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  • MIL-OSI Global: Pharma company funding for patient advocacy groups needs to be transparent

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University, Canada

    As a first step in determining whose interests patient groups align with, we need more transparency about the source of their revenue. (Shutterstock)

    Patient groups should be playing a central role in Canada’s health-care system, advocating for their members by promoting the visibility of their conditions, pushing for more rapid and accurate diagnoses and lobbying for the introduction and funding of new treatments and drugs that may help relieve their members’ symptoms and extend their lives.

    However, all of this requires resources. In the past, groups could turn to the federal government for funding, but that option dried up in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

    Pharmaceutical industry funding

    In response, patient groups looked to the pharmaceutical industry to be able to continue functioning. How much money Canadian groups get from drug companies is largely unknown.

    Neither the federal government nor the major industry association, Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), require companies to report on payments to groups and similarly there are no rules saying that patient groups must reveal who gives them money or how much. Even if groups are registered charities, that type of granular information is not collected in reports they have to file with the Canada Revenue Agency.

    How much money Canadian patient advocacy groups get from drug companies is largely unknown.
    (Shutterstock)

    There is one source of partial information that has not been investigated until now. Since 2016, six companies have voluntarily released detailed annual statements about which groups they give money to and the value of those payments — GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi and Teva.

    I have analyzed the available reports from these companies. Because pharma companies have a history of trying to buy influence — a topic I’ve researched extensively — it’s important to look at what and who they are funding. All told, from 2016 to 2023, they gave more than $30 million in 671 separate payments to 263 groups. The $30 million figure is a minimum because not all of the six companies report in any individual year. There are also an additional 42 member companies in IMC that don’t file any reports. (Teva does not belong to IMC.)

    The median amount that a patient group received was $26,000 but that number hides the extremes. The Black Health Alliance received a single payment of $250 in 2023 from Novartis whereas the World Federation of Hemophilia, based in Montréal, got over $4.5 million from Roche and Sanofi between 2020 to 2023. Fourteen groups accounted for almost one-half of all payments groups received. Although Novartis only reported in three years (2021-23) it gave the largest amount of money, over $7.5 million.

    Conflicts of interest

    Receiving money creates a conflict-of-interest (COI), where a COI is defined by the U.S. Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) as “a set of circumstances that creates a risk that…judgment or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest.” In this case, that would mean that the patient group was looking out for the interests of the drug company that gave it money as opposed to the interests of its patient members.

    However, just because groups received money from drug companies does not necessarily equate to the positions and actions that they took. There is a wide range of positions taken by patient groups that have received pharma funding, and when their positions align with those of their sponsors, these associations do not establish cause and effect.

    The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders that received just shy of $450,000 between 2018 and 2023 from a combination of GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi has publicly criticized the legislation that potentially creates the first steps to a universal, first-dollar coverage pharmacare plan.

    Twenty-eight patient groups, including Save Your Skin Foundation and Myeloma Canada, lobbied the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board to try to stop the board from instituting reforms to how it regulated drug prices. Save Your Skin Foundation got just over $750,000 in drug company money and Myeloma Canada got $831,000.

    Pharma companies have a history of offering funding and other resources that have been shown to influence health-care professionals.
    (Shutterstock)

    Some groups that take drug company money do not necessarily align with the interests of their funders. The president of the Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA) pulled his organization out of a focus-group project organized by Janssen and AbbVie because he refused to sign off on a report claiming that patients were strongly opposed to switching from the medication Humira, sold by AbbVie, to a less expensive biosimilar.

    Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) used to receive grants from Janssen and AbbVie until it also came out in favour of switching to biosimilars. (CSA received over $100,000 from Merck and Novartis, while ACE $267,000 from Merck and Novartis as well as Teva.)

    How pharma funds buy influence

    Pharma companies have a history of offering funding and other resources that have been shown to influence health-care professionals, which has extended the reach of pharma companies’ interests into virtually all aspects of health care. Funding patient groups may be another strategy to further extend the reach of those interests, which do not always align with those of patients and the public.

    As a first step in trying to determine whose interests patient groups align with, we need more transparency about the source of their revenue. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) code requires that member companies disclose on their websites a list of patient organizations to which they provide financial support, the amount of the payment and a description of the nature of the support or services provided.

    However, a study of industry payments in Nordic countries concluded that the EFPIA code fails to ensure transparency and compliance. EFPIA allows national industry associations the freedom to determine how its code will be implemented and how much oversight is required, leading to disparate transparency practices. EFPIA has not created a disclosure template to standardize reporting. Finally, EPFIA’s code does not apply to companies that are not members.

    Industry codes are not the answer.

    Before the Ontario election in 2019, the government was finalizing regulations for Bill 160 that required all drug and device manufacturers to disclose payments to patient groups. The legislative process stopped when the government changed post-election. The federal government should pick up the mandate on this issue and pass similar legislation to make reporting mandatory on a national basis.

    Between 2021-2024, Joel Lexchin received payments for writing a brief on the role of promotion in generating prescriptions for a legal firm, for being on a panel about pharmacare and for co-writing an article for a peer-reviewed medical journal. He is a member of the Boards of Canadian Doctors for Medicare and the Canadian Health Coalition. He receives royalties from University of Toronto Press and James Lorimer & Co. Ltd. for books he has written.

    – ref. Pharma company funding for patient advocacy groups needs to be transparent – https://theconversation.com/pharma-company-funding-for-patient-advocacy-groups-needs-to-be-transparent-239197

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.02.24
    King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle
    Upgrades will remove final obstacle to Washingtonians enjoying brand-new Amtrak Airo trainset; Seattle will be first city in the U.S. to deploy Airo trains
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Amtrak will invest nearly $300 million in conducting major upgrades to the King Street Station rail yard. The project will support the introduction of new, state-of-the-art Amtrak Airo trains, which are set to enter service in 2026.
    “These federal funds will enable Seattle to become the first place in America to host Amtrak’s new Airo trains, which will offer Washingtonians a more environmentally friendly and modern ride along the I-5 corridor. Building more capacity at Seattle’s King Street Yard will not only create full-time construction jobs, it means decades of jobs security for the dedicated train mechanics already working there,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    Amtrak’s Airo trains feature redesigned interiors with improved comfort and accessibility, and will produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. They will also eliminate the need for engine changes at certain stations, resulting in reduced downtime at those stops. Seattle will be home to the first Airo trains in the country.
    The King Street Coach Yard employs 135 mechanical workers, and the upgrade project will support 120 construction jobs.
    In addition to supporting the new trains, the upgraded rail yard will enable modern, more efficient maintenance practices. Trains for the Cascades, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Sounder routes are all maintained in Seattle. The renovated yard will operate without the use of fossil fuels for heating, allowing it to take advantage of the Pacific Northwest’s abundant renewable energy.
    Thanks to Sen. Cantwell’s leadership, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $58 billion for passenger rail, including $22 billion for Amtrak – the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history.
    Following route cancellations during the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell urged the Amtrak CEO and director nominees to commit to the full-service restoration of the Amtrak Cascades route. Due to her advocacy, the Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., service has been open since September 2022. And in March 2023, Sen. Cantwell announced that a second daily trip was restored, bringing service back to pre-pandemic levels. Recently, in December 2023, Amtrak fulfilled another promise to Sen. Cantwell and added two more daily roundtrips between Seattle and Portland for a total of seven daily round trips.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.02.24
    WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women
    Grants go to municipal police departments across the state, as well as the Quileute, Kalispel, & Colville Tribes; Money to help prosecution of sex & domestic violence crimes, speed ID of fentanyl overdoses, reduce sex crime DNA testing backlog
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that several state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices will receive a total of $6,915,941 from the Department of Justice to help address some of the State of Washington’s most pressing public safety challenges. 
    “Washington state has made tremendous progress over the past decade in nearly eliminating its 30,000 rape kit backlog, but we can’t let up — this funding will help police labs test more DNA samples faster,” Sen. Cantwell said. “These federal resources will also help us better identify fatal drug overdoses, and provide more services to support and protect women in our cities and in tribal communities.”
    The money will be used to, among other things, process DNA evidence faster, prosecute violence against women and children cases, identify fatal overdoses, ease inmates’ transitions upon release, and mitigate the impact of juvenile gun violence.
    The grants announced by DOJ today include:
    $2,459,640 for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction funding. This grant will provide additional training, supplies, equipment, and wages for the five existing casework DNA laboratories in the WSP Crime Laboratory Division. These resources will help increase the number of samples analyzed, as well as shorten the turnaround time for sample analysis.
    $1,710,078 for the Quileute Indian Tribe in FY24 Office on Violence Against Women Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program funding. This grant will help support the tribe in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, violence against children, violation of a protection order, and assault of a tribal officer. The project also aims to help the tribe maintain sovereignty, including when a crime is committed by a non-tribal member on tribal land.
    $863,977 for the Lummi Indian Business Council in FY24 Office on Violence Against Women Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program funding. This grant will help support the tribe in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, violence against children, violation of a protection order, and assault of a tribal officer. The project also aims to help the tribe maintain sovereignty, including when a crime is committed by a non-tribal member on tribal land.
    $610,000 for the Kalispel Indian Community in Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program funds. This grant will help the Kalispel Indian Tribe hire a full-time sexual assault advocate to provide crisis intervention, emergency services, advocacy and referrals; spread awareness for resources that support survivors of sexual assault; and manage an emergency hotline.
    $473,385 for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program formula funding. This grant will be divided up across multiple law enforcement agencies to improve post-mortem exams, reduce backlogs, and better identify fatal drug overdoses. Recipients will include:
    $211,257 for the King County Medical Examiner to support a statewide fatal drug overdose surveillance network;
    $67,358 for the Pierce County Medical Examiner to outsource postmortem toxicology testing to a private laboratory;
    $33,500 to the Chelan County Coroner to purchase a mortuary cooling system and powered body lift with a scale;
    $22,700 for the Franklin County Coroner to purchase a yearlong maintenance contract for a drug identifying system, a body lift, and roller rack;
    $1,895 for the Lewis County Coroner to purchase a generator and battery for a mass fatality trailer and six scene lights;
    $19,972 for the Skagit County Coroner to purchase a fingerprint scanner, two elevated autopsy carts, and a scissor lift;
    $58,225 for the Spokane County Medical Examiner to purchase testing kits for a drug identifying system and adult body bags;
    $8,120 for the Yakima Valley Local Crime Laboratory to help obtain accreditation for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Program;
    $14,067 for the WSP Missing Persons and Unidentified Persons Unit to fund travel and registration for training and consultants to reduce the backlog;
    $31,249 for the WSP Toxicology Laboratory to outsource evidence kits to coroners and medical examiners across the state.
    $424,623 for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in FY24 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation funding. This funding will aid the tribe in hiring a new Reentry Coordinator to monitor inmates before their release, while in transition, and the following six months. The coordinator will help with identifying housing needs, employment, education, mental health and substance abuse counseling services, and more. 
    $268,588 for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program funding. This grant will help WASPC foster strategic partnerships with state and local partners across the Pacific Northwest, with the goal of reducing juvenile gun violence.
    $105,650 for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program funds. This grant will help the Kennewick Police Department continue under the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative for the Eastern District of Washington. KPD launched their Project Safe Neighborhood project one year ago to focus on improving data-informed procedures for deploying police and reducing violent crime – the first year focused on establishing a strategic plan, and the second year will focus on data-informed efforts specific to gun violence.
    For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of municipal and tribal law enforcement across Washington state, and has advocated for technology that helps investigators use DNA to solve crimes faster. Last year, she reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act through 2029, which would provide state and local law enforcement agencies with resources to reduce the national backlog in analyzing DNA evidence from untested rape kits. In 2002, Sen. Cantwell cosponsored the Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act, which unanimously passed in the Senate. This bill included key provisions of the Debbie Smith Act and authorized $275 million over five years.
    Sen. Cantwell has pushed for more resources to help combat violence against women and children — as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time, Sen. Cantwell voted to pass the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. She has continued to support reauthorizing and expanding this important law, such as by strengthening protections for indigenous women and children. According to the National Institute for Justice, over 1.5 million or 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women report experiencing violence in their lifetime. To help tribal communities protect against domestic violence, Sen. Cantwell championed key provisions in the 2013 and 2022 VAWA reauthorizations, which secured a tribe’s power to seek justice against non-native perpetrators of domestic violence against Native women and children.
    Sen. Cantwell also drafted legislation that would help municipalities adopt a real-time mapping software that keeps track of overdoses  — helping first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better direct resources to places experiencing spikes. She introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act last month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities; the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs; and the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; issue a statement to mark Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Government of Canada issues a statement on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holidays

    OTTAWA, October 2, 2024

    Shana tova to all Jewish communities in Canada and around the world!

    At sunset tonight, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins, marking the start of the 10-day High Holidays.

    During Rosh Hashanah, apples dipped in honey are eaten, symbolizing the hope for a sweet and fruitful new year. The sound of the shofar, an instrument made from a ram’s horn, will be heard in synagogues to call for introspection.

    While this sacred time is one of optimism and reflection, this is a difficult time for the Jewish community at home and for Jewish people around the world. On October 7, we will mark the first anniversary of the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust, in which Canadians lost their lives. We are deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism in this country, and law enforcement takes all threats seriously. There is no justification for such hatred, and it has no place in Canada. Everyone deserves to feel safe, no matter who they are, what they look like, or what they believe.

    Jewish communities are not alone. The federal government is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect everyone who lives in Canada and to upholding the values of the country we believe in, where diversity and inclusion are our strengths. We know that Jewish communities fear for their safety as they travel to synagogues and temples across the country on Rosh Hashanah. We are committed to protecting their right to worship safely and peacefully. We recently launched Canada’s first-ever Action Plan to Combat Hate to provide communities with the resources they need to identify and prevent hate; increase support for victims and survivors; and provide a coordinated, government-wide approach to protecting Canadians. A key element of the new action plan is Canada’s Community Safety Program, which provides one-time financial and logistical support to communities exposed to hate-motivated incidents so they can take steps to protect themselves. We know that the Jewish community has been the target of vile hatred both in the virtual and real worlds. Bill C-63 proposes stronger laws to combat hate and creates a regime that holds social media companies accountable for hateful or harmful content on their platforms.

    Jewish people have helped shape the Canada we know, and every day they contribute to the vibrancy of our communities. May Rosh Hashanah remind us that new beginnings bring hope and unity. We wish all Jewish communities in Canada and beyond a rewarding new year filled with health and happiness.

    Shana tova u’metuka!

    Waleed SaleemPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilitieswaleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsCanadian Heritage819-994-91011-866-569-6155media@pch.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 79th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of State and Government, Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen Ambassadors.

    I speak here on behalf of a country that will never forget what nations are capable of when they are united: freedom. France has just paid tribute this year to the peoples of America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania who allowed it to free itself from Nazi control eight decades ago. Progress and peace.

    Liberated, France founded with these peoples a community of free and sovereign States, capable of committing to each other and agreeing on the essentials.

    Hope, like the one we have seen again recently during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, welcomed this summer by France in the beauty, enthusiasm and harmony of peoples.

    Yet, despite this jubilation, the Olympic truce, unanimously desired here, has remained a dead letter. Yet, the danger of empty words and powerless diplomacy are there before us every day. Yet, our organization is facing the greatest convergence of crises that it has probably known after these eight decades of existence. The feeling of a loss of control is growing in the face of wars, climate change, increasing inequalities, injustices. And every day humanity seems to fragment more while circumstances would require finding common, strong, effective responses.

    To restore to these two words, united nations, their powers of hope, we must find ourselves, as before, on an essential foundation. And this is what I would like to say a few words about.

    First and foremost, we must restore the terms of trust and respect between peoples, and I see them fading in the debates that are ours. To do this, we must indeed show equal attention to those who are suffering.

    I mentioned it here two years ago, warding off the possibility of a double standard, one life equals one life. The protection of civilians is an imperative standard and must remain our compass, even as we celebrate this year the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Let us not allow the idea to take hold, for a single moment, that the dead in Ukraine are those in the north, that the dead in Gaza are those in the south, and that the deaths in the conflicts in Sudan, in the Great Lakes region, or in Burma, are those of consciences that, too alone, would be outraged by them.

    Regaining control and restoring this trust therefore implies seeking peace everywhere, accepting no difference whenever the dignity of human life is at stake, accepting no difference whenever the territorial integrity, the sovereignty of States is at stake. These conflicts today call into question our very capacity to enforce our United Nations Charter. And when I see some people wanting to propose peace by asking for capitulation, I am surprised that anyone can even support such an idea.

    I would like to reiterate here how essential the protection of civilians, of all humanitarian workers, of all those who work for our common values is in each of these conflicts.

    Then, we must provide a common response to the major challenges of the two wars affecting Europe and the Middle East. Russia is, in fact, waging a war of territorial conquest in Ukraine, in defiance of the most fundamental principles of international life. It is guilty of serious breaches of law, ethics and even honour. Nothing in what it is doing corresponds to the common interest of nations, nor to the special responsibilities it assumes in this organisation. The fate of Ukraine involves peace and security in Europe and in the world. Because who will still be able to believe themselves protected from their strongest, most violent and most greedy neighbours if we let Russia prevail as if nothing had happened? Nobody.

    It is therefore in our common interest, the common interest of nations, that Ukraine be restored to its legitimate rights as soon as possible and that a just and lasting peace be built. France will continue to do everything in its power to ensure that Ukraine holds firm, gets out of danger and obtains justice. It will continue to provide it with the equipment essential to its defense and, with its closest allies and partners, France will support the remarkable resistance of the Ukrainian people and will commit to ensuring that they obtain lasting security. Let us seek peace. France will know how to join forces with all sincere partners to build a solid peace for Ukraine and for Europe.

    I know that for many of you, the essential is elsewhere; in the all too long list of forgotten wars, unjust victories, poorly negotiated resolutions or sometimes never implemented. I have not forgotten any of them, even if I cannot mention them all here. President TSHISEKEDI preceded me at this podium a few moments ago and the situation in the Great Lakes — I will come back to it with him, and President KAGAME in a few days — concerns us. And in Armenia, Mr. Prime Minister, alongside which France stands firmly in the face of pressure from Azerbaijan and the territories, the international community must be there to ensure that peace negotiations succeed and that internationally recognized borders are preserved.

    But I know that for many of you, the essential thing, beyond these wars, is also today, and it is for us too, in Gaza, where the destiny of the Palestinian people is present, and weighs on each of our debates.

    On this complex subject, I would like to reiterate with the greatest clarity France’s position since day one. We firmly condemn the terrible and unprecedented terrorist attack decided and carried out by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Terrorism is unacceptable, whatever the causes, and we mourn the victims of the Hamas attack on October 7, including 48 French citizens. I extend my thoughts of compassion and friendship to all the families who are living in pain after losing children, parents and friends on October 7. We also solemnly and once again ask that the hostages be released. Among them, several of our French compatriots remain. And I would like to salute the efforts of the United States of America, Egypt and Qatar to achieve this. This remains a priority for all of us.

    Israel, faced with this terrorist attack, has the legitimate right to protect its people and to deprive Hamas of the means to attack it again. And none of us would have suffered the blows received on October 7 without drawing consequences. However, the war that Israel is waging in Gaza has lasted too long. The tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian victims have no justification, no explanation. Too many innocents have died, and we also mourn them. And these deaths are also a scandal for humanity and a dangerous source of hatred, of resentment that threatens and will threaten the security of all, including that of Israel tomorrow.

    This war must therefore end and a ceasefire must be declared as soon as possible, at the same time as the hostages are released and humanitarian aid arrives massively in Gaza. We have held this position since October 2023, pushing for resolutions with many of you holding the first humanitarian conference for Gaza in November in Paris. Today, it is a question of political will in view of the destruction of Hamas’ military capabilities. It is imperative that a new phase begins in Gaza, that the weapons fall silent, that humanitarian workers return, and that civilian populations are finally protected. France will participate in any initiative that will save lives and ensure the security of all. The deployment of an international mission must pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution. It is up to the United Nations Security Council to decide on this matter and it is also necessary that the necessary measures be taken without further delay to preserve the link between Gaza and the West Bank, to restore the Palestinian Authority to its functions and to ensure the reconstruction of the territory and simply make life possible again.

    France will commit to ensuring that everything is done so that the Palestinians finally have a State living side by side with Israel. The conditions for a just and lasting peace are known. The path to it remains to be paved. It must be as short as possible. France will therefore draw the consequences of its commitment to the two-State solution and will renew its action so that it finally comes about for the benefit of the people, to meet their legitimate aspirations, to bring about a Palestinian State, to give all the necessary guarantees to Israel for its security, to build reciprocal recognitions and common security guarantees for all in the region. We will work on this over the coming weeks with Israelis and Palestinians, as with all our regional and international partners.

    In the immediate future, as we speak, the main risk is that of escalation. My fraternal thoughts go to Lebanon and the Lebanese people. For too long, Hezbollah has been taking the unbearable risk of dragging Lebanon into war. Israel, for its part, cannot, without consequences, extend its operations to Lebanon. France demands that everyone respect their obligations along the Blue Line. We will therefore act to bring about an essential diplomatic path in order to spare the civilian populations and prevent a regional explosion. There must not, there cannot be, a war in Lebanon.

    This is why we strongly call on Israel to stop the escalation in Lebanon and on Hezbollah to stop firing at Israel. We strongly call on all those who provide them with the means to stop doing so. We have asked that the Security Council meet today for this purpose, and I welcome this. And the French minister will be visiting Lebanon this weekend.

    It is the same unity that we must demonstrate in the face of the major regional challenges and the global challenges that are ours. Because beyond the conflicts that we are experiencing and that I have just mentioned, we must together continue to ensure respect for each other’s sovereignty, to build regional and international solutions to the challenges. This is the whole meaning of the relationship that we want with Africa, a new partnership, and this is what we have been working to do for two years. France has done a lot in recent years for the African continent, it has done a lot in recent decades, but particularly in the Sahel, where the French armies have successfully fought terrorism, side by side with their regional and international partners.

    However, the military coups in the region have led us to draw legitimate conclusions. But Europe and Africa have a common destiny before them, which requires a broad partnership. A partnership of peace and security that requires renewing its terms: more training, more equipment, more mutual respect. A partnership also based on the economy, energy, sport, culture, and memory.

    This is what we have patiently built in recent years with Benin, Senegal, Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco and many other countries and will continue to implement. It is the same philosophy that, for 6 years now, has led us to build an unprecedented partnership with the Indo-Pacific, where France aims to contribute to respect for international law, without which there can be no prosperity.

    In this region, which has experienced exceptional growth in recent decades, some are tempted to break the rules, or even impose their will by force. France is proposing an alternative, not to replace anyone, but to give the states of the region the possibility of choosing their partner, project by project.

    The French territories of the Indo-Pacific have unique expertise in the fight against climate change, the protection of biodiversity, the development of clean energy and the fight against transnational threats. Our vocation in this regard in the region is to cooperate more with everyone, in their environment. As you have understood, this partnership logic is one that aims to build new balances, to reject the fragmentation of the world or old grammars, but to seek, in mutual respect, to build paths to stability and peace.

    Beyond that, the challenge that is ours, struck by the conflicts that I mentioned just now, would be to lose the thread of our multilateral agenda, to lose the effectiveness to which we are attached. And after having experienced the pandemic, which had reminded us, with such force, of the importance of some of these common challenges, to forget that we must continue this thread. I deeply believe that effective multilateralism has never been more necessary than today and must lead to results in terms of development and the fight against inequalities in education, health, climate and biodiversity and technology. On each of these pillars, we need unity. And we need, here too, to do everything to avoid the divide between the North and the South. This is exactly the philosophy that we have developed in the Paris Pact for People and the Planet that more than 60 States have now joined.

    First, make sure that we never force a state to choose between its objectives. Why would northern states lecture southern states by explaining to them that they should respect the climate and therefore give up economic opportunities? They should do what some of them, in the north, did not do 20, 30 or 40 years ago. This is unacceptable and inaudible. We must therefore build an agenda that allows us to move forward at the same time in the fight against inequalities and economic development for education, climate and biodiversity and global health.

    Then, solutions must be made and based on proposals from the States themselves. This is what we have, for example, started to build with our partnerships for just energy transitions. Not to have a single solution for all or lessons given from our capitals where, in a way, we come to inspect countries and ask them to all follow the same recipe. There is a unique path for each country. This is the key to sovereignty.

    And then, there needs to be a financial shock, public and additional private leverage. This is what allowed us, 3 years ago, to work towards increasing the IMF’s special drawing rights and to obtain the effective reallocation of nearly 100 billion in special drawing rights to the benefit of the countries that need them most, particularly in Africa. A silent but essential revolution.

    This is also why, with the strength of this pact, and we were with several of the members just now, under the effective authority of President Macky SALL and with the assistance of the United Nations, the OECD and the organizations concerned, we want to continue this cycle of reforms and carry out a profound reform of the multilateral banks of our financial institutions.

    We launched this common finance objective, bringing together development banks from all over the world, including those whose agendas are not aligned. We must work on this common finance agenda to be able to meet the objectives that I mentioned. And we must, together, I hope in the coming months, fundamentally reform the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, first to renew their members, these institutions having been designed at a time when so many of you here were not independent.

    Its capital structure must be renewed to give it more strength. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were designed, thought out, and calibrated at a time when the challenges were not the same, when the global economy was not of this size, and when demographics were completely different. We must lift the absurd taboos. Blockages sometimes imposed by the largest that prevent others from handing over money for fear of being diluted. We must give these institutions the capacity to act to finance the projects that the countries of the South need. And this reform is imperative for our collective credibility.

    I say this to the richest states and to those who, alongside France, are around the table. Decide not to do it and you will see an alternative order emerge in the years to come. Others will come who do not have your agenda. Decide not to do it and you will be condemned, accused of cynicism and perhaps not wrongly.

    This reform of financial multilateralism is essential to meet these challenges. We must also continue our climate and biodiversity agenda. The upcoming COPs are important meetings and France will play its full role, in particular by organizing with Costa Rica for the United Nations an important meeting for the oceans.

    Nice, in fact, in June 2025 will host the United Nations Ocean Conference and we will continue our work in doing so. And I hope that many of you will be able to ratify in this regard the achievements of recent months, in particular the Treaty on the Protection of the High Seas, which is essential. And we are also continuing to make progress on the issue of water, which is so essential, with the new One Planet Summit on Water alongside Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. I will not list here all the necessary, essential subjects.

    But I also want to remind you how much Artificial Intelligence requires that within our framework, all the States present here coordinate. We need to encourage innovation. We need to ensure that the innovation of Artificial Intelligence will be accessible to all countries and peoples of the planet and that it does not fuel new fractures and new inequalities. But we need all of this to develop within an ethical, democratic framework, thought out by the peoples of the planet.

    We cannot let a few people, especially private players, who are today at the forefront of these innovations, think for us and for our peoples about the future of these innovations. This is why France will organize the next Action Summit for Artificial Intelligence in February 2025.

    But you have understood, the objective is to build this common framework and I welcome the work that has been conducted and coordinated by the Secretary-General and the Global Digital Compact, built with the best experts, which fully supports this philosophy in which we subscribe.

    To conclude my remarks, ladies and gentlemen, and aware that I have forgotten so many difficult situations, from Venezuela to the heart of Africa, via so many Oceanian tensions, I would like to conclude by talking about our Institutions.

    I hear many voices being raised to say that, basically, the United Nations should be thrown in the trash; it is no longer of any use; you see, we are not managing to resolve conflicts.

    Let us have constructive impatience in this matter. Let us have impatience, I have it with you, we cannot be satisfied with not knowing how to resolve things. But let us be clear, those responsible are there. As long as we have a Security Council that is blocked, I would say, reciprocally according to the interests of each party, we will have difficulty moving forward.

    Is there a better system? I don’t think so. So let’s just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative. That is why France, and I repeat here, is in favor of the Security Council being expanded.

    Germany, Japan, India and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted.

    But reforming the composition of the Security Council would not be enough on its own to restore its effectiveness. And I therefore hope that this reform will also make it possible to change working methods, to limit the right of veto in the event of mass crime and to focus on operational decisions that are necessary to maintain international peace and security. This is what we must have the courage and audacity to do and that we must carry forward with the current permanent members.

    Nearly 25 years after the Millennium Summit, the time has come to regain efficiency in order to act more effectively on the ground with States and civil society. And beyond the United Nations, we must open a new era in each of our multilateral institutions, as I have just mentioned.

    These, ladies and gentlemen, are the few words that I wanted to have here before you today. At a serious moment in our international order, where so many conflicts seem unresolved, I want to say that France will continue to try to take this demanding path, faithful to its values, which rejects the simplifications of the moment and which will continue to fight for the simple principles that have always driven us: human dignity, respect for the principles of the charter, and which, beyond conflicts and current events, aims to continue to build with you a fairer and more effective international order. This will be our voice, always unique, alongside our friends, our allies. But also free sometimes to say no, sometimes to reject the cynicism of the moment or the obvious that is not.

    Thank you for your attention.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Powell Max Limited Announces Partial Exercise of Over-allotment Option

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Powell Max Limited (Nasdaq: PMAX) (the “Company” or “Powell Max”), a financial communications services provider headquartered in Hong Kong, today announced that WallachBeth Capital LLC (the “Underwriter”), as the lead underwriter of the Company’s initial public offering (the “Offering”), has partially exercised the over-allotment option (the “Option”) to purchase an additional 99,765 Class A Ordinary Shares of the Company (the “Additional Shares”) at the public offering price of $4.00 per share. As a result, the Company has raised gross proceeds of $399,060, in addition to the previously gross proceeds of $5,707,000, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses, already received in the Offering.

    WallachBeth Capital LLC is acting as Lead Underwriter to the Offering and Revere Securities LLC is acting as the Co-Manager to the Offering. K&L Gates is acting as U.S. counsel to the Company, and Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC is acting as U.S. counsel to the Underwriter.

    A registration statement on form F-1 (333-279859) related to these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on September 4, 2024. The final prospectus relating to the securities being offered in the Offering was filed with the SEC on September 6, 2024. A copy of the final prospectus related to the Offering may be obtained from the Underwriter by email at cap-mkts@wallachbeth.com. The final prospectus is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Powell Max Limited

    Powell Max Limited is a financial communications services provider headquartered in Hong Kong. The Company engages in the provision of financial communications services that support capital market compliance and transaction needs for corporate clients and their advisors in Hong Kong. Its financial communications services cover a full range of financial printing, corporate reporting, communications and language support services from inception to completion, including typesetting, proofreading, translation, design, printing, electronic reporting, newspaper placement and distribution. The Company’s clients consist of domestic and international companies listed in Hong Kong, together with companies who are seeking to list in Hong Kong, as well as their advisors.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Words such as “will,” future,” “expects,” “believes,” and “intends,” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Company Info:

    Powell Max Limited

    Investor Relations

    ir@janfp.com (852) 2158 2888

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buckhannon Man Indicted on Child Pornography Charges

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

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Walter McCauley has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

    McCauley, age 66 of Buckhannon, West Virginia, is charged with two counts of production and one count of possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that McCauley enticed a 17-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct for photo and video production. The indictment further charges McCauley with knowingly possessing illegal images on his computer.

    “As alleged, David McCauley produced child pornography involving a juvenile boy on multiple occasions,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Those who prey upon and exploit our youth will be held accountable, no matter their status in the community.”

    McCauley faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for each of the production charges and up to 10 years on the possession charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Police Department, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Escape and Bank Robbery

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of escape and bank robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    The two-count Indictment named John J. Flick, 58, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, on September 2, 2024, Flick left a halfway house in Pittsburgh, where he was serving out a previous sentence for a 2021 bank robbery. The Indictment further alleges that, on the following day, Flick robbed a bank in Dormont.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Philadelphia Highlights Cyber Safety during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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

    October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and FBI Philadelphia wants to remind the public of important cyber safety tips to protect themselves all year long.

    National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is hosted every October by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. Agencies including the FBI have joined this initiative to raise awareness about cybersecurity, and provide tips the public can take to mitigate cybercrime and protect themselves and their systems.

    “Our daily lives occur online: from staying connected with family and friends to shopping, banking, and even working remotely,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “It it critical we all take steps to navigate the Internet safely and to protect ourselves from cyber criminals lurking behind a reused password, a misleading hyperlink, or an outdated operating system.”

    Protecting our digitally connected world is a priority for the FBI, but it is not something we can do alone. There are important steps everyone can take to protect themselves when navigating the online landscape.

    Below are some cyber safety tips anyone can implement:

    • Keep systems and software up to date and install a strong, reputable anti-virus program.
    • Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.
    • Create a strong and unique passphrase for each online account.
    • Set up multi-factor authentication on all accounts that allow it.
    • Examine the e-mail address in all correspondence and scrutinize website URLs before responding to a message or visiting a site
    • Don’t click on anything in unsolicited e-mails or text messages.
    • Be cautious about the information you share in online profiles and social media accounts. Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.
    • Don’t send payments to unknown people or organizations that are seeking monetary support and urge immediate action.

    The Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, is the FBI’s central hub for reporting cybercrimes. In addition to filing a complaint through IC3, you can view public service announcements and consumer alerts published by the FBI on the emerging and current cybercrime trends impacting the public.

    If you are the victim of a cyber-enabled crime or fraud, file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) as soon as possible at ic3.gov.

    FBI Philadelphia can be reached at (215) 418-4000.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Russian Man Sentenced for Running an Illegal Money Transmitting Business

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Feliks Medvedev, 43, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business which transferred over $150 million in Russian money. 

    According to the court documents and other information presented in court, Medvedev is a Russian citizen who resides in North Georgia. He registered eight companies in Georgia that were used to transmit more than $150 million in over 1,300 transactions. The companies were purportedly headquartered in Buford and Dacula, Georgia, but they did not have typical business expenses or employees. The money was used, in part, to purchase over $65 million in overseas gold bullion. Medvedev transferred millions of dollars overseas from multiple bank accounts in the United States.

    As part of the conspiracy, Medvedev worked with a Russian company and was directed by multiple Russian nationals at that company to make illegal transfers of funds. Subsequent to Medvedev’s indictment, on Sept. 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, acting pursuant to Executive Order 14024, sanctioned two of Medvedev’s alleged co-conspirators: Russian national Alexey Chubarov and his company KSK Group. Earlier this year, on Feb. 13, Chubarov, KSK Group and Russian national Lev Solyannikov were separately indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for conspiring with Medvedev.

    Medvedev was convicted of the charges on Feb. 7, after he pleaded guilty.

    The FBI and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Huber and Norman L. Barnett for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

    This case was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice President of Asphalt Paving Company Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Sixth Individual Pleads Guilty in Ongoing Investigation of Collusion in Michigan-Area Asphalt Industry

    A senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty today for his role in two separate conspiracies to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    According to court documents, David A. Coppola, vice president of Taylor-based Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), conspired with Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied) and employees from those companies to rig their bids. Coppola participated in the two conspiracies from March 2013 through November 2018, and from June 2013 through June 2019, respectively.

    Today’s guilty plea is the ninth in the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation into collusion in the Michigan asphalt paving industry. Coppola’s employer, Al’s Asphalt, and its president pleaded guilty in January, and, in 2023, Allied and two of its executives pleaded guilty, as did ASI and two of its former executives. On July 31, Al’s Asphalt was sentenced to pay a fine of $795,661.31.

    In both charged conspiracies, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company submitted intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators had already decided who would win the contracts.

    “Americans expect and deserve the benefits of competitive markets — including for vital aspects of our transportation infrastructure like asphalt paving services,” said Director of Criminal Enforcement Emma M. Burnham of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The division and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable executives who seek to profit at the expense of consumers.”

    “The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division to target individuals who knowingly participate in bid rigging and other anti-competitive activities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of DOT OIG’s Midwestern Region. “Today’s guilty plea shows our commitment to bringing to justice those who engage in illegal and unfair practices that adversely impact transportation projects.”

    “Activities related to bid-rigging and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition which harms the consumer,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General. “The guilty plea in this case represents a win for all law enforcement agencies who investigate those who engage in this type of harmful conduct to ensure that justice is served.”

    Coppola pleaded guilty to two counts of violating Section One of the Sherman Act. Coppola faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and Offices of Inspectors General for the DOT and USPS investigated the case, as part of an ongoing operation investigating bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon State Parks to increase camping, parking and reservation fees for 2025

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.

    Most of the increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the fee.

    The park system has experienced record visitation as well as the impacts of rising costs and inflation. Utility costs for example have increased by 28% over the last 4 years, but most fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the last increase was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago for base fees.

    “We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly. We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

    Oct. 15, 2024:

    OPRD will increase its base camping fees for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. Starting on October 15, 2024, all reservations made for 2025 stays will include the fee increase.

    Increases in base rate by site type:

    • $2 increase for misc. sites (includes teepees, meeting halls and other facilities)
    • $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-to-sites)
    • $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group RV sites)
    • $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites)

    (Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.)

    Jan. 1, 2025:

    • OPRD will increase its reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010.
    • Daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge a fee for day-use parking. Parking permit fees were last increased in 2009. The annual parking permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit.

    July 1, 2025:

    • OPRD will expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types for out-of-state campers.
    • New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives OPRD’s director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018.

    OPRD has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. OPRD is not funded by taxes.

    OPRD does offer a few resources and programs to help increase access to Oregon State Parks.

    • Most Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking. Current exceptions include this list of 25 parks online.
    • We also have special access passes for free camping and day-use parking permits for:

    Next month, OPRD will open public comment on a proposal designed to give OPRD’s director more flexibility to decide which parks charge for day-use parking. The proposal would require day-use parking permits at all parks unless otherwise noted. The director would have the authority to waive the permit requirement as needed. There are no plans to charge at all parks, and OPRD would consider any changes carefully.

    OPRD will continue to explore options in the future that reduce cost as a barrier while earning needed revenue to maintain our parks and manage congestion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Positive progress on Government health targets

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets. 

    Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into effect on 1 July. 

    “The latest report shows that while there’s still work to do, and I acknowledge that quarter by quarter we will expect variation, Health New Zealand is already making progress on four out of the five health targets,” says Dr Reti. 

    “This clearly demonstrates the value and the need for targets in the health system, as we’re seeing stabilisation of numbers that have fallen in the absence of a clear focus on performance over the last six years.”

    The greatest improvements have been made in reducing wait times for cancer treatment, first assessments and elective treatment.

    “I’m pleased to see positive progress made against our cancer treatment waiting time target, which is now sitting at 83.5 per cent, compared to 82.7 per cent in the previous quarter. 

    “As the system prepares to implement new cancer treatments coming online from 1 October, starting with Keytruda, I expect New Zealanders’ access to cancer treatment to improve even more in the coming months. 

    “We continue to see small improvements in the time that people are spending in the emergency departments, with 71.2 per cent of patients admitted, discharged or transferred from an ED within six hours, compared to 70.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

    “Over 61 per cent of patients received planned care within four months. In real terms, this means 1,519 fewer people waiting for surgery. 

    “However, while people are waiting less time for treatment, they’re still waiting too long to be assessed, with only a small improvement in the wait times for a first specialist assessment.” 

    While Health New Zealand’s data shows improvements in some areas, it also highlights the need for a strong and sustained focus on improving the public services New Zealanders rely on, particularly health care.

    “We know we have more work to do, particularly to boost childhood immunisations,” says Dr Reti.  

    “Too many Kiwi kids are getting ill with vaccine-preventable diseases. This latest report shows that 76.5 per cent of children were immunised at 24 months, compared to 77.2 per cent in the previous quarter. 

    “This reduction partially reflects an increase in the accuracy of Health New Zealand’s reporting. With the move to the Aotearoa Immunisation Register, we now have a more accurate picture of eligible New Zealanders and where each of them is in their vaccination schedule. 

    “The Government has already invested $50 million over two years to boost immunisations and is working to expand the vaccinator workforce, so people can get immunised wherever they go to access healthcare – through a midwife, at participating pharmacies or at community events. 

    “Recently, we released our plan to implement the health targets, and we are working hard to turn around the significant financial issues at Health New Zealand.

    “Our health targets are ambitious and this is not something that we can turn around overnight. However, today’s results are promising and I am confident that New Zealanders will see a real difference in access to quality healthcare.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Op Orca — smishing scam smashed

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A sophisticated smishing scam using technology never before seen in New Zealand has been disrupted in a coordinated, multi-agency effort, preventing widescale financial losses.

    The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Digital Messaging and Systems Team was alerted to the scam in late July after irregularities were identified between information received via DIA’s 7726 public reporting system and banking and mobile network early warning systems.

    Police and DIA, supported by other government agencies, the banking and mobile phone sectors as well as Australia’s AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre, quickly launched Operation Orca.

    A search warrant was executed at a residential address in central Auckland on Friday 23 August, resulting in the arrest of a 19-year-old man and the seizure of a smishing device.

    The device, known as an SMS Blaster, is a false cell tower which tricks nearby mobile devices into connecting to a fraudulent network.

    Smishing, which is a form of phishing, involves the SMS Blaster sending fraudulent text messages purporting to be from banks to trick people into sharing or verifying sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details.

    Police National Organised Crime Group Director Detective Superintendent Greg Williams says this is the first time an SMS Blaster has been found operating in New Zealand.

    “By working together, we have been able to counter this technology, locate the alleged offender and prevent what could have been large-scale financial losses for many New Zealanders.

    “The device in question is believed to have sent thousands of scam text messages, including around 700 in one night.

    “The text claimed the recipient’s bank account was being checked for fraudulent funds and urged them to click a verification link.

    “This redirected the recipient to phishing sites, imitating official bank domains, where unsuspecting customers then entered their personal details, including customer ID and password.

    “Almost 120 people are known to have been affected, however, I’m pleased to say no financial losses have been reported.

    “Cyber-enabled scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, with unscrupulous fraudsters stopping at nothing in their attempts to swindle innocent people out of their hard-earned money.

    “NZ Police recognise the life-changing impact of financial crime and will continue to work closely with partner agencies and private industries to keep New Zealanders safe.”

    DIA Manager Digital Messaging Joe Teo says this operation is a great example of government and industry working in fast-paced unison to achieve a single goal, protecting New Zealanders.

    “We will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to combat the spread of harmful SMS messages.

    “If you receive a scam SMS text message, please report it free of charge by forwarding the message to 7726 and following the prompts.”

    Telecommunications Forum CEO Paul Brislen says the speed of the response is good news for consumers.

    “By working closely with banking and law enforcement we were able to identify and react quickly to this new threat, potentially saving thousands of customers from fraudulent activity.”

    ANZ NZ’s Head of Customer Protection Alan Thomsen says the bank continues to monitor all customer transactional activity in real time to minimise risk and loss to their customers.

    “This smishing scam is the latest version of one that has been around for several years, and sadly won’t be the last.

    “ANZ will never send our customers text messages asking them to click on a link to log into internet banking or provide their customer information.”

    ASB Executive General Manager for Technology and Operations David Bullock says the nature of this scam shows how important cross-sector collaboration is to keep New Zealanders safe.

    “No one industry can solve the problem of scams working alone.

    “We remind New Zealanders to exercise caution, not click on links in text messages, or provide personal information, log-in details or transfer any money after receiving a cold call or text message.  

    “If you think your account has been compromised, call your bank as soon as possible on its publicly listed phone number.”

    The arrested man has been charged with interfering with a computer system and is due to reappear in Auckland District Court on Tuesday 10 December 2024.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Holds Listening Session with American Samoa’s Veterans in Honolulu

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

    Headline: Amata Holds Listening Session with American Samoa’s Veterans in Honolulu

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amataheld a Veterans townhall meeting, organized upon the Congresswoman’s arrival in response to interest from the Veterans. She is traveling from DC to American Samoa, and the flight schedule allowed an opening for a listening session estimated between 90 minutes and two hours, attended by a number of American Samoa’s Veterans at the Airport Honolulu Hotel on Sunday.

    Amata speaking with veterans who thanked her for her work and alerted her to issues in their services and care.

    Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, heard extensively from the assembled veterans about how services affect them personally, and their experiences with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).

    They expressed concerns about certain travel policies, that Aumua Amata will be looking into, and asking about, beginning with the VA, particularly regarding tickets and seating on flights. These issues as described by the Veterans range from parking questions to the healthcare itself, refusal of the VA to confer with LBJ Tropical Medical Center about their medical history and treatment, and other matters.

    Congresswoman Amata with our Veterans in Honolulu on Sunday

    “This helpful time with our Veterans will shape my future discussions with House colleagues, V.A. leadership, including congressional hearings and letters, and conversations with Tripler Clinic leadership,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

    Among those in attendance were Fogatia Letuli, Iliili; Togotogo Sotoa, Fagaalu, Manu’a; Ropati Aneki Tui, Taputimu; Ed Puchaver and wife Tufaga, Aua; Ronald Parker, Amaluia; Fala Porotesano, Manu’a; Faamao Asalele, Vaitogi, Leone, Fagatogo; Paulo Fatima Silao, Aoloau; Pete Meaole; Faimealelei Anthony Allen, Aua; Toafala Iafeta, Ta’u, Manu’a; Sagapolutele; and Reverend Nikolao Faasala, who led a prayer.

    Congresswoman Amata taking notes as Veterans discuss their experiences with VA and travel services

    “Veterans’ services should be effective and common sense, and the reason for policies should be clear and understandable,” continued Amata. “Our Veterans deserve every benefit due them, and our nation makes a lifelong commitment to those who have served that covers necessary care and travel requirements.”

    Last week, the House passed four Veterans bills, which boost training for veterans entering the trucking industry, reduces costs for veterans becoming pilots, promote a call-back service at the VA, and aid service-connected veterans in need of a specially adapted vehicle by paying the delivery cost of that vehicle.

    • H.R. 7323 – Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024.
    • H.R. 6656 – Stuck on Hold Act.
    • S. 656 – Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023.
    • H.R. 522 – Deliver for Veterans Act. This bill was sponsored by Congressman James Moylan of Guam, and Congresswoman Amata was proud to support and cosponsor this effort.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Issues Statement on Iran’s Attack on Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    Congressman David Scott Issues Statement on Iran’s Attack on Israel

    Washington, October 1, 2024

    Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement: I am closely monitoring Iran’s missile attack on Israeli civilians. This is precisely why US military aid to Israel is vital to ensure it can defend itself. While regional stability is our top priority, the world must know that America stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its response to this unprovoked escalation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Loudermilk Highlights DoD IG Report Flaws, Sets Record Straight on January 6, 2021 National Guard Delay

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

    Washington D.C. (September 25, 2024) | This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Chairman of the House Administration Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee, held time on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, where he highlighted the flaws within the DoD IG’s report of the events of January 6, 2021.

    TOP TAKEAWAYS:

    President Trump ordered Senior DoD leaders to “make sure it was safe,” a directive which they ignored.

    In newly obtained DoD IG transcripts, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, specifically recalled a conversation between the Acting Secretary of Defense, Chris Miller, and President Trump, where the President gave directives for them to ENSURE they had “sufficient National Guard or Active duty soldiers to make it a safe event” and to “do whatever you have to do, just make sure it’s safe.”

    In turn, President Trump was told by Secretary Miller that they had a plan, and they’ll have it covered. DESPITE this directive from the President, Miller, in his DoD IG interview, dismissed it, stating: “I interpreted it as President Trump banter.”
     
    According to D.C. National Guard Commanding General William Walker, had he been present at this meeting, he would have interpreted the President’s directive with greater urgency. And yet, these facts were HIDDEN from the American public for years by this Administration. 
     
    The January 6 Select Committee claimed that he wanted the chaos, they pushed that he called for an insurrection, but nothing could be further from the truth. 

    DoD Officials were concerned about the “optics” of having soldiers at the Capitol.

    Director of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Walter Piatt later would say: “was optics a concern for us as we prepared to use soldiers downtown in Washington D.C? Absolutely.”

    As “optics” concerns were being discussed and Secretary McCarthy claimed he was ‘developing a plan’, the D.C. National Guard was ready to move, less than 2 miles from the Capitol – awaiting Secretary McCarthy’s authorization. During these crucial hours, Secretary McCarthy stated a concept of operations plan or “CONOP” was being developed – yet McCarthy never communicated with the Capitol Police nor D.C. National Guard

    What’s more, the National Guard already had a plan. Secretary McCarthy had previously observed rehearsals of the National Guard executing a Civil Disturbance mission. Therefore, McCarthy used this CONOP as a delay tactic as he knew that the D.C. National Guard was prepared to execute this mission.

    Over 2 hours were wasted to allegedly develop his “plan,” and to this day, his CONOP has never been produced. Why has no one, including the DoD IG, seen this alleged “plan?” You don’t have to be the Secretary of the Army to see this for what it was: a way to delay the deployment of the National Guard—who was ready and waiting less than two miles from the Capitol.

    The DoD IG knew there were inconsistencies in their report, and published it anyways.

    Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy was asked specifically about his actions following Miller’s 3:04pm order by the Select Committee, multiple Senate Committees, and the DoD IG. When asked by the DoD IG in March 2021, Secretary McCarthy stated that one of his staff conveyed the order to deploy to the DC National Guard within minutes of Miller’s verbal order.

    The DOD IG report alleged that McCarthy personally conveyed this order to deploy within minutes without explanation or providing evidence to support this assertion. Major General Walker, the DC National Guard Commanding General has consistently refuted that any order was relayed at 3:04pm.

    Almost one year later in testimony to the Select Committee, McCarthy testified that he completed his “CONOP” around 4:35pm and called Sec Def Miller and received his approval. In testimony to the Select Committee when asked about the 4:35pm call McCarthy finally admitted that he never directly spoke to Major General Walker at 4:35pm.

    Instead, Secretary McCarthy changed his story and told the Select Committee that a member of his staff who “had the authority to speak as the Secretary of the Army” was communicating with the D.C. National Guard on his behalf on January 6. This revision to his previous version of events is significant. The individual McCarthy claimed made this call “on his behalf” testified to the DoD IG that it was Secretary McCarthy who conveyed the order at 4:35pm.
     
    Let me pause here. The conflicting testimony raises serious doubts about the actions of numerous senior DoD officials failing to follow direct orders resulting in the delayed deployment of the DC National Guard. The ONLY reason Congress is now aware of these significant conflicting versions of events is because of the courageous DC National Guardsmen who testified in front of my Subcommittee, AND because my Subcommittee forced the DoD IG to produce the witness interviews revealing these conflicting versions of events which I’ve now shared publicly. 

    As Secretary McCarthy’s story changed, it started to align with Major General Walker’s testimony. Yet the DoD IG report alleged that General Walker’s congressional testimony was untrue or “mischaracterized” without any evidence to support an allegation that Walker committed perjury.

    Whistleblowers alerted to the flaws in the DoD IG report.

    In April 2024, members of the National Guard came forward as Whistleblowers to set the record straight. Risking their own careers, these Whistleblowers came forward to ensure the name and reputation of the men and women of the National Guard would not be tarnished. 

    The D.C. National Guard is the only military organization within the Department of Defense over which the President of the United States has direct and immediate command authority. The President’s command authority has been delegated to the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Defense has further delegated operational control of the D.C. National Guard to the Secretary of the Army.

    On January 6, 2021, the D.C. National Guard reported to the Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy. On January 5, Secretary McCarthy, took it upon himself to place unprecedented restrictions on the D.C. National Guard to prevent any movement to the Capitol without his explicit permission.

    This tied the hands of the National Guard and placed sole tactical and operational command of their movements in the hands of McCarthy.

    To watch Rep. Loudermilk’s full remarks on the U.S. House floor, click here.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Carbajal Statement on Iran’s Attack on Israel, Escalating Violence in Middle East

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) issued the following statement on Iran’s direct attack on Israel and the continued violence in the Middle East:

    “Iran’s direct attack on the people of Israel yesterday is a stark reminder of the threat their regime and its proxies pose to our ally, and of the importance of continuing to ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.

    “I unequivocally condemn this indiscriminate attack on Israeli civilians – a continuation of the abhorrent violence we have seen perpetrated by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah, with their continuous attacks on Israel since October 7th.

    “In the wake of this brazen assault, it’s critical for Israel to not make the mistake Iran hopes it will. Israel must not take the bait. Anything less than precision targeting of those who threaten Israel risks dangerous escalation of the conflict. Restraint must prevail, and I support President Biden and U.S. diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of innocent life.

    “But make no mistake: Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah, Hamas, and their sponsors in Iran have been responsible for decades of bloodshed, including the deaths of hundreds of U.S. citizens and American servicemembers. I continue to stand with those threatened by their daily acts of terror and violence, including the people of Israel.

    “Tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hasanah, the Jewish New Year. I join Jewish residents of the Central Coast and all around the world in praying that this new year will bring a pathway to peace, regional stability, and an end to the tragic and unsustainable violence we have seen after nearly one year of war. Shana Tovah.”

    Congressman Carbajal has sought the renewal of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East since last year, signing a congressional resolution expresses the need for a cessation in fighting and repeatedly voicing concerns to the Biden Administration about the need for an additional ceasefire like the one broken by Hamas last fall, a measure which helped facilitate safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of civilian hostages being held in Gaza.

    He has continued to push the Biden Administration to help scale up efforts to deliver life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians and emphasized to Israel the need for a strategy that protects civilian life.

    Congressman Carbajal traveled to Israel and the West Bank earlier this year, voicing to both members of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority support for a pathway to peace that includes Israel’s ability to defend itself and a sustainable two-state solution and long-term regional stability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Supports the International Longshoremen’s Association and Dockworkers on Union Strike

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX) — Today, Congressman Al Green has issued a statement expressing his support for the recent dockworkers strike by union members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) at the Gulf and East Coast ports:

    “I stand in full support of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the 45,000 port workers they represent with concerns regarding fair wage increases, occupational safety, and job security. The United States Maritime Alliance must engage in fair negotiations with the union members to ensure the productivity of our ports and the continued growth of America’s economy.”

    “The recent strike by the ILA members has brought to light the significant sacrifices made by these port workers and the potential impacts of disrupted container transport. The backlog of container vessels at U.S. ports highlights the essential role of these workers in maintaining the smooth flow of goods and the potential consequences of disruptions to the supply chain and inflation.” 

    “In this region, I am particularly concerned about the potential negative impact that could affect the Port of Houston. The Port of Houston, known as the International Port of Texas, holds a pivotal role as the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and serves as an essential economic engine for our country. As such, it is imperative that we address this matter promptly to safeguard the interests and stability of our nation’s maritime industry.”

    “Given the vital role that dockworkers and their families play in our nation’s import operations, it is imperative that their concerns are addressed fairly and equitably. I will continue to advocate for the ILA and their pursuit of fair treatment as well as economic security for their members across the nation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FBI Charges Chinese Nationals with Spying at Camp Grayling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: FBI Charges Chinese Nationals with Spying at Camp Grayling

    Today, the Detroit News reported the FBI has charged five Chinese nationals who studied at the University of Michigan with espionage related charges. The five individuals are accused of taking photos of military equipment at Camp Grayling. While the students were taking photos, the Michigan Army National Guard was hosting training for the Taiwanese military.

    “This case shows once again that CCP espionage can happen anywhere in America and we must be vigilant. The CCP obviously has an interest in Camp Grayling and this is further evidence it would be a mistake for Michigan leaders to allow Gotion to build in our state. State funding for Gotion’s plan to bring Chinese nationals to Mecosta County is an open invitation for further spying on Camp Grayling. For national security reasons, Governor Whitmer and the legislature must revoke state funding for Gotion immediately,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. 

    “Additionally, as chairman of the Select Committee on China, my committee recently issued a report on research security at our nation’s universities. All of our nation’s universities must shut down their joint institutes with Chinese universities, and enact stricter guardrails on emerging technology research. American universities must realize they are a target for espionage and protect the critical taxpayer-funded research they do,” he continued.

    Last month, Moolenaar along with Chairwoman Virginia Foxx of the Committee on Education and Workforce released a report on research security at American universities. The five Chinese nationals charged with espionage were students at the University of Michigan through the schools joint partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blunt Rochester, Carper, Coons announce nearly $40 million in new funding for substance use disorder and mental health services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (all D-Del.) announced that Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will receive $38.8 million in new funding to help combat the opioid crisis. The Biden-Harris administration is awarding the money through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which helps states, tribal lands, and territories address opioid addiction – a top priority under President Biden’s Unity Agenda.

    “Combatting the opioid epidemic impacting communities in Delaware and across the country continues to be a top priority of mine,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force in Congress. “The decrease in overdose deaths in Delaware demonstrates that our opioid response programs are making a difference. The federal funding we’re announcing today, which I helped secure alongside Senator Carper and Senator Coons, will help expand our state’s prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts significantly. I’ll continue my work at the federal level to ensure that Delaware has the resources and support needed to save lives.” 

    “The opioid epidemic is one of the worst in American history, and Delaware has not been immune to this heartbreaking crisis,” said Senator Carper. “Today’s announcement of $38.8 million for Delaware through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is welcome news, as this funding will support prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery supports, and medications for opioid use disorder to address the overdose crisis.”

    “The devastating opioid epidemic is taking lives and destroying families in every state in the country, including Delaware,” said Senator Coons. “I’m glad that funding for prevention and recovery programs is a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration, and this new investment of nearly $40 million in the First State is proof of that. I’ll keep working with the rest of Delaware delegation to combat this crisis and help families on the road to recovery.”

    Recent preliminary federal data have shown that the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts are leading to a decline in drug overdose deaths across the country. From April 2023 to April 2024, overdose deaths decreased by roughly 10%. This decline coincides with the administration’s increased efforts to address the addiction and overdose epidemic. Overdose deaths fell for the first time in a decade in Delaware, according to data from the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Still, the 527 accidental drug overdose deaths reported in Delaware in 2023 highlight the critical need for this continued federal investment in substance use prevention and recovery services.

    Funds directed to Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health will go toward prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services. They will also boost resources to help individuals, families, and communities combat opioid and stimulant misuse.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in District of Sechelt

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    District of Sechelt, British Columbia, October 2, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia, and Catherine Leach, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Community Services.

    Date:         Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Time:        1:00 p.m. (PT)

    Location:  Sunshine Coast Community Services, Main Office
                        5638 Inlet Avenue
                        Sechelt, BC  V0N 3A0

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
     Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
     Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Catherine Leach
     Executive Director
    Sunshine Coast Community Services
    604-885-5881
    info@sccss.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2024

    CONTACT: Will Baskin-Gerwitz at 202-224-5042 or Will_Baskin-Gerwitz@coons.senate.gov

    Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today announced their intention to introduce the Sudan Accountability Act to respond to the civil war in Sudan that has been raging since April 2023. In addition to Senators Coons and Risch, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

    Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. More than 20,000 Sudanese have been killed since fighting broke out last April. Ten million people have been displaced – 2 million of whom have had to leave the country as refugees – and more than 25 million people are suffering from severe hunger. Massacres in Darfur and other regions across the country by RSF militias have become regular occurrences. A peace process still seems far away, as both sides and nations across Africa and the Middle East focus more on securing access to Sudan’s natural resources. Democratic prospects have dimmed since a 2021 coup by General Abdel Fattah Burhan and the SAF, who had proceeded to consolidate their control and shut out civil society before the war broke out.

    “It is time for Congress to act on Sudan,” said Senator Coons. “Failing to act as the Sudanese people are forced to flee or die in their homeland is a choice that we do not accept. The Sudan Accountability Act will advance and protect the rights of all Sudanese, hold the perpetrators of war crimes and their supporters accountable, expand humanitarian access, and support efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict.”

    “The Sudanese people continue to suffer unspeakable atrocities, including genocide and war crimes,” said Senator Risch. “It is past time the perpetrators of these atrocities be held accountable. While securing a cease-fire and addressing humanitarian needs are crucial, protecting civilians and preventing further atrocities must also be a priority. This legislation requires a clear strategy, resourcing, and leadership on Sudan by the U.S. government to protect civilian welfare, particularly that of women and children. Congress will oversee these efforts to ensure accountability is adequately pursued.”

    “The war in Sudan has created the most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world, including record rates of sexual- and gender-based violence committed in large part by the Rapid Support Forces,” said Senator Shaheen. “The international community must support the Sudanese people’s demands for protection and justice and the warring parties must come to the table to end this war. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that sends an unmistakable, bipartisan message that the United States will seek accountability for any individual, state, or entity that commits war crimes or crimes against humanity in Sudan and perpetuates this awful conflict.”“The situation in Sudan is heartbreaking and one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world,” said Senator Young. “The United States and the international community cannot ignore this situation, nor can we stand silent as external actors fuel the conflict. Our bipartisan legislation will shed a light on these atrocities, help hold the perpetrators of war crimes in Sudan accountable, and support a broad humanitarian response.”

    The Sudan Accountability Act is the most comprehensive bill in the Senate to date to address the ongoing war in Sudan. The legislation takes important steps to shed light on the atrocities occurring in Sudan and determine if they constitute genocide; hold perpetrators and their supporters accountable; offer services to innocent civilians; and support the protection of the Sudanese people. It will:

    • Advance and protect the internationally recognized human rights of all Sudanese, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or geographic area of origin;
    • Document war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide and hold perpetrators accountable;
    • Mandate a strategy to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and prevent human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers; 
    • Authorize assistance to support victims of atrocities;
    • Enhance civilian protection and evaluate options to deter attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers;
    • Support mechanisms for dialogue and conflict resolution and ensure inclusion of Sudanese women in these efforts.

    The full text of the bill is available here.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Keith Self’s Leads Letter Calling President Biden to Take All Available Measures to Defend Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Keith Self (Texas 3rd)

    Congressman Keith Self led a letter, along with five House Republican Members, to President Biden expressing urgent concern towards Iran’s sharp escalation of conflict with Israel and calling for the Biden Administration to take all available measures to defend Israel.

    Yesterday, Iran intensified tensions with Israel to an all-time high when it launched a barrage of long-range ballistic missiles at Israel, the second such direct attack from Iranian territory ever.  With the leadership of Hezbollah decapitated and Hamas significantly dismantled, Iran is cornered. In response, they have taken unprecedented measures to achieve their ultimate goal of destroying the Jewish state, including rapid developments to Tehran’s nuclear weapons program.

    “We must use every tool at our disposal to support our ally Israel and deter Iran’s offensive efforts,” said Congressman Self.  “All approved foreign assistance to Israel must be unlocked and distributed without delay and existing sanctions against Iran should be enforced immediately. The stakes of Israel’s rivalry with Iran have never been higher, and it is vital that the Biden Administration acts immediately.” 

    As such, Congressman Keith Self, along with Congressman Rudy Yakym III, Congressman Brian J. Mast, Congresswoman Kay Granger, Congressman Mike Waltz, and Congressman Christopher H. Smith made two requests in a letter to President Biden:

    1. Unlock all Congressionally approved foreign aid to Israel that may still be held up.
    2. Enforce all sanctions in place that are designed to deter Iran’s offensive efforts against the United States and its allies.

     The full text of the letter is available HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Establish October 2nd as Energy Efficiency Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced their bipartisan resolution to designate today, October 2, 2024, as Energy Efficiency Day passed the Senate unanimously. The resolution celebrates and promotes the economic and environmental benefits gained from investing in energy efficiency.
    “Investing in energy efficiency benefits our environment, our businesses and Granite State families,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution designating today as Energy Efficiency Day and celebrating the key role energy efficiency programs play in creating jobs, lowering costs for families and reducing our carbon footprint.”
    “The adoption of energy efficient practices saves consumers in Maine and across the country money,” said Senator Collins. “This resolution is an important reminder of the significant advancements we have made in energy efficiency over the past decade, most recently through the bipartisan infrastructure law.”
    The text of the Senators’ resolution can be found HERE.
    Co-sponsoring the resolution are U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
    Shaheen has championed work to secure federal investments in clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives and to lower energy costs across New Hampshire. In the FY24 government funding bills, Shaheen helped defend key efficiency programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from cuts, including securing $366 million for weatherization efforts and $66 million for the State Energy Program, which works to bring down energy bills for families and communities. Shaheen also secured continued support for the annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) that tracks key jobs data in the energy sector.
    Recently, Shaheen, as Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, hosted a field hearing and resource fair at the University of New Hampshire in Manchester on  investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act that can help small businesses lower their energy costs, transition to the clean energy economy and build resilience. Following the field hearing, small businesses participated in a resource fair and met with federal agencies and state business support programs.
    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made huge investments in energy efficiency, including $550 million for Industrial Research and Assessment Centers and assistance for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman. Granite Staters looking for energy efficiency resources can check out Senator Shaheen’s Federal Energy Resource Guide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Over $20 Million to Improve Public Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Grant funding breakdown available here.
    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced more than $20 million in new federal funding they secured to improve public safety in Nevada. These funds from the Department of Justice (DOJ) will support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, courts, and services for victims of crime and abuse across Nevada. The full list of DOJ grants Sens. Cortez Masto and Rosen helped secure is available here.
     “Every Nevadan deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community, and that’s what this funding is about,” said Cortez Masto. “I will always stand proudly with law enforcement and advocates in Nevada to hold criminals accountable, keep our communities safe, and deliver the support and justice that victims deserve.”
    “One of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate is to deliver the resources to keep Nevada families safe,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help advance public safety, support victims, and fight crime across our state – including in our rural and Tribal communities. I’ll always work across the aisle to support our law enforcement and public safety.”
    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen consistently push for the resources Nevada’s law enforcement community needs. Last week, they announced nearly $1 million in COPS funding for Nevada police, on top of the $1 million in COPS funding they secured in 2023. Recently, they also highlighted nearly $1 million in federal community project funding to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Both Senators also helped reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act last year, which provides critical support to victims of domestic violence across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Press Release for Early Warning Report Filing Pursuant to National Instrument 62-103

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On October 02, 2024, JPK Capital Holdings (Barbados) Inc., of Burnham Court, Bishop’s Court Hill, Upper Collymore Rock, St. Michael, Barbados BB11115

    (“JPK”) , announces that it has acquired 25,000,000 common shares of PowerBand Solutions Inc. (“PowerBand”) in a private placement pursuant to which an aggregate of 217,410,000 common shares were issued by PowerBand from treasury at a price of $0.05 per common share.

    Prior to completion of the private placement, JPK and its joint actor, Insurance Corporation of Barbados Ltd. ( “ICBL”), held an aggregate of 31,873,001 common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 31,573,001 common shares of PowerBand, representing 7.09% of the issued and outstanding common shares on an undiluted basis, and 13.18% of the outstanding common shares, assuming the exercise of all of the warrants held by JPK and ICBL but no other outstanding warrants. Both JPK and ICBL are companies controlled by Joe Poulin.

    Following completion of the private placement, JPK and ICBL collectively hold a total of 56,873,001 common shares and warrants to acquire an additional 31,573,001 common shares of PowerBand, representing 8.53% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on an undiluted basis, and 12.66% of the outstanding common shares, assuming the exercise of all of the warrants held by JPK and ICBL but no other outstanding warrants.

    JPK acquired the shares pursuant to a subscription agreement with PowerBand with an aggregate subscription price of $1,250,000.

    The shares were acquired by JPK for investment purposes. JPK and/or ICBL may, depending on market and other conditions, increase or decrease their beneficial ownership, control or direction over additional securities of PowerBand, through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercise of convertible securities or otherwise.

    This press release is issued pursuant to the early warning requirements of National Instrument 62-103 of the Canadian Securities Administrators which also requires a report to be filed with regulatory authorities in each of the appropriate jurisdictions containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters (the “Early Warning Report“). A copy of the Early Warning Report will appear with the PowerBand’s documents under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information, please contact:

    Mark J. Coleman, Vice President, +1 (646) 873-0600, Mark@jpkcapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Facility Managers, Assemble: Protecting Johnson Space Center’s People and Places

    Source: NASA

    Not all heroes wear capes (or blue flight suits). At Johnson Space Center in Houston, the heroes might train their colleagues how to safely respond and evacuate their office in an emergency. They might investigate office accidents and remove potential hazards. Or they might help fix a leaky bathroom sink or a broken coffee maker.
    Those heroes are approximately 135 on-site facility managers who ensure the safety and health of every building and its occupants.
    Established in 2009, the Facility Manager program encompasses buildings at Johnson Space Center, Sonny Carter Training Facility, and Ellington Field. Each building has a primary Facility Manager and an alternate. These individuals develop emergency action plans and serve as facility fire wardens. They post safety alerts, notices of renovation and construction work, and share information about impending interruptions to building access or utilities. They also coordinate between building occupants, safety personnel, facility operations, and emergency responders as needed.
    “We are a relatively close-knit community and rely on each other for assistance and advice, especially from the veteran facility managers,” said Vanessa Jordan, the lead facility manager for the entire Johnson site. Her role, and that of Alternate Lead Facility Manager Darrell Palmer, is to establish policies and procedures for the Facility Manager program, ensuring that all applicable safety and health regulations are disseminated and enforced site wide.

    “We are responsible for advising the facility managers on new and current policies and regulations relating to the safety and security of the buildings and their occupants,” Jordan explained. “We also inform them of changes in policies or procedures and happenings around the center that affect the buildings and occupants, such as road closures or hurricanes.” Jordan and Palmer oversee Facility Manager training, as well. They provide bi-annual training for new facility managers and periodic forums with subject matter experts on topics relevant to the team’s responsibilities.
    “We are available to address any questions or concerns the facility managers may have regarding their role, buildings, or occupants,” she said. “We are the liaison and advocate for them with their organizations, my organization (which controls the program), the center, and our stakeholders.”
    Jordan is also a facility engineer in the Center Operations Directorate’s Facilities Management and Operations Division. She joined Johnson’s team in 2008 after working for four years at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She served as Johnson’s facility manager coordinator for seven years before becoming the lead in 2019.
    “I enjoy helping, meeting people, and developing relationships,” she said. “Even though I do a lot of routine work, there is something new to experience, deal with, or learn every day.”
    Helping and connecting with others is what Angel Olmedo enjoys most about being a facility manager. “There’s no greater sense of purpose than being the person people rely on to find the help or solutions they need to finish their day strong and productive,” he said. “I’ve learned new skills and had a chance to meet and interact with a lot more people than I did before.”

    Olmedo has worked at Johnson for nearly five years on the Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract. In the spring of 2024, he was offered the opportunity to become the facility manager for buildings 4 south and 4 north, and the alternate facility manager for building 17. “During my first few years working here at Johnson, I enjoyed helping people get solutions to their technical problems – be they application related, access issues, or credentials,” he said. “I found that in becoming a facility manager I can continue to do something similar in a whole new way.”
    Sid Dickerson has been the prime facility manager for building 17 and alternate for buildings 4 south and 4 north since November 2022. An IT specialist and property custodian at Johnson for more than 30 years, Dickerson takes pride in resolving issues quickly and efficiently and strives to maintain excellent customer feedback. “I want to be the best facility manager for my employer and customers as I help the facility achieve maintenance, cleaning, health and safety and scheduling goals,” he said. He added that working with a team of engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff to modernize the building 17 elevators was one of his favorite experiences to date.

    Michael Meadows – facility manager for buildings 10, 9 south, and 260 – was inspired to join the Johnson team while delivering newspapers onsite. An Alvin Community College student at the time, Meadows noticed a facility manager plaque on the wall of Johnson’s External Relations Office. “I knew that with hard work and dedication, I would one day become a Johnson employee and support flight and see my photo on that wall!”
    Meadows began working at Johnson in 1999 and has been a facility manager for 23 years. He received a Silver Snoopy Award in May 2011 in recognition of the support he provided to the International Space Station Program as the manager for Johnson’s manufacturing facilities.

    Some Johnson team members are hired specifically for a facility manager position. Others may volunteer or be appointed to the role by their organization’s management. Regardless of how they became a facility manager, each person must complete an initial and a refresher training covering topics such as hazard identification and mitigation, energy conservation, security, and legal considerations. Additional training may be required depending on building assignments. Once fully trained, facility managers may stay in that role as long as they work at Johnson.
    The most rewarding part of being a facility manager, said Meadows, is “the feeling you get when you keep up with the facility and make that a great home for all the occupants every day.”  
    Curious about all of the roles available at NASA? Visit our Careers site to explore open opportunities and find your place with us!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Costa, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand the Use of Hydrogen to Lower Costs and Reduce Emissions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the bipartisan Hydrogen for Industry Act, which creates a program for hydrogen to be used to produce building materials such as steel, cement, glass, chemicals, and fuel.  

    “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to provide funds for demonstration projects that will showcase hydrogen’s ability to decarbonize the manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural industries,” said Costa. “Sustained investment in hydrogen is necessary to bolster U.S. energy independence and further efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035.” 

    BACKGROUND
    Hydrogen energy will play an important role as we transition the industrial and transportation sectors to a carbon net-zero future. By promoting the use of hydrogen, the United States can reduce pollution, lower costs for consumers, and help our nation remain competitive in the growing hydrogen economy.     

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized $8 billion to develop large-scale hydrogen production programs across the country. Since 2021, there have been major investments in California’s 21st Congressional District, including $24 million for hydrogen-powered buses in Fresno, CA. 

    Costa has been a champion for dairy digesters, and there are over 15 digesters in his district that have allowed dairy farms to advance their sustainability goals and provide a key feedstock for hydrogen production.

    The Hydrogen for Industry Act builds on the Bipartisan Infrastructure law by supporting the development of hydrogen as an emissions reduction solution, including: 

    • Establishing a commercial-scale demonstration program for hydrogen use in heavy industry.
    • Providing competitive grants to hydrogen demonstrations in industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, and refining, among other industrial products.
    • Directing the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Transportation to jointly conduct a study on the impact, cost, and safety. 

     
    The bipartisan Senate version of the bill, S.646, the Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2023, was introduced on March 2, 2023, by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Georgia Disaster  Declaration

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Georgia by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of Georgia as a result of Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

    Under the President’s order today, Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 90 days from the start of the incident period.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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    MIL OSI USA News –