moore, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (416) 861-1685
    Email: smoore@miningsm.com

    Regulatory Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering, including the Company’s intended use of proceeds, closing conditions and timing, and other matters related thereto. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future mineral prices and market demand; accidents, labour disputes and shortages and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Risk Rating Change for NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) announced today that it has changed the risk rating for NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF (the “Fund”) from “medium-to-high” to “high”. Such change is a result of the risk rating methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators and the periodic review by Purpose to determine the risk level of its publicly-offered mutual funds.

    No material changes have been made to the investment objective, strategies or management of the Fund as a result. The change of the risk rating will be reflected in the Fund’s offering documents, which will be completed in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    About Purpose Investments

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with approximately $20 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the securities referred to herein. This press release is not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to US news wire services.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce $10 Million to Improve Marlette Lake Dam’s Infrastructure and Resiliency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced the State of Nevada will receive a $10 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance the safety and functionality of the Marlette Lake Dam, reducing the risk of a dam breach during an earthquake.

    “I am proud to see these federal funds come into our state to make essential improvements to the Marlette Lake Dam and better resist an earthquake,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These funds will help protect our water supply in Storey County and Carson City while keeping Nevadans safe and healthy. I’ll keep working with Senator Rosen to continue modernizing Nevada’s infrastructure and ensuring Nevadans have the resources they need to recover from natural disasters.”

    “When we invest in Nevada’s infrastructure, we are investing in the safety of our local communities and helping create good-paying jobs,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce that $10 million in federal funding is coming to Northern Nevada to upgrade the Marlette Lake Dam and help make it more resilient against future earthquakes. I’ll continue fighting to ensure Nevada gets its fair share of resources to keep our communities safe.”

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create good-paying jobs and upgrade Nevada’s infrastructure. They are committed to ensuring Nevadans have access to resources in the face of natural disasters. Both Senators successfully pushed President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for numerous counties in Nevada in the wake of unprecedented winter storms. Senator Cortez Masto and Rosen also joined their colleagues in asking the White House for federal funds to help Nevada fight wildfires and extreme drought. Cortez Masto is leading legislation protect electric grids at military bases from the effects of extreme weather. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ joins UK initiative for AI safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is joining the UK’s Bletchley Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, and for Digitising Government Judith Collins says.

    “AI used responsibly can be a game changer for New Zealand, supporting productivity, innovation, and economic development,” Ms Collins says

    “The UK’s Bletchley Declaration is an important international agreement which affirms the potential that AI offers for society and for economies. To achieve this, AI must be designed, developed, deployed and used responsibly and safely, and in a manner that is people-focused and can be trusted. 

    “In May we signed the Seoul Ministerial Statement for Advancing AI Safety which, coupled with the Bletchley Declaration and Cabinet’s confirmed approach to AI being in accordance with the OECD’s AI Principles, solidifies our focus on the responsible use of AI.   

    “Important safety standards and pressure will be applied on the international stage, and New Zealand is proud to be part of global efforts towards responsible AI.” 

    The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has developed an initial cross-portfolio which focuses on policy changes, while the Department of Internal Affairs’ Government Chief Digital Officer is leading work to support public sector agencies to explore safe use of AI for efficiency and service delivery improvements.  

    “The Government will next year consult publicly on a national AI strategy to encourage greater use of AI to deliver better results for New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

    “I am confident that all the work under way will form a coherent approach to AI in New Zealand – delivering greater productivity, innovation and growing New Zealand’s economy to benefit all New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: G20 meetings in the United States

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    I will join key economic ministers and central bank governors from the world’s most significant economies at the G20, International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings over the coming days in Washington DC.

    Australia is not immune from the volatility and vulnerability which characterises the global economy.

    The risk of further escalation in the Middle East threatens a resurgence in oil prices and casts a dark shadow over the global outlook.

    Conflict in the Middle East compounds the pressures already coming at us from the war in Ukraine, the slowdown in China, persistent global inflation, tepid global growth and sharp movements on stock markets.

    There is always a premium on responsible economic management and engagement but especially now, with all this uncertainty around the world.

    This is a really critical time to confer with colleagues and counterparts.

    There will be in‑depth discussions on the global economy, the energy transformation, economic security and reform of our multilateral institutions.

    This will include meetings with:

    • New Japanese Finance Minister Katsonobu Kato, who I will meet for the first time;
    • US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, for our sixth bilateral;
    • Chair of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell;
    • Director of President Biden’s National Economic Council Lael Brainard;
    • South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Choi Sang‑Mok; and
    • Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

    I will participate in discussions as part of the G20 Taskforce on a Global Mobilisation Against Climate Change. Our focus will be on attracting the capital we need to create new jobs and opportunities in the transformation to cleaner and cheaper energy.

    I’ll also have an opportunity to be briefed on Australia’s interests in the United States by Ambassador Kevin Rudd.

    Responsible economic management is a defining feature of the Albanese Labor Government in these uncertain times.

    Our Budget surpluses aren’t an end in themselves, they help in the fight against inflation, provide room for our priorities and they help build buffers against some of this global volatility.

    Getting inflation down, helping with the cost of living, repairing the Budget and reforming our economy are the essential components of our strategy and we are making welcome progress.

    In a little over two years we have halved inflation, created a million new jobs, got real wages growing again, provided tax relief to every taxpayer, delivered the first back‑to‑back surpluses in two decades, avoided $150 billion of inherited debt and saved tens of billions of dollars in interest costs.

    These meetings will provide important perspectives on the global outlook and allow us to make further progress at home and with our key international partners.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Child protection caseworkers and government sign historic deal

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Families and Communities

    The NSW Government and the Public Service Association (PSA) have signed a reform agreement to deliver an immediate $8,283 pay increase for new caseworkers and improve rates of pay, roles and conditions for the state’s child protection workforce.

    The agreement covers more than 2,000 public sector caseworkers who do one of the most important jobs in the state, keeping vulnerable children safe.

    Under the reform agreement:

    • Child protection caseworkers will receive a 4 per cent pay increase this year, backdated to 1 July 2024, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation. This totals 8 per cent in the first two years of the Labor Government;
    • The commencing rate for new child protection caseworkers in 2024-25 has been lifted by $8,283, including the 4 per cent;
    • A standalone child protection worker classification will be established for the first time in NSW history (currently child protection workers are under the general classification structure which covers nearly 80,000 workers);
    • The NSW Government and the PSA will enter into a reform process to update role descriptions and examine specific conditions such assafe working allocation guidelines;
    • At the conclusion of the reform process a three-year pay agreement will be made from 2025-26 onwards under a new Child Protection Award.

    This agreement delivers on a promise by the NSW Government to better support the vital work caseworkers do and consigns the former Coalition government’s punitive public sector wages cap to history.

    The NSW Government is also undertaking significant structural reform of the child protection system following years of neglect under the former government.

    The government will ban the use of unaccredited emergency accommodation for vulnerable children in the foster care system from March next year, with the government already achieving a 72 per cent reduction in the number of these arrangements since November 2023.

    The 2024-25 NSW Budget has invested $224 million in funding that will allow the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to: 

    • re-enter the market as a foster care provider and expand the recruitment of DCJ emergency foster carers to include longer-term carers,
    • introduce government-run intensive and professional foster care models,
    • deliver government-run residential care for children where non-government providers are unable to offer stable placements,
    • ensure children living in residential care are supported by high quality, accredited providers, and
    • commence recruiting family time workers and additional caseworkers to undertake carer authorisation assessments. 

    These initial measures will help rebuild the broken out-of-home care system and ensure that more children grow up in safe and loving homes in NSW. 

    Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

    “Child protection caseworkers have one of the most challenging and important jobs in the world, keeping vulnerable children safe.

    “When we came into government, we inherited a broken child protection system with a workforce walking out the door because they hadn’t felt valued in years.

    “I have seen firsthand the incredible difference these workers make to children and families, and I hope that this agreement will encourage more caseworkers to take up positions with DCJ.

    “I thank the PSA and their hardworking members for their advocacy and commitment to keeping children in NSW safe.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Improving flood resilience around singleton

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Singleton Local Government Area has received $7 million in funding from the Albanese and Minns Governments to help improve the resilience of Kilfoyles Bridge and Stanhope Road ahead of future flood events.

    The funds, provided through the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, will go towards:

    • Raising Stanhope Road at Elderslie; and
    • The betterment of Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road with a two-lane concrete structure.

    Work to raise the road level along a one kilometer section of Stanhope Road is already underway and will involve major culvert upgrades to better manage drainage and improve access to the route during future rainfalls.

    The funding also covers raising Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road by at least 2.2 metres, and upgrading the bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with a higher bridge deck and scour protection. This work is expected to start in November 2024.

    The improvements will help reduce the likelihood of road and bridge closures during severe weather and reduce costs for ongoing repairs and maintenance.

    These upgrades are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

    “We are working with the Minns Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day, but particularly in times of crisis.”

    “Upgraded roads and bridges will help residents stay connected during flooding and improve access to emergency services.

    “By raising the road and increasing the capacity of culverts, these projects will also reduce turbulence and help flood water escape quickly.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

    “We’ve seen over the last few years the devastation that constant rain and flooding has had on our communities and on our vital infrastructure.

    “Keeping our roads and bridges open during flood events is vital to stop communities being isolated.

    “It’s all about building back better and it’s about the Albanese Labor Government working with the states and the local government so that we can build back better and give people the future they need.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

    “This key investment by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments will improve Singleton’s resilience to floods.

    “Workers, students, tourists, freight operators and other residents will be able to continue to go about their business, get to education and medical appointments with less inconvenience and disruption during disasters.

    “This will reduce their reliance on Surf Life Saving and the State Emergency Service (SES), particularly for residents of smaller communities like Lambs Valley and Stanhope.

    Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal:

    “These flood resilience projects will keep communities better connected during disasters while importantly protecting lives and livelihoods across the Upper Hunter.

    “It’s great to see all three levels of government working together to deliver projects that make such a big difference to our regional communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore:

    “I’m very pleased to have State and Federal Governments working together to improve access in times of flooding for Singleton rural communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Singleton Council General Manager Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr:

    “Stanhope Road and Kilfoyles Bridge form an important transport route for the community and agricultural businesses but in times of flooding, they become inundated and unpassable for days at a time.

    “By upgrading and raising the level of this road and bridge, we’ll keep our community connected during future flooding disasters.

    “We’re extremely grateful to the Australian and NSW governments for their support to deliver these integral infrastructure projects for Singleton.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Time’s Running Out! Louisiana Non-Profits: SBA Deadline for Hurricane Francine Property Damage Aid Nears

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists, in person and online, so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.” 

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded Louisiana private nonprofit organizations of the Nov. 22, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by Hurricane Francine that occurred Sept. 9-12. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

    According to Sánchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    In addition, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help eligible private nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage. Private nonprofits have until June 23, 2025, to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez continued. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana parishes.

    The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

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

    ###

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW invites technology and AI solutions to improve planning assessments

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Minns Labor Government is calling on the best and brightest in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology tools to improve the NSW Planning Portal and speed up assessment timeframes to deliver more homes, jobs and infrastructure.

    The NSW Planning Portal processes all the state’s Development Applications (DA) as well as Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Concurrence and Referrals (C&R) for DAs that require state agency advice.

    The NSW Government has launched two Requests for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative technology and AI solutions to integrate into the Planning Portal as a feature of the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem. The first RFP asks for:

    • Products to improve DA quality and assessment times that can be integrated into the existing Portal
    • Products or services that use AI to provide data analytics and spatial insights
    • Products to strengthen cybersecurity and improve user privacy including document security and certificate forgery

    A second tender seeking a range of technology enhancements to upgrade the core platform functionality of the NSW Planning Portal which include:

    • Making this legacy platform more efficient through upgrades to assessment and implementation planning
    • Seeking products that improve security through data processing and document migration and validation
    • Enhancements to the core platform, making it more reliable and improving the user experience

    These two RFPs follow the NSW Government’s $5.6 million investment to introduce AI into the planning system with 16 councils currently trialling AI solutions through the AI Early Adopter Grant.

    To provide a Request for Proposal for the NSW Planning Portal, applicants should respond by 3pm on Friday 1 November: NSW Planning Portal – Pega Upgrade – SR00252 | buy.nsw

    To provide a Request for Proposal for the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal ecosystem applicants should respond by 3pm on Monday 4 November: Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem – SR00132 | buy.nsw

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The NSW Planning Portal services millions of people, it should be utilising the best technological platforms available to us.

    “AI can assist planners to determine DAs much faster and that means faster assessments for housing across NSW.

    “We are also looking for solutions to improve the core technology of the Planning Portal to improve user experience.

    “The Minns Labor Government is bringing the planning system into the 21st century.

    “Our Early Adopter AI grant Program has already seen 16 councils commence technology trials to help their planners free up valuable time and energy to improve assessment times. This next round of technology enhancements will bring us even closer to the future of digital assessment in the planning system.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERIE COUNTY – Governor Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Redding to Announce Significant Investment in Local Potato Farm and Fry Company

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 23, 2024 – Waterford, PA

    ADVISORY – ERIE COUNTY – Governor Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Redding to Announce Significant Investment in Local Potato Farm and Fry Company

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will join Troyer, Inc. to announce the Commonwealth’s significant new investment in its organic farm fry company, Folkland Foods, to build out a state-of-the-art organic potato fry manufacturing plant, creating 50 new local jobs in the first three years.

    Folkland Foods is a start-up organic food company based in Erie County and will continue the Troyer family’s rich legacy and impact in the northwestern Pennsylvania snack foods industry.

    The Shapiro Administration’s Economic Development Strategy puts agriculture front and center – with the Governor’s 2024-25 budget making critical investment to support and attract new agricultural businesses and build the future of American agriculture right here in Pennsylvania.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding
    Zachary Troyer, Co-Founder of Folkland Foods
    Brian Garlick, Chief Operating Officer of Folkland Foods

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 1:15 PM

    WHERE:
    Folkland Foods
    817 Rt. 97
    Waterford, PA 16441

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Guilty Plea of Fruitland Woman in Knife-Assault Case

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland woman pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of felony assault for assaulting and seriously injuring another woman with a pocketknife.

    According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, Richelle R. Upshaw, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe with a knife (considered a “dangerous weapon” under federal law), and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe’s head and face.

    At sentencing, Upshaw faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Upshaw will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. She must also make criminal restitution to the victim of her stabbing.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBTC), parent of Enterprise Bank, announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Net income amounted to $10.0 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.5 million, or $0.77 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $9.7 million, or $0.79 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Selected financial results at or for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 were as follows:

    • The returns on average assets and average equity were 0.82% and 11.20%, respectively.
    • Tax-equivalent net interest margin (non-GAAP) (“net interest margin”) was 3.22%, an increase of 3 basis points.
    • Total loans amounted to $3.86 billion, an increase of 2.4%.
    • Total deposits amounted to $4.19 billion, a decrease of 1.4%.
    • Wealth assets under management and administration amounted to $1.51 billion, an increase of 8.5%.

    Chief Executive Officer Steven Larochelle commented, “Our team continued to deliver strong results in the third quarter. Loan growth was 2.4% for the quarter and 13.4% over the past twelve months. Customer deposits, which were down slightly during the quarter, have increased 5.3% in 2024 and 3.2% over the last twelve months. We continue to be primarily core funded and had no brokered deposits at September 30, 2024. Total borrowings were down $1.8 million compared to June 30, 2024, and amounted to only $59.9 million, or 1.3% of total assets. Higher deposit costs and the inverted yield curve continued to be a headwind, but net interest margin increased to 3.22% in the third quarter of 2024 from 3.19% in the prior quarter and benefited by 2 basis points from a large seasonal deposit.”

    Mr. Larochelle continued, “We remain committed to our long-term strategy of geographic expansion and customer acquisition through organic growth and investment in our team members, communities, products and technology. We are well positioned with a strong balance sheet, centered around a high-quality loan portfolio and favorable liquidity, core deposit funding and capital, paired with a conservative credit and reserve culture.”

    Executive Chairman & Founder George Duncan stated, “I would like to congratulate Steve, who completed his first quarter as CEO of Enterprise, and the whole team for a very successful quarter. I am particularly impressed that the team has been able to achieve such strong loan and deposit growth while stabilizing our net interest margin and without significant increases in wholesale funding. I firmly believe this is a testament to our relationship based, sales and service culture partnered with our strong commitment to community outreach and involvement.”

    Mr. Duncan added, “On September 5th, we were once again recognized at the Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship Summit for our significant contributions in employee volunteerism and corporate philanthropy. In particular, I am very proud that we ranked 2nd in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the highest average of volunteer hours per employee.”

    Net Interest Income
    Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $38.0 million, a decrease of $482 thousand, or 1%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was due primarily to increases in deposit interest expense of $7.7 million and borrowings interest expense of $646 thousand and a decrease in income on other interest-earning assets of $971 thousand, partially offset by an increase in loan interest income of $9.3 million.

    The increase in interest expense during the period was attributed primarily to an increase in the cost of funds and changes in deposit mix, while the increase in interest income during the period was due primarily to loan growth and higher market interest rates.

    Net Interest Margin
    Net interest margin was 3.22% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.19% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 3.46% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Asset yields for the third quarter of 2024 were 5.09%, an increase of 8 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024, due primarily to new loan originations, loans repricing and an increase in the average balance of other interest-earning assets, which resulted mainly from deposit inflows during the period. Average total loans increased $105.3 million, or 3%, and average other interest-earning assets increased $57.6 million, or 46%, compared to the second quarter of 2024.

    The cost of funds for the third quarter of 2024 was 1.99%, an increase of 5 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, average total deposits increased $128.8 million, or 3%, and the cost of deposits increased 6 basis points, compared to the second quarter of 2024. The increase in average total deposits was comprised of increases in average lower-cost checking account balances of $59.4 million, or 3%, which was driven primarily by a large seasonal deposit, and higher-cost savings, money market and certificate of deposit account balances of $69.4 million, or 3%.

    Provision for Credit Losses
    The provision for credit losses for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 are presented below:

        Three months ended   Increase / (Decrease)
    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Provision for credit losses on loans – collectively evaluated   $ (663 )   $ (1,518 )   $ 855  
    Provision for credit losses on loans – individually evaluated     2,311       2,512       (201 )
    Provision for credit losses on loans     1,648       994       654  
                 
    Provision for unfunded commitments     (316 )     758       (1,074 )
                 
    Provision for credit losses   $ 1,332     $ 1,752     $ (420 )

    The increase in the provision for credit losses on loans of $654 thousand was due primarily to a net increase in reserves on individually evaluated loans. The increase in reserves on individually evaluated loans for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by one individually evaluated commercial relationship which was downgraded, placed on non-accrual and assigned specific reserves of $3.4 million, partially offset by a reduction of $1.2 million in specific reserves resulting from a commercial relationship that experienced improvement in its collateral valuation during the period. The reduction in the provision for unfunded commitments of $1.1 million was driven primarily by a decrease in off-balance sheet commitments during the period.

    Non-Interest Income
    Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $6.1 million, an increase of $1.7 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in non-interest income was due primarily to increases in gains on equity securities, wealth management fees and deposit and interchange fees.

    Non-Interest Expense
    Non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $29.4 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in non-interest expense was due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of $938 thousand, or 5%.

    Balance Sheet
    Total assets amounted to $4.74 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $4.47 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of 6%.

    Total investment securities at fair value amounted to $632.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $668.2 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease of 5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was largely attributable to principal pay-downs, calls and maturities. Unrealized losses on debt securities amounted to $80.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $102.9 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of 21% that resulted from lower term interest rates.

    Total loans amounted to $3.86 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $3.57 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase of 8% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due primarily to increases in commercial real estate and construction loans of $175.2 million and $89.3 million, respectively.

    Total deposits amounted to $4.19 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase of 5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due primarily to increases in money market and certificate of deposit balances of $85.5 million and $153.6 million, respectively.

    Total borrowed funds amounted to $59.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $25.8 million at December 31, 2023. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 resulted from a term advance in the first quarter of 2024.

    Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $368.1 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $329.1 million at December 31, 2023. The increase of 12% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due primarily to an increase in retained earnings of $19.1 million and a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $17.1 million.

    Credit Quality
    Selected credit quality metrics at September 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, were as follows:

    • The ACL for loans amounted to $63.7 million, or 1.65% of total loans, compared to $59.0 million, or 1.65% of total loans.
    • The reserve for unfunded commitments (included in other liabilities) amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $7.1 million.
    • Non-performing loans amounted to $25.9 million, or 0.67% of total loans, compared to $11.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans. The increase in non-performing loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 resulted primarily from two individually evaluated commercial construction loans which were placed on non-accrual.

    Net recoveries amounted to $7 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $12 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Wealth Management
    Wealth assets under management and administration, which are not carried as assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.51 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $194.9 million, or 15%, compared to December 31, 2023, and resulted primarily from an increase in market values.

    About Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.
    Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank, and has reported 140 consecutive profitable quarters. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; potential recession in the United States and our market areas; the impacts related to or resulting from bank failures and any uncertainty in the banking industry, including the associated impact to the Company and other financial institutions of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by government agencies in response thereto; increased competition for deposits and related changes in deposit customer behavior; the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to the current elevated interest rate environment or future reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation or inflationary pressures in our market areas and the United States; the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; declines in commercial real estate values and prices; uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events, including as a result of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress; competition and market expansion opportunities; changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; changes in tax laws; the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; potential increased regulatory requirements and costs related to the transition and physical impacts of climate change; and current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For more information about these factors, please see our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty, and specifically disclaim any duty, to update or revise any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited)

    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
    Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents:            
    Cash and due from banks   $ 60,466     $ 37,443     $ 45,345  
    Interest-earning deposits with banks     28,166       19,149       180,076  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     88,632       56,592       225,421  
    Investments:            
    Debt securities at fair value (amortized cost of $703,311, $763,981 and $806,077, respectively)     622,527       661,113       672,894  
    Equity securities at fair value     9,448       7,058       6,038  
    Total investment securities at fair value     631,975       668,171       678,932  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock     2,482       2,402       2,403  
    Loans held for sale     1,229       200       —  
    Loans:            
    Total loans     3,858,940       3,567,631       3,404,014  
    Allowance for credit losses     (63,654 )     (58,995 )     (57,905 )
    Net loans     3,795,286       3,508,636       3,346,109  
    Premises and equipment, net     43,291       44,931       43,391  
    Lease right-of-use asset     24,291       24,820       24,979  
    Accrued interest receivable     20,529       19,233       18,572  
    Deferred income taxes, net     44,067       49,166       55,080  
    Bank-owned life insurance     66,899       65,455       65,106  
    Prepaid income taxes     4,645       1,589       2,548  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     13,827       19,183       14,177  
    Goodwill     5,656       5,656       5,656  
    Total assets   $ 4,742,809     $ 4,466,034     $ 4,482,374  
    Liabilities and Shareholders‘Equity            
    Liabilities            
    Deposits   $ 4,189,461     $ 3,977,521     $ 4,060,403  
    Borrowed funds     59,949       25,768       4,290  
    Subordinated debt     59,736       59,498       59,419  
    Lease liability     24,010       24,441       24,589  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     32,116       45,011       31,288  
    Accrued interest payable     9,428       4,678       2,686  
    Total liabilities     4,374,700       4,136,917       4,182,675  
    Commitments and Contingencies            
    Shareholders‘Equity            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued     —       —       —  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 12,428,426, 12,272,674 and 12,256,964 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.     124       123       123  
    Additional paid-in capital     110,110       107,377       106,451  
    Retained earnings     320,497       301,380       296,291  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (62,622 )     (79,763 )     (103,166 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     368,109       329,117       299,699  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 4,742,809     $ 4,466,034     $ 4,482,374  

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited)

        Three months ended   Nine months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Interest and dividend income:                    
    Other interest-earning assets   $         2,497             $         1,697           $         3,468             $         5,366             $         7,593          
    Investment securities             3,835                       3,943                     4,316                       11,812                       14,356          
    Loans and loans held for sale             53,809                       51,224                     44,501                       153,850                       125,855          
    Total interest and dividend income             60,141                       56,864                     52,285                       171,028                       147,804          
    Interest expense:                    
    Deposits             20,581                       19,172                     12,889                       57,025                       28,568          
    Borrowed funds             674                       664                     28                       2,032                       70          
    Subordinated debt             866                       867                     866                       2,600                       2,600          
    Total interest expense             22,121                       20,703                     13,783                       61,657                       31,238          
    Net interest income             38,020                       36,161                     38,502                       109,371                       116,566          
    Provision for credit losses             1,332                       137                     1,752                       2,091                       6,756          
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses             36,688                       36,024                     36,750                       107,280                       109,810          
    Non-interest income:                    
    Wealth management fees             2,025                       1,970                     1,673                       5,845                       4,933          
    Deposit and interchange fees             2,282                       2,284                     1,987                       6,635                       6,330          
    Income on bank-owned life insurance, net             518                       503                     327                       1,479                       950          
    Net losses on sales of debt securities             (2 )             —                     —                       (2 )             (2,419 )
    Net gains on sales of loans             57                       44                     14                       123                       34          
    Net gains (losses) on equity securities             604                       101                     (181 )             1,170                       (8 )
    Other income             656                       726                     666                       2,013                       2,242          
    Total non-interest income             6,140                       5,628                     4,486                       17,263                       12,062          
    Non-interest expense:                    
    Salaries and employee benefits             20,097                       19,675                     19,159                       58,948                       53,815          
    Occupancy and equipment expenses             2,438                       2,406                     2,433                       7,303                       7,439          
    Technology and telecommunications expenses             2,618                       2,658                     2,626                       8,021                       7,937          
    Advertising and public relations expenses             559                       674                     592                       1,976                       2,077          
    Audit, legal and other professional fees             569                       711                     735                       2,014                       2,157          
    Deposit insurance premiums             900                       862                     654                       2,621                       1,944          
    Supplies and postage expenses             261                       240                     251                       738                       753          
    Other operating expenses             1,911                       1,803                     1,862                       5,669                       5,853          
    Total non-interest expense             29,353                       29,029                     28,312                       87,290                       81,975          
    Income before income taxes             13,475                       12,623                     12,924                       37,253                       39,897          
    Provision for income taxes             3,488                       3,111                     3,225                       9,247                       9,746          
    Net income   $         9,987             $         9,512           $         9,699             $         28,006             $         30,151          
                         
    Basic earnings per common share   $         0.80             $         0.77           $         0.79             $         2.26             $         2.47          
    Diluted earnings per common share   $         0.80             $         0.77           $         0.79             $         2.26             $         2.46          
                         
    Basic weighted average common shares outstanding             12,428,543                       12,389,917                     12,247,892                       12,370,812                       12,210,740          
    Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding             12,438,160                       12,394,463                     12,264,778                       12,379,390                       12,233,861          

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Ratios
    (unaudited)

        At or for the three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
    Balance Sheet Data                    
    Total cash and cash equivalents   $ 88,632     $ 199,719     $ 147,834     $ 56,592     $ 225,421  
    Total investment securities at fair value     631,975       636,838       652,026       668,171       678,932  
    Total loans     3,858,940       3,768,649       3,654,322       3,567,631       3,404,014  
    Allowance for credit losses     (63,654 )     (61,999 )     (60,741 )     (58,995 )     (57,905 )
    Total assets     4,742,809       4,773,681       4,624,015       4,466,034       4,482,374  
    Total deposits     4,189,461       4,248,801       4,106,119       3,977,521       4,060,403  
    Borrowed funds     59,949       61,785       63,246       25,768       4,290  
    Subordinated debt     59,736       59,657       59,577       59,498       59,419  
    Total shareholders’ equity     368,109       340,441       333,439       329,117       299,699  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     4,742,809       4,773,681       4,624,015       4,466,034       4,482,374  
                         
    Wealth Management                    
    Wealth assets under management   $ 1,212,076     $ 1,129,147     $ 1,105,036     $ 1,077,761     $ 984,647  
    Wealth assets under administration   $ 302,891     $ 267,529     $ 268,074     $ 242,338     $ 211,046  
                         
    Shareholders’ Equity Ratios                    
    Book value per common share   $ 29.62     $ 27.40     $ 26.94     $ 26.82     $ 24.45  
    Dividends paid per common share   $ 0.24     $ 0.24     $ 0.24     $ 0.23     $ 0.23  
                         
    Regulatory Capital Ratios                    
    Total capital to risk weighted assets     13.07 %     13.07 %     13.20 %     13.12 %     13.45 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets(1)     10.36 %     10.34 %     10.43 %     10.34 %     10.61 %
    Tier 1 capital to average assets     8.68 %     8.76 %     8.85 %     8.74 %     8.59 %
                         
    Credit Quality Data                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 25,946     $ 17,731     $ 18,527     $ 11,414     $ 11,656  
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.67 %     0.47 %     0.51 %     0.32 %     0.34 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.55 %     0.37 %     0.40 %     0.26 %     0.26 %
    ACL for loans to total loans     1.65 %     1.65 %     1.66 %     1.65 %     1.70 %
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $ (7 )   $ (130 )   $ 122     $ 15     $ (12 )
                         
    Income Statement Data                    
    Net interest income   $ 38,020     $ 36,161     $ 35,190     $ 36,518     $ 38,502  
    Provision for credit losses     1,332       137       622       2,493       1,752  
    Total non-interest income     6,140       5,628       5,495       5,547       4,486  
    Total non-interest expense     29,353       29,029       28,908       28,224       28,312  
    Income before income taxes     13,475       12,623       11,155       11,348       12,924  
    Provision for income taxes     3,488       3,111       2,648       3,441       3,225  
    Net income   $ 9,987     $ 9,512     $ 8,507     $ 7,907     $ 9,699  
                         
    Income Statement Ratios                    
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.80     $ 0.77     $ 0.69     $ 0.64     $ 0.79  
    Return on average total assets     0.82 %     0.82 %     0.75 %     0.69 %     0.85 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity     11.20 %     11.55 %     10.47 %     10.21 %     12.53 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(2)     3.22 %     3.19 %     3.20 %     3.29 %     3.46 %

    (1)   Ratio also represents common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of the periods presented.
    (2)   Tax-equivalent net interest margin is net interest income adjusted for the tax-equivalent effect associated with tax-exempt loan and investment income, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Loan and Deposit Data
    (unaudited)

    Major classifications of loans at the dates indicated were as follows:

    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
    Commercial real estate owner-occupied   $ 660,063     $ 660,478     $ 635,420     $ 619,302     $ 618,903  
    Commercial real estate non owner-occupied     1,579,827       1,544,386       1,524,174       1,445,435       1,413,555  
    Commercial and industrial     415,642       426,976       417,604       430,749       425,334  
    Commercial construction     674,434       622,094       583,711       585,113       501,179  
    Total commercial loans     3,329,966       3,253,934       3,160,909       3,080,599       2,958,971  
                         
    Residential mortgages     424,030       413,323       400,093       393,142       362,514  
    Home equity loans and lines     95,982       93,220       85,144       85,375       74,433  
    Consumer     8,962       8,172       8,176       8,515       8,096  
    Total retail loans     528,974       514,715       493,413       487,032       445,043  
    Total loans     3,858,940       3,768,649       3,654,322       3,567,631       3,404,014  
                         
    ACL for loans     (63,654 )     (61,999 )     (60,741 )     (58,995 )     (57,905 )
    Net loans   $ 3,795,286     $ 3,706,650     $ 3,593,581     $ 3,508,636     $ 3,346,109  

    Deposits are summarized as follows as of the periods indicated:

    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
    Non-interest checking   $ 1,064,424   $ 1,041,771   $ 1,038,887   $ 1,061,009   $ 1,118,714
    Interest-bearing checking     682,050     788,822     730,819     697,632     727,817
    Savings     279,824     294,566     285,090     294,865     302,381
    Money market     1,488,437     1,504,551     1,469,181     1,402,939     1,434,036
    CDs $250,000 or less     375,055     358,149     337,367     295,789     262,975
    CDs greater than $250,000     299,671     260,942     244,775     225,287     214,480
    Deposits   $ 4,189,461   $ 4,248,801   $ 4,106,119   $ 3,977,521   $ 4,060,403

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Yields (tax-equivalent basis)
    (unaudited)

    The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheets, net interest income and average rates for the periods indicated:

        Three months ended September 30, 2024   Three Months Ended June 30, 2024   Three months ended September 30, 2023
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance    		   Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
    Assets:                                    
    Other interest-earning assets(2)   $ 181,465   $ 2,497   5.48 %   $ 123,887   $ 1,697   5.51 %   $ 260,475   $ 3,468   5.28 %
    Investment securities(3)(tax-equivalent)     731,815     3,945   2.16 %     750,822     4,057   2.16 %     820,156     4,444   2.17 %
    Loans and loans held for sale(4)(tax-equivalent)     3,813,800     53,956   5.63 %     3,708,485     51,366   5.57 %     3,372,754     44,644   5.25 %
    Total interest-earnings assets (tax-equivalent)     4,727,080     60,398   5.09 %     4,583,194     57,120   5.01 %     4,453,385     52,556   4.69 %
    Other assets     104,284             96,991             82,190        
    Total assets   $ 4,831,364           $ 4,680,185           $ 4,535,575        
                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                    
    Non-interest checking   $ 1,069,130     —       $ 1,044,648     —       $ 1,186,243     —    
    Interest checking, savings and money market     2,574,439     13,017   2.01 %     2,520,439     12,381   1.98 %     2,491,229     9,185   1.47 %
    CDs     651,614     7,564   4.62 %     601,339     6,791   4.54 %     430,376     3,704   3.41 %
    Total deposits     4,295,183     20,581   1.91 %     4,166,426     19,172   1.85 %     4,107,848     12,889   1.24 %
    Borrowed funds     61,232     674   4.38 %     62,513     664   4.27 %     4,938     28   2.30 %
    Subordinated debt(5)     59,689     866   5.81 %     59,609     867   5.82 %     59,372     866   5.84 %
    Total funding liabilities     4,416,104     22,121   1.99 %     4,288,548     20,703   1.94 %     4,172,158     13,783   1.31 %
    Other liabilities     60,524             60,270             56,414        
    Total liabilities     4,476,628             4,348,818             4,228,572        
    Stockholders’ equity     354,736             331,367             307,003        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 4,831,364           $ 4,680,185           $ 4,535,575        
                                         
    Net interest-rate spread (tax-equivalent)           3.10 %           3.07 %           3.38 %
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)         38,277             36,417             38,773    
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)           3.22 %           3.19 %           3.46 %
    Less tax-equivalent adjustment         257             256             271    
    Net interest income       $ 38,020           $ 36,161           $ 38,502    
    Net interest margin           3.20 %           3.17 %           3.43 %

    (1)   Average yields and interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, calculated using a U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for each period presented, based on tax-equivalent adjustments associated with tax-exempt loans and investments interest income.
    (2)   Average other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (3)   Average investment securities are presented at average amortized cost.
    (4)   Average loans and loans held for sale are presented at average amortized cost and include non-accrual loans.
    (5)   Subordinated debt is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

    Contact Info:        Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Andrew Cardno to Deliver Keynote at November Gaming Conference in Phoenix: “How are Technology Advancements Impacting Decision Making and Driving Innovation in Gaming?”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The gaming industry continues to evolve with the rapid integration of advanced technologies, offering new pathways for innovation and decision-making. Andrew Cardno, Chief Technology Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), will deliver a keynote address titled “How are Technology Advancements Impacting Decision Making and Driving Innovation in Gaming?” at this year’s premier gaming conference, taking place on November 12th and 13th in Phoenix, Arizona.

    Cardno, a leading expert with over two decades of experience in gaming and technology, will explore how advancements such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven solutions are reshaping decision-making processes within the gaming industry. His address will provide actionable insights for professionals seeking to stay ahead in this fast-paced environment.

    “Technology is no longer just an enabler; it’s the driving force behind innovation in gaming,” said Andrew Cardno. “At this year’s conference, I will delve into how these advancements can empower industry leaders to make better, faster decisions and capitalize on new opportunities for growth.”

    Mark Pace, President of the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA), praised Cardno’s expertise: “Andrew Cardno has a deep understanding of how technology is transforming the gaming industry. His ability to translate complex innovations into practical, strategic insights makes him the ideal keynote speaker. His work continues to inspire and guide decision-makers across the gaming world.”

    The conference, held in Phoenix on November 12th and 13th, promises to be a hub of cutting-edge discussions and networking opportunities, bringing together top leaders to explore the future of gaming.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at http://www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinema, Kelly Announce Nearly $107 Million Investment to Strengthen Gila River Indian Community’s Water Supply

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)
    Law shaped by Sinema and Kelly provides the necessary funding for the agreement which has the potential to create system conservation of over 73,000 acre-feet within the next 10 years for the Gila River Indian Community
    WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced approximately $107,000,000 coming to the Gila River Indian Community to fulfill long-term water conservation agreements critical to Arizona’s water future and the long-term health of the Colorado River System. 
    The $107 million – allocated through the Sinema and Kelly shaped Inflation Reduction Act – will fund three projects for the Gila River Indian Community: $64 million to replace and upgrade irrigation systems on Gila River Farms, $26 million to concrete line more than 7.5 miles of earthen canals in the Blackwater area, and $17 million to construct a regulating reservoir to capture flows that are currently being spilled from the Santan Canal when too much water is accidentally ordered or delivered into the system.
    “Arizona continues to lead the way in water conservation. I’m proud to help secure nearly $107 million for the Gila River Indian Community – a critical step towards securing Arizona, and the entire West’s, water future for generations to come,” said Sinema. 
    “Upgrading irrigation systems and improving water management will help the Gila River Indian Community conserve more water and strengthen Arizona’s resilience to drought,” said Kelly. “These projects and the leadership of the Gila River Indian Community are essential to building a sustainable water future for Arizona, that protects the Colorado River and the communities that rely on it.” 
    “Our congressional champions, especially Senator Sinema, worked hard to include drought relief funding for the Colorado River in the IRA. Their foresight and determination provided us with the resources necessary to launch these projects.  By investing time and energy into careful planning, and in close partnership with our trustee, the Bureau of Reclamation, we were able to not only sign the first Bucket 2 infrastructure investment agreements, but also to break ground on all three of them this month,” said Governor Lewis. He continued, “Arizona is leading the way in combatting drought, and we are proud that we have been able to be the first to put the resources our congressional champions and this Administration made available to us.”
    In June, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced an initial $700 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act to support long-term water conservation and protect the health of the Colorado River System. 
    The agreements with the Gila River Indian Community represent the first long-term agreements to be signed and have the potential to create system conservation of over 73,000 acre-feet within the next 10 years. 
    Last year, Sinema secured a nearly $64 million investment to fulfill new water conservation agreements across Arizona – including from tribal communities, local municipalities, and a farm – which will conserve up to 162,710-acre feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026.
    Between Sinema’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Senator has secured more than $12 billion in drought relief and Western water funding that made this investment possible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister warns Russian threat to global stability is accelerating as Putin ramps up attacks on Black Sea

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    • Grain ships collateral damage in the Black Sea as Russian risk appetite increases, UK intelligence shows.
    • Prime Minister calls out Russia’s actions, saying the Black Sea strikes underscore that Putin is willing to risk anything in attempts to force Ukraine into submission.
    • UK and Norway at the forefront of protecting the corridor, funding cutting edge maritime capabilities for Ukraine to ensure grain can reach the global south.

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    The acceleration in attacks coincides with harvest season in Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, crucial for global food security.

    Putin’s almost 1000-day conflict in Ukraine has reduced supplies for some of the world’s most in need and helped drive up food and fuel prices across the globe.

    Now, UK intelligence shows that there has been a noticeable increase in Russian risk appetite when conducting strikes on port infrastructure, with grain ships becoming collateral damage in Russia’s campaign. 

    Those strikes are believed to have delayed the MV SHUI SPIRIT from departing Ukraine while carrying vegetable oil destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine.

    It has also hit ships loaded with grain destined for Egypt, two vessels carrying corn – which Ukraine is the second biggest supplier to China of – and World Food Programme shipments bound for southern Africa. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission. 

    ‘’In doing so, he is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war. 

    “In recent weeks, we have seen reporting that the Kremlin has been forced to turn to North Korea to provide troops to fuel its self-destructing war machine, an embarrassing and desperate act, and now they are intensifying attacks on areas of Ukraine that support the global south with much-needed food. 

    “Russia has no respect for the norms and laws that govern our international system. Not only was their illegal invasion a blatant attack on the principles of the UN Charter, but the way they have executed their war in Ukraine shows no respect for human life, or the consequences of their invasion across the world.” 

    According to Defence Intelligence, between 05 – 14 October 2024, at least four merchant vessels have been struck by Russian munitions. 

    These include: 

    1.       05 October 2024 – Yuzhny port – MV PARESA (St Kitts and Nevis flagged) was almost certainly the target of the strike that damaged it. Following the attack, the Russian MoD released a video of what they say shows the vessel unloading containerised cargo which they likely perceive to be weapons. 

    2.       07 October 2024 – Odesa port – MV  OPTIMA (Palau flagged). There is a realistic possibility that the vessel was collateral damage as a result of a strike on port infrastructure and was not the direct target of the attack. MV OPTIMA was also likely further damaged in a strike on port infrastructure on 15 October 2024. 

    3.       08 October 2024 – Chronomorsk port MV SHUI SPIRIT (Panama flagged).Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval stated the MV SHUI SPIRIT was carrying sunflower oil as part of a UN shipment. However, the vessel was a containerised cargo carrier and noting the earlier strike on MV OPTIMA, there is a realistic possibility that this vessel was also the target of the strike as opposed to collateral damage. 

    4.       14 October 2024 – Odesa port – NS MOON (Belize flagged) was likely damaged in strikes on port infrastructure. The vessel was likely collateral damage in strikes on port infrastructure. 

    The announcement comes as this government announces a further £2.26 billion for Ukraine as part of the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme.  

    Through the scheme, $50 billion from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets. 

    The UK has been at the forefront of work to protect the maritime corridor in the Black Sea. The Maritime Capability Coalition – led by the UK and Norway – is focused on delivering a future naval fighting force for Ukraine and has been instrumental in helping to equip Ukraine’s navy with items such as uncrewed surface vessels, better known as maritime drones, which will protect the corridor. 

    The UK is donating an additional £120 million toward the Maritime Capability Coalition and is seeking partners to co-fund delivery of hundreds more maritime drones (aerial and uncrewed boats), as well as surveillance radars to protect the Grain Corridor. 

    And together, the UK and Norway are seeking a further £100 million to co-fund hundreds more. 

    Recent gifting packages have provided dozens of amphibious all-terrain vehicles and raiding craft, hundreds of anti-ship missiles for coastal defence and river operations, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition to accompany the machine guns we have provided. 

    Russia’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks have not been limited to the Black Sea, Putin’s forces have also been targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine throughout this year, aiming to make life intolerable for the Ukrainian people, especially as the country heads into winter. 

    They have attacked thousands of civilian targets, including hospitals and energy infrastructure. 

    Open-source intelligence shows there has been 1,522 attacks on Ukraine’s health care system since February 2022, 774 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals and clinics, and 234 health workers have been killed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Prime Minister warns Russian threat to global stability is accelerating as Putin ramps up attacks on Black Sea

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    • Grain ships collateral damage in the Black Sea as Russian risk appetite increases, UK intelligence shows.
    • Prime Minister calls out Russia’s actions, saying the Black Sea strikes underscore that Putin is willing to risk anything in attempts to force Ukraine into submission.
    • UK and Norway at the forefront of protecting the corridor, funding cutting edge maritime capabilities for Ukraine to ensure grain can reach the global south.

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    The acceleration in attacks coincides with harvest season in Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, crucial for global food security.

    Putin’s almost 1000-day conflict in Ukraine has reduced supplies for some of the world’s most in need and helped drive up food and fuel prices across the globe.

    Now, UK intelligence shows that there has been a noticeable increase in Russian risk appetite when conducting strikes on port infrastructure, with grain ships becoming collateral damage in Russia’s campaign. 

    Those strikes are believed to have delayed the MV SHUI SPIRIT from departing Ukraine while carrying vegetable oil destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine.

    It has also hit ships loaded with grain destined for Egypt, two vessels carrying corn – which Ukraine is the second biggest supplier to China of – and World Food Programme shipments bound for southern Africa. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission. 

    ‘’In doing so, he is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war. 

    “In recent weeks, we have seen reporting that the Kremlin has been forced to turn to North Korea to provide troops to fuel its self-destructing war machine, an embarrassing and desperate act, and now they are intensifying attacks on areas of Ukraine that support the global south with much-needed food. 

    “Russia has no respect for the norms and laws that govern our international system. Not only was their illegal invasion a blatant attack on the principles of the UN Charter, but the way they have executed their war in Ukraine shows no respect for human life, or the consequences of their invasion across the world.” 

    According to Defence Intelligence, between 05 – 14 October 2024, at least four merchant vessels have been struck by Russian munitions. 

    These include: 

    1.       05 October 2024 – Yuzhny port – MV PARESA (St Kitts and Nevis flagged) was almost certainly the target of the strike that damaged it. Following the attack, the Russian MoD released a video of what they say shows the vessel unloading containerised cargo which they likely perceive to be weapons. 

    2.       07 October 2024 – Odesa port – MV  OPTIMA (Palau flagged). There is a realistic possibility that the vessel was collateral damage as a result of a strike on port infrastructure and was not the direct target of the attack. MV OPTIMA was also likely further damaged in a strike on port infrastructure on 15 October 2024. 

    3.       08 October 2024 – Chronomorsk port MV SHUI SPIRIT (Panama flagged).Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval stated the MV SHUI SPIRIT was carrying sunflower oil as part of a UN shipment. However, the vessel was a containerised cargo carrier and noting the earlier strike on MV OPTIMA, there is a realistic possibility that this vessel was also the target of the strike as opposed to collateral damage. 

    4.       14 October 2024 – Odesa port – NS MOON (Belize flagged) was likely damaged in strikes on port infrastructure. The vessel was likely collateral damage in strikes on port infrastructure. 

    The announcement comes as this government announces a further £2.26 billion for Ukraine as part of the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme.  

    Through the scheme, $50 billion from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets. 

    The UK has been at the forefront of work to protect the maritime corridor in the Black Sea. The Maritime Capability Coalition – led by the UK and Norway – is focused on delivering a future naval fighting force for Ukraine and has been instrumental in helping to equip Ukraine’s navy with items such as uncrewed surface vessels, better known as maritime drones, which will protect the corridor. 

    The UK is donating an additional £120 million toward the Maritime Capability Coalition and is seeking partners to co-fund delivery of hundreds more maritime drones (aerial and uncrewed boats), as well as surveillance radars to protect the Grain Corridor. 

    And together, the UK and Norway are seeking a further £100 million to co-fund hundreds more. 

    Recent gifting packages have provided dozens of amphibious all-terrain vehicles and raiding craft, hundreds of anti-ship missiles for coastal defence and river operations, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition to accompany the machine guns we have provided. 

    Russia’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks have not been limited to the Black Sea, Putin’s forces have also been targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine throughout this year, aiming to make life intolerable for the Ukrainian people, especially as the country heads into winter. 

    They have attacked thousands of civilian targets, including hospitals and energy infrastructure. 

    Open-source intelligence shows there has been 1,522 attacks on Ukraine’s health care system since February 2022, 774 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals and clinics, and 234 health workers have been killed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police Perpetuate Siege on Ōpōtiki

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    Te Pāti Māori MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, says today’s police-sponsored terrorism in Ōpōtiki is a continuation of the State’s predatory behaviour towards the iwi of Te Whakatōhea.

    “Ōpōtiki is once again being intentionally targeted and is the direct byproduct of this Government’s ‘tough on crime’ legislative changes,” said MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi.

    “This predatory action only exacerbates the broken relationship between Te Whakatōhea and authorities, which has been strained for centuries, ever since the death of Rev. Carl Sylvius Völkner in 1865.

    “Violating whānau in their own homes on a hunch, and then throwing our people into this racist system, will do nothing to address the systemic issues created by this and successive Governments.

    “In anticipation of what we know will be yet another empty apology from the Government this week, we recognise these targeted attacks as merely doubling down on this Government’s racist agenda to exterminate our people.”

    “I demand that the Police Commissioner immediately convene a meeting with Te Whakatōhea and explain why the police have chosen to activate their state-sponsored terrorism in Ōpōtiki today, when te iwi Māori converges on Tuahiwi Marae in Ōtautahi for the hui ā-motu that empowers te iwi Māori to move towards our own nationalism and liberation from this oppressive Pākehā system.

    “Ōpōtiki needs stability, support, and meaningful community intervention, rather than actions that incite fear and division. It doesn’t need the state to continuously torment them,” said Waititi.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC to Hold a Commission Open Meeting October 29

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam today announced the Commission will hold an open meeting Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EDT) at the CFTC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Members of the public can attend the meeting in person, listen by phone, or view a live stream at CFTC.gov.

    The Commission will consider the following: 

    • Final Rule – Operational Resilience Framework for Futures Commission Merchants, Swap Dealers, and Major Swap Participants 
    • Final Rule – Investment of Customer Funds by Futures Commission Merchants and Derivatives Clearing Organizations
       
    • Final Rule – Derivatives Clearing Organizations Recovery and Orderly Wind-down Plans; Information for Resolution Planning
       
    • Commission Fall 2024 Unified Agenda Submission
       
    • CFTC Executive and Supervisor Compensation Structures

    What:

    Commission Open Meeting

    Location:

    CFTC Headquarters Conference Center

    Three Lafayette Centre

    1155 21st Street N.W.

    Washington, D.C. 20581 

    When:

    Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

    10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EDT)

    Virtual Viewing/Listening Instructions: To access the live meeting feed, use the dial-in numbers below or stream at CFTC.gov. A live feed can also be streamed through the CFTC’s YouTube channel. Call-in participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name, and affiliation, if applicable. Materials presented at the meeting, if any, will be made available online. Persons requiring special accommodations to access the virtual meeting because of disabilities should email [email protected].

    Participation Details

    Domestic Toll-Free:

     

    Domestic Toll:

     

    +1 833 568 8864 or +1 833 435 1820 

     

    +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or (U.S. Spanish Lines) +1 415 449 4000 or +1 646 964 1167

    Webinar ID:

    161 486 1920

    Passcode: 239574

    International Numbers:

    International Numbers

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue

    Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue
    mseets

    As relief efforts continue in Western North Carolina, Governor Cooper is encouraging Western North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to enroll in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) this week by the Thursday deadline. Eligible households can apply for help buying food through D-SNAP.

    “We know many North Carolinians were affected by Helene and D-SNAP is one of the many ways we are taking action to get help to those who need it,” said Governor Cooper. “I encourage all those eligible to apply by Thursday’s deadline. We will continue to support communities and families every step of the way as they recover.”

    The deadline to apply for D-SNAP is Thursday, October 24, 2024. Eligible households may apply for D-SNAP through Thursday, October 24 by phone or in person. More information including a list of application sites by county is available at ncdhhs.gov/dsnap.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    Over 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

    FEMA Assistance

    Approximately $133 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 210,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Over 6,200 people have been helped through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. More than 5,400 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have been filed.

    Approximately 1,500 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,600 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 147 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 5,200 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    NCDOT currently has over 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on over 7,400 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Ninety-six storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

    Volunteers and Donations

    If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

    For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc.

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

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    Oct 22, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –