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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transition Finance Market Review launch

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Keynote speech by Minister for Industry at the launch event for the Transition Finance Market Review.

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

    Thank you Councillor for your warm welcome and for your work as part of this review.  

    This is my second time this week in the Guildhall. We had the big Investment Summit here on Monday. It’s always very special to come to the Guildhall. 

    For 2,000 years this site has been a hub of development, business and finance, so it’s apt that we meet here today to discuss more modern means of generating profitable, sustainable growth in the UK.  

     I want to start by congratulating Vanessa and the team and everyone who has taken part in the Transition Finance Market Review and for publishing your comprehensive report and to City of London Corporation for hosting this event.  

    This is a really important review, which will influence how we think about financing the clean energy transition in the UK and around the world.  

    Our twin  goals of clean power by 2030 and accelerating to net zero in 2050 are ambitious… 

    …but, as the men and women who stood in this Guildhall over the centuries knew, with any period of growth comes huge opportunity. 

    Which is why we need to deploy all the tools at our disposal – from innovative new technology at scale, to novel and creative financial packages that mirror that ambition.  

    Clean energy is at the heart of this government’s agenda.  

    We believe that clean energy is the economic and industrial opportunity of the 21st century.  

    Mobilising public and private finance will be critical to achieving our clean energy mission and international climate goals.  

    The government is working quickly to remove the barriers and deploy legislative actions to accelerate the work.  

    Take the de-facto onshore wind ban.  

    Removed within 72 hours of being in office… 

    Now we must support industry on how to break ground on multiple new projects.    

    It’s why we are introducing a Planning and Infrastructure Bill to speed up and streamline the planning process.  

    And we will also be updating the relevant National Policy Statements within the next 12 months to provide certainty to the industry. 

    By stimulating the market and crowding-in investment via Great British Energy, we stand to rapidly grow supply chains across the country, creating the well-paid and meaningful jobs our communities crave. 

    But this all points back to finance. 

    How do we approach the question of scaling up the investment we need?  

    First, our ambition is to make the UK the green finance capital of the world.  

    This will mobilise Britain’s world-leading financial centre to unlock the trillions of pounds of investment needed for the global energy transition.   

    A strong sustainable finance policy framework is critical to driving investment into the sectors that are crucial to meet our carbon budgets.  

    It also provides a huge economic growth opportunity for the financial services sector.  

    Second, there must be a genuine partnership between government and the private sector.

    In the UK we need hundreds of billions of pounds of investment to make this transition happen.  

    Our role is to set a clear and certain direction of travel, with a plan that businesses and investors understand. 

    And third, we remain committed to being a strong advocate for climate finance to ensure developing countries across the world have the finance they need.   

    COP29 needs to deliver an ambitious new climate finance goal that meets the needs and priorities of developing countries.  

    This will be vital to accelerating investment in mitigation and adaptation and will play an important role in securing ambitious NDCs ahead of COP30 next year.  

    But we know that this won’t be as easy as flicking a switch for high emitting sectors.  

    Transition finance for hard-to-abate sectors will play a key role, particularly when it comes to challenges such as industrial decarbonisation.  

    I know there are complex challenges to overcome in scaling up the transition finance market. 

    These include minimising the risks of greenwashing and ensuring investors are equipped with the right information on investment needs for our sectors.  

    But there are huge opportunities too.  

    So, what is changing? 

    The Transition Finance Market Review has developed a comprehensive set of policy recommendations for how government can do more to accelerate the growth and ensure the credibility of our transition finance market.  

    The Review has called for more clarity on decarbonisation pathways for key sectors and ways of mobilising private investment to achieve these. 

    We will strive to deliver this clarity through existing and new policy, including our Industrial Strategy launched on Monday setting out the steps we are taking to deliver long-term growth while harnessing the opportunities of net zero. 

    Clean Energy Industries are one of eight growth-driving sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy green paper this week. This is alongside Advanced Manufacturing, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services.  

    We are now keen to hear your thoughts on how we identify the most promising sub-sectors within clean energy industries – including the most innovative emerging technologies. 

    More over, our green paper makes clear the UK is committed to sustaining growth – growth that is aligned with our Net Zero and environmental objectives. 

    We also announced a National Wealth Fund capitalised with £27.8 billion to invest in the new industries of the future and mobilise billions more in private investment and generating a return for taxpayers.  

    The National Wealth Fund will build on the leadership of the UK Infrastructure Bank but go further – including in ways recommended by the Transition Finance Market Review.  

    And just one example, the National Wealth Fund will be empowered to make investments that maximise the mobilisation of private investment, including an expanded suite of financial instruments such as performance guarantees and trialling new blended finance solutions, with government departments, taking on additional risk to facilitate higher impact in individual deals. 

    It will inherit UKIB’s existing £22 billion capitalisation and have an additional £5.8 billion, which will be committed over this Parliament. 

    In addition, we are driving forward several green finance priorities mentioned in the Review. 

    We are developing our approach to mandate UK registered financial institutions and large companies to implement credible transition plans. 

    we will ensure we move from ambition into coherent strategies to realise the opportunities of the net zero economy… 

    …and I want to extend my thanks to the Transition Plan Taskforce for their work to pioneer global best practice in this space. 

    We will also continue to advance our plans for a UK Green Taxonomy in line with our commitment in Financing Growth.  

    We want to ensure any framework is science-based, interoperable with international standards, and user-friendly for business and intend to provide more detail on our plans in this area soon.  

    Finally, we are advancing plans to ‘endorse’ international climate-related reporting standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards for use in the UK. 

    Our government will be studying the recommendations in the report very carefully and will be making further announcements on their implementation soon.  

    Clean power by 2030 is ambitious. But when you look around the world, you see that we have no time to waste.  

    Climactic events are worsening. All the industrialised nations around the world have a responsibility to step-up and redress this imbalance, using whatever resources necessary.  

    Domestically, we know that the advance of the green sector is intrinsically linked to the economy, and it is our core mission to deliver meaningful, well-paid jobs fuelled by renewable growth.   

    And it’s the reason we’re going all-out for clean power.  

    All of this hinges on mobilising green finance today, so that decades from now, people will remember this period as our green industrial revolution, delivering prosperity, skills and clean energy for millions of people.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

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

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Assistant Inspector appointment letter (Deborah McLaughlin)

    PDF, 161 KB, 1 page

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Assistant Inspector appointment letter (Mervyn Greer)

    PDF, 167 KB, 1 page

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Assistant Inspector appointment letter (Peter Robinson)

    PDF, 162 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 Deborah McLaughlin, Mervyn Greer and Peter Robinson, detailing the decision by ministers to appoint them as Assistant Inspectors in relation to Spelthorne Borough Council under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Seeks Innovative Ideas with Revamped Procurement Framework

    Source: NASA

    NASA is announcing the relaunch of the NASA Acquisition Innovation Launchpad (NAIL), a framework to drive innovation and modernize acquisition processes across the agency, after piloting the program for a year.
    NASA spends approximately $21 billion or 85% of its budget on acquiring goods and services. Managed by NASA’s Office of Procurement, the NAIL was established to identify ways to manage risk-taking and encourage innovation through the submission, review, and approval of ideas from anyone who engages in the acquisition process. 
    Since launching last year, the goal of the NAIL has been to build an innovation-focused culture that can produce ideas from team members in the Office of Procurement or across the agency, as well as from industry.
    “The success of the NAIL inaugural year has laid a strong foundation for the future,” said Karla Smith Jackson, deputy chief acquisition officer and assistant administrator for the Office of Procurement.
    Over the past year, the NAIL has achieved numerous milestones, allowing NASA to approach various procurement challenges and implement diverse solutions. Key accomplishments include improving procurement processes and technological automations and developing an industry feedback forum. The program update will leverage industry’s feedback to continue fostering innovative solutions and optimize the agency’s procurement efforts.
    As NASA’s Office of Procurement embarks on fiscal year 2025, the NAIL relaunch will use information from the program’s pilot year to focus on the following priorities:

    Providing additional engagement opportunities for the agency’s network of innovators
    Enhancing the framework to improve internal outcomes for the agency
    Promoting procurement success stories 
    Investing in talent and technology

    “We are incredibly proud of the program’s achievements and are even more excited about the opportunities ahead with the relaunch,” said Kameke Mitchell, NAIL chair and director for the Procurement Strategic Operations Division. “We encourage everyone to get involved and make fiscal year 2025 a standout year for innovation.”
    In addition to programmatic updates, NAIL’s program manager, Brittney Chappell, will lead new engagements and framework enhancements moving forward.
    “I am thrilled to step into this role and lead the program, using everything our team has learned from the last year,” said Chappell. “Together with internal and external stakeholders, we will turn bold ideas into impactful solutions that drive real change.”
    To collaborate or share innovative ideas, reach out to the NAIL Procurement team at hq-op-nail@mail.nasa.gov.
    For more information about the NAIL framework, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/procurement-nail-framework

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houston man guilty in $160M Medicare fraud scheme

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Department of Justice
    U.S. Attorney’s Office
    Southern District of Texas

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Tuesday, October 15, 2024

    HOUSTON – A 59-year-old Houston man has been convicted of all 15 counts as charged for heading a massive Medicare fraud scheme involving the fraudulent billing of expensive topical creams, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.  

    The jury deliberated for less than five hours before convicting Mohamad Mokbel following a 10-day trial. 

    From 2014 through 2021, Mohamad Mokbel led a company called 4M Pharmaceuticals which operated 14 pharmacies with straw owners. The jury heard evidence that Mokbel illegally purchased thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, including their identification number, personal health and physician information. Mokbel targeted elderly diabetic patients who are dependent on diabetic testing supplies to manage their blood sugar levels. Mokbel paid $16 to $40 per Medicare beneficiary.  

    To maximize reimbursements and without regard for medical necessity, Mokbel then directed 4M employees to use the Medicare beneficiaries’ patient data to run insurance claims to determine if Medicare or other insurance plans would cover and reimburse at a high rate for the topical creams, Omega-3 pills and other medications that Mokbel intended to sell through 4M pharmacies.

    At Mokbel’s direction, 4M employees would then fax pre-filled prescription requests to the patients’ doctors appearing to be for diabetic testing supplies with topical creams added at the bottom. They also included false representations that the patient was requesting a 4M Pharmacy fill their medications. In reality, Mokbel had previously purchased the patient’s personal information, the patient had not selected a 4M Pharmacy and the patient was often unaware the request was being made on their behalf. 

    Many doctors apparently took the representations in the fax at face value and did sign and send back the prefilled prescription requests to 4M. Mokbel’s call center in Houston and later in Egypt then contacted the patients and made false and misleading statements about the topical cream and their doctor’s order. Mokbel’s pharmacies then shipped out numerous topical creams, often on auto-refill, and excessively billed Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans. 

    Mokbel made over $200 million as a result of the scheme. 

    From 2015 through 2020, Mokbel also corruptly gave a series of bribe payments, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and totaling over $188,000 an employee of a pharmacy benefits manager – OptumRx – in exchange for favorable treatment for 4M pharmacies. They were credentialed and recredentialed with OptumRx which allowed them to enter into retail network agreements with OptumRx, participate in the Medicare Part D program and submit claims for prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries. Mokbel also received information and advice about responding to audits and preventing and/or delaying OptumRX termination of many 4M pharmacies.

    U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal accepted the verdict and set sentencing for Jan. 7, 2025. At that time, Mokbel faces up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and health care fraud, 10 years for each of five counts of health care fraud, each of six counts of money laundering and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds as well as five years for

    conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiracy to commit bribery. He could also be ordered to pay up to a total of $4 million in fines and possible restitution in excess of $160 million.      

    Previously released on bond, Mokbel was taken into custody pending sentencing.

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration and the Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Leigh Olson and Adam Laurence Goldman are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Zero Trust in Cyber Defense

    Source: United States Navy

    Each unique IT system and network we use assists us in executing our mission, but also provides our adversaries with new potential attack vectors in cyber space. This reduced attack surface can be further hardened by implementing Zero Trust design principles. Zero Trust helps us both to harden our networks to external threats and implement protections that prevent lateral movement when an adversary gains access, and in doing so can minimize the impacts of those attacks.

    Each of your actions on the network or internet impacts the Navy’s cyber posture, from the systems you use, to the networks on which you operate, to the websites you visit. Each of these activities defines the attack surface that you create. Each window on the internet that you leave open represents a potential opening into the Navy’s and DoD’s information eco-system.

    Criminals and adversaries use these windows to steal your identity and your online persona that permits them to traverse your online universe. This new attack construct is referred to as “living off the land”. Criminals and adversary steal credentials to authenticate their presence on our networks as an authorized user, making it extremely difficult to recognize an intruder on the network or in the system.  Proper use of identity management is critical to our success as a Navy.

    Recognizing your role in reducing the Navy’s attack surface in cyberspace is critical to the identification of new risk reduction opportunities. To better understand how the Navy is building a modern Enterprise Information Ecosystem, and how you can contribute in that effort, the Navy Blueprint for a Modern Enterprise Information Ecosystem, published in 2023, outlines the Navy’s vision for the future of Navy Enterprise IT, to include network modernization, enterprise architectures, Zero Trust, and continuous monitoring.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    16 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, attended the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit at the Europa building in Brussels today. Following the working session, President Meloni addressed journalists at a press point.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Aquaculture could harm animal welfare or protect it, depending on what species the farms raise

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Becca Franks, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, New York University

    Raising salmon in a tank at an aquaculture farm in Dubai. Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images

    The global aquaculture industry has tripled in size since the year 2000, with producers raising a mind-boggling diversity of species, from seaweeds and clams to carp, salmon and cuttlefish. Many of these creatures are undomesticated and lead complex and highly social lives in the wild.

    The rapid growth in aquaculture means that billions of individual aquatic animals are now being farmed without basic information that could help ensure even minimal welfare standards. Our newly published study shows that these welfare risks are not uniform: Aquaculture is likely to have severe effects on welfare for some species, but negligible impacts on others.

    Whenever humans manage animals on a large scale, welfare becomes a concern. As experts on aquatic animals and their welfare, we believe that taking proactive measures to shape the aquaculture industry’s growth will be critical for its long-term success.

    A cuttlefish tackles a challenge originally designed for human children, demonstrating cephalopods’ complex cognitive processes.

    Complex aquatic lives

    In a wide-ranging review of the existing science, we identified seven risk factors in fish and other sea creatures that would be challenging or impractical to accommodate in captivity. They include 1) migratory behavior, 2) solitary social structures, 3) long life spans, 4) carnivorous feeding habits, 5) cannibalism, 6) living at depths of 165 feet (50 meters) or more, and 7) elaborate courtship or involved parental care.

    We researched these characteristics for each of the more than 400 species currently farmed in aquaculture. Our analysis found that many species of fishes, reptiles and amphibians are likely to suffer in aquaculture because they won’t be able to engage in their natural behaviors in farmed conditions. The same is true for crustaceans such as lobsters and for cephalopods such as cuttlefish.

    In contrast, aquatic plants and other invertebrates such as oysters would experience fewer differences between their life in the wild versus in a tank, pond or other aquaculture production system.

    We also found that species most at risk are among the most expensive on the market but contribute the least to global production. By shifting toward species whose behaviors and life habits are more compatible with aquaculture, the industry could minimize animal welfare risk while also keeping prices down and production quantities high. In other words, protecting aquatic animal welfare is compatible with producing affordable, nutritious food.

    Animal welfare in the water

    Research shows that many aquatic animals are intelligent, emotional, curious, highly social and have strong preferences. Like land animals, they can suffer if their needs aren’t met.

    Consider, for example, the bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), which is currently farmed in aquaculture. Bumpheads live up to 40 years and travel several kilometers each day in large foraging troops, searching for live coral. On full moons, they come together in the hundreds to spawn and engage in ritual head-bumping contests between the males, like an aquatic version of bison.

    Divers observe a feeding school of bumphead (also referred to as humphead) parrotfish on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

    It would be very difficult and expensive to accommodate this species’ long life span, large range, complex foraging behavior and dynamic social relationships in the highly restrictive and monotonous environments of aquaculture.

    We also found examples of invertebrate animals with similarly elaborate ways of life. One example is the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), a comparatively small crustacean that builds elaborate tunnel and chamber systems underground. Females care attentively for their tiny offspring, fanning, cleaning and feeding juveniles for up to four months after they hatch.

    In contrast, plant species farmed in aquaculture, such as seaweeds and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), are nutritious, protein-rich foods that can be raised without posing direct animal welfare concerns.

    In 2021 alone, 56 species were farmed for the first time. By identifying species that may naturally adapt better to life in captivity, aquaculture producers and policymakers can steer their industry toward a more humane future.

    This approach is already finding support in the U.S., where Washington and California have banned octopus farming. The states acted partly in response to research showing that octopuses are intelligent, curious, social animals that can solve problems and recognize individual people – qualities that are incompatible with being raised en masse for food.

    More research is needed to understand the lives and behaviors of other sea creatures that are currently farmed or targeted for production in the future. Most of these species remain understudied and mysterious, which makes it hard to make informed decisions about whether they are suitable for farming.

    Better data could contribute to aquaculture policy, while also boosting public appreciation for the diversity and intricacy of life on a planet that is 70% aquatic.

    Becca Franks receives funding from TinyBeam Foundation and Open Philanthropy.

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

    – ref. Aquaculture could harm animal welfare or protect it, depending on what species the farms raise – https://theconversation.com/aquaculture-could-harm-animal-welfare-or-protect-it-depending-on-what-species-the-farms-raise-240771

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Microplastic pollution is everywhere, even in the exhaled breath of dolphins – new research

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Leslie Hart, Associate Professor of Public Health, College of Charleston

    Microplastics are invisible but omnipresent. Musat/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay in Florida and Barataria Bay in Louisiana are exhaling microplastic fibers, according to our new research published in the journal PLOS One.

    Tiny plastic pieces have spread all over the planet – on land, in the air and even in clouds. An estimated 170 trillion bits of microplastic are estimated to be in the oceans alone. Across the globe, research has found people and wildlife are exposed to microplastics mainly through eating and drinking, but also through breathing.

    A plastic microfiber found in the exhaled breath of a bottlenose dolphin is nearly 14 times smaller than a strand of hair and can be seen only with a microscope.
    Miranda Dziobak/College of Charleston, CC BY-SA

    Our study found the microplastic particles exhaled by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are similar in chemical composition to those identified in human lungs. Whether dolphins are exposed to more of these pollutants than people are is not yet known.

    Why it matters

    In humans, inhaled microplastics can cause lung inflammation, which can lead to problems including tissue damage, excess mucus, pneumonia, bronchitis, scarring and possibly cancer. Since dolphins and humans inhale similar plastic particles, dolphins may be at risk for the same lung problems.

    Research also shows plastics contain chemicals that, in humans, can affect reproduction, cardiovascular health and neurological function. Since dolphins are mammals, microplastics may well pose these health risks for them, too.

    As top predators with decades-long life spans, bottlenose dolphins help scientists understand the impacts of pollutants on marine ecosystems – and the related health risks for people living near coasts. This research is important because more than 41% of the world’s human population lives within 62 miles (100 km) of a coast.

    What still isn’t known

    Scientists estimate the oceans contain many trillions of plastic particles, which get there through runoff, wastewater or settling from the air. Ocean waves can release these particles into the air.

    The ocean releases microplastics into the air through surface froth and wave action. Once the particles are released, wind can transport them to other locations.
    Steve Allen, CC BY-SA

    In fact, bubble bursts caused by wave energy can release 100,000 metric tons of microplastics into the atmosphere each year. Since dolphins and other marine mammals breathe at the water’s surface, they may be especially vulnerable to exposure.

    Where there are more people, there is usually more plastic. But for the tiny plastic particles floating in the air, this connection isn’t always true. Airborne microplastics are not limited to heavily populated areas; they pollute undeveloped regions, too.

    Our research found microplastics in the breath of dolphins living in both urban and rural estuaries, but we don’t yet know whether there are major differences in amounts or types of plastic particles between the two habitats.

    How we do our work

    Breath samples for our study were collected from wild bottlenose dolphins during catch-and-release health assessments conducted in partnership with the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation and Fundación Oceanogràfic.

    Exhaled breath is collected from a dolphin during a wild dolphin health assessment in Barataria Bay in Louisiana.
    Todd Speakman/National Marine Mammal Foundation, CC BY-SA

    During these brief permitted health assessments, we held a petri dish or a customized spirometer – a device that measures lung function – above the dolphin’s blowhole to collect samples of the animals’ exhaled breath. Using a microscope in our colleague’s lab, we checked for tiny particles that looked like plastic, such as pieces with smooth surfaces, bright colors or a fibrous shape.

    Since plastic melts when heated, we used a soldering needle to test whether these suspected pieces were plastic. To confirm they were indeed plastic, our colleague used a specialized method called Raman spectroscopy, which uses a laser to create a structural fingerprint that can be matched to a specific chemical.

    Our study highlights how extensive plastic pollution is – and how other living things, including dolphins, are exposed. While the impacts of plastic inhalation on dolphins’ lungs are not yet known, people can help address the microplastic pollution problem by reducing plastic use and working to prevent more plastic from polluting the oceans.

    Leslie Hart receives funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, Sea Grant, and the National Science Foundation. Research reported in this article was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R15ES034169 and the College of Charleston’s School of Health Sciences. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

    Leslie Hart is an epidemiological consultant for the National Marine Mammal Foundation; however, this study was not conducted as a consultant.

    Bottlenose dolphin health assessments were conducted under Scientific Research Permit #26622 and #24359, issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Research studies were reviewed and approved by Mote Marine Laboratory and NMFS Atlantic Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC).

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

    – ref. Microplastic pollution is everywhere, even in the exhaled breath of dolphins – new research – https://theconversation.com/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-the-exhaled-breath-of-dolphins-new-research-237932

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOUTHAMPTON, Pa., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQB: QNTO) (the “Company”), the holding company for Quaint Oak Bank, announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share on the common stock of the Company on October 16, 2024. The dividend is payable on November 12, 2024, to the shareholders of record at the close of business on October 28, 2024.

    Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc., a Financial Services Company, is the parent company for the Quaint Oak Family of Companies. Quaint Oak Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered stock savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Southampton, Pennsylvania and conducts business through three regional offices located in the Delaware Valley, Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia markets. Quaint Oak Bank’s subsidiary companies include Quaint Oak Abstract, LLC, Quaint Oak Insurance Agency, LLC, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC and Oakmont Commercial, LLC, a specialty commercial real estate financing company. All companies are multi-state operations.

    Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc.
    Robert T. Strong
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    215.364.4059

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Retired CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors of Microchip Technology Steve Sanghi Releases New Book: “Ask Steve: Everyday business advice from a successful CEO”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Steve Sanghi, retired CEO and chair of the board of directors of Microchip Technology, today announces the release of his third book, “Ask Steve: Everyday business advice from a successful CEO.” Sanghi offers practical and real-world business advice based on his highly regarded leadership style and overall business acumen.

    Building on the success of his previous books, “Ask Steve: Everyday business advice from a successful CEO,” is an extension of the popular business advice column that ran in the Arizona Republic from 2007 to 2014. In the column, Sanghi responded to business inquiries from individuals at various career levels, offering solutions to both personal and professional challenges. “I contributed to the ‘Ask Steve’ column as a way to give back to the community and help others using my own experiences,” Sanghi said. The column featured advice on a range of professional concerns from individual career advancement to global trade dilemmas.

    The book gathers questions from over seven years of the column, providing insights into topics such as:

    • Career development and advancement
    • Global trade challenges
    • Management issues
    • Advice for investors and marketers
    • International business complexities

    This release follows Sanghi’s previous books, Driving Excellence: How the Aggregate System Turned Microchip Technology from a Failing Company to a Market Leader (co-authored with Michael J. Jones) and Up and to the Right: My Personal and Business Journey Building the Microchip Technology Juggernaut (2023).

    The sound advice in “Ask Steve” provides a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking practical business advice and is sure to be a constant desk reference for professionals from CEOs to recent graduates. Sanghi’s firsthand experience as a successful leader makes his advice relevant and actionable in today’s fast-paced business environment.

    The book is available for purchase on Amazon or here.

    About the Author

    Steve Sanghi led Microchip Technology for over three decades, transforming it from a struggling company on the verge of bankruptcy in 1990 to a market leader in the semiconductor industry with a market capitalization of $43 billion. Sanghi has won numerous awards during his tenure, including the Global Semiconductor Alliance’s Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award in December 2022, the Global Semiconductor Alliance’s highest honor. A respected thought leader in the business world, Sanghi has authored three books and regularly provides insights on leadership, business strategy and management.

    Today, Sanghi is Chair of the board of Microchip Technology, Impinj and Advantek. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Northern Arizona University Foundation.

    Editorial Contact:

    Marcy Hatch-Padilla

    480-792-5981

    booksupport@microchip.com

    1. Sanghi, S., & Jones, M.J. (2006). “Driving excellence: How the aggregate system turned Microchip Technology from a failing company to a market leader.”
    2. Sanghi, S. (2023). “Up and to the right: My personal and business journey building the Microchip Technology juggernaut.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Esgenoôpetitj  — RCMP seeking public’s help following theft of vehicle

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Neguac RCMP is seeking the public’s help to locate a stolen vehicle from Esgenoôpetitj, N-B.

    The theft is believed to have occurred at approximately 7: 45 a.m. on October 11, 2024, at a business on Peters Road in Esgenoôpetitj.

    The vehicle is described as a black 2022 Mazda CX30 with New Brunswick licence plate KFC 568 and vehicle identification number 3MVDMBB71NM417612.

    Police are releasing a surveillance footage photo in hopes that someone may recognize the individual or the vehicle. The individual is described as a man, with a small build, wearing a black and red hoodie, blue jeans and black boots.

    Anyone who has seen the car since October 11, or who has information that could help further the investigation, is asked to contact the Neguac RCMP at 506-776-3000. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Secures $1 Million to Fund Construction of SoLa Impact’s New Tech & Entertainment Center in Crenshaw and Leimert Park

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) announced that she secured a $1 million grant for SoLa Impact’s affiliated nonprofit, the SoLa Foundation, in support of the completion of SoLa’s second state-of-the-art youth center. The SoLa Foundation is one of fifteen organizations that Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove secured a total of $12.4 million for through Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation.

    Opening in the first half of 2025, the 10,000 sq ft Art, Tech and Entertainment Center will be located on the ground floor of “Crenshaw Lofts,” SoLa Impact’s 195-unit workforce and affordable housing development in the LAX-Crenshaw Corridor. The center will train and mentor young people to become the next generation of professionals and entrepreneurs in arts, media, entertainment, emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and the live events industry. The facility will feature a collaborative workspace, professional recording studio, and indoor/outdoor event space. It will serve at least 1,000 youth and young adults annually. A video preview of the center is available here.

    The funds are part of Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove’s commitments to the continued revitalization of the Crenshaw and Leimert Park communities as well as increasing access to career training and jobs in entertainment.

    “Crenshaw—the heart of Black LA—has seen many resurgence efforts since the 1992 Riots, many of them short-lived,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “By connecting young Angelenos with workforce training in arts, entertainment, and technology careers, SoLa’s new youth center will make a real, lasting impact on South LA for generations to come. I was proud to secure funding for this center, and I look forward to seeing the vital role it will play in empowering future creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the storied community of Crenshaw.”

    SoLa Impact CEO, Martin Muoto, added, “With our second SoLa Tech Center powered by Live Nation, and Crenshaw Lofts, we are proud to be part of Crenshaw revitalization.  As we develop hundreds of affordable and workforce housing units across Los Angeles, we also want to ensure that the young people in communities like Crenshaw and South LA see a brighter future. Training them for jobs of the future is perhaps the most important way we can build California better.”

    “This center will have a transformative impact on the lives of our youth. This is my community and I am on a mission to ensure every young person has a shot at a brighter future. The center is about closing the racial digital divide in South LA. It’s about creating a more equitable playing field. It’s about creating access and pipelines to careers in the arts and technology. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove shares this urgent mission and we are deeply grateful to her for being a catalyst in making our tech center possible,” said Sherri Francois, Chief Impact Officer of SoLa Impact and Executive Director of the SoLa Foundation.

    Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove tours the site of SoLa’s new youth tech and entertainment center in Crenshaw, which is currently under construction.

    ABOUT SOLA IMPACT’S FOUNDATION:

    The SoLa Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, aims to improve the lives of South LA residents and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing opportunities for education and economic mobility. SoLa’s Technology and Entrepreneurship Center Powered by Riot Games is a state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind center at the heart of South Central Los Angeles. SoLa provides the community with skills-based technology programming, as well as scholarships and career development opportunities for underinvested communities to ensure Black and brown Angelenos get increased access to jobs, mentorship, and placement in the most competitive fields of business. Learn more at www.thesolafoundation.org.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Visit By the Indian Enquiry Committee to the United States of America

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    An Indian Enquiry Committee that was established to investigate activities of certain organized criminals is actively investigating the individual who was identified last year in the Department of Justice’s indictment as an Indian government employee who directed a foiled plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City. The Enquiry Committee will be traveling to Washington, D.C. on October 15th, as part of their ongoing investigations to discuss the case, including information they have obtained, and to receive an update from U.S. authorities regarding the U.S. case that is proceeding. Additionally, India has informed the United States they are continuing their efforts to investigate other linkages of the former government employee and will determine follow up steps, as necessary.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of State Hosts Quad Fellows in Washington, D.C.

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    The U.S. Department of State hosted 50 promising young scholars from Australia, India, Japan, the United States, and Southeast Asia at the second Quad Fellowship Summit in Washington, D.C. on October 7. Launched in 2021, the Quad Fellowship welcomed its second cohort of fellows, and this is the first year it includes scholars from Southeast Asia. Quad Fellows receive a stipend to pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields at U.S. universities.

    The Fellowship, which is administered by the Institute for International Education, is part of a broader Quad commitment to harness emerging technologies for the benefit of people across the Indo-Pacific, and utilize these technologies to facilitate economic prosperity, openness, and connectivity.

    Quad Fellows met with private sector and U.S. government representatives to discuss scientific and technological developments in the Indo-Pacific. Quad Fellows also engaged with science and technology specialists working in the U.S. government to explore leveraging STEM research to deliver tangible benefits to the Indo Pacific region. For press inquiries, please contact the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at EAP-Press@state.gov and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at SCA-Press@state.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with the C5+1 during UNGA 79 

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with foreign ministers and representatives from the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan today under the auspices of the C5+1 platform during the 79th annual session of the UN General Assembly.

    Reflecting on the commitments made by U.S. and Central Asian leaders during the inaugural C5+1 Presidential Summit on September 19, 2023, the Secretary acknowledged significant steps taken since that landmark occasion in furtherance of the Summit’s New York Declaration, including the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue launch, the inaugural B5+1 Forum in support of U.S.-Central Asian business partnership, and the first C5+1 Special Session on Disability Rights on the margins of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations.

    Participants discussed steps toward enhanced regional security cooperation in pursuance of a shared vision for a peaceful Central Asia. The Secretary underscored the importance of upholding the United Nations Charter and its principles, including with respect to human rights, and C5+1 partnership that is grounded in respect for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all states.

    Secretary Blinken noted that the year 2025 will mark ten years of enduring U.S.-Central Asian collaboration through the C5+1 platform. In the spirit of cooperation that has come to define the C5+1, the Secretary emphasized U.S. commitment to pursuing regional solutions to global challenges in partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a C5+1 Meeting

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    New York City, New York

    Palace Hotel

    Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a C5+1 Meeting

    Remarks

    September 27, 2024

    SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. And I’m so pleased to – excuse me – welcome all of our friends and partners from Central Asia for this C5+1 meeting today. As I’ve been saying, it’s Friday. We’ve all made it to the end of the High-Level Week.

    But I’m so pleased that we were all able to find the time to come together. The United States is a steadfast supporter of the independence, the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

    And we are also steadfast in our partnership. We’ve done very good work through the C5+1, and, of course, a highlight was a meeting among our leaders with President Biden.

    But we’ve been delivering on the C5+1’s vision of regional solutions to global challenges. The engagement among all of us enhances sustainable economic growth. It strengthens energy and climate resilience and security.

    Next year, 2025, will mark ten years since we launched the C5+1, and the United States, for its part, looks very much forward to celebrating this enduring partnership, but not just celebrating it, continuing to grow it, to strengthen it.

    And today’s a very good opportunity to take stock of what we’ve been able to achieve but also to keep us focused on the future and all that we can do together. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump’s attack on overseas voters is erroneous and dangerous

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jennifer Saul, Chair in Social and Political Philosophy of Language, University of Waterloo

    I do research on racist and xenophobic speech. I am also an American citizen, and have voted from overseas since 1996 (first in the U.K., and now in Canada).

    This makes me especially well-placed to explain why Donald Trump’s Truth Social post about overseas voters in late September and Republican efforts to undermine those voters are factually wrong and politically dangerous.

    The current law giving Americans overseas the right to vote in federal elections is the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan, a Republican president.

    The federal program to help American citizens vote while living overseas is overseen by the Department of Defense — which makes sense, given that a large number of them are members of the United States military. All of this should give pause to anyone who thinks that allowing overseas citizens to vote is some sort of left-wing conspiracy.

    Complex process

    Nor is it an easy matter to vote from overseas. Every state has its own process for verifying citizenship after the registration and request form reaches them, and each has its own rules that voters must follow in order for their ballot to be counted.

    My own state, New Jersey, is relatively simple: I can email my registration/request form, get my ballot by e-mail, and email it back. But I must also remember to mail in the paper version of my ballot or my vote won’t count.

    This is easy enough for me, from Canada or previously the U.K. But it’s much more difficult for American citizens living in places that lack reliable postal services who often have to use expensive courier services to carry out their duty as citizens.

    My husband’s state is New York. He is allowed to e-mail his ballot request, but he must also mail a paper version of the request. And the ballot itself comes with an elaborate set of envelope templates that require precise folding — and must arrive by a strict deadline, no matter where they’re being mailed from.

    He’s a former graphic designer, and comfortable performing this task. But imagine trying to do so while suffering from arthritis or vision problems — especially when the home-printed version has tiny text. In short, there is nothing easy about voting from abroad.

    So why use inflammatory language to pretend it’s an easy matter to generate many thousands of fraudulent overseas votes? One explanation would be to sow doubt about the election results. Anything that can introduce uncertainty and slow down the counting process can be exploited in an effort that could allow Trump and his allies to falsely declare him the winner on Nov. 5.

    Trump’s campaign has made no secret about its plan to follow this path.

    Language that suggests American citizens abroad are not really American also fits into a larger pattern of stoking divisions — and of drawing ever tighter boundaries around who would be counted as “real” Americans. This is a classic fascist power move, one that leads to a sharply defined “us,” who are worthy of moral consideration, as opposed to “them,” who are not.

    Disenfranchising citizens abroad

    Importantly, the movement against overseas voters is not just confined to a social media post. There are lawsuits in several states designed to disenfranchise American citizens abroad. These are citizens who may have gone to enormous lengths to carry out their duties by asking for and sending in election ballots, often at substantial personal expense and faced with substantial barriers.

    Trump and his allies are working hard to prevent Americans abroad from exercising their most basic rights of citizenship. When Trump uses language that accuses overseas voters of fraud and foreign interference, it suggests we’re not really Americans.

    There’s a major problem in doing so. As mentioned, a large segment of American citizens abroad are members of the U.S. armed forces. Efforts to disenfranchise Americans abroad are also efforts to disenfranchise the military.

    ‘Figleaf’ language

    That’s why Trump’s allegation on Truth Social that Democrats “want to dilute the TRUE vote of our beautiful military” makes no sense. This is especially true given it’s coming from someone who’s attacking the very law that allows members of the military to vote from abroad, including casting ballots for him if they’re so inclined.

    This is what I call a figleaf — an additional bit of speech that provides just a bit of cover for saying something else that is much less acceptable. The allegation suggests, to someone who doesn’t understand overseas voting, that Trump somehow supports the military.

    Trump’s “diluting the vote” rhetoric also plays into the deeply racist Great Replacement Theory. This theory holds that Democrats and other shadowy forces (often cast as Jewish) are plotting to replace white Americans with foreigners, in part as a way to secure electoral victory.

    Overseas voting might seem like a niche issue. But overseas citizens could make all the difference in a close election. The attack on overseas voting is part of a much larger pattern of destructive suggestions from Trump about who is and is not a real American.

    I am a member of the Democratic Party

    – ref. Donald Trump’s attack on overseas voters is erroneous and dangerous – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-attack-on-overseas-voters-is-erroneous-and-dangerous-241332

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Turkmenistan Independence Day

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Turkmenistan as they celebrate 33 years of independence on September 27.

    The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We are proud of our collaboration in reducing methane emissions, advancing sustainable labor and agricultural practices, strengthening security across the region, promoting human rights, and supporting educational and cultural exchanges. We look forward to the people of our countries deepening their friendship in years to come.

    My sincere congratulations as you celebrate your Independence Day.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Hits $5 Million Mark!

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Hits $5 Million Mark!

    FEMA Hits $5 Million Mark!

    HARRISBURG, Pa — The Federal Emergency Management Agency hit an important milestone October 11 when grants it has awarded to Commonwealth residents under its Individuals and Households Program (IHP) totaled $5,020,070.14.  The grants went to residents of Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties for losses they suffered as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, August 8-9. 

    In the month since September 11 when President Biden issued the presidential disaster declaration, 1,046 residents of the four counties have registered with FEMA to establish eligibility for federal disaster assistance. Registrants from Tioga County led the count with 426, Lycoming County came second with 349 residents registered, then Potter with 207 and Union with 64.

    FEMA has made 1,867 payments to applicants, most of whom received funds from Other Needs Assistance (ONA). ONA grants worth $1.83 million are for survivors’ immediate needs like medical and dental expenses, childcare, moving and storage or funeral costs. Housing Assistance worth $3.18 million, went to 418 residents to help them repair their damaged homes. FEMA cannot return applicants to their original pre-disaster situation, but it can help them regain their footing in recovery. 

    Two new components of ONA are Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance. Even though they were small outlays, they were important sources of funds for survivors with immediate needs. Serious Needs Assistance is a one-time lump-sum payment of $750 to an eligible household to help with essential items such as food, water, baby formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, medication and fuel for transportation. More than $507,000 from Serious Needs was provided to eligible survivors. 

    Displacement Assistance is designed for survivors who cannot return to their home following a disaster and provides them financial assistance they can use flexibly to pay for their immediate housing needs. The $900,900 given directly to survivors from Displacement Assistance provided eligible survivors with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice until they are able to secure a rental option to focus on their long-term recovery.

    Home repair 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 if you had 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 have yet to apply for FEMA assistance, go online to http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or download the FEMA App to 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 about the disaster recovery operation in Pennsylvania, visit fema.gov/disaster/4815.   

                                                                                        ###

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).                                                                     

    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.

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran to Introduce Legislation After Reports of Unidentified Aircrafts Hovering Over U.S. Military Base

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that he will introduce legislation following reports of unidentified aircrafts hovering over a U.S. military base:
    “As drone technology continues to evolve, the tactics used against the United States grow more alarming each day. The recent reports of unidentified aircrafts hovering for 17 days over a U.S. military base without intervention is not just concerning, but an affront to our national security. This violation of our airspace highlights the threat of below-the-threshold activity that hostile actors can pose to our nation.
    “Military leaders currently lack the authority to engage until there is an imminent threat posed to our men and women in uniform. I am working on legislation to provide the Department of Defense with the necessary authorities to engage drones or unidentified aircrafts that breech our military airspace before it is too late to respond.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin, Members of Illinois Delegation Announce $15.8 Million in Federal Funding for Chicago Transit Authority Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    October 15, 2024
    [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Representatives Jesus “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) and Danny Davis (D-IL-07) today announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation will receive $15,805,600 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for improvements to the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Forest Park Branch. This track modernization project will lead to increased service reliability, speed, and environmental resiliency.
    “No matter their zip code, Chicagoans deserve efficient public transit to get to school, get to work and more easily move throughout the city,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to see today’s funding go toward modernizing the CTA’s Forest Park operations, including increasing service reliability, speed and protecting against the effects of climate change. I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin and the Illinois delegation to ensure that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”
    “Robust and reliable public transit is crucial for Chicagoans,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced funding will allow for an efficient travel alternative in an area where congestion makes getting around more difficult. I’ll keep working with Senator Duckworth and members of the Illinois Delegation to do all that we can to help improve transit development and access for all Chicagoans.” 
    “When public transportation is unreliable or inefficient, it disrupts the daily lives of countless Chicagoans. We have the solutions to keep things moving, and now it’s time to put them into practice. Today’s funding is a positive development. It will assist us in transforming an area burdened by congestion and delays and finally establish an environment that allows commuters to reach their destinations safely and on time,” said Rep. Quigley.
    “Investing in our public transit infrastructure is crucial to ensuring that Chicago remains a vibrant, accessible city for all its residents. This funding for the CTA’s Forest Park Branch will not only improve service and efficiency but also promote sustainability and economic growth across our communities. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues in securing these essential federal resources that will benefit the people of Chicago and the surrounding areas,” said Rep. Davis.
    Durbin and Duckworth have previously pushed for federal funding for CTA improvement projects, having secured $746 million for the CTA Red Line Extension Project.  
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Constitution to Get Underway in Commemoration of 227th Birthday

    Source: United States Navy

    Following the underway, the ship will remain closed to the public.

    USS Constitution will sail through Boston Harbor, commemorating her launch on October 21, 1797.

    As part of the celebration, a 21-gun salute will be fired near Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m. The ship will also fire a 17-gun salute as she passes U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, the historic site of Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard, where Constitution was originally built.

    The event can be viewed from the Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

    USS Constitution is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State, played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, defending American sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: DoDEA Educators Embrace the Power of Thinking Classrooms

    Source: United States Navy

    The course drew teachers from multiple disciplines, each eager to explore innovative ways of encouraging students to think more deeply and independently. Through a combination of book study and live discussions, participants analyzed Liljedahl’s 14 strategies, which emphasize active student participation, collaboration, and problem-solving.

    Teachers were encouraged to try new classroom strategies and share their experiences throughout the course. This collective learning experience was a powerful tool, with educators sharing their successes and challenges. Key to this transformation was the emphasis on moving from teacher-driven instruction to fostering environments where students take ownership of their learning.

    Educators like Jennifer Castiglione, an 8th-grade teacher from Brewster Middle School, quickly saw the course’s value. “Thank you for a fantastic, collaborative, and educationally-altering class! I cannot wait to hear how others are using these strategies and how the students respond in years to come!” she remarked.

    Krista Husman and Christina Nevitt, Quantico Middle High School co-teachers, echoed this sentiment. “This class has taught us invaluable strategies to promote thinking in our classrooms. Week by week, dissecting each chapter allowed us to implement the strategies, provide feedback, and learn how to start our classroom off on the right foot for the new year.”

    One hallmark of the Building Thinking Classrooms approach is Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS)—tools such as whiteboards, windows, or any writable surface that students can use to work through problems visually. These strategies encourage standing and active participation and have proven highly effective in getting students to think more deeply and collaborate in real-time.

    Students have also been quick to embrace these changes. A 6th grader from Shughart Middle School at Fort Liberty, Brooklyn Decker, noted the benefit of using VNPS: “Working on the vertical boards is easier because you can see the work and can help each other.” Her classmate, Jeremiah Spillman, agreed, “It is a lot better than working by yourself because we discuss the work and find solutions to difficult problems.”

    For example, at Ft. Knox Middle High School, students in Julie Brubaker’s class engaged in problem-solving using VNPS, leading to more dynamic and spontaneous collaboration. Similarly, Paul McDonald’s students at Dahlgren Unit School used classroom windows as creative VNPS, fostering excitement and critical thinking.

    The success of this course underscores a broader trend within DoDEA toward student-centered learning. Susan Fitzpatrick, Special Education Assistant Principal at Lucas Elementary, marveled at how quickly the strategies took hold. “During the course when my heart said, ‘No way this will work, but I’m going to try it,’ and it did work, extraordinarily well.”

    Kimberly Sandy, a teacher at Heroes Elementary School, Camp Lejeune, shared that her students were so engaged with the VNPS strategies that they “want to continuously use them in random groups” for various thinking activities.

    With such enthusiastic feedback, the Americas Secondary Math ISS Team is committed to offering more opportunities for educators to continue learning about and implementing these strategies. “The 14 practices have invigorated learning in my classroom!” Sandy said.

    As educators across the DoDEA system continue to embrace this approach, the ripple effect on students is expected to grow. “We are challenging learning as we move through ‘The Learning Pit,’” said Dannette Jackson from Bitz Intermediate School. “Truly building great thinkers. This course brings back the power of students learning as they lead.”

    With more teachers eager to take Building Thinking Classrooms Part 2 and further embed these practices in their classrooms, the future looks bright for student-driven learning within DoDEA. The power of collaborative, reflective learning has opened new doors, allowing educators and students to think more, think longer, and think together.

    DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 160 accredited schools in 8 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts, located on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Firefighters Host Joint Water Rescue Training Event

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OKINAWA, Japan  –  

    U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Torii Station firefighters stationed at Naha Military Port conducted a joint water rescue training exercise alongside the Naha City Fire Department and the Japanese Coast Guard on Oct. 10, at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan.

    This marked the first time the three agencies collaborated in such a capacity. The primary goal of the training was to strengthen coordination between the agencies, familiarize the teams with each other’s capabilities, and enhance preparedness for potential large-scale rescue operations.

    “Torii is a small fire department with limited capabilities,” said Matthew B. Spreitzer, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services for USAG Okinawa. “In the case of a medium or large fire/rescue emergency, we would need to rely heavily upon our host national partners for additional resources and equipment during emergencies that reach beyond our capabilities.”

    While Torii Station provides essential emergency services, Spreitzer emphasized that collaboration with Japanese counterparts is critical to ensuring comprehensive protection for the local community.

    Spreitzer noted the importance of working closely with the Naha City Fire Department and the Japanese Coast Guard not only builds trust but also enhances the overall effectiveness of rescue operations.

    “We greatly appreciate the local Japanese emergency responders’ willingness and dedication,” said Spreitzer. “Their support helps our department provide lifesaving emergency capabilities for our Soldiers, civilians, and MLC employees.”

    He also thanked the local partners for their contribution to the success of the USAG Okinawa’s mission.

    “Without our partners, our community would not have the level of protection they all deserve,” he said. “Torii’s mission capability would not be able to be met. We wholeheartedly thank all our local emergency responders for their unwavering support.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Pheasant First Nation — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP responding to robbery with a firearm

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 10, 2024
    Red Pheasant First Nation, Saskatchewan

    News release

    Investigation has determined the 2019 Dodge Ram truck is black in colour.

    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate. We will continue to provide updates when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.

    –30–

    Saskatchewan RCMP responding to robbery with a firearm

    Saskatchewan RCMP are currently responding to a report of a robbery with a firearm on Red Pheasant First Nation. An adult female has been taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening. No other injuries were reported to police.

    Police advise that there are two suspects, a male and a female. They may be armed and are dangerous. The suspects were last seen driving a 2019 Dodge Ram truck, Warlock edition. The truck has the word “O’Brien” or “O’Brian” on the back window and Saskatchewan license plate 716 LWG. We do not have any further description of the suspects at this time.

    Investigators have reason to believe the suspects may be travelling to Saskatoon, but their current whereabouts are unknown. Saskatchewan RCMP continues to investigate.

    We are asking the public to report any suspicious activity or people in the Red Pheasant First Nation and Saskatoon areas to police. If anyone sees the vehicle matching the above description they are asked to contact their local police or police of jurisdiction immediately. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    We will provide an update when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Who Concealed Croatian War Crime Charge Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to immigrating to the United States.

    According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989, when, in fact, he fought with the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent resident status and received a green card.

    “Jugoslav Vidic lied about war crimes charged against him in an attempt to escape his past and live in the United States unlawfully,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time in the United States followed by his removal. His sentence demonstrates that human rights violators will not be allowed to hide from their crimes in the United States.”

    “Vidic committed serious human rights violations and was convicted of war crimes in Croatia as a result. Yet, he lied to U.S. immigration officials about his conviction and participation in a violent military force to claim refugee status and obtain a green card — becoming a permanent legal resident of our country — when he was not eligible to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Those who run away from violent crimes they commit elsewhere in the world and then enter our country by brazenly lying about their past will be held to account, as yesterday’s sentence demonstrates. Vidic’s deceitful actions are detestable, and unfairly hurt people in need who legitimately seek refuge to flee real harms in their home countries.”

    “Our communities here in Ohio and across the United States are not safe havens for war criminals to escape accountability in their home countries,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It is my hope that this sentencing provides some measure of solace to the victims’ families with the knowledge that despite the passage of time, the United States will seek justice.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic intentionally circumvented the laws of the United States by lying on his green card application about his war crimes conviction in Croatia,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Vidic who seek to violate U.S. law by fraud of any kind.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic knowingly avoided the truth of his past to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of the United States for over two and a half decades,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “Yesterday’s sentence underscores the work of the FBI and its local, state, federal, and international partners and sends a clear message that people in the United States who take part in war crimes, regardless of when or where they occurred, or by masking their involvement, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”

    Vidic admitted in his plea agreement that he was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic further admitted that he knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.

    Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

    HSI and the FBI are investigating the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

    Members of the public who have information about human rights violators or immigration fraud in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitewood — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP increased police presence in the area of Whitewood, SK

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 10, 2024
    Whitewood, Saskatchewan

    News release

    As a result of continued investigation, officers located and seized a firearm in a vehicle that the suspects abandoned on old Highway #1 east of Whitewood, SK.

    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.

    Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), and Forensic Identification Section are assisting in this investigation.

    Investigators continue to ask the public to report suspicious activity or people in the Whitewood area to police. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    We will continue to provide updates when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    –30–

    Saskatchewan RCMP: Increased police presence in the area of Whitewood, SK

    Saskatchewan RCMP are currently responding to a report of a robbery with a firearm in the area of Whitewood, SK. No injuries have been reported in relation to the robbery.

    Police officers advise that there are two suspects. They may be armed and are considered dangerous. The suspects were last seen driving on the old Highway #1 east of Whitewood, SK. The suspects are now believed to be on foot. One suspect is described as male and may have been wearing a green shirt. We do not have a description of the other suspect at this time. Both suspects are described as having a slim build.

    We are asking the public to report any suspicious activity or people in the Whitewood area to police. Please ensure your vehicle and house doors are locked. Report any suspicious activity to police immediately – call 9-1-1 in emergencies or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    There will continue to be an increased police presence in relation to the ongoing investigation. We will provide an update when we have more information available. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    Report all information about this incident to your local police by calling 310-RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Financial assistance for Gazans arriving in Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Canada has been actively working to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents from the region, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada.

    October 16, 2024—Ottawa—Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Canada has been actively working to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents from the region, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada.

    As part of these efforts, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that Palestinians impacted by the crisis who have left Gaza will receive transitional financial assistance after they arrive in Canada.

    The financial assistance will help Gazans meet their basic needs—such as food, clothing and housing—as they arrive in communities across Canada and find jobs. More details about this program will be shared when available.

    In addition to financial assistance, Gazans who are fleeing the conflict, regardless of whether they have applied to come to Canada under the special temporary immigration pathway for extended family or as regular temporary resident visa holders, will have access to the following supports in Canada:

    • three months of temporary health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to help address urgent medical needs upon arrival
    • settlement services such as language training, information about and orientation to life in Canada (such as help enrolling children in school or opening a bank account), and information and services to help them find a job
    • the ability to apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits from within Canada

    While it remains extremely difficult for people to exit Gaza at this time, Canada is taking proactive steps so that the necessary supports are in place for Gazans when they can arrive.

    “We remain deeply committed to supporting Palestinians during the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and are concerned about the well-being of all people in the region. Providing settlement and financial support is critical to addressing the immediate challenges faced by Gazans finding safety in Canada. We will continue to help those seeking refuge live and thrive in communities across the country while advocating for everyone’s safety.”

    – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Press Secretary
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Supports Growth of Local Companies

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 16, 2024

    Manitoba Government Supports Growth of Local Companies

    – – –
    Innovation Funding Will Create Good Manitoba Jobs: Moses

    The Manitoba government is funding 12 local companies through the Innovation Growth Program (IGP) to support product innovation, advancement and business growth, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced today.

    “Manitoba has many small- and medium-sized businesses doing great things, and I’m pleased our government can provide support to make more innovation happen,” said Moses. “This support has a ripple effect for our economy – business expansion and innovation will provide more good jobs for Manitobans and contribute to growing our economy.”

    The IGP provides cost-shared grants of up to $100,000 to eligible Manitoba small- and medium-sized enterprises to assist with the commercialization of innovative products or processes and accelerate growth.

    “I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received through the Innovation Growth Program and for the opportunities this unlocks for our company,” said Johanna Wood, president and CEO, Spark E Safety. “This funding will enable us to expand our operations, accelerate the development of innovative, well-fitting safety garments and create much-needed jobs in our community. With this boost, we’re one step closer to ensuring that every worker has access to protective gear that truly fits and keeps them safe.”

    Collectively, these companies expect to add 426 new full-time jobs to Manitoba and $291.2 million in export sales within five years, contributing to the government’s commitment to grow the economy with good Manitoba jobs for Manitobans, the minister noted.

    IGP uses a competitive application process. The current intake for the Innovation Growth Program is open until Dec. 15. For more information, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/igp/index.html.

    – 30 –

     

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: HMCS Ottawa departs for the Indo-Pacific region on Operations HORIZON and NEON

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 16, 2024 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa bid farewell to their families and loved ones at a departure ceremony held at His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Esquimalt, British Columbia.

    HMCS Ottawa will sail across the Pacific Ocean while deployed on Operations HORIZON and NEON. Operation HORIZON is Canada’s forward-presence mission to the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order. Operation NEON is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations sanctions imposed against North Korea.

    During this deployment HMCS Ottawa will maintain Canada’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the nation’s contribution to regional peace and stability, and commitment to international security. The crew of HMCS Ottawa will showcase the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) operational capabilities while working alongside international allies and partner navies during military training exercises; highlighting Canada’s commitment to international collaboration and fostering military and diplomatic partnerships.

    Quotes

    “The departure of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa, the second ship from the West Coast to deploy on Operation HORIZON this year, represents the culmination of thousands of hours of collective effort and dedication from the ship’s company and supporting staff ashore. This deployment to the Indo-Pacific region will see the ship and its crew sail with our allies and partners in the region and take on critical tasks and missions. I know that they are up to the challenge. Fair winds and following seas to HMCS Ottawa, I wish you all a safe and successful mission.”

    Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific

    “For those serving onboard, today’s departure is months in the making. Ottawa’s crew has worked hard to get our ship ready for Operations HORIZON and NEON where we will represent Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy well throughout our mission across the Indo-Pacific. This deployment would not be possible without the incredible support of our families, who serve with us, and without them we would not have been able to get to this moment.”

    Commander Adriano Lozer, Commanding Officer HMCS Ottawa

    Quick facts

    • As part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the RCN is committed to working alongside regional allies and partners to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

    • The series of UN sanctions, adopted between 2006 and 2017, aim to pressure North Korea to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and respond to North Korean nuclear weapon tests and ballistic missile launches.

    • HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class Canadian Patrol Frigate, has a crew of approximately 240 members comprised of RCN sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators.

    • One CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment is embarked onboard HMCS Ottawa. This helicopter detachment specializes in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
    Phone: 250-363-5789 or 250-888-6775
    Email: ESQPACIFICNAVYPUBLICAFFAIRS@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –