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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Correctional Officer Sentenced for Smuggling Mobile Phones Into Federal Detention Center

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Lee E. Moore, Jr., 36, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday to three years of probation with six months of home detention and a $5,000 fine by United States Magistrate Judge Scott W. Reid, all arising from Moore smuggling mobile phones into the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia (“FDC”) while he was employed as a correctional officer at the FDC.

    From August  2016 to June 2023, Moore was a correctional officer at the FDC. During May-June 2020, Moore smuggled mobile phones into the FDC in exchange for payments from an inmate’s wife. In June 2020, Moore also approached a second inmate about smuggling in contraband or other special favors in exchange for payment. 

    “Correctional officers have a tough enough job without having to deal with inmates who have access to smuggled contraband,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Lee Moore put his fellow COs and the public at risk by smuggling cell phones into the FDC for a price. But the price for breaking his law enforcement oath is much higher: he’s lost his job and now has a federal conviction on his record.”

    “When a corrections officer chooses greed over integrity, it undermines the hard work and dedication their colleagues put forward every day to ensure a safe environment inside our detention centers,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI and our partners reaffirm our commitment to holding accountable those in the corrections system who abuse their positions of trust.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Detention Center and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Camden County Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Armed Robberies of Three Corner Stores in Philadelphia’s Kensington Section

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Jared Stanley, 32, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, entered a plea of guilty on Friday, October 11, 2024, before United States District Court Judge John F. Murphy to three counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in connection with the armed robberies of three corner stores in Philadelphia’s Kensington section.

    Stanley committed all three robberies during a two-week span in late January and early February of this year.

    On January 21, 2024, the defendant entered the Birch Mini-Market, located at 2001 East Birch Street. He approached the counter, pointed a gun at the cashier, and demanded money. When the cashier didn’t understand him, Stanley started screaming at them. He repeatedly hit the cashier in the head with the gun, stole approximately $550 from the register, and fled.

    On January 28, 2024, Stanley and an unidentified co-conspirator entered the Capricorno Grocery, located at 2000 East Orleans Street. Stanley walked to the employee area of the store, displayed a firearm, grabbed the employee by the shirt and forcibly pulled him away, pistol whipped him repeatedly, and stood guard over him while his accomplice went back to the register and stole approximately $500.

    On February 2, 2024, Stanley and an unidentified co-conspirator entered Bonifacios Grocery, located at 3052 Frankford Avenue. They pushed an employee to the cash register, told him to get on the ground and then pistol whipped him in the head. Stanley and his accomplice then stole approximately $500 from the cash register and fled the store on foot.

    Stanley is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, five years of supervised release, a $1,250,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment.

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Ltd (GBP): Particulars of Cash Exit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

      Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited (the “Company”)

    a closed-ended investment company incorporated with limited liability
    under the laws of Guernsey
    with registration number 45582

    Legal Entity Identifier: 5493002XNM3W9D6DF327
            
                            

    Particulars of Cash Exit

    In accordance with the circular to Shareholders dated 25 June 2024 (the “Circular“) and the Articles, the Company announces the particulars of the compulsory redemption of Shares to be effected pursuant to the Cash Exit on 1 November 2024.

    Unless otherwise defined, capitalised terms used in this announcement shall have the same meaning as set out in the Circular. Shareholders should refer to the Circular for full details of the Cash Exit, including the timetable for the redemption and distribution of redemption proceeds.

    The redemption price payable to each Shareholder pursuant to the Cash Exit will be an amount equal to the net asset value (NAV) per Share of the relevant class of Shares as at the close of business of the Calculation Date, being 31 October 2024. The redemption monies will be payable in the currency of each relevant class of Shares and will be paid to Shareholders within 14 Business Days of the Cash Redemption Date (being 1 November 2024), or as soon as practicable thereafter.

    On each Business Day, the Company announces on its website the estimated net asset value of its Euro Shares and Sterling Shares as at the close of business of the preceding Business Day. This information is available here: https://www.bgholdingltd.com/p/14/financial-announcements.

    In the event that the net asset values per Share calculated as at the close of business of 31 October 2024 were equal to their most recent estimates, the resulting redemption price per Share payable to holders of Euro Shares (ISIN: GG00B1FQG453) and holders of Sterling Shares (ISIN: GG00B39VMM07) under the Cash Exit would be €28.4353 and £25.5630, respectively.

    These figures are hypothetical, non-indicative of the actual redemption price and non-binding. They are provided for illustration purposes only and no reliance should be placed on them. The actual redemption price will be equal to the net asset value as at 31 October 2024, which may differ from the most recent estimated net asset values per Share provided above.

    For further information please contact:
    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management LLP
    Emmanuel Gavaudan
    +44 20 3751 5389

    JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited
    Secretary
    +44 (0) 1481 702400

    18 October 2024

    Website: http://www.bgholdingltd.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an authorised closed-ended investment scheme. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Master Fund ICAV have been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.
    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM speech in Berlin: 18 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a speech in Berlin.

    Location:
    Berlin
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    I’ve just had a very productive meeting with President Biden, Chancellor Scholz, and President Macron. 

    We focused on two issues.

    Firstly, the situation in the Middle East.

    Let me start by saying that no one should mourn the death of the Hamas Leader Sinwar.

    On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis.

    Killed on the 7th of October and over years of terror.

    And also the blood of the Palestinian people.

    Who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.

    We continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence.

    Particularly in the face of the attacks by the Iranian regime. 

    Allies will keep working together.

    To de-escalate across the region. 

    Because we know there is no military-only solution here.

    The answer is diplomacy.

    And now we must make the most of this moment. 

    What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza.

    The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    Immediate access for humanitarian aid.

    And a return to the path towards the two-state solution.

    As the only way to deliver long-term peace and security. 

    The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue. 

    And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance. 

    Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now.

    The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs and the region.

    UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support.

    The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.

    That empowers the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    Strengthens UNIFIL.

    And allows communities on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

    That delivers humanitarian and economic support to the people of Lebanon.

    Supports democracy and bolsters the Lebanese State.

    Second, we discussed the war in Ukraine.

    Building on the conversation I had with President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week. 

    We remain united in our support for Ukraine.

    We have always said that it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.

    So we’re clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace. 

    We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure.

    And we’ll work together to make it happen. 

    And while the situation is incredibly tough.

    It’s also true that Russia is getting weaker.

    This war is soaking up 40% of their budget. 

    Last month Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far.

    So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.  

    And the UK is delivering. 

    95% of the equipment that we promised to fast track in July is now in Ukrainian hands.

    And together with the G7 we’re working to send $50 billion of further support to Ukraine.

    Drawn from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. 

    So as Ukraine enters a difficult winter it’s important to say.

    We’re with you.

    We’re absolutely united in our resolve.

    And we’ll back Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Windsor — West Hants RCMP arrest youth after threats made

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    West Hants RCMP Detachment has arrested a youth after they uttered threats toward other youths at a high school.

    On October 16, at approximately 5:40 p.m., West Hants RCMP received a report that a youth told other youths about plans to bring a weapon to school the following day and target specific students.

    Officers immediately followed up with witnesses then attended a residence later that evening and arrested a youth. The investigating officers also executed a search warrant at a residence and seized a firearm and two replica firearms, as well as other evidence relevant to the investigation.

    “Safety concerns for schools, such as threats, are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” says Cst. Richard Collins, School Safety Resource Officer at West Hants RCMP Detachment. “I’m glad the witnesses who heard these threats were brave enough to talk about them with people they trust because it allowed us to take steps that may have prevented potential violence from taking place.”

    The youth, who will face charges of Uttering Threats, was released on conditions pending an appearance in Windsor Provincial Court on December 6.

    The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the West Hants RCMP.

    File #: 2024-1530161

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: The OISTE Foundation, Gold Sponsor of the Vargas Llosa Chair at its IV Annual Conference “A Gathering for Culture in Freedom”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The OISTE Foundation, Gold Sponsor of the Vargas Llosa Chair at its IV Annual Conference “A Gathering for Culture in Freedom”

    Geneva, Switzerland – October 18, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations, today announced that, in collaboration with the OISTE Foundation, Gold Sponsor of the Vargas Llosa Chair at its IV Annual Conference “A Gathering for Culture in Freedom,” it reaffirms its commitment to defending human rights in the digital environment. Since its founding in 1998, the OISTE Foundation has focused its efforts on ensuring that human rights are respected both online and offline. As digital technologies advance, they also present challenges in terms of privacy, digital identity, and the misuse of surveillance tools, raising concerns about data protection and online violence.

    This commitment resonates with the values promoted by the Vargas Llosa Chair, which, since its establishment in 2011, has fostered the study of contemporary literature and supported freedom of expression. Both institutions share a common mission: to defend democratic principles and promote a culture of freedom and respect, both in the literary and digital realms.

    The OISTE Foundation is committed to finding feasible solutions for digital identity management as an essential component of a knowledge society. OISTE led a workshop titled “Matching the Speed of the Running Code: Public Awareness and Digital Identity Management,” aimed at raising public awareness among internet users about the risks of the current environment and the threats to individual privacy rights.

    Trust among users is at the core of OISTE’s trust model, which strives for legitimacy that can only be achieved through documented consensus. As part of its adherence to OISTE Foundation’s trust model, the foundation aims to promote the security of electronic communications worldwide, ensuring compliance with regulations related to information protection. The company is a leading advocate for protecting individual privacy rights online while enabling individuals to maximize their use of the Internet.

    About WISeKey
    WISeKey is a Swiss-based computer infrastructure company specializing in cybersecurity, digital identity, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and post-quantum semiconductors. As a computer infrastructure company, WISeKey provides secure platforms for data and device management across industries like finance, healthcare, and government. It leverages its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to ensure encrypted communications and authentication, while also focusing on next-generation security through post-quantum cryptography.

    WISeKey’s work with post-quantum semiconductors is aimed at future-proofing its security solutions against the threats posed by quantum computing. These advanced semiconductors support encryption that can withstand the computational power of quantum computers, ensuring the long-term security of connected devices and critical infrastructure. Combined with its expertise in blockchain and IoT, WISeKey’s post-quantum technologies provide a robust foundation for secure digital ecosystems at the hardware, software, and network levels.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com
    Katie Murphy
    Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Par Funding Principal and Former CFO Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Joseph Cole Barleta (aka “Joe Cole”), 41, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney on one count of racketeering conspiracy, in connection with his role in the operation of a fraudulent investment vehicle known as Complete Business Solutions Group Inc. d/b/a Par Funding (“Par Funding”), which is alleged to have generated over $100 million in illegal proceeds for Barleta and its other principals, to the detriment of Par Funding’s numerous investors, many who live in the Philadelphia region.

    According to a second superseding indictment filed in February, Barleta and codefendants Joseph LaForte, James LaForte, and others, were part of an association-in-fact RICO enterprise that conspired to commit a number of predicate crimes, including crimes related to the fleecing of Par Funding’s many investors. Barleta’s admitted role in the conspiracy related to the securities and wire fraud components of the enterprise.

    Joe LaForte and James LaForte pleaded guilty last month to racketeering conspiracy, securities fraud, and related crimes.

    Joe LaForte is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2025.

    James LaForte and Joseph Cole Barleta are both scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2025.

    Per the terms of Barleta’s plea agreement, the government is seeking a sentence of imprisonment of up to eight years, although the Court has discretion to impose a higher or lower sentence.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, and Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Newcomer, Samuel S. Dalke, Eric D. Gill, and Patrick J. Murray, as well as former Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra M. Lastowski. The SEC in Florida investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges, which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delaware Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years in Prison for Two Violent Delco Carjackings

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Keenan Righter, 21, of New Castle, Delaware, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Chief Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg to 280 months in prison, five years of supervised release, restitution of $1,919, and a $500 assessment, in connection with two armed carjackings in Delaware County in January of 2023.

    Righter was convicted by a jury in May of conspiracy, two counts of carjacking, and two counts of using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence arising from his role in the two carjacking incidents. Codefendant Jamar Miller pleaded guilty to these offenses in March of 2023 and is awaiting sentencing.

    On January 14, 2023, at approximately 9 p.m., Righter and others drove in Miller’s car to a Wawa on Route 322 in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County. Righter and another male then ambushed a 23-year-old college student who was walking to his car after leaving the store. The men, each brandishing firearms and wearing masks to disguise their identities, demanded the victim’s vehicle at gunpoint. They pistol-whipped the victim in the back of the head and fled the scene in the victim’s car.

    On January 24, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Righter and another male drove in Miller’s car to a Wawa on Edgmont Avenue in Brookhaven, Delaware County. Again, they wore masks and carried firearms as they carjacked a 33-year-old victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Wawa. The men pistol-whipped the victim multiple times in the head with a firearm as they stole his belongings and fled the scene in his car.

    The defendant was apprehended after an intensive investigation by FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency, in conjunction with the Brookhaven and Upper Chichester Police Departments. Digital forensic evidence and more linked the defendant to both carjackings.

    “Imagine the shock of being violently ambushed on a Wawa run, of all things,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Keenan Righter targeted and terrorized total strangers, just to steal their cars. Armed criminals who think they can victimize innocent people with impunity should take a good hard look at 21-year-old Mr. Righter’s 23-year prison sentence. Keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll earn your own long stay in one of our federal facilities.”  

    “Such brazen and senseless acts, like the ones in this case, not only devastate the victims but our community at large,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This sentencing exemplifies the value of partnerships in combatting violent crime. Our office will continue to work alongside our local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to keep violent offenders off the streets and ensure our neighborhoods are a safer place to live.”

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the Brookhaven Police Department, and Upper Chichester Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Doherty and Branwen McNabb O’Donnell.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Waller, Centralized and Decentralized Finance: Substitutes or Complements?

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for inviting me to speak today.1 I have participated in this conference for nearly 20 years and have often presented my research on monetary theory, banking, and payments. So, I believe this is the right audience to speak to regarding the role of centralized finance and the emergence of decentralized finance, or defi for short. Over the past few years, there has been a lot of attention and work on defi, which will be a major focus of my remarks. Many argue that defi will replace traditional centralized finance while others argue that it merely extends traditional finance methods and trading activities onto new platforms. It is in this sense that I want to address the question of whether centralized finance and defi are substitutes or complements to each other.
    Advances associated with defi have the potential to profoundly affect financial market trading. While I believe these advances could lead to efficiency gains, I recognize the significant value that has been delivered for centuries by financial intermediaries and through centralized financial markets. Before I share my views on the promise of these new technologies, let me tell you where I’m coming from on these issues.
    I am an economist, and so my first inclination is to think about the underlying economics driving an issue. But to understand the value proposition of defi, it is useful to first recall why centralized financial market trading arose in the first place. Centralized finance clearly provides benefits to people, but obviously also comes with some costs. I am going to take a few minutes to discuss those benefits and costs before turning to the question at hand.
    Let’s start with the economics of trading. Most financial trades are “pairwise” in that the seller of an object needs to find a buyer of that exact object. The problem is that it is often complicated, costly, and time-consuming to search for a buyer. This gives rise to the need for someone to step in and help buyers and sellers match in a faster and less costly manner. In short, there is a profit opportunity for someone to intermediate the trade.
    Another name for intermediaries is middlemen. Why would we pay a middleman? In their paper from nearly 40 years ago, Ariel Rubenstein and Asher Wolinsky described it eloquently: “What makes the middlemen’s activity possible is the time-consuming nature of the trade, which enables middlemen to extract surplus in return for shortening the time period that sellers and buyers have to wait for a transaction.”2
    Let me contextualize the value of middlemen with an example I used for years when teaching money and banking. Suppose you had some extra income from saving and wanted to lend it out to earn interest. How would you do that? First, you would have to advertise that you had funds to lend. Then, you would have to wait for the right person who needed that exact amount of funds, which could be a long time. Once you met the right person, you would have to negotiate when repayment would occur. Next, you would need to know a lot of information about the person receiving your funds and the likelihood you would get repaid. This is needed to assess the risk of the transaction and the compensation you would need to give up your funds. You would also need a lot of legal advice to draw up a contract and stipulate how the contract would be enforced under a range of conditions. Finally, since you are the sole source of funding, you will bear the entire cost of a default. It should be clear that this would be a daunting exercise for most people and explains why they would turn to a middleman who specializes in this type of activity to do all this on their behalf.
    It is for these reasons that banks arose as early as in ancient Mesopotamia to carry out some of these functions.3 Similar issues arise when it comes to other ways of transferring resources from one person to another, as occurs from non-bank debt, equities and insurance contracts. Many point to trades of shares in the Dutch East India Trading Company in Amsterdam in the 1660s as the origins of the first modern stock exchange. Lloyds of London was founded as a means of pooling funds to share risk and return in the shipping industry, thus becoming the first insurance firm. The fact that similar arrangements still exist centuries later is a testament to the value of intermediation and centralized financial trading.
    However, these arrangements are not without drawbacks. An obvious drawback of intermediation from the perspective of those wishing to trade is that those middlemen must get paid. That is, there are transaction costs. Another drawback of intermediation is that you typically must turn over control of your assets, such as savings or stocks, to the intermediary for them to be traded. This creates a classic “principal-agent” problem whereby incentives between the principal—you—and the agent—the intermediary—may not be aligned. That can raise concerns about custody arrangements and recourse to regain control of one’s assets. Intermediation also requires recordkeeping arrangements that customers can trust accurately reflect their true holdings. In other words, centralized finance requires a substantial amount of trust. With all that in mind, let me turn to how and why technological innovations have given rise to defi.
    In a capitalist system, the existence of profits provides incentives for others to enter the market, offer a better product, and compete away any excess profits. This can be done by the creation of new financial firms that can provide the same or better service at a lower cost. Often that occurs through innovations and exploiting new technologies. Think about how the invention of the telegraph and the telephone revolutionized trading. More recently, the advent of the internet further advanced the ease and speed of financial trading. These are examples of how financial trading has evolved over time. And the next wave of innovations in financial market trading could be driven by technological advances that alleviate some potential drawbacks of the centralized approach.
    Often broad technological advances emanate from narrower efforts to design products or processes that solve specific problems. For example, one technology used to support portable home appliances like vacuum cleaners was originally developed to support the space program.4 Similarly, the development of crypto-assets led to the development of technologies that are fueling possibilities in defi.
    We don’t have enough time for me to cover the full history of crypto-assets, but I will focus on several key elements that have affected the evolution toward defi. An early crypto-asset—Bitcoin—was developed to function in a world in which trust among individuals did not exist. Rather than relying on intermediaries which require trust, Bitcoin relied on technology to facilitate trade. Bitcoin was also designed for privacy. No one would know who was buying or selling Bitcoin. This was achieved through cryptographic technology and private keys. In addition, it allowed individuals to maintain control of their crypto-assets throughout the entire trading process. That is, they no longer had to delegate control to others. Finally, all records were kept on a form of distributed ledger called a blockchain, which has design features that promote transparency and are censorship-proof. No individual or government could destroy the records of trades or take ownership of the objects traded.
    With that history in mind and before we delve into the question of whether defi and centralized finance are substitutes or complements, I think it is useful to carefully define some terms. This will make sure we’re all talking about the same things. As I described in a speech last year, I think of the crypto ecosystem as consisting of three parts:

    a crypto-asset, which generally refers to any digital object traded using cryptographic techniques;
    technology that directly facilitates trading crypto-assets; this includes smart contracts and tokenization;5 and
    a database management protocol used to record trades and ownership of assets, commonly referred to as the blockchain, which includes both permissioned and permissionless distributed ledger technologies.

    It is easy to see how the emergence of these technologies could lead one to think of defi as a substitute for centralized finance. For example, the technologies are allowing for individuals to trade assets without giving up control of those assets to an intermediary—a critical distinction with centralized finance.
    However, there are other uses emerging from these technologies that look more like complements to centralized finance. For example, distributed ledger technology, or DLT, may be an efficient and faster way to do recordkeeping in a 24/7 trading world. We already see several financial institutions experimenting with DLT for traditional repo trading that occurs 24/7. But before these ledgers can be used to facilitate transactions in traditional assets—like debt, equity, and real estate—these assets must be tokenized. Undertaking the process to tokenize assets and use distributed ledgers like blockchain can speed up transfers of assets and take advantage of another innovation: smart contracts.
    Rather than relying on each party to separately carry out the transaction, smart contracts can effectively combine multiple legs of a transaction into a single unified act executed by a smart contract. This can provide value as it can mitigate risks associated with settlement and counterparty risks by ensuring the buyer will not pay if the seller does not deliver. While these efforts are still in early stages, the functionality could expand to a broad set of financial activities. The bottom line is that things like DLT, tokenization, and smart contracts are just technologies for trading that can be used in defi or also to improve efficiency in centralized finance. That is why I see them as complements.
    Stablecoins are another important innovation in defi. Stablecoins were created in the crypto universe in hopes of providing a “safe” asset with a stable value for trading. Nearly all stablecoins are pegged to the U.S. dollar one-for-one. They provide an opportunity for buyers and sellers to transact in a decentralized fashion with the stablecoin used as the settlement instrument. Because they are effectively digital currency, stablecoins can reduce the need for payment intermediaries and thereby reduce costs of payments globally. But their safety is not assured. History is replete with cases in which synthetic dollars became subject to runs. Stablecoins thus face all of the same issues any substitute for genuine U.S. dollars faces. If appropriate guardrails can be erected to minimize run risk and mitigate other risks, such as their potential use in illicit finance, then stablecoins may have benefits in payments and by serving as a safe asset on a variety of new trading platforms.
    These technologies will almost certainly lead to efficiency gains over time, but as they develop, we should think carefully about their role in the broader financial landscape.
    Is it really possible to completely decentralize finance using these technologies? The answer is obviously “no.” Intermediation is still valuable for the average person, and we see this by the existence of trading exchanges in the crypto world. All these platforms involve giving custody of one’s crypto-assets to an intermediary, who conducts trades on behalf of the client. This reintroduces the need for trust in these platforms just as trust is needed in modern banking systems.
    Returning to the technologies behind defi, one must ask whether there are unique risks associated with the use of these technologies. If so, what is the nature of these risks? Are they contained to just those people directly engaging with the technologies, or could there be broader spillovers to society? For example, can these technologies increase the risk of inadvertently providing funds to bad actors? In centralized finance there are regulations that require banks to know who their clients are. Are similar rules and regulations needed around some of these new technologies? When it comes to our financial plumbing, which affects every person or business in one way or another, I think a balanced view of expeditious disruption and long-term sustainability is merited.
    So where does that leave us? Ultimately, I believe that advances in technology have the potential to drive efficiency gains in finance, just as technological innovation has done for centuries. While there are certain services emerging through defi that cannot be provided by centralized finance, the technological innovations stemming from defi are largely complementary to centralized finance. They have the potential to improve centralized finance, thereby increasing the significant value that financial intermediaries and centralized financial markets deliver. I look forward to seeing the continued evolution of financial technology and the benefits that evolution will bring to the households and businesses served by the financial system.

    1. I would like to dedicate these remarks to an old friend and longtime participant of this conference, Paul Klein, who passed away unexpectedly two months ago. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. See Ariel Rubinstein and Asher Wolinsky, “Middlemen,” The Quarterly Journal of Economics 102 (August 1987): 581–93, https://academic.oup.com/qje/article-abstract/102/3/581/1887969. Return to text
    3. See Benjamin Bromberg, “The origin of banking: religious finance in Babylonia (PDF),” The Journal of Economic History 2 (May 1942): 77–88. Return to text
    4. See National Aeronautics and Space Administration, “Spinoff from a Moon Tool (PDF),” January 1, 1981. Return to text
    5. See Christopher J. Waller, “Thoughts on the Crypto Ecosystem” (speech at Global Interdependence Center Conference: Digital Money, Decentralized Finance, and the Puzzle of Crypto, La Jolla, CA, February 10, 2023). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Burchett introduces bill to ensure VA hospitals have sexual assault nurse examiners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn., (Oct. 18, 2024) – Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) introduced the bipartisan Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals (SANE VA) Act. Democrat Reps. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) and Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26) and Republican Reps. Nancy Mace (NC-01) and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) are co-sponsors.

    This bill would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that sexual assault nurse examiners are employed at certain Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

    “It’s an awful reality that some of our servicemembers are victims of sexual assault, and we need to make sure they get the care they need in those situations. These people put their safety on the line to protect our country, it’s our duty to care for them in return.” said Rep. Burchett.

    “As a survivor, I know how hard it can be to come forward. Less than half of women in the military trust their chain of command to properly handle reports of sexual assault — and that’s unacceptable. The SANE Act is about fixing this broken system. We’re making sure VA hospitals have the resources and trained professionals survivors need, so women and girls aren’t left to fend for themselves. It’s time we start holding people accountable and ensure no survivor is abandoned by the system.” Said Rep. Mace.

    “Our veterans deserve the most comprehensive healthcare possible, and that must include examinations and referrals for those who have been sexually assaulted. This is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation to support survivors who have risked their lives in service to our nation, and we owe it to our heroes to make this a priority.” Said Rep. Moskowitz.

    “We must ensure that Veterans who have suffered through traumatic sexual violence are heard and receive the support and justice they deserve. I am proud to back Congressman Burchett’s legislation to protect their well-being,” said Congresswoman Luna. “Nurse examiners who focus on sexual assault victims are crucial in providing the necessary forensic examinations for these survivors. We must guarantee this vital care within our VA medical facilities.” Said Rep. Luna.

    “VA healthcare must meet the needs of our veterans, especially when it comes to treating and documenting sexual assault,” said Rep. Kennedy. “But far too often, veterans seeking care after sexual assault are turned away. The SANE Act would require at least one practitioner who is qualified to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations at every VA hospital–empowering patients to get the treatment and documentation they need and deserve. This legislation would also direct providers to connect patients with mental health services to help ensure long-term recovery after sexual assault. I applaud Rep. Burchett for his leadership on this issue and call on my colleagues in the House to advance this critical legislation.”

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Stealing From Elderly Incapacitated Victims

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Carlton Rembert, 70, of Hampton, Virginia, was sentenced on October 11, 2024, by United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky to 66 months’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, $534,335 in restitution to the victims, and a $400 special assessment for his role in a scheme to defraud elderly incapacitated people of over $1 million.

    Rembert’s late co-conspirator and sister, Gloria Byars, was a court-appointed guardian for over 100 incapacitated wards in Pennsylvania. Between 2012 and 2018, Byars, Rembert, and other co-conspirators stole the life savings from dozens of wards while Byars served as their court-appointed guardian. Byars pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud for her role in the fraud scheme. Rembert proceeded to trial in November 2023 and after a four-day trial, a jury found Rembert guilty of conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud.

    As guardian, Byars had unfettered access to wards’ property including bank accounts, pensions, real estate, retirement accounts, and other assets. Byars stole money from the wards’ bank accounts by writing unauthorized checks to companies she controlled, or to shell companies controlled by her co-conspirators, Rembert and Alesha Mitchell. Rembert and Mitchell assisted Byars in the theft by opening bank accounts in their home state of Virginia in the names of shell companies purporting to be medical services companies. Byars made the checks payable to her co-conspirators’ fake medical services companies, to make it appear that the elderly incapacitated ward incurred a legitimate medical expense.

    After receiving dozens of checks from his sister, Rembert deposited over $695,000 in stolen ward checks into five separate shell business bank accounts he had opened. Rembert then withdrew over $388,000 in cash through 94 structured withdrawals. Rembert also obtained $217,082 in certified checks, sending the certified checks to Byars and keeping a share of the stolen ward money for himself. When confronted by law enforcement, Rembert lied to investigators, pretending that he provided services to the elderly and sick victims. Some of the victims’ families testified at Rembert’s trial, telling the court that they had never heard of Rembert’s sham medical companies, and that neither Rembert nor his companies provided any services for their loved ones.

    Rembert and Byars spent the stolen ward money on personal expenses, including vacations, clothing and other retail purchases, restaurants, vehicles, gifts, and parties. In all, Byers, Rembert, and Mitchell stole well over $1 million from at least 120 incapacitated people in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

    Alesha Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24.

    “Rembert and his co-conspirators had no qualms about ripping off these incapacitated victims and living it up on their stolen money,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “The greed and callousness here are off the charts. It’s vile that criminals target the elderly and infirm specifically to take advantage of their vulnerability. My office and our partners will continue to do all we can to hold these crooks responsible and protect our elders from such greed, fraud, and abuse.”

    “Elder fraud leaves a damaging impact on victims and our communities, and our office remains steadfast in pursuit of those who exploit this vulnerable population,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “We encourage those who believe that they or a loved one are a victim of elder fraud to report it. Reporting elder fraud is not only a step towards justice, but it helps protect others from victimization.”

    “Carlton Rembert, together with his co-conspirator Gloria Byars, abused the trust of the most vulnerable among us – individuals who have been incapacitated by age, illness, or both. What they did was truly heinous – and truly criminal. I applaud United States Attorney Romero for prosecuting these individuals, in one of the first guardianship fraud cases to be prosecuted. Unfortunately, this type of fraud is increasing, and it is important for law enforcement to send a clear signal that it will not be tolerated,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

    “As a law enforcement community, it is our duty to hold individuals accountable who abuse their position of trust and steal from the people that are under their care,” said Amy MacNeely, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “We, along with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiwana Wright and Samuel Dalke.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.C. State Archives Offers Symposium Commemorating 250th Anniversary of Edenton Tea Party

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: N.C. State Archives Offers Symposium Commemorating 250th Anniversary of Edenton Tea Party

    N.C. State Archives Offers Symposium Commemorating 250th Anniversary of Edenton Tea Party
    jejohnson6

    From Edenton to Congress and from petitions to gubernatorial proclamations, women’s participation in North Carolina politics has risen for 250 years.

    Join the America 250 NC commemoration with the Friends of the Archives during a free hybrid symposium, “From Edenton to Congress.” This program in the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Building in Raleigh (109 E. Jones St.) or online will share highlights of North Carolina women’s political history and relevant collections from the State Archives to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Edenton Tea Party.

    The program will include new research on the 1774 Edenton women’s petition, a discussion of “Jane Pratt: North Carolina’s First Congresswoman,” by author Marion Deerhake, records from Governor Beverly Perdue’s administration, and remarks by League of Women Voters President Dianna Wynn.

    The event Friday, Nov. 1, from 1-5 p.m. will include a reception featuring yaupon tea — America’s native tea, courtesy of the Friends of the Archives, who also will be holding their annual meeting. Register in advance for online participation: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_bYlWTvBmRfyUtDEwRHVhfA#/registration. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Danielle Shirilla, dani.shirilla@dncr.nc.gov or 919-814-6881.

    About the State Archives
    The State Archives serves as the custodian of North Carolina’s historical records, preserving and providing public access to a wealth of archival materials. Through its diverse collections, educational programs, and exhibitions, the State Archives plays a crucial role in promoting an understanding and appreciation of North Carolina’s rich historical legacy.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Oct 18, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The North Carolina Museum of History Seeks Fayetteville Community Input for Future Exhibits

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: The North Carolina Museum of History Seeks Fayetteville Community Input for Future Exhibits

    The North Carolina Museum of History Seeks Fayetteville Community Input for Future Exhibits
    jejohnson6

    WHAT: Fayetteville Community Gathering

    WHEN: Monday, Oct. 21, 6–7:30 p.m.

    WHERE: 225 Dick St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

    DETAILS: The North Carolina Museum of History invites community members in the Fayetteville area to participate in an open discussion to help shape the future of the museum’s exhibits. This is an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on how the state’s layered history should be presented to future visitors.

    This event is open to all community members interested in contributing to the storytelling of North Carolina’s history at the state museum. During this gathering, participants will be asked to consider and discuss several key questions, including:

    • What makes North Carolina unique?
    • Who should be remembered at the state history museum, and whose stories should be highlighted?
    • What significant changes have taken place in your community over time?
    • How can the museum create a stronger connection with visitors from your community?
    • What advice would you give about how to represent your community’s history at the state museum?

    For more information and to register, click here.

    About the NC Museum of History

    The North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, fosters a passion for North Carolina history. This museum collects and preserves artifacts of state history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Admission is free. In 2023, more than 355,000 people visited the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network

    Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational, and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

    The NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina—its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages more than 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the NC Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the NC Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the NC Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit dncr.nc.gov.

    Oct 17, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Report That 30% of Border Patrol’s Cameras are Broken, Rep. Angie Craig Urges Vote on Bipartisan Border Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    NBC News Investigation: “30% of the cameras in Border Patrol’s main surveillance system are broken, memo says

    WASHINGTON, DC – Following news reports that nearly one-third of the surveillance cameras used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border are not working, U.S. Representative Angie Craig renewed her call for a vote on the bipartisan border agreement.

    In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Craig noted the bipartisan border deal negotiated earlier this year included $170 million for remote video surveillance towers and $47.5 million to update mobile surveillance systems along the southern border.

    “The safety and security of our nation’s southern border is nothing to play politics with. I’ve stood ready to pass comprehensive border security policy and funding legislation and I know colleagues on both sides of the aisle are ready to vote for this bill,” wrote Rep. Craig.

    Rep. Craig has been a leading voice for bipartisan border security reform – successfully urgingPresident Biden to take executive action to decrease illegal border crossings earlier this year.

    Over a year ago, Rep. Craig visited the southern border with 17 Republicans and urged bipartisan action to keep communities safe.

    Earlier this year, Rep. Craig joined the Democrats for Border Security Task Force and led the House effort to secure federal funding to install fentanyl scanners at the southern border.

    President Biden signed Rep. Craig’s bipartisan END FENTANYL Actinto law in March to help stop the smuggling of illicit fentanyl through U.S. ports of entry.

    Click here to read Rep. Craig’s letter to Speaker Johnson.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Saturday at the QAR Lab’ Showcases Blackbeard’s Flagship

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: ‘Saturday at the QAR Lab’ Showcases Blackbeard’s Flagship

    ‘Saturday at the QAR Lab’ Showcases Blackbeard’s Flagship
    jejohnson6

    GREENVILLE

    Before it was a pirate ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge was known by another name.

    The ship, La Concorde, was a slave-trading vessel that became the infamous pirate Blackbeard’s flagship.

    Archaeological Conservators and Researchers with the N.C. Office of State Archaeology will explain the history of the ship Nov. 2 during their “Saturday at the QAR Lab” tours of the Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab in Greenville.

    Artifacts will be displayed, including gold grains, grenades and cannons recovered from the ship, which was wrecked near Beaufort Inlet over 300 years ago.

    Register for the “Saturday at the QAR Lab” for a free guided tour from the archaeologists and conservators responsible for preserving, documenting and investigating this ship with two names!

    Tours will run every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour time. Tours are free and open to all ages, but registration is required.

    Visit https://www.qaronline.org/visit/saturday-at-the-qar-lab to reserve your tour time.

    The QAR Lab at East Carolina University is located at 1157 VOA Site C Rd., Greenville.

    For additional information, please call (252) 744-6721. The Queen Anne’s Revenge Shipwreck Project and Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab, and the Office of State Archaeology are within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Oct 17, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The North Carolina Museum of History Seeks Charlotte Community Input for Future Exhibits

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: The North Carolina Museum of History Seeks Charlotte Community Input for Future Exhibits

    The North Carolina Museum of History Seeks Charlotte Community Input for Future Exhibits
    jejohnson6

    WHAT: Charlotte Community Gathering

    WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6–7:30 p.m.

    WHERE: 650 East 24th St., Charlotte, NC 28205

    DETAILS: The North Carolina Museum of History invites community members in the Charlotte area to participate in an open discussion to help shape the future of the museum’s exhibits. This is an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on how the state’s layered history should be presented to future visitors.

    This event is open to all community members interested in contributing to the storytelling of North Carolina’s history at the state museum. During this gathering, participants will be asked to consider and discuss several key questions, including:

    • What makes North Carolina unique?
    • Who should be remembered at the state history museum, and whose stories should be highlighted?
    • What significant changes have taken place in your community over time?
    • How can the museum create a stronger connection with visitors from your community?
    • What advice would you give about how to represent your community’s history at the state museum?

    For more information and to register, click here.

    About the NC Museum of History

    The North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, fosters a passion for North Carolina history. This museum collects and preserves artifacts of state history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Admission is free. In 2023, more than 355,000 people visited the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network

    Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational, and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

    The NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina—its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages more than 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the NC Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the NC Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the NC Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit dncr.nc.gov.

    Oct 16, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Urges Federal Court to Reverse Restrictions on Access to Abortion Medication Mifepristone

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 17 attorneys general today filed an amicus brief in support of a district court decision finding that North Carolina can not impose unnecessary and burdensome restrictions to access mifepristone that were rejected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The coalition filed an amicus brief in Bryant v. Stein, asking the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to uphold the district court’s decision. The coalition argues that mifepristone has been safely and widely used for decades, and barriers to accessing mifepristone can drive up medical risks for patients.

    “Mifepristone is a safe medication that has been used by millions of people, and these dangerous restrictions are causing real harm to people across the country,” said Attorney General James. “Reproductive health care should not be weaponized as a tool to win political points; it is a human right that should be accessible to everyone who needs it. I will always defend people’s reproductive rights and access to this critical health care.”

    Mifepristone is a historically safe, FDA-approved medication used for abortion, as well as for treatment of miscarriage. When the FDA first approved its use in 2000, it added conditions for its distribution to ensure safe use. Since then, pursuant to its federal mandate to balance drug safety with patient access, the FDA has adopted a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program for mifepristone. As required by federal law, the FDA has periodically reevaluated the mifepristone REMS program and has reduced the original restrictions imposed on mifepristone to better balance safety with access. 

    Since 2016, the FDA has removed certain restrictions on mifepristone access, such as the requirement to obtain mifepristone in person and from a physician, on the grounds that these restrictions neither improved patient safety nor adequately minimized burdens on the health care system. In 2023, North Carolina imposed various restrictions on the use and distribution of mifepristone, including many of the restrictions that were expressly removed by the FDA. The plaintiff, an abortion provider in North Carolina, sued to challenge the state restrictions as preempted by federal law. The district court held that, while states have broad authority to regulate health care, a state law that reimposes restrictions removed by the FDA under the agency’s statutory authority to create REMS would be preempted. The coalition’s amicus brief defends the district court’s decision as striking the proper balance between state authority and FDA regulation. 

    Joining Attorney General James in filing the brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. 

    Today’s action is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to defend access to reproductive care and protect reproductive freedom in New York and nationwide. In May, Attorney General James sued an anti-abortion group and 11 crisis pregnancy centers for promoting unproven abortion reversal treatment. In April, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to expand access to reproductive health services and pass the Access to Family Building Act. In March, Attorney General James co-led a multistate coalition of attorneys general and filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in Idaho v. U.S. and Moyle v. U.S., urging the court to maintain a preliminary injunction that required Idaho hospitals to provide emergency abortion care consistent with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). In January, Attorney General James led a coalition of 24 attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone. In December 2022, Attorney General James secured a court order to stop militant anti-abortion group Red Rose Rescue from blocking access to abortion care in New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont, Congressional Delegation Secure $125 Million Federal Grant for Phase 3 of I-91, I-691, Route 15 Interchange Reconfiguration in Meriden

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Congressman John B. Larson, and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has been awarded a $125 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support Phase 3 of the construction project reconfiguring the highway interchange that connects Interstate 91, Interstate 691, and Route 15 in Meriden.

    This interchange is one of the most congested, outdated, and crash prone highway corridors in Connecticut, and the state leaders have been unified in working to secure federal funding that will enable the state to complete a major reconfiguration of this area.

    CTDOT is currently constructing the second of the project’s three phases. The project’s overall goal is to reduce congestion and improve safety by eliminating dangerous weaving points, correcting roadway geometry, and adding multi-lane exits. Upon completion of Phase 3 in 2030, the project will see the replacement and rehabilitation of several bridges and the addition and extension of auxiliary lanes to reduce crashes and improve traffic flow.

    Governor Lamont said, “This area of highway is one of the most heavily congested in Connecticut and our administration has made its reconfiguration a priority because it’s about time that we do something about the backups, crashes, and delays that this oddly designed section of roadway causes nearly every day. This is a major reconfiguration of a very heavily traveled area and it’s going to take some time to complete, but ultimately central Connecticut will benefit from finally easing the congestion on these highways. We’re able to execute this project thanks to the funding released by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I applaud Connecticut’s outstanding Congressional delegation for not only helping to get this law passed but also working to ensure that our state benefits from it in a major way. I thank the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation for working with our administration to secure the funding for this important project.”

    Senator Blumenthal said, “I am proud that a historic $125 million in federal funding will support the reconfiguration of one of Connecticut’s most congested interchanges. This redesign will provide relief to the countless motorists who pass through every day and provide much-needed infrastructure upgrades. I will continue fighting to deliver federal investments to Connecticut that make our roads and highways more safe and secure.”

    Senator Murphy said, “Getting through the congestion on I-91, I-691, and Route 15 has become a daily headache for Connecticut drivers. This $125 million in federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help realign ramps, replace aging bridges, improve drainage, and support other long-needed infrastructure upgrades that streamline the flow of traffic, create good-paying jobs, and ensure a safer, smoother commute for thousands of people.”

    Congresswoman DeLauro said, “This is another victory for Connecticut. When my fellow Congressional members and I worked on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, we understood the law’s potential to benefit communities throughout the state. With funding now in place for Phase 3 of the reconfiguration of Interstate 91, Interstate 691, and Route 15, we are generating well-paying jobs, fixing bridges, expanding traffic lanes on I-91, making our roads safer, and enhancing road conditions.”

    Congresswoman Hayes said, “Reconfiguring the I-91, I-691, Route 15 interchange will reduce traffic and increase safety for drivers. I am delighted to see another federal investment awarded to move this project forward. Investing in modernizing infrastructure benefits communities, and I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to prioritize more projects that deliver for Connecticut.”

    Congressman Larson said, “Connecticut has some of the most congested and dangerous highways and interchanges in America. I worked with the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so we can cut down on traffic congestion, repair aging roads and bridges, and support good-paying union jobs. I applaud Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for their ongoing commitment to improving our infrastructure and revitalizing our communities, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to support projects across the state, including the Greater Hartford area, that accomplish those goals.”

    Commissioner Eucalitto said, “Improving safety is our number one priority at CTDOT and it is the number one goal of this project. Without federal support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, projects like this can sit idle for decades while Connecticut pays the price. We are thankful to Governor Lamont and the state legislature for ensuring we had matching funds to secure this grant, appreciative of our Congressional delegation for its steadfast advocacy, and grateful to our partners at USDOT who allow us to dream big once again.”

    The cost of the project’s first phase totaled $80 million and was entirely funded by the state. The second phase is supported by a combination of $50 million in state funding and $200 million federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The third phase will be supported by the $125 million federal grant announced today, as well as additional state funding. Combined, the expenditure for all three phases is anticipated to be more than $500 million.

    This project includes a project labor agreement with the building trades, providing good-paying jobs and workforce development training for the next generation of workers.

    The first phase began in early 2023 and is aimed at repairing bridges, adding a lane of traffic to I-91, and making related road improvements. This includes:

    • Realigning and reconfiguring the ramp from I-691 eastbound to I-91 northbound (Exit 1A old Exit 11) to two lanes to meet traffic demand.
    • Bridge replacement due to the proposed ramp realignment.
    • Adding an auxiliary lane on I-91 northbound to relieve congestion and improve safety caused by a steep uphill grade.

    This second phase began in June and includes:

    • Adding a new two-lane exit ramp from Route 15 northbound to I-91 northbound to reduce traffic congestion on the Exit 68 N-E ramp.
    • Closing the existing Exit 17 ramp from I-91 northbound to Route 15 northbound and re-routing traffic to Exit 16 to provide a two-lane exit ramp with a right-side traffic merge onto Route 15 northbound.
    • Reconfiguring the existing Exit 68W ramp from Route 15 northbound to I-691 westbound to two lanes.
    • Reconfiguring the acceleration and deceleration lanes to provide adequate traffic weaving distances to improve safety.

    The third phase will include:

    • A new two-lane exit ramp from Route 15 southbound to I-91 southbound to reduce traffic congestion on the existing Exit 67 ramp.
    • A new two-lane I-91 southbound ramp to Route 15 southbound to reduce traffic congestion on the existing Exit 17 ramp.
    • Reconfiguring the ramp from I-691 eastbound to Route 15 southbound (Exit 10) to two lanes.
    • Reconfiguring the ramp from I-91 southbound to I-691 westbound (Exit 18) to two lanes.

    Members of the public are encouraged to learn more about the project, get the latest updates, and subscribe to construction alerts by visiting the project’s website at i-91i-691route15interchange.com.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA and Partners Scaling to New Heights 

    Source: NASA

    NASA, in partnership with AeroVironment and Aerostar, recently demonstrated a first-of-its-kind air traffic management concept that could pave the way for aircraft to safely operate at higher altitudes. This work seeks to open the door for increased internet coverage, improved disaster response, expanded scientific missions, and even supersonic flight. The concept is referred to as an Upper-Class E traffic management, or ETM. 
    There is currently no traffic management system or set of regulations in place for aircraft operating 60,000 feet and above. There hasn’t been a need for a robust traffic management system in this airspace until recently. That’s because commercial aircraft couldn’t function at such high altitudes due to engine constraints.  
    However, recent advancements in aircraft design, power, and propulsion systems are making it possible for high altitude long endurance vehicles — such as balloons, airships, and solar aircraft — to coast miles above our heads, providing radio relay for disaster response, collecting atmospheric data, and more.  
    But before these aircraft can regularly take to the skies, operators must find a way to manage their operations without overburdening air traffic infrastructure and personnel.  

    “We are working to safely expand high-altitude missions far beyond what is currently possible,” said Kenneth Freeman, a subproject manager for this effort at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. “With routine, remotely piloted high-altitude operations, we have the opportunity to improve our understanding of the planet through more detailed tracking of climate change, provide internet coverage in underserved areas, advance supersonic flight research, and more.” 
    Current high-altitude traffic management is processed manually and on a case-by-case basis. Operators must contact air traffic control to gain access to a portion of the Class E airspace. During these operations, no other aircraft can enter this high-altitude airspace. This method will not accommodate the growing demand for high-altitude missions, according to NASA researchers.  
    To address this challenge, NASA and its partners have developed an ETM traffic management system that allows aircraft to autonomously share location and flight plans, enabling aircraft to stay safely separated. 
    During the recent traffic management simulation in the Airspace Operations Laboratory at Ames, data from multiple air vehicles was displayed across dozens of traffic control monitors and shared with partner computers off site. This included aircraft location, health, flight plans and more. Researchers studied interactions between a slow fixed-wing vehicle from AeroVironment and a high-altitude balloon from Aerostar operating at stratospheric heights. Each aircraft, connected to the ETM traffic management system for high altitude, shared location and flight plans with surrounding aircraft.  
    This digital information sharing allowed Aerostar and AeroVironment high-altitude vehicle operators to coordinate and deconflict with each other in the same simulated airspace, without having to gain approval from air traffic control. Because of this, aircraft operators were able to achieve their objectives, including wireless communication relay. 
    This simulation represents the first time a traffic management system was able to safely manage a diverse set of high-altitude aircraft operations in the same simulated airspace. Next, NASA researchers will work with partners to further validate this system through a variety of real flight tests with high-altitude aircraft in a shared airspace.   
    The Upper-Class E traffic management concept was developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and high-altitude platform industry partners, under NASA’s National Airspace System Exploratory Concepts and Technologies subproject led out of Ames.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman McCaul Calls on President Biden to Fully Enforce Mandatory 21st Century Peace through Strength Act Sanctions

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    San Francisco, Calif. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul sent a letter to President Biden urging him to implement mandatory sanctions against U.S. adversaries under McCaul’s bipartisan 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act. Despite the grave and growing threat Russia, China, and Iran pose to U.S. national security interests, the Biden-Harris administration has not issued a single sanctions designation under the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act since it was signed into law as part of the national security supplemental in April of 2024. 

    “I call on you to provide additional resources, including detailed staff, to the Departments of Treasury and State for the specific purpose of immediate and robust implementation of the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act to counter Iran, Russia, and China. The world is on fire; we cannot lose another day to hesitation, appeasement, and weakness.”

    The full text of the letter can be here and found below:

    Dear President Biden,

    The United States, our allies, and our partners are facing unprecedented threats from Iran, Russia, and China. Last year, the Biden-Harris administration requested supplemental funding to respond to our adversaries and assist our allies. Congress appropriated the funding and mandated additional policy changes, including sanctions and export controls, that would counter these generational threats.

    Nearly six months later, the Biden-Harris administration has failed to implement these requirements while our enemies are on the march. During this delay, Iran launched another major ballistic missile attack on Israel, transferred ballistic missiles to Russia, and supported its terrorist proxies; Iran-backed Hamas murdered hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin; and China continued to purchase Iranian oil and support Russia’s defense industrial base.

    The administration has not issued a single sanctions designation under the bipartisan 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act (Public Law 118-50) enacted alongside the supplemental appropriations law. Even worse, the White House dragged its feet on delegating the authorities to the agencies. When Congress enacted the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act in 2017, President Trump delegated authorities less than two months later. By contrast, it took you almost five months to delegate the authorities in the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act, significantly delaying vital actions to weaken our adversaries.

    I call on you to provide additional resources, including detailed staff, to the Departments of Treasury and State for the specific purpose of immediate and robust implementation of the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act to counter Iran, Russia, and China. The world is on fire; we cannot lose another day to hesitation, appeasement, and weakness.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada announces $3 million in funding to support tourism recovery in Jasper and the region

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Jasper is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, treasured by Canadians and renowned around the world.

    October 18, 2024 – Jasper, Alberta

    Jasper is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, treasured by Canadians and renowned around the world. With its proximity to majestic mountains and clear blue lakes, Jasper draws over two million visitors from across Canada and around the world every year. This summer’s wildfires had a devastating impact on Jasper and the region’s economy, which is built on tourism. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action to support Jasper’s recovery and help its tourism industry come back strong.

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, alongside Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, the Honourable Joseph Schow, Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport, Richard Ireland, Mayor of the Municipality of Jasper, David Goldstein, CEO of Travel Alberta, and Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper, today announced $3 million in support from the Government of Canada to help Jasper and the region’s tourism industry recover, rebuild and retake its place on the world stage. This is made possible through collaboration between Destination Canada and Travel Alberta, which are integrating their marketing strategies to showcase one of Canada’s most sought-after experiences.

    Key marketing initiatives delivered by Destination Canada include:

    • investing in Destination Canada-led seasonal marketing campaigns, in collaboration with Travel Alberta, with a focus on the United States—Canada’s top international arrivals market;
    • co-investing in opportunities for targeted Destination Canada-led marketing programs in additional key markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Mexico;
    • hosting Canada’s largest global tourism media event in Jasper in September 2025, which will be organized in collaboration with Travel Aberta and Tourism Jasper and will serve as a platform to foster relationships between over 80 top-tier travel media outlets from around the world and Canadian tourism industry representatives; and
    • leveraging Destination Canada’s $50 million International Convention Attraction Fund.     

    These important investments build on significant support for Jasper already announced by the Government of Canada. This began with calling in the Canadian Armed Forces to fight the wildfires in July. As Jasper began to recover, the government matched donations and ensured local residents received the benefits and services they needed. As the town started rebuilding, the government quickly made changes to put the municipality in charge of the effort. This work is being directed by a special cabinet committee, led by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault. 

    Today’s announcement followed Minister Ferrada and Minister Schow’s co-hosting of the annual Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers meeting in Banff, Alberta and subsequent tour of the region. At the meeting, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism discussed challenges facing the tourism sector and cross-governmental opportunities to support its growth.

    Marie-Justine Torres
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
    marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca
    613-327-5918

    Media Relations
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
    media@ised-isde.gc.ca

    For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA advises You to Check Your Furnace

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA advises You to Check Your Furnace

    FEMA advises You to Check Your Furnace

    HARRISBURG, Pa. — The weather might be crisp and lovely right now, but Pennsylvania’s fierce winter winds and snow are on their way. Before it gets icy, take this time to check your furnace and any other appliances that might have been damaged in the August 9-10 flooding that came with Tropical Storm Debby. If your furnace isn’t working and it isn’t covered by your insurance, you may be eligible to receive help from FEMA to repair or even replace it.  

    Assistance from FEMA is limited to only owner-occupied primary homes, not vacation homes or second homes. In addition, home repair assistance is available to homeowners only for uninsured or underinsured disaster-damaged items that make your home safe, sanitary, secure and inhabitable. Households with damage to essential living spaces in a basement – including garden apartments – may also be eligible for FEMA assistance to help cover those losses.  

    When you apply for assistance, be sure to indicate the furnace and other essential electrical appliances damaged during the summertime disaster. If you have already repaired or replaced the furnace, be prepared to provide FEMA with valid estimates or receipts.  

    If you discover your heating systems need replacing after you have already received a FEMA grant, you can use the FEMA appeals process to request additional assistance. To learn more about the process, visit www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/appeals. 

    If you have yet to apply for FEMA assistance, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App on your phone. If you use a video relay service or captioned telephone service. give FEMA your number for the service. And for in-person assistance, visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The registration deadline is November 12, 2024. 

    For more information on Pennsylvania’s disaster recovery, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Facebook page, fema.gov/disaster/4815 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

    ###

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hageman Introduces Expedited Appeals Review Act Allowing Challengers of an Agency Decision an Expedited Verdict by a Neutral Arbiter

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Hageman introduced the Expedited Appeals Review Act (EARA), which provides entities before the Department of the Interior’s Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) the opportunity to file for an expedited review so they can quickly go to court in front of a neutral arbiter.

    Under current law, challengers of an agency decision within the Department of Interior (DOI), must appeal to the IBLA, an administrative court that is also housed within the DOI.  The use of administrative courts pose a variety of constitutional issues, including in relation to the separation of powers, as the agencies who adopt the regulations seek to enforce them through their in-house court system, such as the IBLA.  Over 90% of these cases are typically resolved in the agency’s favor, while often taking years for the case to be decided.

    “We are a government ‘of, by and for the people’ and every agency and their employees should be accountable to the people. It is no wonder that the current construct of in-house courts ruling on cases where the agency’s policies are in question tend to fall on the side of the government almost exclusively.

    “In my 3 decades of practicing law I witnessed cases argued before agency-appointed judges on numerous occasions and then waited as the IBLA delayed issuing a decision. Not only does this leave the non-agency party in limbo as to the outcome of their case, but also costs them significantly in potential fees and penalties waiting for their cases to be considered.

    “This broken system needs to be fixed so that American citizens and companies have a fighting chance against the DOI’s ongoing agenda against our legacy industries.  My bill gives these parties the opportunity to expedite the process and pursue an impartial route in those circumstances where the IBLA is refusing to timely address the matter in front of it.  

    The Expedited Appeals Review Act ensures that if IBLA fails to make a decision within 18 months of the appeal being filed, the applicant can demand an expedited review. The IBLA then has 6 months to resolve the case. Failure to do so allows for that non-agency party to proceed to district court where they will be granted the opportunity to conduct discovery and develop the administrative record.

    Background:

    • The IBLA is a regulatorily constructed, pseudo-judicial, administrative court within the Department of the Interior. It oversees appeals of agency actions, including those from the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Office of Natural Resources Revenue, and Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
    • Currently, there are seven administrative judges, four of which were appointed in the last year. · There are over 650 appeals sitting before the IBLA, many of which have been pending for over five years.
    • During an appeal, the agency establishes the administrative record. Frequently, the record is heavily redacted and purposefully excludes documents that favor the appellant. In fact, IBLA judges have explicitly found that the Department compiled administrative records in bad faith and in a biased manner.
    • In FY ’23, IBLA decided only 36 cases on the merits, 34 (94%) of which upheld the Department’s decision. Once a case is finally decided, the administrative record is set and the agency’s decision receives deference, only being overturned if it is found to be arbitrary and capricious. And even if a party wins in District Court, the Court will remand the decision to the agency, restarting the entire process.
    • As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Hageman spearheaded an oversight hearing titled “Reining in the Administrative State: Agency Adjudication and Other Agency Action” which exposed the unconstitutionality of administrative courts, including their denial of due process and jury trial rights as well as infringement on the separation of powers
    • Prior to taking office as Wyoming’s lone congressional member, Harriet Hageman was an attorney defending individuals and entities against government agencies, winning cases opposing several of the agencies that are within the Department of Interior.

    ###

    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company sentenced for workplace fatality

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Glenmore Fabricators Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety Code for failing to develop and comply with procedures certified by a professional engineer. The company was sentenced Oct. 15 in the Calgary Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew 10 other charges under OHS legislation.

    The charges stem from an incident at the company’s Calgary facility on Aug. 16, 2021. A worker was moving a steel beam with an overhead crane when the beam released from the rigging and struck the worker, causing fatal injuries.

    The company was assessed $200,000 in total penalties, including a $1,000 fine inclusive of the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge. Under a creative sentence, the company was ordered to pay $174,000 to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to purchase equipment to support the electrical and welding apprenticeship programs. Glenmore Fabricators Ltd. was also ordered to pay $25,000 to the Manufacturers’ Health and Safety Association (MHSA) to enhance the rigging resource centre website. The company was also placed on two years of enhanced regulatory supervision.

    The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides a creative sentence option in which funds that would otherwise be paid as fines are directed to an organization or project to improve or promote workplace health and safety. Creative sentences can also include an enhanced regulatory supervision order, which requires a convicted party to complete a number of action items to improve corporate or individual health and safety systems or knowledge.

    Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.

    Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while providing rights and protections for workers. Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.

    Quick facts

    • Jobs, Economy and Trade does not provide sentence documents. These are available through the Calgary Court of Justice.
    • Victim fine surcharges apply to fines payable to the Crown. The $1,000 fine in this case includes the 20 per cent surcharge. Surcharges are not applied to payments to other entities, in this case SAIT and the MHSA, under creative sentences.
    • Fatality investigation summaries are posted to alberta.ca/fatality-investigation-summaries 60 to 90 days after court proceedings conclude.

    Related information

    • Convictions under OHS legislation
    • OHS incident investigations

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remote-Sensing Large-Wood Storage Downstream from Reservoirs After Dam Removal

    Source: US Geological Survey

    For nearly a century, two dams on the Elwha River blocked the natural flow of sediment and wood, leading to a highly altered river environment. Removal of the dams unleashed large quantities of sediment and wood that had been trapped behind the reservoirs. This debris was carried downstream, reshaping the river’s course and impacting its ecosystems.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Foster Reinforce Support for IVF Providers and Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    October 17, 2024
    [NAPERVILLE, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today hosted a discussion with IVF providers, advocates and families on the challenges they face with IVF access at risk across the country after Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Justices overturned Roe v. Wade. Duckworth and Foster were joined by Dr. Amanda Schwartz of the Reproductive Medicine Institute, Dr. Megan Sax of Fertility Centers of Illinois and the Beck Family, a Crystal Lake-based family who used assisted reproductive technology to conceive their two children. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website.
    “After a decade of struggling with infertility, I was only able to have my two beautiful girls through the miracle of IVF,” Duckworth said. I’m grateful I had access to IVF to become a mom when I wanted to become a mom but now, thanks to Donald Trump, that right to reproductive care is at risk for millions of women across this country.  And while so many Republicans continue to claim to support families and IVF, their actions and their votes prove that the American people can’t take them at their word.”
    “I was proud to join Senator Duckworth in Naperville today to reinforce our commitment to protecting access to reproductive treatments like IVF,” said Foster. “Far-right politicians and judges have no business meddling in how Americans choose to start and grow their families. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that every woman – no matter what state she lives in – has access to IVF and all forms of reproductive health care.”
    Duckworth has been the leader in Congress on protecting access to IVF. Duckworth’s Right to IVF Act, comprehensive legislation she led with U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), would establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, Veterans and federal employees and help lower the costs of IVF for middle class families across the country. Despite publicly claiming to support IVF for the millions of Americans who rely on it to build their families, nearly every Senate Republican voted against the bill in June and again last month.
    The Right to IVF Act builds upon Duckworth’s previous legislation, the Access to Family Building Act. Earlier this year, after the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that put access to IVF at risk for families across that state, Duckworth led a group of Senate Democrats in calling for the bill’s passage through unanimous consent, only for Republican U.S. Senator of Mississippi Cindy Hyde-Smith to object and block Duckworth’s effort. This was the second time Senate Republicans blocked Duckworth-led legislation that would protect access to IVF nationwide. The Access to Family Building Act builds on previous legislation she introduced in 2022.
    Duckworth was the first Senator to give birth while serving in office and had both of her children with the help of IVF. In 2018 she advocated for the Senate to change its rules so she could bring her infant onto the Senate floor.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 18th, 2024 In Advance of 100th Anniversary, Heinrich Leads Call to Prioritize Historic Route 66 Corridor for Federal Investments in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In advance of the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66 in 2026, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the co-founder and co-chair of the Electrification Caucus, led a letter alongside U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging them to prioritize investments in electric vehicle (EV) chargers along historic Route 66 as they oversee the second round of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program applications under the Infrastructure Law. 

    In their letter, the senators wrote: “The rich history and culture of Route 66 as a symbol of American freedom and adventure will draw millions of visitors to each of the eight states it runs through during the Centennial Anniversary of this iconic highway in 2026. In particular, we urge the Federal Highway Administration and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to make significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) chargers along Route 66 through the second round of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. We believe federal investment in EV charging will play a critical role in fostering economic and infrastructure development in communities all along Route 66 during its Centennial Anniversary.” 

    They continued: “More than 2 million people visit Route 66 every year, and our states are busy planning numerous events in 2026 to celebrate the anniversary and honor the Mother Road and its connection to American culture. Accessible charging infrastructure can help draw visitors to historic sites and roadside attractions, as well as catalyze the revitalization of downtowns and main streets. Infrastructure funded by Round 2 of the CFI program should be able to be installed and fully functional in time for the Centennial.” 

    They concluded: “Therefore, we urge your Departments to include specific consideration of applications from locations along Route 66 in this round of competitive CFI grants. Together, we can honor the history of the Mother Road while revitalizing communities and building a better future for the millions of Americans who live on Route 66.” 

    Background:

    One of America’s first continuous stretches of paved highway, U.S. Route 66, sometimes referred to as “The Mother Road,” was commissioned on November 11, 1926, and stretched 2,448 miles (3,940 km) from Chicago to Los Angeles. Many organizations in the eight states along Historic Route 66 are planning special events and tours to highlight the road’s Centennial in 2026, including the New Mexico Tourism Department, which just launched a grant program to provide support for marketing campaigns, special events, and infrastructure related to Route 66. 

    Congress passed the bipartisan Route 66 Centennial Commission Act in 2020 to establish a commission consisting of representatives from each of the eight Route 66 states. In their First Interim Report, released on July 11, 2023, the Route 66 Centennial Commission recommended the creation of a Route 66 Alternative Fuels Corridor Initiative to enable visitors to confidently travel the length of the entire route with whatever vehicle they choose. 

    The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) is a competitive grant program established in the Infrastructure Law to build out accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work. The program, which just opened its second round, will provide up to $2.5 billion over five years to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure projects in urban and rural communities in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities. 

    The full text of the senators’ letter can be found here and below. 

    Dear Secretary Buttigieg and Secretary Granholm: 

    As you work to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we write to encourage your Departments to take advantage of all opportunities to support economic development along Route 66. The rich history and culture of Route 66 as a symbol of American freedom and adventure will draw millions of visitors to each of the eight states it runs through during the Centennial Anniversary of this iconic highway in 2026. In particular, we urge the Federal Highway Administration and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to make significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) chargers along Route 66 through the second round of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. We believe federal investment in EV charging will play a critical role in fostering economic and infrastructure development in communities all along Route 66 during its Centennial Anniversary. 

    More than 2 million people visit Route 66 every year, and our states are busy planning numerous events in 2026 to celebrate the anniversary and honor the Mother Road and its connection to American culture. We applaud the administration’s work in appointing 12 individuals to serve as members of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, which was established by the bipartisan Route 66 Centennial Commission Act in 2020 (Public Law No: 116-256). Under this law, the Route 66 Centennial Commission is working “to identify and recommend activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government that are fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on the occasion of its centennial anniversary.” Notably, the Commission’s first Interim Report, released on July 11, 2023, recommended the creation of a Route 66 Alternative Fuels Corridor Initiative. As elected officials representing states along Route 66, we are fully supportive of this recommendation. 

    The CFI program provides a unique opportunity to support the recommendations set out by the commission’s report and enable visitors to confidently travel the length of the “Main Street of America” in whatever vehicle they choose. Accessible charging infrastructure can help draw visitors to historic sites and roadside attractions, as well as catalyze the revitalization of downtowns and main streets. Infrastructure funded by Round 2 of the CFI program should be able to be installed and fully functional in time for the Centennial. Therefore, we urge your Departments to include specific consideration of applications from locations along Route 66 in this round of competitive CFI grants. Together, we can honor the history of the Mother Road while revitalizing communities and building a better future for the millions of Americans who live on Route 66. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Commends TPS Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced new actions to provide temporary immigration protections to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States.

    “Today’s announcement is welcome news amid the dire humanitarian crisis and regional conflict facing the Lebanese people. As the situation on the ground worsens, the United States must fulfill our responsibility to provide refuge to those fleeing violence and unprecedented economic, political, and financial disasters. I thank the Biden-Harris administration for supporting Lebanese nationals in their time of need through a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, which was one of the Progressive Caucus’ key recommendations on our executive action slate. Combined with President Biden’s previous Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) designation, these measures will provide some level of peace of mind to thousands of Lebanese families.”

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Lee Statement on Death of Yahya Sinwar

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON —U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding the death of terrorist Yahya Sinwar:

    “Yahya Sinwar was the leader of Hamas who planned the brutal October 7 terrorist attack. His death should provide new opportunities to work towards peace in the Middle East. As we have maintained from the very beginning of this war, a ceasefire and hostage deal is key to resolving this conflict. Both sides should use this opportunity to agree to President Biden’s proposal for a ceasefire, and immediately reunite surviving hostages with their families.

    “History shows that the death of a terrorist leader does not necessarily mean the end of violence – it will only lead to peace and security if the strategy includes smart, principled, and tough diplomacy.”  

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warrington Borough Council: Assistant Best Value Inspector appointment letters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Letters appointing Assistant Best Value Inspectors in relation to Warrington Borough Council.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Warrington Borough Council: Assistant Inspector appointment letter (Michael Hainge)

    PDF, 163 KB, 1 page

    Warrington Borough Council: Assistant Inspector appointment letter (Richard Paver)

    PDF, 163 KB, 1 page

    Details

    Copies of the letters from Max Soule, Deputy Director Local Government Stewardship and Interventions at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to Michael Hainge and Richard Paver, detailing the decision by ministers to appoint them as Assistant Inspectors in relation to Warrington Borough Council under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –