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  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. CLARKE CONDEMNS TRUMP’S FALSEHOODS AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES REGARDING FEMA’S RECOVERY AND RESPONSE EFFORTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    October 8, 2024 

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov 

    c: 202.913.0126 

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the falsehoods and conspiracy theories former president Donald J. Trump is spreading about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the wake of Hurricane Helene: 

    “The recent surge in dis- and misinformation surrounding Hurricane Helene, largely propagated by former President Donald Trump and his allies, is endangering lives and hampering FEMA’s response and recovery operations after this natural disaster impacted six states and killed over 227 people – including within eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, where many are still unaccounted for, whole towns have been washed away, and communities remain cut off from the world. 

    “I am very concerned by Mr. Trump’s twisted efforts to politicize a natural disaster and benefit from the misery of communities and individuals reeling from one of the deadliest hurricanes on record. He and his far-right allies continue to engage in their ongoing disinformation campaign that is centered in asinine claims that FEMA has diverted relief funds from storm survivors to assist migrants, that Democrats can somehow control the weather, as well as a myriad of other absurdities, which are simply untrue and irresponsible distractions. Moreover, they are gravely endangering and misleading the many individuals who are still without a water supply, electricity, navigable roads, or vital supplies.  

    “Even more troubling, these falsehoods and conspiracy theories are circulating across social media platforms, escalating a volatile situation that stands to further worsen when the nation faces Hurricane Milton in a matter of days. As I’ve mentioned previously in my letter to top social media executives, their inability and inaction to stop the spread of dis- and misinformation across their platforms represents a serious threat to American lives and the sanctity of our elections. 

    “We must continue to work together to stop the continued spread of dis- and misinformation, for the consequences of our inaction are dire.” 

     ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida

    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida

    WASHINGTON — FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Milton beginning Oct. 5 and continuing.

    The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. 

    This declaration allows emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, at 75% federal funding for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Additional designations may be made later if requested and warranted at the results of further damage assessments. 

    Leda M. Khoury has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million

    Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million

    FEMA Maintains Focus on Recovery for Helene Survivors While Preparing for Impacts of Hurricane Milton

    WASHINGTON – FEMA, under the direction of the Biden-Harris Administration, continues to lead a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Federal assistance for survivors of Helene has now surpassed $286 million with an additional $180 million in mission assignments to federal partners. FEMA continues to coordinate recovery efforts while preparing for the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Milton along Florida’s Gulf Coast. 

    Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground directing FEMA’s response and recovery operations for the impacted states. The combined efforts of federal, state and local partners ensure that every available resource is mobilized to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

    As FEMA maintains its focus on Helene response and recovery, the agency is also fully engaged in support of local, tribal and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton. Residents in the storm’s projected path are urged to stay informed and prepare now. 

    Hurricane Helene Response

    The agency is actively working alongside state, local and tribal partners to assess damage and support those affected by Helene. Nearly 7,000 federal personnel are deployed, including FEMA staff. To date, FEMA has shipped over 16.2 million meals, more than 13.9 million liters of water, 210 generators and more than 505,000 tarps to the region. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    Disaster survivors in designated areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in these areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. 

    Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.   

    There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:  

    Voluntary Organizations

    Voluntary agencies are supporting all affected states by providing critical feeding operations and support for survivors with hot and prepared meals and shelf-stable meals. Organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has hundreds of trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. 

    People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mitigating mold with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through Oct. 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.  

    Additional support and assistance provided to each state includes: 

    Support for North Carolina

    Financial Support: FEMA has approved more than $40 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 30,000 households.

    Staffing: As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,000 FEMA staff are on the ground, with more arriving daily. Over 1,000 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teams have rescued or supported over 3,200 survivors to date. President Biden ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops equipped with advanced technological assets to the area to further strengthen recovery operations in Western North Carolina. This brings the total number of active-duty military personnel supporting the response to 1,500. Experienced FEMA leaders from around the country are in the field to bolster response efforts. 

    Sheltering: Shelter numbers continue to decline, with 18 shelters housing just under 800 occupants. Over 2,100 people who cannot return home are staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Transitional Sheltering Assistance is available for North Carolinians displaced by Helene. Residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

    Power and Cellular Restoration: As of today, more than 86% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Cellular restoration continues to improve, with more than 85% of cellular sites operating. FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other. 

    Commodities: Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations are underway in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA commodity shipments are enroute to support operations. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are reaching survivors in heavily impacted areas, including three mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell, and Watauga counties. 

    The Salvation Army has 20 mobile feeding units supporting the massive operation and has provided emotional and spiritual care to more than 2,400 people. To date, The Salvation Army has served over 34,000 meals, 14,500 drinks, and 10,200 snacks. The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. 

    Resources: 

    • Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.  

    Support for Florida 

    Recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene continue in Florida even as the federal government is supporting the state in preparing for Hurricane Milton. FEMA has approved more than $129 million for over 35,000 households. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities affected by Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors are visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  

    Residents can find additional resources and information at Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website, FloridaDisaster.org. 

    Support for South Carolina

    In South Carolina, FEMA has approved over $65 million for more than 80,000 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties continuing to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.  

    Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. 

    Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 

    Residents can find additional information at South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website. 

    Support for Georgia

    FEMA has approved over $48 million for more than 59,000 households.

    Resources: Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.  

    Support for Virginia

    To date, FEMA has approved over $850,500 for over 123 households.

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website. 

    Support for Tennessee

    FEMA has approved more than $3.1 million for disaster assistance for 192 households. 

    Residents can call 1-800-824-3463 to report a missing person. Callers should be prepared to provide as much information as possible including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification and last known whereabouts.  

    Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s website.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, Duval, Putnam, Union Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, Duval, Putnam, Union Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, Duval, Putnam, Union Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As the state of Florida and FEMA prepare for Hurricane Milton, President Biden approved seven additional counties for assistance for Hurricane Helene.

    Homeowners and renters in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, Duval, Putnam and Union counties who had uninsured or underinsured damage or loss caused by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

    FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, essential personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. These counties along with Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties are authorized for FEMA Individual Assistance.

    Homeowners and renters can apply to FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. 

    What You’ll Need When You Apply

    • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
    • Your Social Security number.
    • A general list of damage and losses.
    • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

    If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

    For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    kirsten.chambers

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Individual Assistance Now Available for More Virginians

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Individual Assistance Now Available for More Virginians

    FEMA Individual Assistance Now Available for More Virginians

    BRISTOL, Va. — Residents of Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Pittsylvania, Russell, and Wise counties and the city of Radford are now eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA under the Individual Assistance Program. FEMA assistance can help with costs from damage and losses due to Tropical Storm Helene.  

    Residents of the city of Galax, as well as Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe counties, remain eligible for assistance. 

    FEMA may be able to help you pay for essential items, temporary housing, home repairs and other needs due to the disaster, including:

    • Essential items such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation;
    • Financial assistance to help pay for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit as well as rental assistance if you are displaced because of the disaster;
    • Repair or replacement of a vehicle, appliances, room furnishings, personal or family computer;
    • Books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment; and
    • Moving and storage fees, medical expenses, childcare and funeral expenses.

    For more information about the types of FEMA assistance available under the Individual Assistance Program, visit: fema.gov/ia.

    You can apply for disaster assistance today: 

    To watch an accessible video about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance – YouTube.

    FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov. 

    For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 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.

    To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. 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). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, Collaborators Announce a New Student Lunar Autonomy Challenge! 

    Source: NASA

    Space is hard, but it’s not all hardware.  
    The new Lunar Autonomy Challenge invites teams of students from U.S. colleges and universities to test their software development skills. Working entirely in virtual simulations of the Moon’s surface, teams will develop an autonomous agent using software that can accomplish pre-defined tasks without help from humans. These agents will be used to navigate a digital twin of NASA’s ISRU Pilot Excavator (IPEx) and map specified locations in the digital environment. The IPEx is an autonomous mobility robot engineered to efficiently collect and transport lunar regolith, the loose rocky material on the Moon’s surface.     
    Autonomous systems allow spacecraft, rovers, and robots to operate without relying on constant contact with astronauts or mission control. Before hardware is trusted to operate independently on location, which for Artemis missions includes the Moon, it must be tested virtually. High-fidelity virtual simulations allow NASA to anticipate and improve how systems, both software and hardware, will function in the physical world. Testing in virtual simulations also allows technologists to explore different mission scenarios, observe potential outcomes, and reduce risks. 
    In the Lunar Autonomy Challenge, students will develop their knowledge of autonomous systems by working with the same simulation tools created in-house by Caterpillar Inc. of Irving, Texas, over decades of research and development. Teams will need to utilize the IPEx digital twin’s cameras and orientation sensors to accurately map surface elevation and identify obstacles. Like with real lunar missions, teams must also manage their energy usage and consider the Moon’s harsh terrain and low-light conditions. Through the competition, participants will learn more about autonomous robotic operation, surface mapping, localization, orientation, path planning, and hazard detection. 

    Teams must be comprised of at least four undergraduate and/or graduate students and a faculty advisor at a U.S. college or university.

    The challenge will take place between November 2024 and May 2025 and will include both a qualifying round and a final round. Interested teams must apply by Thursday, Nov. 7.

    Round 1: Selected teams will develop and train their agent using provided virtual environments. Teams will have three opportunities to submit their agent to run in a qualification environment. For each submission, their agent will be scored based on performance.The top scoring teams will be invited to continue.

    Round 2: Teams will work to further refine the agents. Teams will have multiple opportunities in total to submit their agents to the competition environment. The top three teams will be named challenge winners.   

    Interested teams should carefully review the Challenge Guidelines and the Lunar Autonomy Challenge site for more details, including proposal requirements, FAQs, and additional technical guidance. 

    The top three highest-scoring teams on the leaderboard in the finals will be awarded cash prizes: 
    First Place: $10,000 
    Second Place: $5,000 
    Third Place: $3,000 

    Applications must be submitted to NASA STEM Gateway by Nov. 7, 2024.  Learn more about the challenge: https://lunar-autonomy-challenge.jhuapl.edu

    The Lunar Autonomy Challenge is a collaboration between NASA, The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Caterpillar Inc., and Embodied AI. APL is managing the challenge for NASA. 

    Authored by: Stephanie Yeldell, Education Integration LeadSpace Technology Mission DirectorateNASA Headquarters, Washington, DC

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Freshwater farm plan rollout set to be paused by end of year

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today.

    “Freshwater farm plans support farmers and growers in managing freshwater risks and the environmental effects of farming, but the current system has not been cost effective or fit for purpose,” said Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard.

    “Last month, we advised the sector of the Coalition Government’s intention to make a minor change to the Resource Management Act (RMA) to implement this pause,” says Mr Hoggard.

    “We intend to table an amendment paper to the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans in the regions where freshwater farm plan regulations have taken effect.

    “This change would come into effect on the passing of the Bill, which is expected before the end of the year.

    “Thousands of farmers around the country have been facing a ticking clock to get farm plans drawn up and certified. Pausing the requirement will provide certainty for farmers and growers, particularly for those in the areas where the first freshwater farm plans were going to be due in February 2025, in Southland and Waikato.”

    The Coalition Government is also working with Environment Southland and Waikato Regional Council to ensure farmers in these areas who are subject to regional farm planning requirements do not have to double up on any of their compliance requirements.

    Minister McClay says, “We want freshwater farm plans to help farmers meet international market demands and acknowledge the good work many farmers are already doing, not hold them back. Removing obstacles is a key focus in our work to support the primary sector, and we will continue to help and celebrate the industries – not hinder them.” 

    “The Government has moved swiftly to improve resource management laws and reduce costs for farmers.

    “This is just one part of our plan to get Wellington out of farming and free up farmers to do what they do best – sustainably produce the safe, high-quality, food and fiber that demanded by international markets.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswomen Gwen Moore Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Continuing Work to Address Lead as a Public Health Hazard

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Congresswomen Gwen Moore Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Continuing Work to Address Lead as a Public Health Hazard

    Today, President Biden visited Milwaukee touting $2.6 billion in bipartisan infrastructure law (BIL) funds to address water infrastructure needs, including the removal of lead pipes.  This year alone, Milwaukee received $30 million in federal funds to replace 3,400 lead service lines. During his visit, President Biden announced an Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) update to the Lead and Copper rule which would call for affected entities to replace all lead pipes in 10 years.  In addition, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced more than $416 million in grants to protect children from lead exposure through paint and other home hazards, including $7.5 million for Milwaukee County to address lead and other hazards in 142 housing units. In response, she released the following statement:

    “Every child should have access to clean drinking water and a safe lead-free home in which to grow and thrive.  Unfortunately for too many children in Milwaukee and elsewhere nationwide, that is not the case and too many remain exposed to lead which can lead to lifelong adverse impacts.

    I thank the Administration for its focus since Day One on the threat lead poses to our children, including fighting to secure the first pool of funding to address lead pipes in the BIL. President Biden helped make sure that funding for state and local governments in the American Rescue Plan Act could explicitly be used for lead pipe replacement. At its current pace, it would take the city of Milwaukee an estimated 70 years to remove every lead pipe. With additional federal resources, we can accelerate these efforts.

    I also applaud the Biden-Harris administration’s new Lead and Copper rule, which calls for municipalities to identify and remove every lead pipe in the next decade, a request that my Congressional colleagues and I have been pushing for. This rule includes stricter standards which will help keep babies and young children from experiencing the harmful effects of lead exposure on their health and neurological development. No baby should experience inequities before they have a chance to grow. This rule will make important federal interventions for the future of some of our most vulnerable children.

    I also remain focused on removing all sources of lead from our communities, including lead paint, the primary source of lead exposure for many children. That’s why I have and continue to advocate for additional funding for HUD’s Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes program, which supports efforts to remove and remediate lead paint. I am so pleased that HUD is devoting hundreds of millions of dollars toward addressing lead paint exposure. These resources will especially help low-income and communities of color in cities like Milwaukee that have older housing stock, who face a high risk of exposure and who often lack the means to address this hazard on their own.

    I have long made addressing the lead crisis a priority, and I thank the Biden-Harris for sharing the same urgency. All our children should have the chance the reach their full potential. And today’s announcements help get us closer to the day that we all dream about—where lead pipes will truly be a relic of the past rather than a public health threat to our children.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Prison officers recognised for acts of bravery

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 9 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Corrections

    Two NSW Corrections officers who stopped a potentially deadly attack on an inmate, have been recognised for their bravery by Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong.

    Tamworth Correctional Centre officers Senior Correctional Officer Leah Thompson, and First Class Correctional Officer Adam Tobin, rushed to the inmate’s aid after nine inmates began attacking him in a yard on 1 May, 2023.

    The inmate had been punched, stomped on, and was being kicked repeatedly when Ms Thompson and Mr Tobin rushed to his aid, stopped the assault, and helped secure all inmates back in their cells.

    In recognition of their courageous acts, the officers were recently awarded with a Commissioner’s Commendation for Brave Conduct at an Investiture Ceremony held at NSW Parliament House.

    The Commendation was established on 1 September 2020, and may be awarded to any CSNSW staff member for an act of bravery.

    Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

    “Both Senior Correctional Officer Thompson, and First Class Correctional Officer Tobin’s decisive actions addressed the immediate threat and played a critical role in preventing the inmate from suffering severe injuries, or worse.

    “Their willingness to protect the inmate and restore order as quickly as possible, exemplifies remarkable courage and commitment to their duties.

    “Not only did they do their job exceedingly well, but they potentially saved someone’s life.  It is a real credit to them and should fill them both with pride.”

    Acting Commissioner Corrective Services NSW Leon Taylor said:

    “These officers were bold, brave, and courageous in what would have been a confronting and violent situation; they used their skills and rapid-response training to help save this inmate.

    “The valiant work of officers often goes unseen so it’s an honour to be able to acknowledge two of our finest whose admirable, extraordinary efforts in the line of duty are an example to us all.

    “Officers Thompson and Tobin may not think of themselves as heroes but, for the person they helped, they are.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Past meets present at Barooga’s Bullanginya Dreaming

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey, blends Aboriginal insights with the elemental forces of light, water, and fire into a spectacular audio visual experience.

    Located on the banks of the Bullanginya Lagoon, the immersive laser light show takes visitors on a 1.8 kilometre journey through the region’s Indigenous history, with 12 light activations telling the stories of the Bangerang People.

    The 60-90-minute experience, which aims to entertain and educate visitors on the significance of local flora, fauna and Country, has been named in Tourism Australia’s July ‘Hot List’ of destinations.

    More than 2,500 visitors have visited the experience so far injecting some $200,000 in direct tourism related spending.

    Many visitors are staying in town and visiting other attractions, eating out and shopping, and well over a third of visitors are coming from more than 50km away.

    Before starting the project, developer Barooga Sports Club, engaged with the traditional owners of the area, the Bangerang people, to ensure the experience reflects the cultural significance of the land and its stories.

    Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson, founder of A.C.H.E (Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education), has been a key partner throughout the three-year planning and development process.

    As a proud Bangerang man, Uncle Darren says the finished product has exceeded his expectations and reflects the deep cultural heritage of his people.

    Aboriginal Artist Rebecca Atkinson is the behind the light show, with her artwork serving as the inspiration for each of the twelve light activations.

    Culturally significant discoveries were made during the project, including birthing trees which were sacred places of women’s business.

    Supporting the local Aboriginal people was a key driver for the project with staff completing cultural immersion training, and 10 per cent of the sales of all merchandise going back to the Bangerang community

    Bullanginya Dreaming is an accessible tourism attraction with pathways designed to accommodate visitors with disability or mobility issues.

    The exhibition received funding from the NSW State Government, Federal Government and Barooga Sports Club, the creator of the project.

    For more information and tickets go to: https://bullanginyadreaming.com.au/

    Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “We know regional NSW is home to some stunning sights and the combination of the natural beauty of the Murray River region and this light and sound show is no exception.

    “This project is also a great example of what can be achieved through partnership between the community and Aboriginal businesses and government.”

    “The NSW Government is committed to growing a vibrant visitor economy across the state by supporting a diverse range of visitor experiences, driven by locals, who know their communities best.

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “The Bangerang people have taken inspiration from their Country and stories to create a dynamic, innovative installation that is putting their town on the tourist map.

    “The NSW Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities in their efforts to protect, revive, celebrate and sustain their cultural heritage, and Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey is a wonderful example of this.”

    Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Andrew Higgins said:

    “This project is a community-led initiative that beautifully showcases the Bangerang people’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing spiritual connection to Country.

    “It’s inspiring to see how this project not only celebrates Aboriginal culture but provides social and economic benefits to partnering Aboriginal businesses, with profits from the tours and merchandise supporting the Bangerang Corporation and local Aboriginal artists.”

    Exhibit founder and Sporties CEO Bobby Brooks said:

    “This exhibit offers visitors an experience like no other, through light and art, Bullanginya Dreaming cultivates unity, respect and appreciation for the rich legacy of the Bangerang people.

    “This captivating spectacle transcends time and strengthens the bond between the community and its local Indigenous heritage with something for everyone to enjoy and learn from whether that’s families, the young, old, school groups, locals or visitors to the region.”

    Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson said:

    “It’s been amazing for the Bangerang people to have this recognition of our culture and our stories.

    “Bullanginya Dreaming is about learning and understanding local culture and local history, and also increasing the knowledge of our First Nations.”

    Local artist Rebecca Atkison said:

    “My artwork tells a story, whether it’s about scar trees, birthing trees, or bush medicine, my artwork tells people about the First Nation’s rich history, right here in our own backyard.

    “Much of my art features the land, water, sky and wildlife and the reason why those elements are so important – it tells the story of how we are all connected to the world around us.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government takes next steps to reform competition at Sydney Airport

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is reforming the aviation sector, introducing legislation to Parliament today to further reform the allocation of slots at Sydney Airport.

    The changes introduced through this legislation were recommended by the Harris Review and will:

    • improve efficiency and competition by delivering new civil penalty provisions for failing to use a slot, applying for slots with no reasonable prospects of using them, and failing to return or transfer unused slots. 
    • replace the current compliance and enforcement regime with one that is based on modern, international standards.
    • reform the Compliance Committee to ensure it can provide independent advice to the government to effectively inform compliance action.
    • deliver new transparency powers to support the strengthened compliance and enforcement regime, including giving the government power to compel airlines to produce information on slot usage and
    • allow the government to make changes to get increased access for new entrants and more access for NSW regional airlines.

    Community protections will be maintained, with no changes to the existing curfew arrangements or the overall daily movement cap at Sydney Airport.

    This follows reform work already underway, including an independent audit of slot usage and an open, competitive tender to select the slot manager.

    These reforms will increase Sydney Airport’s resilience by introducing a recovery period, which will be used following major disruptions such as severe weather events. 

    This will temporarily permit an extra five movements per hour for a maximum of two hours following the disruption. 

    Only flights already scheduled to operate on that day will be able to take off or land, and the recovery period will not extend into the curfew hours, meaning this will not increase the number of movements at Sydney Airport across the whole day. 

    What it will mean is the aviation network can recover and return to schedule faster, so travellers can reach their destinations on time. 

    These reforms are all about delivering better outcomes for the travelling public, by supporting an efficient, resilient and competitive Sydney Airport, and we look forward to the opposition’s support for the legislation.

    From better monitoring airline performance and pricing to improving outcomes for travellers with disabilities and creating the first Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme – the Albanese Government is undertaking the most significant aviation reform agenda in a decade, delivering reforms that were left in the too hard basket by the previous government.

    Along with the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026, this reform package will enable a more competitive, transparent and productive aviation network for years to come.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Continues Push Against Woke Emissions Rule from Biden-Harris Department of Transportation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    Rule places one-size-fits-all requirements on cities and states

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in a bicameral amicus brief requesting the Appeals Court uphold the U.S. District Court decision that ruled the Biden-Harris administration’s final rule as illegal. The dysfunctional rule would impose one-size-fits-all requirements on how state departments of transportations (DOT) and cities report and measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system. This rule requires cities and state DOTs to set declining targets for GHG emissions, which is a huge burden for rural states, like Alabama. However, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) appealed the decision, and it remains under further consideration.

    “Congress considered, and ultimately rejected, providing [FHWA] with the authority to issue a GHG performance measure regulation, but [FHWA] contorted ancillary existing authorities to impose one anyway,” the members argued. “In doing so, [FHWA] impermissibly usurped the Legislative Branch’s authority and promulgated the GHG performance measure without statutory authority delegated by Congress.

    “Put simply, when [FHWA] established a GHG performance measure regulation, it exceeded the powers Congress authorized. And it did so both at the expense of separation of powers and in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act,” continued the members. 

    The brief argues Congress debated and rejected granting FHWA the authority to issue GHG performance measure rules and the FHWA then intentionally misconstrued Congressional intent to justify its improper exercise of authority. It also argues the rulemaking is not consistent with recent Supreme Court decisions paring back Executive Branch overreach, and FHWA is bypassing principles of federalism to further its own policy agenda.

    Joining U.S. Senators Tuberville and Cramer are U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

    U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO-6) and Rick Crawford (R-AR-1) introduced the brief in the House of Representatives.

    Read full text of the amicus brief here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    In November 2023, the FHWA adopted a final rule that would impose burdensome GHG emissions performance measures on state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations. This unnecessary rule will require state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to set declining targets for greenhouse gas emissions on the National Highway System. Many states, particularly rural states like Alabama, have criticized the proposal as an undue burden and impractical in areas where traffic congestion and emissions are already scarce. Furthermore, Congress has not provided the Department of Transportation (DOT) with any statutory authority to implement this proposal as the authority was intentionally struck from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) before enactment by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.

    In 2018, the Trump administration repealed an Obama administration 2017 FHWA rule after reconsidering the legal authority under which it was publicized. Unsurprisingly, the new FHWA rule resembles the 2017 Obama administration rule. A majority of state DOTs and attorneys general, including Alabama’s Attorney General, have raised concerns about the feasibility of the rule, which is another example of the Biden administration’s overreach that imposes unlawful burdens on the American people.

    Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville joined his colleagues in introducing a bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) Joint Resolution to nullify the rule. Following this effort, the Senate passed the CRA by a vote of 53-47 in April.

    MORE:

    Tuberville, Colleagues Call to Overturn Radical EPA Emissions Standards

    Senate Passes Tuberville-Backed Resolution to Overturn Biden GHG Emissions Performance Measure Rule

    Tuberville Sponsors Resolution to Overturn Biden GHG Emissions Performance Measure Rule

    Tuberville, Colleagues Demand Answers Regarding Proposed Biden ESG Rule for Federal Contractors

    Tuberville, Cruz Fight Biden-Harris Woke EV Standards

    Tuberville Continues to Fight Biden Administration Overreach

    Tuberville Demands EPA Rescind Job-Killing Air Quality Standards

    Tuberville Sponsors Bill to Protect Farmers from Burdensome Biden Climate Rule

    Tuberville, Colleagues Work to Halt DoD’s Wasteful Green New Deal Mandates

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Fox Business to Discuss Biden-Harris Administration’s Slow FEMA Response

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    “FEMA is worried more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change than they are helping the people of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.”

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined “Kudlow” on Fox Business Network with guest host David Asman to discuss the Biden-Harris administration’s slow FEMA response to victims of Hurricane Helene, amid reports of money being allocated to house illegal immigrants and Vice President Harris touting the administration’s move to send another $157 million to Lebanon. 

    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s interview can be found below, and his full remarks can be found on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON MAYORKAS CLAIMING FEMA IS OUT OF MONEY

    ASMAN: “Senator, thanks so much for being here. Appreciate it. You know, there’s a big question about whether the administration is contradicting itself now based on what they’ve said before about 1.) whether FEMA has enough money to deal with all these crises, these emergencies, and 2.) whether or not they waylaid a lot of that money for spending on migrants.”

    “So, it was pretty frank. He said, ‘We don’t have the funds to make it through the season.’ Now the question is, why? Senator, on the one hand, they’re saying this. On the other hand, they say exactly the opposite. I leave it to you now to try to figure out what’s going on here.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Well, our country is in a mess and we are in a mess. And this administration, David, has no clue what they’re doing. I’ve been in the Senate now for going on four years, and it’s been like this the entire time. Now, when it comes to spending money, they know how to do that, but they don’t know how to prepare for anything. Let’s go back to North Carolina. First of all, it’s not about money at North Carolina in the first few days. It’s about security. People on the ground like the military, helping find people that are stranded, opening up roads, doing the things to get communication into the area in North Carolina. They heard zero from FEMA for five or six days. It was a disaster. And it’s continued to be a disaster—more people still missing, but David, this administration—Mayorkas being the leader of this pack when it comes to some kind of security, whether it’s the border, or whether it’s FEMA—he’s never prepared. He always blames somebody else. Another blaming President Trump for all this is going on. These people know how to spend money, but that’s the only thing they know how to do. They can’t do anything other than just spend the taxpayers’ money, and they usually waste it when it comes to that.”

    ASMAN: “Well, and then they misappropriated. I mean, on the one hand, yes, you know, last week, [Karine] Jean-Pierre was saying that they haven’t used any money from FEMA for the migrants. But in 2022, she said very clearly funding is also available through FEMA’s emergency food and shelter program. That’s money that was going to the migrants. That’s money that the folks in Appalachia need right now.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. And we’ve all known that. They’ve been spending billions of dollars on the illegals coming across the border. Once they get here, they take care of them much more than they take care of our veterans or the homeless people living in this country. David, I was coming from Bogotá, Colombia, a few weeks ago, and half the plane was filled with Venezuelans and people from South America that our government and taxpayer money—they were flying people on those planes to Houston. It was a commercial airliner, and then they were going places from there. It is a disaster. It’s getting worse every day. But this group could care less. All they want [are] votes, David. They don’t want to take care of any American citizen. They want votes to get reelected to carry this power on for another four years and Heaven help us if that happens.”

    ASMAN: “And by the way, those folks that were on the plane with you haven’t been vetted. I mean, it’s quite clear that some of them—they just had to arrest, ICE just had to arrest some horrible people. They were child molesters from a bunch of different countries that were flown in and clearly, they hadn’t been vetted because if they had, they would have found out they had a horrible record from where they came from.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Exactly. And it’s gonna get worse before it gets better. Our prayers are out to the people of North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina. But, David, let me tell you. I’ve lived in the South for all my life. I’ve been through hurricanes. I went through a terrible one in [Hurricane] Andrew back in ‘91 in Miami when I was coaching down there. There’s one coming named ‘Milton’ coming at Tampa. Right now, it’s a Category Five. It’s supposed to go down a little bit, but that usually never happens. The people of Tampa need to prepare to get out. Thank God, we have Governor DeSantis [who is] preparing for this because I promise you one thing, FEMA is nowhere to be found.”

    ON VP HARRIS BRAGGING ABOUT SENDING MONEY TO LEBANON

    ASMAN: “Well, meanwhile, while Mayorkas says we are running out of money for FEMA, Vice President Kamala Harris was bragging over the weekend about sending money to Lebanon of all places. She put out an X post saying, ‘I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all the civilians there.’ All the civilians there, what about the civilians here?”

    TUBERVILLE: “Well, this is for a longer conversation, David, but that’s a war there. Our friend and ally, Israel is fighting for their livelihood over there. And we’re funding both sides. We’re giving some money, some weapons to Israel, but now we’re sending money to Lebanon who they’re fighting. We continue to do this. We’re sending money to Hamas. We’re building ports for Hamas. We’re letting Iran run rampant in terms of making money to fund all this stuff. […] It is out of control. All they’re trying to do is sell the people in Michigan and some of these areas that have people from Islamic countries that, ‘Hey, we’re taking care of your people over there. Vote for us in four or five weeks. And we promise you, we’ll help you again.’ We care nothing about the American people, and it’s out of control and [I] hope the American people see what’s going on.”

    ON DEI STANDARDS IN FEMA

    ASMAN: “Senator, one more on FEMA for you. The chief of FEMA—a woman named ‘Deanne Criswell’—claims it’s disinformation to essentially tell the truth of what the administration including Mayorkas, including Jean-Pierre, have been saying about money being used from FEMA for migrants, etcetera. Now she’s the one who last year signed a pledge to, and I’m quoting here, ‘instill equity in disaster relief.’ Do you know what equity in disaster relief is?”

    TUBERVILLE: “Well, we probably could ask the ex-Secret Service Director who is the same way when she was all DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion—in terms of the Secret Service. They almost got President Trump killed. Now the same thing here, people are dying because FEMA is worried more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change than they are helping the people of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Again, these people have no clue about organization and taking care of the people that they are being paid to take care for. So, they need to get off their tails and go to work. But, again, we’ve got another terrible tragedy getting ready to happen here in 36 hours. I hope they get their stuff together. If they need the money, we will pass it for them. But unfortunately, they’ve wasted $20 billion on these illegals coming in for four years, and that has created more disaster than anything else.”

    ASMAN: “Senator Tommy Tuberville, great to see you, sir, and we do pray for those folks in the in the line of fire from Milton. I appreciate it.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Fetterman, Casey, House Colleagues, Announce Over $43 Million in Federal Funding to Protect Pennsylvania Families from Lead Hazards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and House colleagues announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded over $43 million to several Pennsylvania communities as part of the FY2024 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program. This funding will help reduce lead-based paint hazards and improve the health and safety of homes across the Commonwealth, benefiting families in Allegheny County, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Erie.

     

    “Any exposure to any level of lead puts all of us, especially our kids, at risk,” said Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17). “We need to make sure that everyone can live and grow up in homes that are clean, safe, and lead-free. I’m so glad to see the federal government is delivering $7.75 million in funding to help protect Allegheny County communities from dangerous lead paint hazard.”

    “This is a huge win for Pennsylvania families. No child should grow up in a home that makes them sick,” said Senator Fetterman. “These grants will help get rid of dangerous lead paint in some of our oldest housing stock and give families the safe, healthy homes they deserve. These grants will support broader efforts to address disrepair and blight across the Commonwealth, including Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program. Fixing up our homes means healthier families, safer communities, and more affordable housing—things we desperately need.”

     

    “No child should be forced to grow up in a home contaminated with dangerous lead paint,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will help identify and remove hazardous lead paint from homesso that Pennsylvanians have the peace of mind that their housing is not putting their families at risk. I will always fight to keep Pennsylvanian families healthy and safe.”  

     

    “Every child deserves to grow up in a home where they feel safe and healthy,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA-7). “This funding is incredible news for Allentown, where it will help improve aging homes, lower housing costs, and bolster public health. I’ll continue working across the aisle to find commonsense solutions to address housing quality, affordability, and availability, as well as ensure children in historically underserved communities can grow up free from external health risks.”

     

    “Every family deserves to live in a safe home free of hazardous lead paints,” said Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). “This funding will greatly help families, especially children, in the City of Erie. It is vital that we continue to provide resources like these so Pennsylvanians can live in quality, affordable homes.”

     

    The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction program is critical to addressing health risks posed by lead paint in older homes, especially for children under the age of six. These awards will not only address lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhance affordable housing options, revitalize communities, and improve public health outcomes throughout Pennsylvania.

     

    FY2024 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Awards for Pennsylvania:

    1. Allegheny County: $7,750,000
    2. City of Allentown: $5,700,000
    3. City of Harrisburg: $7,750,000
    4. City of Lancaster: $7,750,000
    5. City of Philadelphia: $7,000,000
    6. County of Delaware: $1,000,000
    7. County of Montgomery: $1,800,000
    8. Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie: $4,712,858

     

    This program’s goal of maintaining existing housing aligns with Senator Fetterman’s bipartisan Whole-Home Repairs Act, which aims to expand a wildly successful Pennsylvania program to the national level, addressing the critical need for home repairs in underserved communities. Together, these efforts are a crucial part of solving the housing crisis, preventing blight, and ensuring families can stay in their homes.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How engineering can support more inclusive hockey leagues and bolster innovation

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kevin Lawrence McGuire, Instructor, Faculty of Engineering, John M Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership and Innovation, Western University

    Engineering solutions for more inclusive hockey for people with disabilities can pertain to both equipment and processes surrounding how players engage with and play the game. (Shutterstock)

    While engineering students may specialize in particular areas of engineering — for example, civil, electrical, chemical, mechanical or biomedical engineering — they all work in a similar way in applying design thinking.

    Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes tailored innovation.

    What follows is a look at design thinking seen through a first-year project at Western University’s John M. Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership and Innovation.

    As part of their core curriculum, students pursued engineering experiences through practising design thinking with a variety of organizations including George Bray Sports Association (GBSA). The association was created to offer hockey opportunties for children and youth with disabilities. Today, athletes with this inclusive league may experience conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, deafness, visual impairments and other challenges.

    Applying design thinking

    Three GBSA projects were among 10 community projects where students worked to apply design thinking.

    Other projects included improving rock climbing opportunities for visually impaired people at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, developing inclusive school yard games for kindergarteners experiencing exclusion at Thames Valley District School Board and exploring solutions for people with disabilities and workforce entry barriers at employment services specialist Hutton House.

    Design thinking involves engaging with the user and learning as much as possible.
    (Shutterstock)

    Design thinking begins by defining a problem. While people practise design thinking across disciplines, when it’s taught as part of industrial design and innovation it incorporates learning about intellectual property (open-source, copyrights and patents).

    All the students worked through similar processes, exemplified here through a look at projects with GBSA.

    1. Broadly defining the problem

    Angela Mawdsley, an assistant professor of engineering at Western, and I worked closely with GBSA leadership to analyze their operations and identify potential areas where design thinking could have an impact towards solving problems. Emphasis was given to potential problems that could not only be solved in the moment, resulting in a better immediate experience for GBSA, but that could also yield solutions applicable to broader situations.

    Three candidate problems emerged:

    1. Playing beyond the whistle: Some of the younger players, either due to deafness, cochlear implants, cranial shunts (a device draining fluid from the brain), attention disorders or other difficulties with focus, can often be seen to carry on in hockey play, after the referee blows the whistle.

    2. Many players are challenged in learning how to skate: Standardized devices for learning to skate (sometimes popularly called “skate mates”) present size and use issues. Use issues include not considering relative strength or weakness of a player’s ankles, a key criteria in establishing effective push. Also, some athletes do not progress beyond using a device, so devices must be able to pass between the
    player’s bench and the ice.

    Engineers heard that players forgetting equipment was a significant problem.
    (Shutterstock)

    3. Players forgetting hockey items: Hockey requires a lot of equipment that needs regular airing and cleaning. Regardless of whether kids or parents pack an equipment bag, something can be left out, leading to pre-game disappointment. GBSA may be able to find an emergency replacement for items like elbow pads, but other items are too individual (like skates) or too personal (like jocks).

    Each student group working with GBSA tackled one of these problems.

    2. Understanding via empathizing, reframing

    Design thinking involves engaging with the user and learning as much as possible. This means studying, even experiencing the situation. But more significantly it means experiencing empathy with the person or group whose problem it is. Empathy is defined as understanding and sharing the feelings of another person — like love, joy, satisfaction, disappointment, frustration, discouragement in a given situation.

    Design thinkers ask as many questions and collect as much information as possible. The information is then weeded, sorted and prioritized. This is known as reframing.

    By following an iterative process of empathizing and reframing, the target problem can be settled upon. It involves challenging assumptions and redefining problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be immediately apparent.

    My colleague and I practised empathizing and reframing when establishing something close to the scope of a problem for each of the three opportunities with GBSA. Once we provided boundaries to this scope, we then knew that students could replicate this process by fine-tuning the parameters of each broad problem.

    Student groups pursued unique empathetic, experiential and research efforts, with student groups asking many questions with a GBSA representative in a series of Zoom meetings. A typical zoom call involved about 20 to 50 students, asking a total of about 50 questions.

    3. Define the solution

    A next stage involves generating ideas, trialling them via prototyping and then repeating this process until a solution is established.

    This meant students developed a range of solutions which GBSA gave feedback on. Preferred solutions could then be championed by professors and executed by students hired to work in summer months.

    For example, with the problem now established via research, experiential learning and empathy, students working on the learning to skate challenge built a small collection of assistive devices for skating which were then provided to GBSA for consideration.

    Different student groups had yielded 10 different versions of assistive devices for skating, each with its own construction and assembly documentation. Among these different models, GBSA staff chose one to develop further in the summer months.

    The project to track missing equipment yielded a favoured solution by GBSA: a software solution to be available for all GBSA families in 2024.

    For the problem of playing beyond the whistle, students explored a range of ideas from American Sign Language, to other sensory approaches. ASL was tough to implement because the player is not always looking at the referee when play stops. One approach commonly settled on included introducing a system whereby when the referee blew an electronically modified whistle, an FM signal was transmitted from the whistle to a receiver on the player, who felt a vibration.

    Taking it a step further, professors were able to hire student support in the summer, and leverage on campus expertise, to generate open-source Bluetooth solutions. The transmission strategy remained the same, but the reception strategy changed to be altered from one of feeling vibration, to one of hearing “the play has stopped” in an existing hearing aid the player might be wearing.

    “Hearing the whistle” solutions are under further investigation by the research team at the National Centre for Audiology at Western University, where work to replicate the Bluetooth solution for technical advances in Bluetooth known as “Auracast” is under consideration.

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

    – ref. How engineering can support more inclusive hockey leagues and bolster innovation – https://theconversation.com/how-engineering-can-support-more-inclusive-hockey-leagues-and-bolster-innovation-237616

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Certificates recognising heartbreak of losing a baby extended

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    All parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss, the government has announced.

    • Baby loss certificates extended with no backdate to all parents who have experienced a loss
    • More than 50,000 people have already received certificates under voluntary scheme
    • Extension is part of government’s ambition to improve experiences and support for women and their families

    All parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss, the government has announced.

    Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018.

    From today, this voluntary service will be extended with no backdate allowing all parents who have suffered an historic pregnancy loss or a future loss to apply. More than 50,000 certificates have been issued so far.

    The government is committed to ensuring bereaved parents are supported during this difficult time, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised. Certificates are free and remain optional for parents.

     Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:  

    Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life. That’s why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.

    I’m pleased we can now ensure all parents are able to apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies. This government will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health system to ensure everyone gets compassionate, safe and personalised care.

    The extension of the service marks Baby Loss Awareness Week which is held every year from the 9th to 15th October. 

    Baroness Gillian Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, said:  

    I would like to thank all of the women and campaigners for their ongoing work on raising awareness around baby loss – without your bravery, this wouldn’t be possible.  

    We are committed to ensuring that women are listened to during every stage of pregnancy, as we work to improve maternity and neonatal services across the country.

    The government is working to improve women’s health services and improve maternity outcomes. This week, the Department for Health and Social Care announced the launch of a training pilot for staff in maternity units to help avoid brain injury in childbirth.

    The government has also pledged to train thousands more midwives and ensure that NHS trusts failing on maternity care are robustly supported into rapid improvement.

    Additional stakeholder quotes:

    Zoe Clark-Coates MBE BCAh, founder and CEO of the Mariposa International and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, said:

    Ten years ago, I had a dream, and that dream was that any baby who had been lost pre-24 weeks would be officially recognised and acknowledged by the government. Saying Goodbye (Mariposa International) launched the campaign, and Dame Floella Benjamin pledged to work with us to make it happen.

    I was then asked to co-chair and author the pregnancy loss review on behalf of the government. Through that, we were able to recommend 73 national recommendations which will change the care and support of millions of bereaved families. The certificate is the first recommendation to come to pass, and I’m thrilled that from today, everyone can now apply whether their loss was yesterday or 80 years ago. I hope that having an official government-issued certificate helps the many families who have longed for their babies to be formally honoured and recognised. I also look forward to seeing my five babies’ names on their certificates in the coming weeks.

    Samantha Collinge, Bereavement Lead Midwife, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, said: 

    The announcement today by the Government of the extension to the pre 24 week baby loss certification scheme for losses prior to September 2018 with no back date is a huge milestone moment not just for Zoe and myself, the co-chairs and co-authors of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’ but for the millions of people who have experienced pre-24 weeks baby loss.   Since I was appointed as a bereavement midwife in 1998 | have campaigned for a standardised care pathway that ensures that every parent experiencing baby loss (regardless of the gestation or type of loss ) receives the physical and emotional care and support they deserve. Removing the restrictions around the application process will give all bereaved parents of pre 24 week baby loss the official recognition that their babies did exist and that their babies lives, however brief really do matter.

    Baroness Floella Benjamin said:

    I am delighted that now, the date restriction on the ‘Certificate of Loss’ has been removed. Since 2017, when I joined with the Mariposa Trust, working together through my Private Members Bill in the House of Lords, to campaign for these certificates, my husband and I, along with millions of bereaved parents have been waiting for the opportunity to apply. I am thrilled that from today, our hard work will allow babies lost decades ago to finally be recognised.

    Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive, Miscarriage Association, said:

    We’ve been extremely keen to see the scheme extended to include losses before 2018, so today marks a significant milestone for those who have waited for this recognition. For many, even the earliest of losses can be deeply distressing, both emotionally and physically, but having a formal acknowledgement as a marker of their loss can be a meaningful part of the grieving process.   We know from the people that we support how much the certification scheme has helped those who have experienced pregnancy loss, so this is great news that people whose losses were previously not acknowledged now can be.

    Louise Bowman, Head of Family Services and Bereavement, Twins Trust said:

    Families who’ve experienced baby loss understand how important it is to remember and commemorate the babies’ lives. This welcome news will mean so much to so many people in our community, giving official recognition of the experience of parents who’ve lost one or more of a set of twins and triplets.

    Background information:

    A certificate is available for any parent to access following a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks for a loss before October 1992. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and live in England.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Army Best Squad: Day Eight | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    Day 8 involved night operations, with competitors conducting an air assault into a remote location to conduct squad tactics through difficult terrain and engage all their team fighting, communication, and movement capabilities.

    : AMVID

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #ArmyBestSquad #BSC2024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9OM0Hg5NW8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: In preparation for Hurricane Milton landfall, Verizon offers relief to impacted customers

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: In preparation for Hurricane Milton landfall, Verizon offers relief to impacted customers

    What you need to know:

    • Verizon to waive domestic call, text, and data usage for postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers most impacted by the storm in parts of Florida from Oct.9th-Oct. 23rd, 2024.

    ALPHARETTA, GA – In response to Hurricane Milton’s forecasted impact on Florida, Verizon is providing an initial relief offer to help affected customers. From Oct. 9th to Oct. 23rd, Verizon will waive domestic call, text, and data usage for postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers* in the following Florida counties:

    Alachua, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, DeSoto, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia.

    Customers do not have to take any action to take advantage of the offer. Any overages for those whose billing cycles have already closed will be automatically credited back. No action is needed— overages will be automatically credited.*

    “As Hurricane Milton approaches, Verizon is ready to stand by our customers before, during and after the storm,” said Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. “We know how critical it is to stay connected in times of uncertainty, and we hope this offer provides much-needed relief in the aftermath of the storm.”

    This offer extends to all postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers in the affected counties. No action is needed— overages will be automatically credited.

    *Verizon small business customers include customers with 50 lines or less.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Electronics Teams Up With F45 Training To Become the First Functional Training Franchise Delivering Science-Backed Workouts on Samsung TVs

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced a new partnership with F45 Training1 — a leading global fitness community specializing in group workouts that are fast, fun and results-driven — to bring the brand’s functional training workouts to Samsung TV users via Samsung Daily+.2 The partnership with F45 Training will provide free access to a library of cardio, strength, hybrid and recovery workouts, which will grow over the coming months to include additional content, enhancing the at-home fitness experience for global users.
     
    “Our objective is to create a central hub that offers fun and unique workouts to help each of our users achieve their personal fitness goals,” said Demian Hyun, Vice President and Head of the Experience Planning Group of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Partnering with F45 Training on Samsung Daily+ underscores our commitment to delivering digital health experiences and improving consumers’ well-being.”
     
    “For many, the idea of starting a fitness journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but that doesn’t mean people should miss out on the life changing benefits of working out,” said Tom Dowd, Chief Executive Officer for F45 Training. “Utilizing the power of technology through this new partnership with Samsung Electronics, users can experience F45 Training workouts from the comfort of their home, getting used to the class formats and building confidence to seamlessly transition to in-person training at one of our world-wide studio locations.”
     
    Since 2013, F45 Training has provided group workouts with innovative technology to an ever-growing community at the company’s studios, spanning 65 countries. F45 Training’s holistic approach to health and wellness has fostered community among its members by offering an engaging and supportive environment for all fitness levels. Through its efficient 45-minute sessions, F45 Training provides access to workouts that deliver results in a shorter amount of time, making it easy to fit exercise into even the busiest of schedules.
     
    “At F45 Training, innovation and technology are at the core of our brand. Our collaboration with Samsung to become the first fitness franchise offering our at-home, on-demand cardio, strength, hybrid and recovery workouts on the Samsung Daily+ platform exemplifies our commitment to staying ahead of the curve”, said Brian Killingsworth, Chief Marketing Officer, F45 Training. “This achievement highlights our relentless drive to integrate cutting-edge technology into our fitness experience, ensuring that F45 continues to lead the industry and redefine what’s possible in the world of fitness.”
     
    Led by a team of diverse athletes, all F45 workouts can be easily modified to fit a variety of needs, ensuring everyone can participate and reap the benefits of the training regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. Through Samsung’s new partnership with F45 Training, Samsung Daily+ app users can enjoy a number of key benefits afforded by F45’s unique workouts, including:
     
    Functional and Science-Backed Workouts: F45’s workouts improve everyday movements by incorporating exercises that mimic real-life activities. Developed with the latest exercise science, these sessions build lean muscle, enhance cardiovascular health and improve daily functionality.
    Variety of Workouts: The app offers four types of workouts: Hybrid, Cardio, Strength and Recovery. With access to on-demand training and a diverse workout library curated by F45’s Global Athletics Team, users can choose from a variety of workouts, ensuring their routines remain fresh, exciting and never repetitive.
    Community, Support and Motivation: The F45 Life area offers motivational content and links to nearby F45 studios, combining the ease of at-home workouts with the support and motivation of a global fitness community.
     
    The Samsung Daily+ lifestyle hub, powered by Samsung Tizen OS, delivers virtual health and wellness experiences with unmatched convenience and accessibility. Beyond F45 Training, Samsung Daily+ offers extensive health and wellness options through additional partners to provide users with many ways to support their individual fitness journey.
     
    Samsung Daily+ also provides personalized service and recommendations through apps like SmartThings, Samsung Health and Workspace. It allows users to manage daily activities easily with a single interface on Smart TVs and enjoy home fitness, telehealth services, video calls and more.3
     
    For more information on Samsung Daily+, visit Samsung.com.
     
     
    About F45 Training
    F45 Training (“F45” or the “Company”) is a leading boutique fitness franchise platform operating the F45 Training, FS8, and VAURA brands. F45 Training is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that utilizes proprietary technology, including a proven fitness platform that leverages a rich content database of thousands of unique functional training movements that offer members new workout experiences each day. FS8 is a progressive new fitness concept that remixes the best elements of Pilates, tone, and yoga into a 3-in-1 low-impact, high-energy workout. VAURA is a sensory athletic reformer Pilates experience designed to energize every cell of your body. Additionally, recovery services are available at participating studios including state of the art sauna, cold plunges and percussion therapy. F45 Training is committed to supporting our expanding global franchise network in the high-growth boutique fitness category. Join the pinnacle of fitness franchising with three globally renowned concepts: F45 Training, the leading HIIT training chain worldwide, along with our distinctive Pilates brands, VAURA and FS8. Discover more at https://f45training.com, https://fs8.com and https://vaurapilates.com.
     
     
    1 F45 Training app is available through Samsung Daily+ on all 2024 Samsung TV models: Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, UHD (above DU7000), and The Frame worldwide. TV model users can download the F45 Training app through the app store. The content is provided primarily in English and supported with subtitles.2 A lifestyle content hub with curated apps and features designed to enrich your everyday life.3 Its supported features and apps may vary depending on the country.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: [User Guide] Discover the Best Fit With Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 Bands

    Source: Samsung

    The smartwatch experience begins when a user fastens the band to their wrist — bands not only maximize the watch’s versatility but also add a personal touch to the user’s style.
     
    The Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 can be paired with a range of interchangeable band accessories, designed to each user’s unique needs and preferences. Samsung Newsroom has curated a selection of Galaxy Watch bands that enrich every moment from navigating daily life to embarking on extreme adventures.
     

     
     
    Galaxy Watch Ultra Bands: Made for Outdoor Experiences
    The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most powerful Galaxy Watch. Optimized for extreme conditions, the Galaxy Watch Ultra takes outdoor experiences to the next level through a variety of bands — Marine Band, Trail Band and PeakForm Band — suited to different activities and environments.
     
    Changing bands has never been easier. For the first time, Samsung has introduced the Dynamic Lug System to improve the connection between the watch body and band. This mechanism is intuitive and convenient, allowing for effortless band removal and attachment with a simple press of a button. Not to mention, the watch body and band seamlessly connect to elevate overall aesthetics.
     
    ▲ (From left) Marine Band, Trail Band and PeakForm Band for the Galaxy Watch Ultra
     
    ▲ Dynamic Lug System
     
     
    Marine Band: Unmatched Durability in Water

     
    For those looking to time their swims with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Marine Band is an excellent choice. This band is specifically engineered to support aquatic activities with a breathable wavelike design and perforations for quick drying and a comfortable fit.
     
    ▲ The Marine Band offers improved breathability and durability for more freedom in the water.
     
    Made to withstand intense movement, the Marine Band features a lightweight and durable titanium buckle that incorporates a “double tongue” with two teeth for a stronger hold on the band. This structure ensures that the Galaxy Watch Ultra remains secure and performs optimally whether in the water or challenging outdoor environments.
     
     
    Trail Band: The Ultimate Running Mate

     
    Recommended for running, hiking and other active sports, the Trail Band weighs around 20 grams. The comfortable, wavy design of the fabric minimizes skin contact to ensure the band feels pleasant even when sweating. Moreover, the elastic band keeps the watch body secure on the wrist for more accurate workout tracking.
     
    ▲ (From left) The Trail Band’s triangular latch and hook
     
    The Trail Band offers a new buckle construction that combines a triangular latch and hook — allowing users to precisely adjust the fit by removing the latch, threading it through the holes on the side of the band and securing it with the hook. This design ensures that the hook does not come into direct contact with the skin for a comfortable workout free of snags.
     
     
    PeakForm Band: A Hybrid of Strength and Comfort
    Those seeking a stylish accessory during workouts and daily activities can look to the PeakForm Band. This versatile hybrid band combines robustness with a sleek design and accentuates the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s premium look.
     

     
    Notably, the PeakForm Band uses different materials on the exterior and interior surfaces. The exterior features a tightly woven fabric, whereas the interior is made of durable Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR). This material is resistant to water and dirt for an optimal wearing experience that does not compromise style or mobility.
     
    ▲ The PeakForm Band uses different materials on both sides for optimal usability.
     
     
    Galaxy Watch7: Reimaging Everyday Elegance With Detailed Bands
    In addition to helping users stay on top of their health, the Galaxy Watch7 can transform into a fashion accessory when paired with a band that reflects the user’s personal style.
     
    The Galaxy Watch7’s one-click band design supports effortless swapping to suit various lifestyles. The available bands1 — Sport Band, Fabric Band and Athleisure Band — are designed to complement different activities from working out to sleeping.
     
    ▲ (From left) Sport Band, Fabric Band and Athleisure Band for the Galaxy Watch7
     
     
    Sport Band: A Workout Partner

     
    The Sport Band is the perfect accessory for a wide range of sports and activities with the Galaxy Watch7. Crafted from durable HNBR material, the band has a wavy design for breathability and comfort — suitable for even the sweatiest of workouts.
     
    ▲ Stitching details on the Galaxy Watch7 Sport Band
     
    Despite the focus on functionality, the band’s aesthetics have not been overlooked. The orange and light blue stitching at the end of the band adds a subtle yet stylish touch. Moreover, the band is available in a diverse palette of colors2 including cream, dark gray, green, orange and silver.
     
     
    Fabric Band: Effortlessly Light Even When Asleep

    The Fabric Band is perfect for users who wear their Galaxy Watch7 to sleep. Weighing about 10 grams,3 the band boasts a soft fabric texture and lightweight design for versatile wear all day and night.
     
    ▲ The Fabric Band has a Velcro strap that is simple to fasten and remove.
     
    A standout feature of the Fabric Band is the Velcro material, offering both easy adjustment and exceptional comfort. Without the bulk of a traditional buckle, the band feels lighter and more streamlined on the wrist. Subtle accent details at the ends enhance the design and showcase the fabric’s distinctive qualities.
     
     
    Athleisure Band: Style and Activity in One

     
    The newest addition to the Galaxy Watch series, the Athleisure Band is characterized by its distinctive double-loop design. This feature ensures a secure and flattering fit by allowing the extra length of the band to be tucked away through the loops. Available in a range of five colors4 — including green, cream, pink, silver and sky blue — the band serves as both a functional accessory and stylish statement piece.
     
    ▲ The Athleisure Band boasts a double-loop design.
     
    Utilizing the same HNBR material as the Sport Band and PeakForm Band, the Athleisure Band blends softness with durability and comfort with style to create a distinct look for any occasion.
     

     
    The band is essential to fully experiencing all the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7. Alongside the Galaxy Watch series, the bands have evolved to offer a wider array of customization options. Now with these new bands, users can unlock their potential and maximize the advanced features of the Galaxy Watch in their daily lives.
     
     
    1 Compatible with the Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, excluding the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Available colors and models may vary by country and region.2 Available colors and models may vary by country and region.3 The Galaxy Watch7 Fabric Band in Wide (M/L) weighs 10.2 grams. The Galaxy Watch7 Fabric Band in Slim (S/M) weighs 9.5 grams.4 Available colors and models may vary by country and region.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms chaplain departs for new role with MCAGCC

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    After serving for three years as the command chaplain at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, Lt. Cmdr. Larry J. Brant will be moving on to a new assignment with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) on Oct. 31, 2024.

    Brant, a Navy chaplain for 15 years, will be joining the religious ministry team at MCAGCC in Twentynine Palms, where he will continue serving the spiritual needs of Marines, Sailors, and their families.

    Originally from Cahokia, Illinois, Brant spent 25 years working as a civilian minister and eight years as a volunteer police and fire chaplain before feeling a call to serve.

    “I joined the Navy out of a sense of patriotism and a calling from God,” recalled Brant.

    His journey to Twentynine Palms started on Oct. 1, 2021, after completing the Naval Pastoral Care Residency Program. Despite a challenging start — Brant and his wife, Tammy Brant, were quarantined for two weeks after contracting COVID-19 just days after arriving — he quickly found his footing in the desert.

    “At first, my wife and I weren’t sure what to think about a place that looks like where I served in Afghanistan and still has triple digit temperatures in October,” Brant laughed. “But we have come to love it here.”

    Throughout his tenure at the hospital, Brant’s focus was on strengthening the spiritual health of the command. Capt. Daniel Clark, commander of Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, praised Brant’s leadership and impact on the hospital through both good and difficult times.

    “It has been an absolute privilege to have Larry Brant as our chaplain. He and his wife Tammy have been nothing but engaged where the spiritual health of our staff was concerned,” said Clark. “He ministered to our staff during several staff deaths and patient traumas. He brought to bear the concept of Strategic Pause during high-stress moments and sustained our Wardroom through fun after-work activities and functions, including reviving a long-absent Dining Out!”

    Brant emphasized that his role as command chaplain of Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms has contributed to his growth in several ways.

    “Personally, I have grown in my capabilities as a chaplain through my experiences here and have made many lifelong friends,” he said. “My wife, who has several medical issues, has received outstanding care from her providers (at the hospital). Professionally, this has allowed me the opportunity to explore several avenues of ministry that are my passion such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury and pursue my Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in chaplaincy.”

    Brant reflected on some of his fondest memories from his time serving at the command.

    “The most rewarding thing has been getting to know the people here and helping to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Brant. “Some memories that stand out are Wardroom activities — including Dining Out, command picnics, winning a national chaplaincy award, beginning the moral injury group with the mental health department, and earning my board certification in chaplaincy.”

    Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class Diego Escalante, who worked directly under Brant, praised his talent for mentorship.

    “I have had nothing but an amazing time here with my first chaplain and new duty station,” expressed Escalante. “Chaplain Brant has been the most well-rounded leader I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’m also looking forward to meeting our new chaplain and learning from him too.”

    Looking ahead, Brant is excited for his next role at MCAGCC.

    “We are staying in Twentynine Palms!” he exclaimed. “The next billet for me is to join the MCAGCC religious ministry team. I will be preaching at the Protestant Chapel services, providing ministry for the Marines and Sailors of Headquarters Battalion and their families, and leading the Religious Ministry Team training at all the large-scale training exercises. I am very excited for this opportunity.”

    Clark believes Brant’s move to the green-side will further enhance the support available to Marines.

    “I can’t imagine a better Chaplain for MCAGCC. He is intimately familiar with the green-side challenges and has operationalized the concept of moral injury in a way that has shown demonstrable improvement for Marines dealing with post-traumatic stress,” Clark said. “I can see him taking this even further with the Marines here. We were so lucky to have him, and knowing that he will still be a resource is comforting. We wish him and Tammy all the best!”

    Brant hopes that his spiritual services have left a lasting impact on the personnel at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.

    “I hope that what we have provided here has helped people come closer to God, brought understanding and support for minority faith groups, and encouraged closeness in our remote location,” he said.

    As he prepares to depart Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, Brant offered a piece of advice for his successor.

    “Bloom where you are planted,” Brant expressed. “Love these people, focusing on adding to their lives and faiths, and they will most definitely love you back. Explore the area and enjoy what the desert has to offer. This is a beautiful, if not a little toasty, place.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport.

    “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended to be voluntary, not mandatory. 

    “Earlier this year I undertook to keep a watching brief over this genuinely difficult issue. As part of that watching brief I have met with a range of individuals and groups, and have sought advice from Sport NZ. 

    “The National-New Zealand First Coalition Agreement commits the Government to ensuring publicly funded sporting bodies support fair competition that is not compromised by rules relating to gender.

    “It is important that transgender people feel able to participate in community sport – but there are obviously difficult issues for sporting bodies to grapple with around fairness and safety as a result of that participation.

    “I have come to the view that the Guiding Principles do not reflect legitimate community expectations that sport at a community level should not just be focused on diversity, inclusion and equity – but also prioritise fairness and safety. 

    “Earlier this week I wrote to Sport NZ Chief Executive Raelene Castle to ask her to review and update the Guiding Principles accordingly. 

    “I expect to receive an update from Sport NZ in the coming months.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Harris proposes that Medicare cover more in-home health care, filling a large gap for older Americans and their caregivers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jane Tavares, Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer of Gerontology, LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, UMass Boston

    Vice President Kamala Harris’ proposal would allow Medicare to expand its coverage of home health care aides for older Americans. FredFroese/E+ via Getty Images

    Vice President Kamala Harris outlined a proposal to allow Medicare to expand its coverage of home health care for older Americans. The Democratic presidential nominee announced this plan on the television talk show “The View.”

    Harris explained that she aimed to take the burden off members of the “sandwich generation,” who are taking care of their kids and aging parents at the same time. She said the cost of this additional paid care could be paid for with the money the government will save by negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to reduce what Medicare pays for prescription drugs.

    The Conversation U.S. asked Jane Tavares and Marc Cohen, scholars of long-term care, to assess what’s known so far about the plan.

    Why is long-term care significant?

    Long-term services and supports are one of the most significant expenses for older adults. They range from nonmedical assistance with food preparation, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living to medical care in a skilled nursing facility.

    Today’s 65-year-olds have a 70% chance of eventually needing some kind of long-term care as they age, and 20% will need long-term care for more than five years.

    The costs associated with even one year of long-term care can prove to be unaffordable for most people. In 2023, the median yearly cost of a private room in a nursing home was US$116,796 and that of a home health care aide was $33 per hour. That’s $96,360 yearly for eight hours of daily in-home care.

    The National Council on Aging has found that 80% of older adults would be unable to absorb a financial shock — such as the need for long-term care — without impoverishing themselves. The council noted that 20% of older adults had no assets at all, and another 60% would not be able to afford more than two years of either nursing home care or care in their own homes. The average length of a long-term care stay is just over three years.

    Medicare currently does not cover any long-term care, but it does cover short-term professional in-home care for recovery after a qualifying illness or injury for up to 21 days and a maximum of 100 days in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay.

    Medicaid currently covers about 61% of the country’s total long-term care costs, over 70% of which are for home-based services. However, Medicaid has strict income and asset eligibility requirements. Although Medicaid eligibility and coverage vary by state, those who qualify for the program are at or near the federal poverty level and have less than $2,000 in individual assets, or $3,000 as a couple.

    Only 15% of Americans who were 65 and older were covered by Medicaid as of 2022.

    Adding to the challenge, there is a shortage of long-term care workers. In 2022, about 700,000 people were on Medicaid waitlists for home- and community-based services, and 10% of those with skilled medical needs were waiting in hospitals for spots to open in nursing homes.

    What would be the impact of increasing the number of older people getting care?

    An estimated 77% of older Americans desire to stay in their homes as they age, but 1 in 5 need assistance with activities of daily living. With the high costs of long-term care and few coverage options, unpaid family caregivers typically provide this care.

    Expanding Medicare coverage to include professional in-home long-term care, as Harris proposes, would make it easier for older adults to stay in their homes without impoverishing themselves. It could also help alleviate burdens born by unpaid family caregivers.

    Although it will depend on details that weren’t immediately available, expanding long-term care coverage beyond the people who are enrolled in Medicaid has the potential to help many vulnerable older adults.

    For example, getting professional assistance with eating or bathing could prevent health complications associated with malnutrition or poor hygiene. And this care would not be at the expense of a family caregiver who might otherwise have to leave their job or take on additional physical and mental stress to provide that care.

    How much will this cost the government?

    Clearly, the costs associated with any new program depend on many factors. The most important are who qualifies for the program, the circumstances under which they can get benefits, and how generous those benefits are.

    Harris has indicated that the new Medicare home care benefit she’s proposing would be paid for by the savings from reductions in Medicare drug costs. A relatively recent estimate for that savings in 2026 is $6.3 billion. If this is the primary way to pay for the program, it could finance only a very modest home-care benefit.

    Other long-term care proposals put forward by researchers and policymakers look at increasing the Medicare tax to pay for expanding access to this benefit. Here again, how much money needs to be raised depends on how comprehensive the program would be. Researchers at the Brookings Institution estimated that making long-term care more widely available to people covered by Medicare would probably cost about $40 billion.

    Why hasn’t Medicare covered in-home care until now?

    When it was originally launched in 1966, the Medicare program was intended to cover acute medical care services. At that time, life expectancy was lower than it is today – meaning that fewer Americans over 65 were eligible for its benefits and would live long enough to require long-term care.

    In the following six decades, no public insurance program like Medicare has emerged to help people pay for this care.

    But as far back as 1994, lawmakers were drafting proposals to cover long-term care. More recently, legislators have introduced bills that could fill this gap. However, many prior efforts have failed due to a lack of agreement on how to pay for these benefits and whether everyone should be eligible, or just low-income people.

    Because the federal government hasn’t stepped up, some states have introduced their own policies.

    Washington state is the furthest along in this effort. It has created a public long-term care insurance program where working Washington residents contribute a small percentage of their income into the fund and can then access earned benefits to pay for services. However, due to a ballot measure that Washington voters will weigh in on during the November 2024 elections, the program may become voluntary. We believe that letting people opt out would likely make that program unsustainable.

    California has also made headway, completing two feasibility studies to examine the potential of a statewide long-term care insurance program. In 2024, California also eliminated the financial asset limits for Medicaid eligibility to help expand the program so it can cover more of the state’s older residents.

    Jane Tavares receives funding from the National Council on Aging.

    Marc Cohen 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. Harris proposes that Medicare cover more in-home health care, filling a large gap for older Americans and their caregivers – https://theconversation.com/harris-proposes-that-medicare-cover-more-in-home-health-care-filling-a-large-gap-for-older-americans-and-their-caregivers-240865

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Renter protections closer as Bill progresses through Parliament

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will put the Bill to overhaul renting before MPs today which will end Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

    The Renters’ Rights Bill returns to Parliament today and will be debated for the first time by MPs as greater security and protections for millions of renters comes a step closer.

    The Second Reading comes less than a month since the Bill was first introduced and within the first 100 days in office, signalling the government’s determination to get this in the statute book as soon as possible. 

    The Bill delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to overhaul the experience of renters, banning Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions across new and existing tenancies at the same time, immediately tackling one of the leading causes of homelessness. This will give 11 million private renters immediate security and assurance so they can stay in their homes for longer and build lives in their communities.  

    It will also clamp down on unfair rent increases and extend the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private sector for the first time, significantly reducing the number of poor-quality privately rented homes and empowering tenants to raise concerns about damp, dangerous and cold homes.          

    The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 

    I am determined to get this Bill in to law as soon as possible. The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of a Section 21 eviction notice have been waiting far too long already.

    We will deliver on our promise to renters and transform the sector into one where families can put down roots, where children can grow up in healthy homes, and where young people can save for their future.

    The Deputy Prime Minister will give a speech in the Commons today, highlighting key parts of the Bill, including: 

    • Tenants will be in a stronger position to challenge unreasonable rent increases supported by a Tribunal and landlords will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year and only to the market rate, which will put an end unfair hikes. 
    • Tenants will get a quicker resolution over disputes, cutting down on the need to go though the courts through a new Ombudsman service.
    • Local councils will be given stronger powers to crack down on unscrupulous landlords.  Maximum fines will be increased to up to £40,000 for serious offenders.  
    • A new database for landlords to share important information on their property standards, showing their compliance with the law and helping councils drive out the minority of criminal landlords. 
    • Tenants will be able request to have a pet and landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse. Unfair decisions can be challenged so renters will not have to make a difficult choice between a beloved pet or a home. 

    Overhauling the private rented sector is just one part of the government’s ambitious plans made within their first 100 days in office to tackle the housing crisis.  

    Work is already underway to reform the broken planning system to get Britain building again and deliver 1.5 million homes over this parliament, a crucial part of the government’s mission to boost economic growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Search begins for next generation of cyber security talent

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Young people across the country are being called upon to put their cyber skills to the test in the new UK Cyber Team Competition, offering them the chance to represent the UK on the world stage and kickstart a career in cyber security. 

    • New search opens for 18-to 25-year-olds to represent the UK Cyber Team in global competitions 
    • Young people will get hands-on experience, training, and mentorship to launch careers in cyber security 
    • Competition to focus on developing skills and growing UK talent pipeline 

    Young people across the country are being called upon to put their cyber skills to the test in the new UK Cyber Team Competition, offering them the chance to represent the UK on the world stage and kickstart a career in cyber security. 

    The Competition invites 18- to 25-year-olds with a passion for cyber security to test their skills against challenging cyber exercises designed to push their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.  

    This includes simulations of real-world scenarios in areas like cryptography, digital forensics, web exploitation and network security. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to engage in demanding tasks that mirror the day-to-day challenges faced by professionals in the field. 

    Top performers will earn a place on the UK Cyber Team and take the next step in their cyber security career, with access to advanced training supported by industry experts, networking opportunities with agencies and leading cyber security firms, and mentorship to help develop their careers. 

    Together, they will represent the nation in prestigious international cyber competitions, including friendly matches against other national cyber teams, and major events like the International Cybersecurity Championship and the European Cybersecurity Challenge. 

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said: 

    In an increasingly digital world cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and it’s essential we stay ahead of the curve. The UK Cyber Team Competition is an exciting opportunity for young talent to showcase their skills and play a crucial role in protecting our nation’s digital future. 

    We’re looking to find the best and brightest minds to represent the UK on the world stage. I encourage all eligible young people with a passion for cyber security and technology to take on the challenge and be part of something truly impactful.

    This competition will help the UK plug the cyber skills gap, fill high-demand roles and provide young professionals with valuable skills and career opportunities in this critical field.  

    It will strengthen national security at a time when the need for skilled cyber professionals has never been greater, and also set young people up for jobs of the future – driving forward the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. 

    Participation from underrepresented groups and all parts of the UK is actively encouraged to support diversity in the cyber talent pipeline. 

    The competition, delivered in partnership with the SANS Institute, is open to all UK residents aged 18 to 25 with an interest in cyber security. Applications are now open, where participants can register and access preliminary challenges.

    The UK’s cyber security industry is valued at £11.9 billion and helps protect growth in the UK. Cyber skills are in huge demand across the economy and the 2024 Cyber security skills in the UK labour market survey found that 44% of UK businesses do not have the fundamental skills to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.   

    James Lyne, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at SANS said:

    SANS Institute is delighted to collaborate with DSIT on the UK Cyber Team Competition, a critical initiative addressing the growing cyber security skills shortage. We are a firm believer in uncapping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in the 18-25 year old bracket.

    By immersing young talent in real-world cyber scenarios and providing direct mentorship from industry leaders, we are not only cultivating the next generation of highly skilled professionals but also reinforcing the nation’s cyber defence capabilities. These types of competitions are essential in showcasing the UK’s cybersecurity strength, bolstering national defence, and in the spirit of friendly competition with other nations we in turn build international relationships.

    These competitions also drive growth in the cybersecurity sector by providing a platform for talent recruitment and skills development, while ensuring that participants are equipped with the expertise needed to help defend organisations. We also hope that this initiative will contribute to the long-term resilience of the UK’s digital landscape and broader security objectives by fostering a diverse pipeline of well-trained professionals.

    Sheridan Ash MBE and Dr Claire Thorne, co-CEOs of Tech She Can said: 

    This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the wide range of often overlooked roles in cybersecurity throughout the UK, while connecting a wealth of untapped technology talent with real-world industry experiences and job prospects. 

    The diversity and technology skills gaps are both real and urgent challenges. Through our work in classrooms across the country, we’ve seen how aligning young people’s passions—like gaming and eSports—with technology careers can engage both boys and girls effectively. We’re particularly excited about the doors this will open for young women, who are already playing, and will continue to play, a critical role in safeguarding our future.

    Katie Gallagher OBE, co-founder of the North West Cyber Resilience Centre said: 

    We welcome this excellent initiative from DSIT to inspire young people to explore careers in cyber security. As the recent government survey found 44% of businesses have skills gaps in basic technical areas – and 30% of cyber firms in 2024 have faced a problem with technical skills gaps.  

    However, with the growth of cyber breaches and hacking, it is vital that we work together as a community to grow the cyber security talent pathway.

    Notes to editors 

    How to apply

    Important dates

    Applications open

    • Wednesday 9 October 2024 to Wednesday 20 November 2024 

    Online qualifying rounds

    • Round 1; 30 November 2024 to Sunday 1 December 2024
    • Round 2: 13 December 2024 to 17 January 2025 

    Live in-person final

    • Friday 17 and Saturday 18 January 2025

    In partnership with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will be sending a team of young women to represent the UK at the inaugural Kunoichi Cyber Games taking place at the Code Blue cyber security conference in Tokyo later this year.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CBO Estimate: 2024 Deficit Reaches $1.8 Trillion under Biden-Harris Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today estimated the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 deficit was $1.8 trillion, double what the agency projected when the Biden-Harris administration took office. Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement on the need to reverse course.
    “President Biden and Vice President Harris have ignored resounding messages from Iowans and Americans nationwide, as well as alarms from global credit ratings companies. By consistently choosing a spendthrift agenda over fiscal sanity, this administration has hamstrung our economy for generations to come,” Grassley said. “Our nation needs a change of pace from the one this administration has set. Vice President Harris’ recent proposals, however, signal an unwillingness to meaningfully address Americans’ concerns and a readiness to double down on policies that have caused major consequences, like prices rising over 20 percent in less than four years.”
    Per CBO’s report, in FY 2024:
    The deficit totaled $1.8 trillion, up $139 billion from FY 2023 and double what CBO estimated when the Biden-Harris administration took office.
    Spending increased $617 billion (10 percent) from FY 2023, driven in part by costly executive actions and soaring interest payments.
    Net interest payments on the national debt totaled $950 billion, up $240 billion (34 percent) from FY 2023.  
    Background on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Irresponsible Economic Record:
    Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the U.S. credit outlook last year, citing the deficit as a key factor in its decision. Independent experts, such as the Federal Reserve Chairman and CBO Director, have warned that our nation is on an “unsustainable fiscal path.” Even so, the Biden-Harris administration plowed full steam ahead with trillion-dollar student loan bailout schemes and a $21 billion Medicare cost-shifting plan – an attempt to cover up negative effects the so-called Inflation “Reduction” Act is having on seniors, including hiking premiums and reducing plan options.
    Further, high borrowing costs and mounting federal debt have increased spending on net interest payments, which now exceed discretionary outlays for national defense. In early 2021, when interest rates sat at a record low, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young claimed it would be a “historic missed opportunity” to forego borrowing trillions of dollars. Grassley last week called out OMB for neglecting to provide CBO with enough information to fully analyze the fiscal impacts of the Biden-Harris administration’s 2025 budget, despite committing to doing so.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 4th, 2024 Heinrich, Tonko Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to Buprenorphine, Save Lives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) introduced the Broadening Utilization of Proven and Effective Treatment for Recovery Act, or BUPE for Recovery Act, legislation to increase access to buprenorphine — a lifesaving drug used to treat opioid use disorder — by removing barriers providers and patients face when trying to access the medication.
    “New Mexicans know too well the heartache of losing a loved one to opioids. Enough is enough. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to tackle this epidemic with the urgency it demands, which includes eliminating barriers that providers and patients face in accessing lifesaving medication,” said Heinrich. “My legislation aims to change reporting requirements for buprenorphine, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment for opioid use disorder. This will help save lives and help New Mexicans get the care they need.”
    “For years, I’ve worked to address this disease of addiction and secure access to lifesaving treatments for the millions of Americans working to find and follow the path to recovery,” said Tonko. “A lynchpin of my efforts to address the opioid crisis is my MAT Act that eliminates outdated, bureaucratic barriers preventing practitioners from prescribing the proven treatment, buprenorphine, to their patients. Our newest bill, the BUPE for Recovery Act further strengthens our push to expand accessibility to this lifesaving drug. I thank Senator Heinrich for spearheading this effort with me and urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this legislation as soon as possible.”
    The BUPE for Recovery Act temporarily exempts buprenorphine from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Suspicious Orders Report System (SORS) requirements during the opioid public health emergency. SORS reporting requirements have led to an uncertainty among pharmacies and distributors to stock and dispense buprenorphine, which can prevent individuals suffering from opioid use disorder from receiving timely and effective treatment. 
    This legislation will mitigate the treatment gap created by stringent SORS reporting requirements, reducing overdose deaths, saving lives, and improving public health outcomes.
    The BUPE for Recovery Act is endorsed by the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,  American Medical Association (AMA), American Nurses Association, American Pharmacists Association (APhA), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW), Faces & Voices of Recovery, Overdose Prevention Initiative at GHAI, International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC, The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH), National Behavioral Health Association of Providers, National Black Harm Reduction Network (NBHRN), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals, Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), New Mexico American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the National League for Nursing.
    “Over a million Americans have died from a drug overdose since 1999, exposing millions more to devastating, personal loss,” said Dr. Brian Hurley, President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). “Policymakers must focus on advancing policies to ensure that pharmacists can fulfill their core function to dispense lawful prescriptions for addiction medications. We thank Senator Heinrich for his leadership in introducing Broadening Utilization of Proven and Effective Treatment for Recovery Act, which would temporarily exempt buprenorphine products approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the federal Suspicious Orders Report System and related reporting requirements. ASAM looks forward to working with lawmakers to ensure this vital legislation is enacted swiftly.”
    “Over the past several years, New Mexico has made substantial investments to treat substance use disorders and prevent overdoses. At the federal level, significant barriers have been removed for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder, like buprenorphine. Unfortunately, stringent reporting requirements for buprenorphine continue to hinder our progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic. New Mexico ACEP strongly supports legislation that will remove buprenorphine from the Suspicious Orders Reports System and increase access to this evidence-based treatment,” said Scott Mueller, DO, FACEP, President of the New Mexico Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (NMACEP).
    “Buprenorphine is a life saving medication proven to reduce the risk of overdose deaths in individuals with opioid use disorder. Despite strong evidence for the effectiveness of buprenorphine, patients face far too many unnecessary barriers getting this medication. The American Medical Association urges that suspicious order reporting requirements not be triggered based upon orders for buprenorphine and their fulfillment, as buprenorphine has been approved by the FDA for opioid use disorder. If buprenorphine products remain in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s suspicious order reporting requirements, patients will continue to suffer. It is imperative to increase access to buprenorphine to save lives,” said Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President-elect of the American Medical Association and Chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force.
    A summary of the bill is here. The text of the bill is here.
    Heinrich has continuously worked to make opioid use disorder treatments more readily available. 
    In the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)Appropriations Bill, Heinrich successfully included language directing the DEA to take further action to remove barriers to access for opioid use disorder medications such as buprenorphine. The inclusion of this language will assist local medical and mental health providers and make medications, including buprenorphine, more accessible to New Mexicans.
    Find an extensive list of Heinrich’s actions to tackle the fentanyl crisis and make opioid use disorder treatments more readily available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deadline Approaching in California for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Severe Storm and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded California small businesses of the Nov. 19 deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury caused by severe storm and flooding that occurred Jan. 21-23.

    According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez said.

    These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties in California.

    The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

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

    ###

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

    Related programs: Disaster

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fuel for Hurricane Milton

    Source: NASA

    As Florida and other southeastern states were reeling from Hurricane Helene’s effects in early October 2024, another tropical threat brewed over the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Milton began as a tropical storm on October 5, and by October 7, it had reached Category 5 hurricane strength. Forecasters expect Milton to make landfall late on October 9 in the Tampa Bay area and sweep across central Florida.
    Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico—well above average for this time of year—helped fueled the storm’s rapid intensification. Rapid intensification occurs when a tropical cyclone’s maximum sustained wind speeds increase at least 30 knots (35 miles per hour) over a 24-hour period. Milton strengthened at nearly triple that rate, with winds increasing from 80 to 175 miles per hour in 24 hours from October 6–7.
    These maps show sea surface temperatures on October 6, using data from the Short-Term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) project based at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Surface waters above 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius)—the temperature generally required to sustain and intensify hurricanes—are dark red. The map on the right is overlaid with brightness temperature data, acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite in the early morning of October 7, to show the location of Milton’s storm clouds.
    The SPoRT team focuses on improving weather forecasts using satellite data from NASA and NOAA. Its Sea Surface Temperature Composite product, shown here, is a blend of observations from multiple satellite sensors. SPoRT updates this high-resolution composite twice daily, providing global maps of sea surface temperatures, trends, and anomalies to decision-makers. Each update is promptly available to users, which include the National Weather Service, NOAA nowCOAST, and the NASA Disasters Mapping Portal.
    In addition to unusually warm ocean waters, low vertical wind shear aided Milton’s intensification, said Patrick Duran, a hurricane expert with the SPoRT project. The storm is embedded in a low-shear environment, meaning there is little difference in the speed and direction of lower-level and upper-level winds. This allows a hurricane to build vertically.
    Another contributing factor could have been Milton’s relatively small size. Smaller hurricanes are more prone to rapid increases or decreases in strength, Duran noted. “In this case, Milton’s small size likely facilitated its rapid intensification,” he said.

    At 10:28 a.m. EDT October 7, the space station flew over Hurricane Milton and external cameras captured views of the category 5 storm, packing winds of 175 miles an hour, moving across the Gulf of Mexico toward the west coast of Florida. pic.twitter.com/MTtdUosiEc
    — International Space Station (@Space_Station) October 7, 2024

    On the morning of October 8, the hurricane had neared the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where destructive winds and storm surge were expected. That same morning, the National Hurricane Center reported that Milton underwent an eyewall replacement cycle, an internal storm process often associated with declining wind speeds but growth in the area of the wind field.
    The storm is projected to turn northeast and accelerate toward Tampa Bay, Florida, on October 8 and 9, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters warned of heavy rainfall in the state ahead of the storm’s arrival on land, as well as life-threatening wind and storm surge as it approaches and then crosses the Florida Peninsula. Most counties along the Gulf Coast, which include major population centers such as Tampa and Fort Myers, were under evacuation orders as of October 8.
    As Milton completes its transit of the gulf, fluctuations in strength are likely as the storm structure changes, said the National Hurricane Center. Nonetheless, it will remain an extremely dangerous storm. “Even if the maximum wind speed decreases in the coming days, the storm will likely grow in size,” said Duran. “This could increase its impacts, especially by increasing storm surge along the coast.” The National Weather Service warns of storm surge accompanied by large waves for hundreds of miles along Florida’s gulf coast, with water levels reaching as much as 10–15 feet above the ground around Tampa Bay.
    NASA’s Disasters Response Coordination System has been activated to support agencies responding to the storm, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida Geospatial Information Office. The team will be posting maps and data products on its open-access mapping portal as new information becomes available about flooding, power outages, precipitation totals, and other topics.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using sea surface temperature data from NASA’s Short-Term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) center; VIIRS brightness temperature data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS); and hurricane track data from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Pressley Testifies at Boston City Council Hearing on USPS Service Failures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    “It is critical at every level of government, that we continue to keep the pressure on Postmaster Louis DeJoy as the impacts of his short-sighted efforts to dismantle and to privatize the USPS play out across our communities and impact our neighbors.”

    Video (YouTube)

    BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) testified at the Boston City Council’s public hearing to discuss inadequate delivery services by the United States Postal Service (USPS) throughout Boston neighborhoods. The USPS declined to join the hearing.

    Recently, Rep. Pressley joined the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on a letter urging the USPS to re-open postal facilities and improve service, spotlighting a larger statewide problem with postal service in Massachusetts. Last week, Rep. Pressley rallied with postal workers from the American Postal Workers Union to sound the alarm about the USPS’ failures and to demand first-class service year-round.

    Responsive to concerns she raised, the USPS Inspector General recently announced an audit to evaluate the efficiency at the Boston Processing and Distribution Center, and Congresswoman Pressley is encouraging constituents who have experienced postal issues to contact her office so their concerns can be included in the audit.

    A transcript of her testimony is available below and full video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Testifies at Boston City Council on USPS Service Failures

    October 8, 2024

    Boston City Council

    Thank you, Chairwoman Breadon for the opportunity to share testimony on Docket #1425 An Order for a hearing to discuss inadequate delivery services by the United States Postal Service within Mission Hill and other Boston neighborhoods.

    And thank you to the sponsors of today’s hearing, Councilor Durkin, Councilor Santana and Weber, for shining a spotlight on an issue of vital importance to our shared constituencies.

    And thank you to the members of APWU, the American Postal Workers Union, who I was honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with for a day of action last week, as they continue to fight for better service and reliability and for their own rights.

    And to the hundreds of constituents who have reached out to our office—hundreds— from Mission Hill, to Roxbury, to Somerville, to Grove Hall, to Allston Brighton and all across the Massachusetts 7th—thank you for raising your voices and demanding to be heard.

    The USPS belongs to all of us—it connects us to our family and friends, we rely on it for daily medications and prescriptions, Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits, our small businesses rely upon it.

    I’ve heard from important community-based organizations and non-profits who have been unable to meet payroll because they didn’t receive the checks that they needed. And it plays a larger role in our elections and the very expression of democracy.

    It is critical at every level of government, that we continue to keep the pressure on Postmaster Louis DeJoy as the impacts of his short-sighted efforts to dismantle and to privatize the USPS play out across our communities and impact our neighbors.

    It’s an honor to testify before this esteemed body, a body whose impact I know personally from my eight years as an At-Large Boston City Councilor, to share the challenges that we have heard from community and continue our partnership in improving the working conditions and services that we know USPS can deliver.

    When the Mission Hill branch was threatening to close, community raised the alarm and city, state, and our office worked together to avert a crisis that would have impacted hundreds of families.

    But even when branches remain open, too many constituents, from Somerville to Roxbury, report that their mail was delayed or not even delivered for weeks…for weeks!

    And when constituents try to visit branches in person, they find that they are under-resourced and understaffed branches that simply cannot keep up with the need.

    My team and I have seen this up close and personal. We made an unannounced visit to the Roxbury and Grove Hall branches, and we have seen DeJoy’s contempt manifested.

    These deep cuts have impacted staffing levels and in turn, impacted service. And it’s been a frustrating and demoralizing experience for the workforce as well.

    All of this is unconscionable. 

    So, I have advocated to secure the funding and oversight necessary to restore the integrity of USPS, to hold leadership accountable for its performance, and that I’m a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and I have led calls for necessary reforms, such as ending their two-tier wage system stifling hiring, and instead investing in the USPS workforce to restore the standards that guarantee timely delivery for all.

    In fact, just last month, my colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation and I sent a letter to the Postmaster General outlining the depth of the problem and their response has been underwhelming and insufficient to say the least.

    But we will not let them off the hook. The collective advocacy of the Boston City Council, the APWU, and most importantly, the USPS’ bosses, the residents of the City of Boston, will keep applying the pressure we need to remove this inept Postmaster General and let the hardworking men and women of the USPS do their duty, which they take tremendous pride in.

    So thank you for allowing me a moment to share with our constituents direct feedback and please do consider me your partner in this work going forward.

    I regret that I could not join today in person due to scheduling conflicts, however a dedicated member of my District Office team, Colin Remal, is there and he’s been ably representing the office and has been point on these issues, engaging the many constituents who have been experiencing inadequate and uneven service delivery. So he is there – wave your hand Colin – and we stand ready to continue the fight with all of you for the services that our communities deserve.

    —

    Throughout her time in Congress, Congresswoman Pressley has championed for federal resources to support the United States Postal Service and its employees:

    • In August 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Markey on a letter urging USPS to re-open postal facilities and improve service, spotlighting a larger statewide problem with postal service in Massachusetts.
    • On December 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined Reps. Lynch and Raskin in leading their colleagues on a letter urging the extension of COVID-19 workers’ compensation benefits for postal workers.
    • On February 25, 2021, Rep. Pressley called for postal banking to advance racial and economic justice during a House Committee on Oversight hearing.
    • On February 19, 2021, Rep. Pressley urged President Biden in a letter to replace Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and appoint a diverse United States Postal Service Board of Governors.
    • On August 22, 2020, Rep. Pressley delivered remarks on the House floor slamming Republican attacks on the United States Postal Service and shared constituent stories.
    • On August 21, 2020, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Payne lead their colleagues in a letter pushing party leadership to stand firm on postal service funding.
    • On August 25, 2020, Rep. Pressley questioned Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and the United States Postal Service Board of Governors Chairman Robert Duncan about the harmful impact policy changes at USPS had on the workforce during a House Committee on Oversight hearing.
    • On August 6, 2020, Rep. Pressley, and her colleagues sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing deep concerns about operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service that could have negative impacts on service standards and cause significant delays in mail delivery.
    • On May 29, 2020, Rep. Pressley joined progressive Members of Congress in a letter urging House and Senate leadership to include public banking in COVID-19 response.

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    MIL OSI USA News –