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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: COP29: States must press Azerbaijani authorities to end assault on civil society

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In the leadup to next month’s COP29 climate summit in Baku, states must exert pressure on the Azerbaijani authorities to reverse their clampdown on civil society, release those detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, and ensure participants including activists and journalists can engage freely and fully in the event, Amnesty International said today.

    Since Azerbaijan was announced as the host of COP29 last December, the authorities have intensified their crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Independent civil society organizations have been closed and critics locked up under politically motivated charges, or forced into exile, in a haunting echo of previous crackdowns documented by Amnesty International around other major international events hosted by Azerbaijan, including Eurovision 2012 and the 2015 European Games.

    “Azerbaijan is hosting an international conference on climate justice while actively undermining the main pillars of climate activism – repressing all forms of critical expression and protests and dismantling local civil society. The Azerbaijani authorities have locked up hundreds of people on politically motivated charges for daring to speak out. The list includes journalists, activists and human rights defenders critical of the government who remain in arbitrary detention, in violation of due process and with no guarantee of fair trials,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    “The authorities are also subjecting dissenters’ relatives to reprisals, while passing repressive laws to inhibit the work of NGOs and the media. The Azerbaijani government’s attempt to hide its abysmal human rights record behind a global climate summit is blatant greenwashing.”

    Azerbaijan is hosting an international conference on climate justice while actively undermining the main pillars of climate activism – repressing all forms of critical expression and protests and dismantling local civil society.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    Azerbaijani human rights defenders estimate that approximately 300 people remain in detention on politically motivated charges. These include human rights defenders, journalists, and environmental, political and other activists prosecuted under fabricated and/or politically motivated charges in retaliation for their criticism of the authorities. For example, prominent human rights defender and climate advocate Anar Mammadli has been in pre-trial detention since 30 April 2024 on bogus charges of conspiracy to bring illegal foreign currency into the country.

    Economist and political activist Gubad Ibadoghlu was moved to house arrest on 22 April 2024 after 274 days in detention. Opposition figure Tofig Yagublu has been in pre-trail detention since 15 December 2023 on spurious fraud and forgery charges. Also among the detained are: Ulvi Hasanli, Ilhamiz Guliyev, Mahammad Kekelov, Sevinj Vagifgyzy, Elnara Gasimova, Nargiz Absalamova Hafiz Babali, Imran Aliyev, Shamo Eminov, Teymur Karimov, Arshad Ibrahimov, Ibrahim Humbatov, Alasgar Mammadli, Mushfig Jabbar, Akif Gubanov, Ruslan Izzatli, Ramil Babayev Ali Zeynalov, Afiaddin Mammadov and Bakhtiyar Hajiyev.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Charity Hosts a Week of Fun Events to Celebrate and Support Kinship Carers

    Source: City of Liverpool

    To mark National Kinship Carers Awareness Week (7th–11th October), Liverpool-based charity Kinship Carers Liverpool is organising a week long series of exciting events.

    Kinship children are those who are looked after by a family member or a family friend. As the longest-running and largest kinship care support group in the UK, the charity has been championing the vital work of kinship carers since establishing this awareness week in October 2016. The aim is to bring attention to the often-overlooked carers who step in to raise children, keeping them out of local authority care.

    Are you a grandparent, relative, or family friend raising someone else’s child? If so, Kinship Carers Liverpool invites you to get involved in this special week. Based at Ellergreen Community Centre in Norris Green, the charity has organised activities to raise awareness and celebrate the essential role kinship carers play in the lives of the children they care for.

    Kinship carers take on the responsibility of raising children due to various circumstances, such as the death of a parent, imprisonment, or challenges like mental health issues, or drug and alcohol addiction. Research shows that children raised in kinship care often experience positive outcomes, but many carers find themselves unprepared emotionally and financially, especially in the current economic climate.

    Fortunately, Kinship Carers Liverpool provides invaluable support, offering practical advice and emotional guidance. Their services include one-on-one and group support for the entire family, helping kinship carers navigate complex legal, financial, and parenting challenges.

    Pauline Thornley, Project Co-ordinator for Kinship Carers Liverpool, said:

    “Our project supports the often-hidden carers who are raising family members and keeping them out of local authority care. We provide training, events, and activities for both carers and young people, offering the tailored support these families need to face life’s challenges.”

    The charity’s work extends beyond local support. Kinship Carers Liverpool has helped ensure that the voices of young people in kinship care are heard nationally. This includes collaborations with the Children’s Commissioner for England and participation in discussions at the Labour Party Conference about the unique challenges faced by kinship families.

    The organisation has also developed a pioneering Kinship Charter in partnership with Liverpool Children’s Services, outlining best practices for professionals supporting kinship families.

    All kinship carers are welcome to join the events at Ellergreen Community Centre (Ellergreen Road, Norris Green, L11 2RY). For more information, call 0151 280 2108, email eve@kinshipcarersliverpool.co.uk, or visit http://www.kinshipcarersliverpool.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Appoints Jessica Fralich to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Jessica Fralich as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. Fralich will replace the Honorable David M. Johnson and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Gaza turned into graveyard after ‘brutal’ year: UN agency

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The year-long “brutal” war has turned the Gaza Strip into a graveyard for tens of thousands and a sea of rubble, the UN agency for Palestine refugees said Monday.

    “Twelve months of brutal war have transformed the Gaza Strip into an unrecognizable sea of rubble and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children,” Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said on social media platform X on the first anniversary of the Gaza conflict.

    “One year has passed, and not a day goes by without families in Gaza being subjected to unspeakable suffering, as forced displacement, disease, hunger, and death have become the daily norm for 2 million people trapped in a bombed-out and besieged enclave,” Lazzarini said.

    “Children have been the first and most to suffer. Beyond the killing and injury, every child in Gaza is traumatized, many with life-long invisible scars. More than 650,000 children are losing another year of learning. Instead of being in classrooms, they are sifting through the rubble in despair and fear,” he said.

    Lazzarini noted that the Middle East is “sinking deeper into conflict, killing, and sheer horrors.”

    “The expansion of the war into Lebanon is wreaking havoc on civilians, many forced to relive traumas of the past,” he said.

    Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,909, with injuries up to 97,303, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NASA, SpaceX postpone Europa Clipper mission launch

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the launch attempt of the agency’s Europa Clipper mission due to anticipated hurricane conditions in the area, NASA said on Monday.

    The mission was originally planned to launch on Oct. 10 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    Hurricane Milton is expected to move from the Gulf of Mexico this week eastward to the Space Coast. High winds and heavy rain are expected in the Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island regions on Florida’s east coast.

    Launch teams have secured Europa Clipper spacecraft in SpaceX’s hangar at Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center ahead of the severe weather, and the center began hurricane preparations Sunday, according to NASA.

    NASA will determine the next launch opportunity. Europa Clipper has launch windows until Nov. 6.

    The mission’s main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, that could support life, according to NASA.

    Europa Clipper spacecraft will conduct detailed reconnaissance of Europa and investigate whether the icy moon could have conditions suitable for life. The spacecraft will perform dozens of close flybys of Europa, gathering detailed measurements to investigate the moon, according to NASA. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges Pakistan to ensure safety of Chinese personnel

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has urged Pakistan to make more targeted measures to provide full protection for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the country, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

    The spokesperson made the remarks in response to the terrorist attack at Sindh Province, Pakistan, that killed and injured Chinese personnel.

    At around 11 p.m. local time on Sunday, a convoy of a Chinese project was attacked near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The incident resulted in deaths and injuries of both Chinese and Pakistanis, among whom two Chinese were killed and one injured.

    China is deeply shocked by the attack against Chinese citizens and strongly condemns this terrorist act, said the spokesperson. “We deeply mourn the victims and our thoughts are with their families.”

    The spokesperson said the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan activated the emergency response mechanism right away and quickly started handling the incident. The Chinese side has requested Pakistan to make every effort to rescue the injured and handle the aftermath, get to the bottom of the incident swiftly, hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    China also demanded efforts to effectively close the security loopholes, and more targeted measures to provide full protection for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, said the spokesperson, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has issued another alert to remind Chinese citizens, enterprises and projects in the country to keep a close eye on the local security situation, strengthen security measures and take precaution for safety.

    “Terrorism is a common enemy of humanity. The attempts of terrorist forces to undermine China-Pakistan trust and cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will not succeed,” said the spokesperson. “China will continue to support Pakistan’s counterterrorism effort, and stands ready to work with Pakistan to foil any attempt to sabotage China-Pakistan relations.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing breaks tourism records during ‘golden week’ holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    During the “golden week” holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, Beijing set new records for both tourist arrivals and total tourism revenue.
    Data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism shows that during the National Day holiday, the Chinese capital city received 21.6 million visitors, marking a year-on-year increase of 18.35 percent. Meanwhile, the city logged total tourism revenue of 26.9 billion yuan (about 3.8 billion U.S. dollars), representing an 11.67-percent increase compared to the previous year.
    As a vibrant cultural center home to the iconic historical sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Beijing’s blend of ancient traditions and modern development makes it a fascinating destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
    Beijing’s Central Axis, a newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site extending 7.8 kilometers through its heart, offers visitors a new perspective from which to explore the city on foot. Tourist interest in visiting locations along the axis has grown significantly, with bookings increasing by 69 percent compared to last year.
    As China’s rural revitalization strategy continues to advance, better infrastructure, services and a variety of colorful activities have also made short-term suburban tours popular among tourists in recent years.
    During the holiday period, Beijing’s rural areas greeted a total of 4.5 million tourists, marking a year-on-year increase of 13.6 percent, with the operating income reaching 602 million yuan, up 4.5 percent from the previous National Day holiday period.
    In addition, during the week-long holiday, public cultural institutions across Beijing organized a total of 855 activities, including exhibitions, cultural lectures, reading activities, art training and intangible cultural heritage experiences, attracting 446,900 participants. A total of 2,071 commercial performances were held, 14 percent higher than the figure for the same period in the previous year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SAVE THE DATE: 2025 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM will join labor and civil rights allies in Austin, Texas, from Jan. 9 – 12 for the 2025 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference.

    The theme of this year’s MLK Conference is “Toward the Dream: Reimagining the Fight for Justice, Freedom and Progress.” 

    This conference is a critical platform for dialogue and action at the intersection of labor and civil rights. It celebrates Dr. King’s enduring legacy and aims to strengthen the bonds between these intertwined movements. 

    Participants will engage in discussions and workshops designed to empower and prepare them to advocate for equity and democracy in their communities and workplaces.

    If you’re an IAM member who plans to attend and need additional information, please contact IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears at nfears@iamaw.org.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Results Of Tunisian Presidential Election

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 07, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Monday released the following statement on the results of the presidential election in Tunisia.
    “For years, President Saied has systematically dismantled Tunisia’s democracy by gutting independent checks and balances and rigging the rules to prevent any real competition. The outcome of this election was determined a long time ago and marks the completion of his plan to restore dictatorship to Tunisia. Today’s “victory” – with a dismal 29% voter turnout – shows just how disenchanted the Tunisian people are with Saied’s rule and his unwillingness to meaningfully address the country’s spiraling economy. The United States should continue its support of the Tunisian people, civil society, and independent media in hopes for a brighter future.”
    In June, Murphy chaired a hearing on President Biden’s FY25 funding request for the Middle East and North Africa, where he raised questions on U.S. policy towards Tunisia and urged support for civil society groups.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Highlights Health Care and Economic Development During Mingo County Stops

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made two stops in Mingo County focused on health services and economic development.
    First, Senator Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), visited Williamson Memorial Hospital to get an in-person update about ongoing upgrades at the facility. This was Senator Capito’s first visit to the facility under new leadership.
    “West Virginians in Mingo County and surrounding areas rely on Williamson Memorial Hospital for a range of health services,” Senator Capito said. “That’s why it was welcome news when Dr. Beckett purchased the hospital, and since then has made investments and renovations to improve the facility, filling a critical health care gap. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with hospital leadership and staff, as well as tour the facility and learn more about the operations, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact in and around the region in the near future.”
    “Returning Williamson Memorial to our community is an endeavor that has drawn all of us together, starting here in Williamson, extending throughout the Tug Valley and reaching across our state,” Williamson Health & Wellness Center CEO Dr. C. Donovan “Dino” Beckett said. “We are honored Sen. Capito is a part of it and excited to share with her a look at the extraordinary strides we’ve made at the new Williamson Memorial. Our hospital represents the resolve, commitment and ingenuity of West Virginia and is a testament to our overarching mission at Williamson Health & Wellness Center: Health for everyone.”
    “We are so pleased to have Sen. Capito join with us in celebrating the great strides we’ve made with the return of Williamson Memorial,” Tim Hatfield, CEO of the new Williamson Memorial said. “She recognizes, as we do, the importance of this effort. It means greatly improved access to care for the people of our community and it means the return of valuable jobs to our economy. And because of the upgrades to the facility and our reliance on an integrated care model, the new Williamson Memorial is not only back, it is better than ever and here to stay.”
    Next, Senator Capito traveled to the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. where she met with community business leaders and participated in a roundtable discussion. Additionally, Senator Capito received a tour of the Coal-Mac Trucking facility and a demonstration at JP Technical Services.
    “It was great to meet with business leaders today in Mingo County and hear more about the success they have had at the Industrial Park. Whether it’s the employee growth Coal-Mac is experiencing or the expansion of services JP Technical Services is offering, I enjoyed the opportunity to hear about what is working for these local businesses and how I can continue to be a good partner to them in the Senate. I look forward to taking insights from our conversation today back to Washington in order to better support West Virginia workers,” Senator Capito said.
    Photos from today’s visits are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Williamson Memorial Hospital in Williamson, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Mingo County business leaders at the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Grades Biden-Harris Middle East Policy an “F”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – On the one-year anniversary of the barbaric Oct. 7 attacks by Iran-backed Hamas, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) analyzed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ five goals for the Middle East outlined in their 2022 National Security Strategy.
    Based on their selected objectives of supporting allies, deterring adversaries, promoting regional stability, strengthening partnerships, and protecting basic human rights, Senator Ernst detailed how the White House has come up short at every turn. She pointed out that they have withheld critical weapons from our ally Israel, allowed Houthi rebels to terrorize shipping lanes, let Iran reap billions from illicit oil sales, neglected to build upon the historic Abraham Accords, and failed to properly condemn Hamas’ use of rape as a weapon of war.
    “Mr. President and Madam Vice President, you have succeeded in none of the five objectives you set out for the Middle East. If this were a graded test, you would receive an F,” wrote Ernst. “Despite the fantastical claims by your Secretary of State last week, your administration’s strategy has put the United States in a much weaker geopolitical position today than it was four years ago. The American people, our servicemembers, and our allies and partners deserve better.” 
    Click here to view the full letter.
    Background:
    On October 7, 2023, Ernst was in the Middle East and went into Israel just days after Iran-backed Hamas’ attacks to show her support for our ally.
    Since then, she has kept up the pressure to bring the hostages home, held the Biden-Harris administration accountable to their “ironclad” commitment, and continued to stand with Israel.
    In January 2024, Ernst returned to the Middle East and advocated for the release of the hostages in meetings with senior leadership and lead negotiators in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Bahrain.
    In May 2024, she was in Israel when she received reports that the United States withheld an ammunition shipment to Israel and immediately demanded answers from President Biden to hold him accountable for his “ironclad” commitment to our greatest ally in the Middle East.
    In September 2024, Ernst traveled to Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar to secure a deal that ensures the survival of Israel, destroys Hamas’ ability to reconstitute in the region, and brings the American hostages home.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Law Enforcement Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota starting immediately, in honor and remembrance of Law Enforcement Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim. Ranger Grossheim died while responding to a call in Voyageurs National Park.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises CBA on divestment from VIB

    Source: Allens Insights

    Allens has advised the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) on its sale of approximately 5% stake in Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB), a leading Vietnamese commercial bank listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.

    With total gross proceeds of approximately $160 million, the sale forms part of CBA’s strategy to focus on its banking businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

    Allens advised on all aspects of the transaction, drawing on its extensive experience in Vietnam to advise not only on legal issues but also on strategic matters in the rapidly evolving Vietnamese market.

    ‘We are pleased to have worked with CBA to navigate the Vietnamese market throughout the lifecycle of this investment, with the firm also having advised on CBA’s original foreign strategic interest in 2010,’ said lead partner Linh Bui.

    ‘CBA is an important client of Allens in Australia and we are pleased to extend our support to CBA on this strategic investment in Vietnam.’

    Allens legal team

    Linh Bui (lead Partner), Ngoc Anh Tran (Partner), Ha Nguyen (Senior Associate), Kiet Do (Associate), Tien Tran (Associate)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says.

    “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. That’s why we’ve developed these practical, easy-to-use resources to help businesses safeguard themselves against cyber threats.

    The programme, Unmask Cyber Crime, offers a series of short, educational videos that have been designed to raise awareness and provide small to medium business owners with the confidence to adopt effective cybersecurity practices. It comes as New Zealand businesses are increasingly identifying cyber security as a key concern for their business.

    “Cyber-attacks can severely impact businesses and business owners, leading to financial losses and reputational harm. Many New Zealand SMEs are especially vulnerable due to limited resources. This initiative equips them with the tools to understand and mitigate these risks.”

    Each video focuses on a specific aspect of cyber security, outlining risks to be aware of and practical steps that can be taken to enhance security. The videos are free and available to all businesses.

    “The government will continue working alongside the business sector to ensure these resources reach as many businesses as possible, supporting them to be resilient against cyber threats.

    Notes to editor:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [World Mental Health Day] Enabling a Better Understanding of the Mind-Body Connection Through Advanced Health Research

    Source: Samsung

    Mental health impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives — from physical health to relationships with friends, family and communities, as well as productivity at work and beyond. Despite the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being, the majority of available technologies are centered around physical health. Samsung is committed to fostering innovative health solutions for both today and tomorrow which is why we frequently collaborate with leading medical institutions and universities to leverage advanced technologies and explore new possibilities in health and wellness.
     
    In support of World Mental Health Day, Samsung is highlighting ongoing research programs with Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT Media Lab, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Tulane University School of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute. These studies dive deep into the mind-body connection by examining various health indicators including depression, mood, resilience and even cardiovascular diseases to deliver more comprehensive and preventative health solutions for all.
     
     
    Enabling Depression Prevention & Detection With Massachusetts General Hospital

     
    Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has been analyzing the correlation between depression and various biomarkers by evaluating the health metrics of 150 participants with different levels of depression using the Galaxy Watch. The study aims to validate the correlations between depression and biometrics — such as participants’ patterns of biometric data, activity level, sleep stage, duration and latency on both weekends and weekdays — to identify more detailed characteristics. The findings will be used to introduce a mental health index, allowing users to better understand their mental state and take proactive measures
     
     
    Supporting Well-Being Through Better Sleep With MIT Media Lab

     
    MIT Media Lab has expanded the understanding of sleep’s role in well-being by linking sleep patterns to overall health. Approximately 200 college students participated in the study, tracking their sleep over a month and self-evaluating across five well-being indicators every morning — including alertness, happiness, energy, health and calmness. The study found strong associations between sleep and well-being with both sleep duration and sleep regularity directly affecting them. By utilizing a mixed-effect random forest (MERF) model, MIT Media Lab was able to predict the participants’ self-reported well-being based on their sleep patterns with a mean absolute error of 11-15 points on a 100-point scale which closely matched their self-evaluation results. This outcome highlights the link between sleep and well-being as well as the possibility of personalized well-being assessment and management through the analysis of sleep patterns.
     
     
    Helping Rapid Recovery With Brigham & Women’s Hospital

     
    Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) is studying the relationship between biomarkers and an individual’s resilience, or how quickly one recovers from major stressors. As a holistic measure, resilience captures the capacity of the body and mind to withstand major events such as disease and surgery. For a first use case, they are monitoring patients before, during and after undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery. The Galaxy Watch tracks participants’ lifestyle patterns and health conditions in real time while the data is automatically collected and analyzed using the Samsung Health Research Stack, a system designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale research. This study aims to uncover insights into recovery and the ability to withstand stressors — not only to help inform medical decisions but also to help individuals understand how they can be prepared in both mind and body for any challenges that may come.
     
     
    Identifying Cardiovascular Risks With Tulane University School of Medicine

     
    Mental health has a well-established relationship with reduced risk of future cardiovascular disease. Tulane University School of Medicine is utilizing data from the Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health SDK to create biomarkers for early detection of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study will closely monitor thousands of participants from diverse demographics and areas of high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors for up to three years. Each participant’s health records and biometric data will then be analyzed to examine complex and interconnected health factors. Samsung and Tulane’s Heart and Vascular Institute hope to identify factors that impact cardiovascular disease with a goal of developing algorithms for individual cardiovascular disease prediction and prevention.
     
    “At Samsung, we are committed to supporting the health community by unlocking new frontiers that were previously impossible to explore,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “That’s why we collaborate with leading medical institutions and accelerate research focused on the mind-body connection, leveraging our sensor technology and combined expertise to deliver truly holistic and preventative health solutions.”
     
     
    About Massachusetts General HospitalMassachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The Mass General Research Institute conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with annual research operations of more than $1 billion and comprises more than 9,500 researchers working across more than 30 institutes, centers and departments. MGH is a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.
     
    About the MIT Media LabAt the intersection of engineering, design, science, and art, the MIT Media Lab is an interdisciplinary creative playground rooted in academic excellence, made up of dozens of research groups, initiatives, and centers working collaboratively on hundreds of projects. Our overarching research themes address global challenges from well-being and cryptocurrencies to robotics and sustainable futures. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the MIT Media Lab collaborates with corporations, governments, NGOs, donors, and others around the globe to drive impactful change across sectors. Learn more at media.mit.edu.
     
    About Brigham and Women’s HospitalBrigham and Women’s Hospital is a world-class academic medical center based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Brigham serves patients from New England, across the United States and from 120 countries around the world. A major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital has a legacy of clinical excellence that continues to grow year after year.
     
    The Brigham network includes 1,200 doctors throughout New England working across 150 outpatient practices. An international leader in virtually every area of medicine, the Brigham has led numerous medical and scientific breakthroughs that have improved lives around the world.
     
    U.S. News & World Report recognizes Brigham and Women’s Hospital among the best hospitals in many specialty areas, including cancer, heart and vascular, diabetes and endocrine disorders, ear, nose and throat, gastroenterology and GI surgery, geriatric care, gynecology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology.
     
    About Tulane University School of MedicineFounded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana, Tulane University School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. Established to combat yellow fever and smallpox in New Orleans, the school is a leading institution known for medical education, research, and patient care. Over the years, it has significantly contributed to medicine, including groundbreaking research and innovative treatments. Today, Tulane continues its legacy of excellence, training the next generation of healthcare leaders and advancing medical knowledge.
     
    Tulane Medicine recruits top faculty, researchers, and students from around the world so they can collaborate and develop groundbreaking medical research and surgical advances. From new drugs to innovative care techniques, or the invention of the binocular microscope to robotic surgeries, we remain a constant presence at the forefront of modern medical innovation. Tulane Medicine equips the next generation of medical professionals — whether scientific or clinical — with a broad set of tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. When you see the Tulane Shield, you always know that the future of medicine… is here.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Announces Earnings Guidance for Third Quarter 2024

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced its earnings guidance for the third quarter of 2024.
     
    Consolidated Sales: Approximately 79 trillion Korean won
    Consolidated Operating Profit: Approximately 9.1 trillion Korean won
     
    The above estimates are based on K-IFRS. Please note that Korean disclosure regulations do not allow earnings estimates to be offered as a range. To comply with such regulations, the above figures represent the median of the estimate ranges provided below.
     
    Sales: 78 trillion to 80 trillion Korean won
    Operating Profit: 9.0 trillion to 9.2 trillion Korean won
     
    ※  2024 2Q and 2023 3Q consolidated figures based on K-IFRS are as follows
    (in trillion won)
    2024.2Q
    2023.3Q
    Sales
    74.07
    67.40
    Operating profit
    10.44
    2.43
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A Review of Digital Creative Industries in Asia: Opportunities and Policies to Foster Growth and Create High-Quality Jobs

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    A collaboration between ADB and Netflix, it focuses on movies, music, and gaming in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Assessing the potential of artificial intelligence, the private sector, and investment challenges, the report looks at ways countries can use incentives, supportive regulation, and better funding options to foster their creative industries and become attractive offshoring destinations.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven-Led Working Group Announces Community Plan to Build Veterans Memorial Center at FNC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    10.07.24
    After Securing Veterans Cemetery Expansion, Senator Coordinating Efforts to Secure VA Approval of FM Honor Guard Proffer, Utilizing Impact Foundation for Financial Oversight
    FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, joined by the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis and FMWF Executive Director Shannon Full, today announced a community plan to develop a Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). This follows Hoeven’s efforts as a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee to secure an expansion and enhancements for FNC, with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) having purchased land to expand the cemetery’s footprint from 5 to 35 acres. The expansion comes with significant investment by the VA, both in developing a new master plan for adding infrastructure to the land, as well as ongoing operations, staffing and maintenance.
    Hoeven has since been working to coordinate efforts among veterans groups, local stakeholders and the VA to build a facility at the FNC that incorporates local input and adequately addresses the needs of veterans, their families and volunteers. As a result:
    Stakeholders from the region have formed a working group to support the development effort, consisting of Senator Hoeven’s office, the mayors of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo and the executive director of the FMWF Chamber.
    The Hoeven-led group is working with the VA to vet and officially name the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard as the 501(c)(3) responsible for building the Veterans Memorial Center.
    Hoeven advanced this option with the VA to save the project time and cost, using a process wherein a local nonprofit may develop and donate a commemorative work, such as a visitor’s center, to the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
    Hoeven continues working to ensure the VA follows through on its commitment to support this project moving forward, having raised this priority in a Senate committee hearing with VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

    The Honor Guard will utilize the Impact Foundation to provide financial oversight of the project.
    The Honor Guard has prepared a proffer to submit to the VA for review, in collaboration with Hoeven’s working group.

    The working group will continue its efforts to communicate with the public and ensure local support for the project.
    “Since the time of its establishment, we have worked to bring enhanced facilities to the Fargo National Cemetery that properly honor our veterans and their families, while supporting the efforts of volunteers. Now, we have a solid community plan in place and the buy-in of the essential stakeholders, and we’re bringing that plan to the VA,” said Senator Hoeven. “With the partnership of our working group with the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard and the Impact Foundation, we are positioned to secure VA approval for this project, which will be built and donated by the Honor Guard. But our work isn’t done, and we will continue to coordinate efforts to deliver the kind of facility that our veterans have earned.”
    Under the proffer developed by the working group and the Honor Guard, the approximately $3.7 million Veterans Memorial Center will include the following amenities:
    Gathering area to be used by family and friends of the deceased veteran prior to or following the interment.
    Gallery to showcase the lives and service of our veterans.
    Offices for VA staff.
    Breakroom for the Honor Guard members.
    Indoor restrooms.
    Garage to accommodate a hearse.
    Parking lot.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard sets port conditions for Georgia, South Carolina

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/07/2024 09:00 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Office: 904-714-7606/7607
    After Hours: 786-393-4138
    PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

     

    10/07/2024 08:54 PM EDT

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Coast Guard captains of the ports (COTP) set port conditions, Tuesday, for the Ports of Brunswick, Savannah, coastal South Carolina and all other terminals and facilities due to forecasted sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Hurricane Milton that may arrive within 24 to 48 hours.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Milton

    uring emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works with its federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of the people in the areas that may be impacted.

    In such circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones.

    At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.

    DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status.

    DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.

    For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties about these matters, please visit our Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wangaratta training campus celebrates 40 years

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Volunteers exhibited their firefighting skills in front of onlookers on Saturday 5 October. Pictures by Marc Bongers

    One of CFA’s eight training facilities used by firefighters celebrated its 40th anniversary with members and families on the weekend.

    On Saturday 5 October, hot fire drills and vehicle displays were part of the event at Wangaratta’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC). 

    PAD Supervisor Richie Gardner said the facility, which provides volunteers with training in various scenarios including structural firefighting and breathing apparatus, began its journey over four decades ago.  

    “In 1979, Wangaratta Council was approached by some of the local brigades that were looking for somewhere to be able to do hot fire training, which was not something you could do in the town,” Richie said.  

    “An area adjacent to the saleyards was open and free and council agreed they could start utilising it from 1984.” 

    The Wangaratta facility boasts fire attack buildings, props and training facilities for brigades from Kerang to Wallan, the Alpine region, back to Corryong and to the Murray region.   

    Crews can utilise simulations of motor vehicle accidents and structure fires to boost their skills, as well as breathing apparatus equipment.  

    “It gives our brigades the opportunity to come and train to meet the risk of their area,” Richie said.   

    “They have the ability to go to a training ground and be taught in a controlled environment, but still very similar to the hot smoky environment of a real fire.”  

    On the weekend, South Wangaratta and Wangaratta Fire Brigade members participated in a simulation of a service station fire gas attack to present their skills to the welcoming crowd.  

    A yesteryear drill also saw old international pumpers members utilised in the facility’s early days restored for senior members to use once again.  

    “The good thing about this facility, or any of our facilities, is they’re not only firefighting facilities, they’re for emergency service training, so Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and other emergency service organisations also utilise our training campus,” Richie said.   

    “You never know when you or your family may need one of these services, and for us to be able to enhance their skills and assist them in their development is sensational. 

    “It’s something firefighters can’t do in their work environments, so they come here, and they utilise this facility, and it makes it a safer place and a safer world for all of us.” 

    Former CFA members who helped establish the facility gathered alongside current members to formally celebrate the occasion on Friday 4 October. 

    CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook said it was important to pay respects to those who had the foresight and tenacity to bring training to volunteers as opposed to the other way around. 

    “We now have another seven facilities like Wangaratta all owned and maintained by CFA geographically dispersed around Victoria, providing that very same vision that those pioneers had in the early days of District 23, being a first-class training facility accessible to volunteers,” Garry said.  

    “It’s a great facility and one that everybody who has had anything to do with over the years is exceptionally proud of. 

    “We look forward to the opportunity to provide our volunteers with a base to access their training for years to come.”  

    • Firefighters attack a simulated service station fire
    • (Back row): Brett Eastwood, Peter Dedman, Tony Owen, David Maxwell, Daryl Owen and Paul Scragg. (Front row): Trevor Franklin, Stewart Kreltszheim and Eddie Tichelaar in front of a restored vehicle
    • A restored vehicle
    • CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook speaking at an event for past and current members on Friday 4 October
    • From left to right: PAD Supervisor Richie Gardner and PAD operators Steve Phillips, Steve McDonald, David Stone, David Salau, Kane Waring, Warren Honey, John Barnard, Dave Muskee and Jason Allisey
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Guam

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    Guam

    Security
    New Zealanders in Guam are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. See our USA travel advisory.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Algeria

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 7 October 2024, 10:38 NZDT
    • Still current at: 8 October 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Do not travel within 50 kilometres of the border regions with Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Tunisia due to a heightened threat from terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

    Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Algeria, due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 2 of 4).

    Algeria

    Terrorism
    There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. While the threat is greatest in remote mountainous regions and rural areas, attacks can occur indiscriminately anywhere, at any time.

    In recent years, there have been several attacks, primarily against Algerian government interests and security forces, but civilians have been killed or injured also. On 16 January 2021, two four-wheel drive vehicles triggered two Improvised Explosive Devices, killing 5 civilians. On 14 January 2021, a roadside bomb killed 5 Algerian citizens in Telidjane, Tebessa province, on the border with Tunisia. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for placement of the landmine, but denied that they were targeting civilians.

    Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and similar groups have signalled an intent to target foreigners and Western interests. There have been attacks on foreign oil and gas operations in the Sahara resulting in foreigners being taken hostage and killed. Further attacks are possible.

    New Zealanders in Algeria are advised to maintain a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, keep a low profile and stay alert to local developments. We recommend adhering to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities.

    Kidnapping
    There is a risk of kidnapping outside of the main cities, particularly in the Kabylie region in north east Algeria, border areas in the south and east and remote regions in the Sahara. Foreigners have been taken hostage, and in some cases executed. Further kidnappings are possible.

    We strongly advise against unnecessary travel to remote areas and against all travel to the border regions near Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Tunisia due to the heightened risk of kidnapping. New Zealanders in Algeria are advised to seek professional security advice before travelling to areas of particular risk and ensure appropriate personal security protection measures are in place. 

    Civil Unrest/Political Tension
    Protests and demonstrations are a frequent occurrence and can be triggered by political and economic developments, and events in both Algeria and the wider region. New Zealanders in Algeria are strongly advised to avoid any political gatherings, protests and demonstrations, as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

    Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

    Local Travel
    New Zealanders in Algeria should ensure they put in place appropriate personal security protection measures. Local police are able to provide further advice on the security situation and necessary security arrangements. It is advisable to notify police of travel to any remote locations, accept any security escort you may be offered and co-operate with authorities.

    New Zealanders travelling in Algeria should avoid travelling outside the major cities by road, due to security concerns, particularly at night when there is a heightened risk. Authorities will likely want to know your travel plans when travelling outside major cities and may assign police to protect you. Take particular caution after dark. Where possible, avoid public transport and travel by air. Accommodation should be prearranged and at a place where a high level of security is provided.

    Crime
    The crime rate in Algeria is moderate. Street crime is prevalent in Algeria and foreigners may be specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Bag-snatchings, muggings and theft from hotel rooms and cars are common in larger cities. Only stay at international hotels that provide a high level of security.

    New Zealanders are advised to exercise particular vigilance in crowded or public areas. Avoid showing signs of affluence and keep personal belongings secure at all times. Avoid walking in isolated areas or alone at night, as risks increase after dark.

    There is a threat of banditry, particularly in the Tamanrasset and Illizi provinces in southern Algeria, and other areas away from major highways. Bandits have used illegal blockades to stop and rob vehicles.

    General Travel Advice
    New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Algeria to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

    Homosexuality is illegal in Algeria and convictions can result in prison sentences.

    Algeria does not recognise dual nationality. This limits our ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealand/Algerian dual nationals.

    New Zealanders travelling or living in Algeria should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

    New Zealanders in Algeria are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

     

    Travel tips

    The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt is accredited to Algeria

    Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Fax +202 2461 9178 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/ Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.

    See our regional advice for Africa

    Top of page

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem on the suffering of women and girls in the Middle East

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    Today marks one year since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and other armed groups on Israel in which more than 1,250 people were killed, hundreds taken hostage and acts of egregious sexual violence reported. This has been followed by Israel’s deadly military campaign in Gaza, where months of relentless bombardment and ground operations have killed more than 41,000 people – most of them women and children – and caused untold pain and destruction. 
     

    More than 2 million people in Gaza lack the basic necessities to survive – sanitation, health care, shelter, electricity and protection. Families have been forcibly displaced multiple times, moving from one unsafe place to another, with no escape and no home to which to return. Two million people have lost everything, their neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Around 96 per cent of the population faces crisis levels of hunger or worse. At the same time, the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate. Life for millions in Palestine, Israel, and now across the region has changed forever. The rights and dignity of women and girls have been severely compromised. 
     

    The 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers in Gaza struggle every day to keep themselves and their babies alive, with the healthcare system in ruins and facilities deprived of the supplies they need to operate. Women’s chances of miscarriage or dying in childbirth have trebled. New mothers have spoken to us of giving birth alone in their tents at night; or seeking early Caesarean sections for fear they won’t survive until their due date.
     

    In conflict, it is vulnerable civilians who suffer most – pregnant women, children and newborns; the sick, the elderly, people living with disabilities.
     

    Among those affected are our colleagues, who continue to assist the vulnerable, despite having lost family members and their homes.
     

    More than 280 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began. 
     

    As families are packed into overcrowded, unsanitary temporary shelter areas, with no clean water or soap available, menstruation is impossible to manage. Some 10.3 million menstrual pads are needed every month in Gaza, yet nowhere near enough are permitted entry.
     

    Amid this suffering, UNFPA and its partners have helped around 45,000 women give birth safely since October 2023.  We are operating six mobile maternal health units in Gaza, which are equipped to manage obstetric emergencies, including Caesarean sections. UNFPA has also distributed reproductive health kits with medicines, equipment and supplies to support safe births, and deployed teams of midwives and healthcare workers to provide essential antenatal and postnatal care.
     

    UNFPA is deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of all women and girls caught up in the conflict. The situation they face is beyond catastrophic. It is time for the international community and all parties concerned to forge a future without fighting, where lives, homes and communities can be rebuilt. We need a ceasefire now. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian law and international human rights law. All hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need must be guaranteed. 
     

    The atrocities must end. The fate of humanity does not belong in the hands of those wielding weapons. It must rest with women and young people and their allies standing together to wage peace.

    ####

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works with its federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of the people in the areas that may be impacted.

    In such circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones.

    At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.

    DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status.

    DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.

    For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties about these matters, please visit our Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Contract awarded to protect popular Ōrewa Beach from erosion

    Source: Auckland Council

    Protection of a vulnerable stretch of popular Ōrewa Beach is underway with construction due to start soon on an erosion-preventing seawall and walkway. 

    Auckland Council is pleased to announce that the contract has been awarded for the construction of the Ōrewa walkway and seawall to JFC Limited as our construction contractors.

    The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a 600m-long seawall and shared path in Ōrewa, between Marine View and Kohu Street as well as a shared space at Kinloch Reserve.

    Through value engineering (a thorough process that ensures value for money without compromising on function) and robust negotiation, the tender has been awarded for approximately $12.5M – which is under the estimated cost to construct and within the council’s allocated budget.

    Ward Councillor John Watson emphasises the importance of Ōrewa beach not only to the local community but also to the wider region.

    “Ōrewa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the entire Auckland region. Its year-round attraction means it’s always in high use by the community. It’s one of the jewels in the crown of the Hibiscus Coast.

    “The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a multi-million-dollar investment into managing the impacts of coastal erosion to a much-loved area. I’m pleased that we’re in a position to move forward with this next phase and the steps that were taken to deliver the project under budget without compromising on essential aspects.”

    Along with the seawall and shared pathway, the project includes planting along the walkway and in Kinloch and Kohu Street Reserves, inground lighting, three ramps and five sets of stairs to improve access to the beach. The design has also sought to minimise impact to trees and protect the pōhutukawa trees near the marine reserve.

    Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum says that the local board is pleased that construction of the seawall is about to begin.

    “We have supported the seawall project for a very long time, and it’s been through quite a process, going all the way up to Environment Court. Ōrewa Beach faces several challenging erosion issues with this narrow section of the beach which is at the highest risk of progressive erosion.

    “Our community and visitors need access to the beach and the shared walkway will improve access for a range of people wanting to enjoy the beach,” says Chairperson Poppelbaum.

    About the Ōrewa walkway and seawall

    Ōrewa Beach has several challenging erosion issues. It is one of Auckland’s highest priority at-risk coastal areas. The aim of the Ōrewa seawall is to manage the impacts of erosion, while maintaining access along and onto the beachfront.

    The Environment Court granted resource consent for the seawall in August 2020. This was achieved with funding from Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s One Local Initiative. Construction was delayed due to COVID-19 and funding challenges.

    “It’s great to be at this point and awarding the contract for what will be a monumental project for Ōrewa,” says Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council General Manager Parks and Community Facilities.

    “Over the last few months, we have been discussing aspects of the design with JFC Limited (JFC), negotiating the tender price, agreeing the programme and staging of work. Our thanks to the community for their patience as we’ve gone through this necessary process.

    “Thanks to value engineering and negotiations, procurement will be within the budget approved through the Long-term Plan as demonstrated by the final tender amount. Despite delays, we are still planning to complete the project before the end of 2025 as originally planned.”

    “We acknowledge and appreciate the involvement of Ngāti Manuhiri in the project. We’re excited to be finalising the design of mahi toi elements including stencils etched into the concrete walkway.”

    Our contractors, consultants and council staff will also attend a cultural induction led by Ngāti Manuhiri, prior to construction starting.

    Next steps

    Construction will begin in October 2024 on the stage between Kohu Street and Kinloch Reserve. Work will stop prior to Christmas and recommence in March 2025 to avoid construction activity on the beach and in front of properties over the Christmas and summer holiday period.

    Extent of the works – courtesy Tonkin & Taylor

    In the next couple of months, you can expect to see our contractors establishing their site compound on Kinloch Reserve and installing fencing.

    While part of Kohu Street will also be fenced during the construction period, there’ll still be access to residential properties and the beach.

    Keep in touch

    Quarterly project updates are planned as the walkway and seawall project progresses. If you would like to receive the project newsletter, please email: orewaseawall@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

    For further information about the project and to view previous editions of the newsletter, please visit our website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Man dies after Courtenay Place assault

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Update: Man dies after Courtenay Place assault

    Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, Wellington Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB):

    The investigation into a weekend assault on Courtenay Place in Wellington has become a homicide enquiry.

    The victim of the Sunday morning assault, 21-year-old Luke Smith, died in hospital today surrounded by family after his life support was withdrawn overnight.

    Luke and his parents had emigrated to New Zealand from South Africa earlier this year and settled in Upper Hutt.

    Police and Victim Support are providing support to his family at this horrific time.

    A post-mortem is scheduled for Wednesday 9 October, after which Luke’s family are planning to return him to South Africa for his funeral.

    We are still working to determine exactly what happened. Luke was assaulted about 3.15am on Sunday, at the bus stop outside the old Reading Cinema building.

    Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence, and we need to speak with anyone who saw the incident and has yet to contact us.

    In particular, Police are aware of two woman who were seated nearby and likely witnessed the incident and we urge them to come forward. 

    A number of others came to the assistance of Luke after the assault, and we would like to speak to these people also and obtain any video and still images people may have of the incident.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105 and use the reference number 241006/5414.

    Police have also opened an online portal where anyone who has any relevant video footage or images can upload their material.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    A 29-year-old man was arrested on Monday and was bailed following his appearance in the Wellington District Court yesterday. He is due to reappear in court on 21 October and further charges are possible.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jing’an showcases sculptures from around the world

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Thirty-five sculptures by 31 artists from 10 countries are showcased at the Jing’an International Sculpture Project, a biennial event jointly hosted by the municipal administration for planning and natural resources and the Jing’an district in Shanghai.

    While most of the sculptures are on exhibition at the Jing’an Sculpture Park, six pieces are placed at urban squares, parks and other landmark locations by the Suzhou Creek and the Nanjing Road West.

    This year the exhibition has been curated by UCCA Lab, a branch institution of the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art. Philip Tinari, director of the center, hoped to leverage the institution’s distinctive global perspective to achieve new breakthroughs in the selection as well as the quality of the exhibits of the JISP, which features 22 new commissioned works for the occasion.

    Since the first installment of JISP in 2010, the biennial exhibition has become a renowned public art brand of Shanghai, said Gong Mingjun, deputy director of the Shanghai Landscaping & City Appearance Administrative Bureau. This year the exhibition features the theme Echoes among us, exploring the harmonious co-existence between art, the city, and the people.

    France is the guest-of-honor of JISP this year in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and France. Among the featured artists from France are Martial Raysse, one of the most celebrated French artists in the world; Marc Fornes, an architect specializing in large-scale, site-specific structures; and Pablo Reinoso, who brought to Shanghai a work of his signature Spaghetti Bench series.

    The exhibition is ongoing until the end of the year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Box office of National Day holiday exceeds 2 bln yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A moviegoer claims tickets from a self-service machine at a cinema in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Chu Jiayin)

    The box office takings for the 2024 National Day holiday have exceeded 2 billion yuan (about 285 million U.S. dollars), according to the movie data platform Maoyan.

    Leading the charts are three domestic productions: “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death,” “Bureau 749,” and “Tiger Wolf Rabbit.”

    Directed by Chen Kaige, “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death” is the second installment of his “The Volunteers” trilogy. Premiered on Sept. 30, the film has raked in 781 million yuan, accounting for 38.1 percent of the holiday’s box office revenue.

    The second and third highest-grossing films on the leaderboard are Lu Chuan’s sci-fi offering “Bureau 749” and the crime drama “Tiger Wolf Rabbit,” which have grossed over 353 million yuan and 348 million yuan, respectively, as of Monday afternoon.

    The National Day holiday, running from Oct. 1 to 7, is traditionally one of China’s most lucrative moviegoing periods. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese orchestra performs in Vladivostok

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in Vladivostok on Monday, concluding its tour in Russia.

    Under the director of conductor Li Xincao, the orchestra presented a variety of pieces by both Chinese and Russian composers.

    Ren Xiaolong, general manager of the NCPA Orchestra, said that the performance coincided with the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties, emphasizing the orchestra’s role as a bridge of friendship.

    Yuri Sergeyevich, a Russian audience, said the concert “was deeply moving and left a lasting impression on us.”

    The NCPA Orchestra’s tour in Russia took place from Oct. 1 to 7, with previous concerts held in Moscow and Saint Petersburg as part of the celebrations for the China-Russia Year of Culture.

    MIL OSI China News –