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Blog

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Contract Extension for Solar Science Instrument

    Source: NASA

    NASA has awarded a contract extension to Stanford University, California, to continue the mission and services for the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument on the agency’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).

    NASA has awarded a contract extension to Stanford University, California, to continue the mission and services for the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument on the agency’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
    The cost-reimbursement, no fee contract extension provides for support, operation, and calibration of the HMI instrument, which is one of three main instruments on SDO. In addition, the extension provides for operating and maintaining the Joint Science Operations Center – Science Data Processing facility at Stanford as well as the HMI team’s support for Heliophysics System Observatory science.
    The period of performance for the extension runs Tuesday, Oct. 1, through Sept. 30, 2027. The extension increases the total contract value for HMI services by about $12.5 million — from $173.84 million to $186.34 million.
    SDO’s mission is to help advance our understanding of the Sun’s influence on Earth and near-Earth space by studying how the star changes over time and how solar activity is created. Understanding the solar environment and how it drives space weather is vital to protecting ground and space-based infrastructure as well as NASA’s efforts to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon with Artemis. The study of the Sun also teaches us more about how stars contribute to the habitability of planets throughout the universe.
    The SDO mission launched in February 2010 with science operations beginning in May of that year. The HMI instrument on SDO studies oscillations and the magnetic field at the solar surface, or photosphere.
    For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

    Home Page

    Jeremy EggersGoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.757-824-2958jeremy.l.eggers@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 21-27 Severe Weather: Federal Assistance Tops $3M in Kentucky

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: May 21-27 Severe Weather: Federal Assistance Tops $3M in Kentucky

    May 21-27 Severe Weather: Federal Assistance Tops $3M in Kentucky

    FRANKFORT, Ky.– To date, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $3 million for Kentuckians affected by May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides.

    As of Sept. 22, FEMA has approved $2,634,757 for 1,445 individuals and households. This includes:

    • More than $1,714,675 in Housing Assistance.
    • More than $920,082 in Other Needs Assistance.

    The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to small-businesses, households and renters throughout the disaster affected area. To date, the SBA has disbursed $382,900 in disaster loans for 17 homeowners, renters and businesses.

    FEMA continues to work with Kentucky Emergency Management and Commonwealth partners to support Kentucky recovery. At its peak, FEMA had 320 federal personnel on the ground assisting with recovery.

    During the application period, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams spoke with approximately 2,800 households, providing face-to-face assistance to affected Kentuckians. They also contacted more than 800 faith-based, community-based and private sector organizations.

    To ensure applicants received all of the assistance they were eligible for, FEMA called disaster survivors and vulnerable populations. Through this outreach, FEMA was able to approve an additional $235,471 for 93 households and renters. 

    FEMA encourages survivors to keep in touch. Help is still available, even though the deadline to apply has passed. Survivors are encouraged to notify the agency of changes to their mailing address, email address or phone number and report insurance settlements or additional damage they may have discovered since their home inspection.

    Kentuckians can also get help with a pending application or appeal the following ways:

    Over the last two months, FEMA operated 15 Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers to help Kentuckians through the disaster assistance application process. These centers helped 1107 Kentucky survivors with applications, appeals and disaster related questions.

    For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA at x.com/femaregion4 and facebook.com/fema. 

    sandra.habib
    Tue, 09/24/2024 – 19:52

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Georgia

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Georgia

    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Georgia

    WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Georgia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Debby from Aug. 4–20, 2024.   

    The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Screven counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.   

    Federal funding is also available to state, eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Evans, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Lanier, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Pierce, Screven, Tattnall, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Ware and Wayne counties.   

    Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.   

    Kevin A. Wallace Sr. has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.   

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

    erika.suzuki
    Tue, 09/24/2024 – 19:34

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: POSTPONED Subcommittee Hearing: “Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America’s Impact Abroad”

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington D.C. – The Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability will postpone a hearing entitled, “Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America’s Impact Abroad” to a future date soon.

    What: Hearing – “Foreign Policy, Interrupted: How Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Blunt America’s Impact Abroad”

    Date: TBD

    Time: TBD

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    Witnesses:

    The Honorable Cardell K. Richardson, Sr.
    Inspector General
    Office of Inspector General
    U.S. Department of State

    The Honorable Paul K. Martin
    Inspector General
    Office of Inspector General
    U.S. Agency for International Development

    Mr. Anthony Zakel
    Inspector General
    Office of Inspector General
    U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

    Documents:

    ***Additional witnesses may be added. Check here for updates.***

    ***Coverage note: All committee proceedings are webcast live here.***

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 9747 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Division A would provide for the continuation, through December 20, 2024, of the appropriations and authorities contained in the 12 regular appropriation acts for 2024, which were contained in divisions A through F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42) and divisions A through F of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-47). Estimates are annualized—that is, estimated as if appropriations were provided for the entire fiscal year.

    Division B would revise the phase-in period for payment changes for Medicare clinical laboratory tests,   provide additional funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund, and extend the authorization of several health and veteran programs. CBO’s estimates of the budgetary effects of division B are summarized in Table 2. In keeping with title IV of division B, and at the direction of the House and Senate Budget Committees, that division is considered authorizing legislation and its budgetary effects are subject to pay-as-you-go procedures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Caroline D. Pham on the Filing of Administrative Complaints for Enforcement Actions

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission







    /PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/phamstatement092424

    Skip to main content

    September 24, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner Caroline D. Pham today released the following statement on the CFTC’s filing of four administrative complaints for enforcement actions before a CFTC temporary hearing officer:

    “It is unbelievable that in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Jarkesy opinion and the heightened scrutiny of agency administrative proceedings, the Commission is doubling down on bringing enforcement actions before a hearing officer—not even an Administrative Law Judge. Last year, when the Commission pulled this maneuver at the last minute, I stated that this shotgun approach ‘flies in the face of decades of Commission standard practice and rules, bypasses federal Article III courts, and is a misuse of the CFTC’s adjudication authority.’

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Dept. CHIPS Act Contract Falls Short of Biden-Harris Administration’s Standards

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    Today’s announcement of the CHIPS Act-funded contract the U.S. Department of Commerce has signed with Polar Semiconductor falls short of the standards set by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order on Investing in America and American Workers and Good Jobs Principles. In particular, the announcement and information on the CHIPS for America website contain no details about enforceable labor and environmental standards or public reporting requirements.

    “CHIPS and Science Act funds could be an important part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in creating good, sustainable manufacturing jobs that revitalize our communities, but the final contract terms reported do not appear to reflect those priorities,” said Carl Kennebrew, President of IUE-CWA, the industrial division of the Communications Workers of America. “We know that the semiconductor industry has a well-documented history of low pay for production workers, lax standards for exposure to toxic chemicals, and union busting. Addressing those issues requires transparency and public reporting on enforceable commitments, which are not noted in the public description of this contract.”

    This potential lack of public transparency is of particular concern when it comes to worker safety. OSHA standards for toxic chemical exposure are outdated and do not cover many of the hazards present in semiconductor manufacturing.

    While the contract with Polar falls short, upcoming awards to Intel, Micron, Samsung and other large industry players offer an opportunity to address these issues.

    In order to ensure that the manufacturing facilities created through the CHIPS Act have a positive impact on the communities where they are situated, these contracts must:

    • Set specific requirements for job creation and retention, wages, training, and safety with robust public reporting on those measures to ensure that these funds create the good jobs that are intended.
    • Be enforced through strong non-compliance language and clawback provisions should companies violate federal law or fall short on honoring their commitments.
    • Require that production workers have a free and fair opportunity to join a union. Union membership gives workers a seat at the table to set high standards for these facilities and provides an additional layer of transparency into how these standards are being implemented on the factory floor.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Health Students Volunteer for a Heart Healthy Cause

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    “It was an extremely great turnout with over 300 walkers. We raised over $62,000!” reports Ire Opayemi, a medical student at UConn School of Medicine in the Class of 2025 who is pursuing a dual MD/MPH degree. “I think it was a great show of how much UConn Health students are involved in the community which we serve and how we’re spreading awareness of CHD.”

    Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect in the United States, affecting nearly 1 in 100 babies each year. Despite this prevalence, CHD research and programs are severely underfunded.

    The UConn Health students participated in the 1-mile walk around downtown West Hartford. The Connecticut Walk for 1 in 100 was one of 15 similar events ACHA is hosting nationwide this year to raise funds for greater family and community outreach, education, and research.

    “The Adult Congenital Heart Association is an incredible organization that has done so much for the community by providing vital education and support groups for those living with congenital heart disease. As UConn medical and dental students, we’re working to show that we care deeply about those living with congenital heart disease and are committed to increasing awareness within the broader community,” shared UConn’s Opayemi.

    He added, “We’re also aiming to enhance providers’ understanding of congenital heart disease, inspiring some to specialize in this field and ensuring that all have the experience to connect with and relate to these patients in their care. This year, we’ve seen tremendous engagement, not just from students but from the local community as well. We’re all coming together to show we truly care about supporting and empowering people with congenital heart disease.”

    Funds generated from the Connecticut Walk support the ACHA Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Accreditation Program, which is working to elevate and standardize care for the ACHD population nationwide. In addition, Walk for 1 in 100 helps to fund cutting-edge medical research, advocacy efforts and various educational and outreach initiatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Parson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Kansas City Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Brinker

    Source: US State of Missouri

    SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Platte and Jackson counties, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Wednesday, September 25, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Kansas City Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Brinker.  

    “Kyle Brinker was drawn to public service at an early age, first becoming a junior firefighter in Pennsylvania, and he never lost his passion and enthusiasm for making a positive difference in people’s lives,” Governor Parson said. “He earned a degree in emergency medicine and devoted himself to being the best firefighter/paramedic he could be as he served in Station 35, one of the KCFD’s busiest stations. He will be remembered as a mentor and role model fully committed to the people he served. Teresa and I will be keeping his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”       

    On September 17, 2024, while performing duties as a rescue technician during a Kansas City Fire Department training exercise, Firefighter/Paramedic Brinker experienced a medical emergency and died in the line of duty.

    Brinker, 33, had been a member of the Kansas City Fire Department for 11 years. Previously, he had served as a firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), and paramedic in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Firefighter/Paramedic Brinker is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minister LeBlanc launches Canada’s Community Safety Program to protect communities from hate-motivated crimes

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    Everyone living in Canada deserves to be and feel safe in their community. In recent years, we have seen an unacceptable increase in hate incidents targeting many communities, particularly those that are more vulnerable. In response, the federal government is developing safety programs tailored to their needs to ensure their safety.

    September 24, 2024

    Ottawa, Ontario

    Everyone living in Canada deserves to be and feel safe in their community. In recent years, we have seen an unacceptable increase in hate incidents targeting many communities, particularly those that are more vulnerable. In response, the federal government is developing safety programs tailored to their needs to ensure their safety.

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, launched the new Canada Community Safety Program (CCSP), and announced that the program will be ready to accept funding applications from eligible organizations starting October 1, 2024.

    The CCSP replaces and enhances the Security Infrastructure Funding Program (SIFP), which aims to support communities by investing in security measures that will help keep them safe. Eligible measures include security equipment and materials, minor renovations to enhance security, security and emergency plans and assessments, hate-motivated incident response training, and time-limited security personnel.

    The federal government listened to concerned organizations and partners and designed the CCSP to better meet the needs of communities and provide greater flexibility for organizations applying for financial support. Under the CCSP:

    Funding eligibility criteria have been expanded to include office and administrative spaces, cemeteries and early childhood centres; up to 70% of eligible project costs can be covered, compared to 50% of costs under the SIPP; funding for authorized, time-limited third-party security personnel is now a permanent feature of the Program; the maximum amount (or stacking limit) of total government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) has been eliminated, providing organizations with more opportunities to apply for other sources of funding; application requirements have been modified to reduce administrative barriers; organizations can apply for funding at any time of the year through an ongoing call for applications process; and organizations can apply for funding and deliver projects on behalf of eligible associated recipients.

    Together, these measures will make it easier for organizations to fund their projects and protect their community gathering places.

    Quotes

    “Every person living in Canada deserves to feel safe in their community. The changes we are making through the new Canada Community Safety Program are informed by what we heard from organizations that interacted with its predecessor, the Security Infrastructure Program. It is now a more flexible, more generous and simpler program that will make it easier for vulnerable communities to protect themselves from hate-motivated crimes.”

    – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

    Quick Facts

    Hate crimes are considered one of the most underreported offences. Research shows that only one-third of hate crime victims in Canada report a crime to police.

    Additional funding for the PSCC was announced in Budget 2023 and Budget 2024 as follows:

    16 million in 2024-2025; 16 million in 2025-2026; 11 million in 2026-2027; 11 million in 2027-2028; 11 million in 2028-2029 and thereafter.

    The CCSP is one of four programs under the National Crime Prevention Strategy, which supports targeted, local crime prevention initiatives and knowledge development and sharing to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities. The other programs are: the Crime Prevention Action Fund, the Youth Gang Prevention Fund and the Aboriginal and Northern Crime Prevention Fund.

    The PFPIS was originally created in 2007 to support communities at risk of hate crimes by improving their safety infrastructure. This important work will now continue under the PSCC.

    In total, through the SIP and the expanded Security Infrastructure Program (SIIP), the Government of Canada has invested more than $30 million in funding for over 770 projects to help Canadian communities at risk of hate-motivated crime protect their communities and strengthen the security of their community centres, places of worship and other facilities.

    To better support communities in need, costs related to security personnel hired for a fixed period are eligible for reimbursement starting September 24, 2024 and following project approval.

    Public Safety will contact organizations that have submitted an application under the PFPIS to discuss the status of their application and their participation under the PSCC.

    Organizations wishing to be kept informed of the launch of the next PSCC call for applications are invited to register at distribution list from the National Crime Prevention Center.

    Following the National Summit on Antisemitism and the National Summit on Islamophobia, the Government of Canada committed to considering adjustments to the SIP. The SIP will enable the Government of Canada to be more effective and more responsive to the safety and security needs of communities.

    Budget 2024 provides an investment of $273.6 million over six years, starting in 2024–25, and $29.3 million ongoing, for Canada’s Action Plan to Combat Hate. The upcoming Action Plan will support expanded community services and law enforcement reform, address the rise in hate crimes and incidents, strengthen community safety, combat radicalization, and increase support for victims. The additional funding provided to the CCSP in Budget 2024 is part of an investment in this first-ever whole-of-government action plan to prevent and combat hate.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Gabriel BrunetPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Dominic LeBlancMinister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs819-665-6527gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    Media RelationsPublic Safety Canada613-991-0657media@ps-sp.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken Announce Designation of the State of Qatar into the Visa Waiver Program

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, in consultation with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, designated Qatar into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The collaboration and information sharing at the core of the VWP will significantly enhance the security interests of the United States in addition to encouraging legitimate travel and commerce between the two nations. 

    Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken commend Qatar for meeting the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years. This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability. By meeting the VWP requirements, Qatar becomes the first Gulf country to enter the program and we encourage additional partners to meet all program requirements to allow for entry into the program in the interest of advancing bilateral and regional security cooperation. 

    “The Visa Waiver Program is one of our most successful security initiatives. Qatar’s participation in the program increases information sharing regarding one of the world’s busiest travel and transfer hubs, strengthening the security of the United States,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “I commend our Qatari partners for meeting the stringent requirements in this agreement entails and look forward to our continued work together on behalf of our respective countries.” 

    “Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries. Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris,” said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. 

    The VWP builds comprehensive security partnerships between the United States and designated countries that meet strict requirements related to counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border managemnt. These requirements include that the country have a rate of nonimmigrant visa refusals below 3% during the previous fiscal year; issues secure travel documents; extends reciprocal entry privileges to all U.S. citizens and nationals without regard to national origin, religion, ethnicity, or gender; and works closely with U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities. Qatar put forth a significant whole-of-government effort to meet all program requirements, including entering into partnerships with the United States to share information on terrorism and serious crimes. As with all VWP countries, DHS will continually monitor Qatar’s compliance with all program requirements. 

    Starting no later than December 1, 2024, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile app will be updated to allow citizens and nationals of Qatar to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa. These authorizations are generally valid for two years. Travelers with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use their visa for travel to the United States, and B-1/B-2 visas will remain an option for Qatari citizens. ESTA applications may be found at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or download the “ESTA Mobile” app through the iOS App Store or the Google Play store. 

    U.S. citizens already enjoy visa-free travel to Qatar, and beginning October 1, 2024, will be eligible to stay in Qatar for up to 90 days instead of the previous 30-day limit if they have a passport that is valid for at least three months from arrival and a confirmed hotel booking on arrival. 

    Under the VWP, citizens and nationals of Qatar will be able to apply for authorization to travel to the United States through the ESTA online or mobile app at a date to be announced shortly after Qatar’s VWP admission. Participating countries are reviewed at least biennially, as required in statute, to ensure they continue to meet all program requirements. 

    Qatar will be the 42nd member of the VWP and the third country added under Secretary Mayorkas’s tenure (Croatia in 2021 and Israel in 2023). More information on the VWP can be found at www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Browning Man of Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in Death of Man on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

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

    GREAT FALLS — A federal jury on Thursday found a Browning man guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a man in his home on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    After a three-day trial that began on Sept. 17, the jury found the defendant, Douglas Darren Malatare, 59, guilty of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl as charged in an indictment. Malatare faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the distribution charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the possession charge.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court set sentencing for Jan. 22, 2025. Malatare was detained pending further proceedings.

    “Fentanyl is our nation’s deadliest illicit drug threat, as it is devastating families and communities. And we are fiercely determined to hold accountable those who are responsible for such devastation, especially when one’s drug trafficking results in another’s death. Malatare poisoned the Blackfeet reservation and made thousands of dollars doing it, including costing the victim his life. I applaud the jury for holding Malatare accountable and am relieved Malatare will no longer be poisoning the streets of Browning and the surrounding area,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Nov. 19, 2022, the mother of the victim, John Doe, with whom she shared a residence, found him deceased in his bathroom. Doe was 49 years old when he died, and his body showed no obvious signs of cause of death. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the Glacier County coroner investigated. In Doe’s bedroom, law enforcement found blue powder and a straw on top of a dresser. Doe’s mother reported that Doe had been at the residence the evening before. That evening, Doe’s friend, Malatare, had visited with Doe outside the residence. Doe and his mother then had dinner, during which she noticed Doe had a hard time staying awake. Doe’s mother found him unresponsive in the bathroom. Forensic testing and an autopsy conducted on Doe’s body showed that he had fentanyl in his blood and urine. Ibuprofen and hydrocodone also were detected in his body. A medical examiner concluded that Doe had died of acute fentanyl intoxication.

    The government further alleged that a law enforcement search of Doe’s cell phone found a text exchange between Doe and Malatare the evening Doe overdosed. The exchange included:

    Malatare to Doe: “Catch up with you lil bit bro, you looking.”

    Doe to Malatare: “Yeah, I’ll be home. Just got off work. I can only afford half if you can stop by.”

    An investigation determined that beginning in at least September 2022, an individual named “Doug,” and later identified as Malatare, was bringing fentanyl from Washington to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and that Malatare made several quick trips back and forth to Washington between September and December 2022. On Dec. 17, 2022, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services stopped Malatare for speeding and used a K-9 to conduct a sniff search on the car. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. Law enforcement seized the car and obtained a search warrant. Officers searched a fanny pack before allowing Malatare to possess it and found a bag of blue and white pills that they suspected contained fentanyl. In a search of the vehicle, officers found a quantity of multi-colored fentanyl pills in the back seat behind a middle armrest. They also recovered a digital scale and multiple rolls of U.S. currency.  An analysis determined both the multi-colored pills and blue and white pills contained fentanyl. In total, the Drug Enforcement Administration lab found more than 600 fentanyl pills. A witness told law enforcement that Malatare was bragging that he purchased the pills for $2 per pill in Washington and sold them for $50 to $60 per pill in Montana. The pills seized from Malatare had an estimated street value of more than $30,000. 

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, and FBI conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Waterstone Financial Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUWATOSA, Wis., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On September 24, 2024, the Board of Directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBF) declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share. The dividend is payable on November 1, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 8, 2024.

    About Waterstone Financial, Inc:

    Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank. WaterStone Bank was established in 1921 and offers a full suite of personal and business banking products. The Bank has branches in Wauwatosa/State St, Brookfield, Fox Point/North Shore, Franklin/Hales Corners, Germantown/Menomonee Falls, Greenfield/Loomis Rd, Milwaukee/Oklahoma Ave, Oak Creek/27th St, Oak Creek/Howell Ave, Oconomowoc/Lake Country, Pewaukee, Waukesha, West Allis/Greenfield Ave, and West Allis/National Ave, Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is the parent company to Waterstone Mortgage, which has the ability to lend in 48 states. For more information about WaterStone Bank, go to wsbonline.com.

    Contact: Mark R. Gerke
    Chief Financial Officer
    414-459-4012
    markgerke@wsbonline.com

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Announces Mid-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date September 13, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the end of the settlement date of September 13, 2024, short interest in 3,057 Nasdaq Global MarketSM securities totaled 12,241,625,467 shares compared with 12,296,040,928 shares in 3,037 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of August 30, 2024. The mid-September short interest represents 3.06 days compared with 3.38 days for the prior reporting period.

    Short interest in 1,670 securities on The Nasdaq Capital MarketSM totaled 2,107,947,669 shares at the end of the settlement date of September 13, 2024, compared with 2,103,446,709 shares in 1,668 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.34 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.27.

    In summary, short interest in all 4,727 Nasdaq® securities totaled 14,349,573,136 shares at the September 13, 2024 settlement date, compared with 4,705 issues and 14,399,487,637 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 2.57 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 2.72 days for the prior reporting period.

    The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller.

    For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit
    http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx
    or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp.

    About Nasdaq:
    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com. 

    Media Contact:
    Jennifer Lawson
    jennifer.lawson@nasdaq.com

    A graph accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea6c93d1-befd-4bc5-88a7-0ac3aaa2dcbf

    NDAQO

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: AMMO, Inc. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer and Provides Corporate Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paul Kasowski, Who Has Served as Chief Compliance and Transformation Officer, Named New Chief Financial Officer

    The Board of Directors Has Retained Independent Advisors to Support an Investigation Into Financial Reporting for Fiscal Years 2020-2023

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMMO, Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW, POWWP) (“AMMO” or the “Company”), the owner of GunBroker.com, the largest online marketplace serving the firearms and shooting sports industries, and a leading vertically integrated producer of high-performance ammunition and components, today announced that Paul Kasowski, who has served as the Company’s Chief Compliance and Transformation Officer, has been appointed by AMMO’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) as the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Kasowski succeeds Rob Wiley, who resigned on September 19, 2024 at the request of the Board.

    After due consideration, the Company’s Board determined that Mr. Kasowski possesses the requisite experience and qualifications to serve as CFO. Mr. Kasowski most recently served as Chief Compliance and Transformation Officer since January 2024.

    Jared Smith, AMMO’s Chief Executive Officer and Board member, commented:

    “Since my appointment as CEO in July 2023, I have prioritized laying a foundation for long-term value creation and helping AMMO mature as a public company. The appointment of Paul will support these efforts. He brings additive experience in a variety of areas, including enhancing margins, improving internal processes, and positioning businesses to transform.”

    Paul Kasowski Biography:

    Prior to joining the Company in January 2024, Mr. Kasowski held the role of SVP, Business Transformation for Kinder’s Seasonings & Sauces from January 2022 to July 2023 where he professionalized financial reporting and implemented margin improvement projects while building a winning culture for this high growth brand. Previously, from December 2020 to December 2021, he was CFO for Arizona Natural Resources, a privately owned manufacturer of premium beauty care products where he oversaw finance, accounting, IT, HR, planning and sourcing. Mr. Kasowski also held the role of VP, Financial Planning & Analysis from April 2019 to December 2020 for Igloo Products Corp., a manufacturer of coolers and hydration products based in Katy, TX. From 2003 to 2019, he held progressing roles in finance, strategy, and operations for Del Monte Foods and Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. Mr. Kasowski earned his M.S. in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University, MBA from Ohio University, and B.S. in Finance from Robert Morris University.

    Independent Investigation Into Historical Financial Statements

    As disclosed in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2024, a Special Sub-Committee of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors has retained a law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The independent investigation is in its early stages and is focused on fiscal years 2020 through 2023.

    The Company does not plan to comment further until the completion of the investigation.

    About AMMO, Inc.

    With its corporate offices headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, AMMO designs and manufactures products for a variety of aptitudes, including law enforcement, military, sport shooting and self-defense. The Company was founded in 2016 with a vision to change, innovate and invigorate the complacent munitions industry. AMMO promotes branded munitions as well as its patented STREAK™ Visual Ammunition, /stelTH/™ subsonic munitions, and specialty rounds for military use via government programs. For more information, please visit: www.ammo-inc.com.

    About GunBroker

    GunBroker is the largest online marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. Aside from merchandise bearing its logo, GunBroker currently sells none of the items listed on its website. Third-party sellers list items on the site and Federal and state laws govern the sale of firearms and other restricted items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. Launched in 1999, the GunBroker.com website is an informative, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms, ammunition, air guns, archery equipment, knives and swords, firearms accessories and hunting/shooting gear online. GunBroker promotes responsible ownership of guns and firearms. For more information, visit: www.gunbroker.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words like “may,” “will,” “likely,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “goal,” “seek,” “estimate,” “project,” “continue,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the dates they are made. You should, however, consult further disclosures and risk factors we include in Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports filed on Form 8-K.

    Contacts

    For media:
    Longacre Square Partners
    Joe Householder, (646) 582-3643
    AMMO@longacresquare.com

    For investors:
    Matt Blazei
    CoreIR
    Phone: (516) 386-0430
    IR@ammo-inc.com

    Source: AMMO, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dutton’s nuclear plan would mean propping up coal for at least 12 more years – and we don’t know what it would cost

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute

    Opposition leader Peter Dutton has revealed the Coalition’s nuclear energy plan relies on many of Australia’s coal-fired power stations running for at least another 12 years – far beyond the time frame officials expect the ageing facilities to last.

    The claim has set off a new round of speculation over the Coalition’s plans – the viability of which has already been widely questioned by energy analysts.

    Dutton offered up limited detail in a speech on Monday. He also revealed the plan relies on ramping up Australia’s gas production.

    It seems increasingly clear the Coalition’s nuclear policy would prolong Australia’s reliance on coal, at a time when the world is rapidly moving to cleaner sources of power.

    Coal: old and tired

    The Coalition wants to build nuclear reactors on the sites of closed coal plants. It says the first reactors could come online by the mid-2030s. However, independent analysis shows the earliest they could be built is the 2040s.

    Now it appears the Coalition’s plan involves relying on coal to provide electricity while nuclear reactors are being built. On Monday, Dutton suggested coal-fired electricity would be available into the 2030s and ‘40s.

    But this is an overly optimistic reading of coal’s trajectory. The Australian Energy Market Operator says 90% of coal-fired power in the National Electricity Market will close by 2035.

    All this suggests the Coalition plans to extend the life of existing coal plants. But this is likely to cost money. Australia’s coal-fired power stations are old and unreliable – that’s why their owners want to shut them down. To keep plants open means potentially operating them at a loss, while having to invest in repairs and upgrades.

    This is why coal plant owners sought, and received, payments from state governments to delay exits when the renewables rollout began falling behind schedule.

    So who would wear the cost of delaying coal’s retirement? It might be energy consumers if state governments decide to recoup the costs via electricity bills. Or it could be taxpayers, through higher taxes, reduced services or increased government borrowing. In other words, we will all have to pay, just from different parts of our personal budgets.

    Labor’s energy plan also relies on continued use of coal. Dutton pointed to moves by the New South Wales and Victorian governments to extend the life of coal assets in those states. For example, the NSW Labor government struck a deal with Origin to keep the Eraring coal station open for an extra two years, to 2027.

    However, this is a temporary measure to keep the electricity system reliable because the renewables build is behind schedule. It is not a defining feature of the plan.

    Eraring was given a two year extension.

    New transmission is essential under either plan

    Dutton claims Labor’s renewable energy transition will require a massive upgrade to transmission infrastructure. The transmission network largely involves high-voltage lines and towers, and transformers.

    He claims the Coalition can circumvent this cost by building nuclear power plants on seven sites of old coal-fired power stations, and thus use existing transmission infrastructure.

    Labor’s shift to renewable energy does require new transmission infrastructure, to get electricity from far-flung wind and solar farms to towns and cities. It’s also true that building nuclear power stations at the site of former coal plants would, in theory, make use of existing transmission lines, although the owners of some of these sites have firmly declined the opportunity.

    But even if the Coalition’s nuclear plan became a reality, new transmission infrastructure would be needed.

    Australia’s electricity demand is set to surge in coming decades as we move to electrify our homes, transport and heavy industry. This will require upgrades to transmission infrastructure, because it will have to carry more electricity. Many areas of the network are already at capacity.

    So in reality, both Labor’s and the Coalition’s policies are likely to require substantial spending on transmission.

    Gas is not an easy answer

    Both Labor and the Coalition acknowledge a big role for gas in their respective plans.

    Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says gas, along with storage, is needed to help back up to the grid, when solar and wind farms are not producing electricity.

    Dutton spoke of plans “to ramp up domestic gas production” in the short term, “to get power prices down and restore stability to our grid” – presumably until nuclear comes online.

    But the issue isn’t a lack of gas. It’s that the gas is in the wrong places. There’s a gas shortage because southern reserves are declining and all the gas production is in the north of the continent.

    An increased role for gas means getting someone to pay for new infrastructure, such as pipelines or LNG terminals. That will make for expensive gas, and expensive gas means expensive electricity.

    Many unanswered questions

    It’s now three months since the Coalition released its nuclear strategy. Detail was thin then – and Monday’s speech shed little light.

    Many unanswered questions remain – chief among them, costings of the nuclear plan, and how much of that will be born by government. CSIRO says a nuclear reactor would cost at least A$8.6 billion.

    We also don’t know how the Coalition would acquire the sites, or get around nuclear bans in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

    We still don’t know how the Coalition plans to keep the lights on in the coming decade, as coal exits.

    And crucially, we don’t know what it will cost households and businesses. It is unlikely to be cheap.

    Alison Reeve does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article. Since 2008, Grattan Institute has been supported in its work by government, corporations, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporters is published at www.grattan.edu.au.

    – ref. Dutton’s nuclear plan would mean propping up coal for at least 12 more years – and we don’t know what it would cost – https://theconversation.com/duttons-nuclear-plan-would-mean-propping-up-coal-for-at-least-12-more-years-and-we-dont-know-what-it-would-cost-239720

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: Where do we stash the equivalent of 110 Sydney harbour bridges? That’s the conundrum Australia faces as oil and gas rigs close

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darryn Snell, Associate professor, School of Management, RMIT University

    James Jones Jr, Shutterstock

    Oil and gas wells are dotted off Australia’s shores. They involve huge steel structures fixed firmly to the sea floor, and thousands of kilometres of pipelines.

    Most of Australia’s offshore oil and gas projects will be decommissioned in the next 30 years – some in the next decade. An estimated 5.7 million tonnes of material will need to be removed – the equivalent of 110 Sydney harbour bridges.

    Australia desperately needs the skills and equipment to conduct these complex decommissioning operations. The Albanese government says a high-capacity decommissioning facility is required by the early 2030s. At present, no such facilities exist.

    We hope the nation welcomes the opportunity to build a new multi-billion dollar demolition and recycling industry, with skilled jobs for workers. Rather than letting companies abandon structures for so-called “artificial reefs”.

    What would a decommissioning industry look like?

    Australia has two main offshore oil and gas producing areas: the North West Shelf in Western Australia and the Bass Strait off Gippsland, Victoria.

    WA and the Northern Territory have 35 platforms, 11 floating facilities and 6,076km of pipelines offshore. Victoria has 22 platforms and 2,089km of pipelines. Altogether, more than a thousand wells will need to be plugged and abandoned.

    Many of these facilities have already reached the end of their lives, or soon will. Less demand for fossil fuels in the future means we don’t need to refurbish or extend them. The only other option is to decommission them.

    Federal law requires the complete removal of offshore oil and gas infrastructure and plugging of wells, unless companies can come up with a better option.

    About 60% of the material requiring removal is steel, which could be recycled. A further 25% is concrete. The remainder includes plastics, hazardous metals and naturally occurring radioactive materials.

    But decommissioning is expensive, complex and time consuming, and the weak regulations are poorly enforced. Companies often present proposals that fail to meet community expectations.

    The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility argues “further regulation is needed to ensure greater transparency, disclosure, and public consultation on decommissioning”.

    The Albanese government has been developing a plan for a decommissioning industry in Australia. It would be worth A$60 billion over the next 30 to 50 years.

    The industry would reclaim the materials and transport them to dismantling yards, for safe sorting and recycling. It would create highly skilled jobs, many of which overlap with skills needed for building offshore wind farms. These include:

    • electricians and mechanical fitters
    • specialist engineering roles
    • various management and contract management roles
    • health, safety and environmental specialists
    • specialist offshore operators, including for cranes and drilling activities.

    Currently only a few countries such as Norway and Turkiye have such dedicated decommissioning industries. Some also accept materials from oil and gas fields further afield. Scottish oil and gas rigs, for example, were controversially transported to Turkiye for dismantling and recycling in 2022-23.

    Plenty of work to be done

    In Gippsland, there may be ways to decommission not just offshore oil and gas, but also coal-fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley, which are scheduled to close in coming years.

    Some 30,000 tonnes of steel and 65,000m³ of asbestos was removed when Hazelwood Power Station was demolished. A further 100,000 tonnes of steel and 100,000 tonnes of concrete was recycled.

    Much recycling work was done on site. This provided more than 1.1 million hours of work employment badly needed in a region that had lost one of its largest employers.

    The WA state government allocated $5 million to a local decommissioning industry in its 2022-23 budget. This funds the Centre of Decommissioning Australia’s research, including a study investigating how to develop a dismantling hub in WA.

    Unfortunately, Victoria has not shown similar interest. This is despite decommissioning work by Esso in Bass Strait raising ongoing community concerns. They relate to the marine environment, human safety – for fishing, beach and tourism activities – and the loss of other potential industry and job opportunities.

    Whether to remove oil and gas structures or leave them in place is hotly debated. Some people argue the structures should be left to serve as artificial reefs. Others say the material is dangerous and potentially toxic.

    Given the immense size and number of oil and gas platforms around the world, a lot of material could be left to decay in the oceans with unknown consequences.

    Gas in the Bass Strait is running out but what will happen to the offshore rigs? | 7.30.

    Challenges and opportunities

    Renewable energy promises to create jobs and revitalise many fossil-fuel dependent regions. Setting up a decommissioning industry in the oil and gas regions of WA and Victoria would provide further opportunities during the transition.

    Ideally, the decommissioning process would deliver positive social and environmental benefits, not just cost savings. But that requires managing decommissioning as part of policies aimed at supporting workers and communities to adjust to a low carbon economy.

    The Future Made in Australia policy, for instance, could consider including support for a decommissioning industry.

    Regulations for decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure must be strengthened. Environmental groups and unions are increasingly campaigning for these changes. Australia’s oil and gas companies are powerful and will likely resist further regulation.

    Abandoning oil and gas infrastructure on the ocean floor would result in lost opportunities for regions, communities and workers. It would also set a precedent for the dumping of yet more industrial waste into the ocean.

    We must get decommissioning right. Otherwise, it may prove another environmental harm imposed on the planet by the oil and gas industry.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Where do we stash the equivalent of 110 Sydney harbour bridges? That’s the conundrum Australia faces as oil and gas rigs close – https://theconversation.com/where-do-we-stash-the-equivalent-of-110-sydney-harbour-bridges-thats-the-conundrum-australia-faces-as-oil-and-gas-rigs-close-235867

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: The design tricks keeping your kids hooked on games and apps – and 3 things you can do about it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Zomer, Associate Research Fellow at the Centre of the Digital Child, Deakin University

    This article is part of a series on the great internet letdown. Read the rest of the series.

    Ever found yourself unable to resist checking out a social media notification? Or sending a random picture just to keep a Snapchat “streak” going? Or simply getting stuck staring at YouTube because it auto-played yet another cute cat video?

    If so, you’re far from alone. And if we adults can’t resist such digital temptations, how can we expect children to do any better?

    Many digital environments are not designed with the best interest of users in mind – and this is especially true of games, apps and platforms commonly used by kids and teens.

    Designers use persuasive design techniques to make users spend more time on apps or platforms, so they can make more money selling ads. Below, we explain some of the most common design tricks used in popular games, social media and apps.

    Decision-making made easy 🔀

    Social media and streaming platforms strive to provide “seamless” user experiences. This makes it easy to stay engaged without needing to click anything very often, which also minimises any obvious opportunities where we might disengage.

    These seamless experiences include things such as auto-play when streaming videos, or “infinite scrolling” on social media. When algorithms present us with a steady flow of content, shaped by what we have liked or engaged with in the past, we must put in extra effort to stop watching. Unsurprisingly, we often decide to stay put.

    Rewards and dopamine hits 🧠

    Another way to keep children engaged is by using rewards, such as stars, diamonds, stickers, badges or other “points” in children’s apps. “Likes” on social media are no different.

    Rewards trigger the release of a chemical in our brains – dopamine – which not only makes us feel good but also leaves us wanting more.

    Rewards can be used to promote good behaviour, but not always. In some children’s apps, rewards are doubled if users watch advertisements.

    Loot boxes and ‘gambling’ 💰

    Variable rewards have been found to be especially effective. When you do not know when you will get a certain reward or desired item, you are more likely to keep going.

    In games, variable rewards can often be found (or purchased) in the form of “loot boxes”. Loot boxes might be chests, treasures, or stacks of cards containing a random reward. Because of the unpredictable reward, some researchers have described loot boxes as akin to gambling, even though the games do not always involve real money.

    Sometimes in-game currency (fake game money) can be bought with real money and used to “gamble” for rare characters and special items. This is very tempting for young people.

    In one of our (as yet unpublished) studies, a 12-year-old student admitted to spending several hundred dollars to obtain a desired character in the popular game Genshin Impact.

    The lure of streaks 🔥

    Another problematic way of using rewards in design is negative reinforcement. For instance, when you are at risk of a negative outcome (like losing something good), you feel compelled to continue a particular behaviour.

    “Streaks” work like this. If you do not do the same task for several days in a row, you will not get the extra rewards promised. Language learning app DuoLingo uses streaks, but so does Snapchat, a popular social media app. Research has shown a correlation between Snapchat streaks and problematic smartphone use among teens.

    Streaks can also make money for apps directly. If you miss a day and lose your streak, you can often pay to restore it.

    Loss of reputation 👎

    Reputation is important on social media. Think of the number of Facebook friends you have, or the number of likes your post receives.

    Sometimes designers build on our fear of losing our reputation. For instance, they can do this by adding a leaderboard that ranks users based on their score.

    While you may have heard of the use of leaderboards in games, they are also common in popular educational apps such as Kahoot! or Education Perfect. Leaderboards introduce an element of competition that many students enjoy.

    However, for some this competition has negative consequences – especially for those languishing low in the ranks.

    Similarly, Snapchat has a SnapScore where reputational loss is still at play. You do not want a lower score than your friends! This makes you want to keep using the app.

    Exploiting feelings of connection 🥰

    Another tool in the designers’ bag of tricks is capitalising on the emotional ties or connections users form with influencers or celebrities on social media, or favourite media characters (such as Elmo or Peppa pig) for younger children.

    While these connections can foster a sense of belonging, they can also be exploited for commercial gain, such as when influencers promote commercial products, or characters urge in-app purchases.

    What can parents do? 🤷

    Persuasive design isn’t inherently bad. Users want apps and games to be engaging, like we do for movies or TV shows. However, some design “tricks” simply serve commercial interests, often at the expense of users’ wellbeing.

    It is not all bleak, though. Here are a few steps parents can take to help kids stay on top of the apps:

    • have early and ongoing discussions with children about ideas such as the underlying commercial intent of what they are engaging with

    • model good digital choices of not giving in to persuasive design, such as by avoiding digital distractions yourself

    • use trustworthy resources to help in digital decision-making, such as Common Sense Media and Dark Pattern Games.

    For the moment, the responsibility for managing children’s interactions with the digital realm falls largely on individuals and families.

    Some governments are beginning to take action, but measures such as blanket age-based bans on social media or other platforms will only shield children temporarily. A better approach for governments and regulators would be to focus on safety by design: the idea that the safety and rights of users should be the starting point of any app, product or service, rather than an afterthought.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The design tricks keeping your kids hooked on games and apps – and 3 things you can do about it – https://theconversation.com/the-design-tricks-keeping-your-kids-hooked-on-games-and-apps-and-3-things-you-can-do-about-it-239493

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: Humanity needs more rare earth elements. Extinct volcanoes could be a rich new source

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Anenburg, Research Fellow in Earth Sciences, Australian National University

    Phawat/Shutterstock

    Extinct volcanoes are hard to study – we never see them erupt. Using a unique experimental technique, we were able to recreate a certain type of extinct volcano in a lab, learning more about the magma these volcanoes produce.

    We found that some rare magma types are surprisingly efficient at concentrating rare earth elements. This is a group of metals with crucial applications in several high-tech industries, such as magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

    Demand for rare earths is soaring as society moves away from fossil fuels and electrifies energy production and transport. Despite the name, rare earths aren’t particularly rare. The biggest challenge is finding rocks in which these metals are concentrated enough to be economically viable to extract.

    Our new research, published in the journal Geochemical Perspectives Letters, shows certain extinct volcanoes are a great place to look.

    Iron-rich magma in extinct volcanoes

    There is an enigmatic type of magma that contains unusually large amounts of iron. It is so rare, no eruptions featuring this type of magma have happened in recorded history.

    Instead, it is only known from extinct volcanoes that were active many millions of years ago.

    The most famous example of such a volcano is El Laco in Chile. Another notable example is Kiruna in Sweden, mined for iron ore for many decades. Last year, its operating company LKAB announced Kiruna as the largest rare earths resource in Europe.

    The discovery at Kiruna made us (and many others) wonder why there would be a rare earth resource at a volcanic iron mine. We already know of many other rock types containing rare earths, and none of them are like Kiruna and other extinct iron-rich volcanoes.

    Was this just a geological serendipity, or is there something inherent to iron-rich magmas that make them rare-earth rich, too? After all, many of those iron-rich extinct volcanoes are known, but no one ever bothered to check whether they have a rare earth resource in them.

    Additionally, iron-rich rocks are often easy to find because of their strong magnetic signal, despite their rarity. Should they be added to the target list of rare earth explorers?

    Recreating volcanism in a bottle

    To test this hypothesis, we used a machine called a piston cylinder. We put synthetic material akin to volcanic rocks and magmas into small capsules or “bottles” made of noble metals such as platinum. We then pressurised them to depths equivalent to 15 kilometres deep in Earth’s crust and heated them up to 1,100°C, melting them into a liquid.

    At these extreme conditions, we found the iron-rich magma exists as bubbles inside a more common magma type known from virtually all modern active volcanoes. The iron-rich magma absorbs rare earths from the surrounding liquid.

    These iron-rich bubbles will have a different density and viscosity, and will separate from their iron-poor environment, similar to how water and oil mixed together will eventually separate into distinct layers.

    Iron-rich magmas absorb the rare earths so efficiently, their rare earth contents are almost 200 times greater than the regular magmas around them.

    This means the discovery at Kiruna wasn’t an accident. It’s something we can expect from most, if not all, iron-rich volcanoes.

    An experimental platinum capsule (4 mm in length) containing round bubbles of iron-rich and iron-poor magma. The capsule also contains abundant iron oxide crystals in light grey and blue, similar to the material making the iron ore in active mines.
    Shengchao Yan

    Why do we need more rare earth deposits?

    Production of rare earth elements is concentrated in just a handful of countries – mostly China, along with the United States, Myanmar and Australia.

    Rare earths are therefore classified as “critical minerals”: they have important uses, but suffer from a supply chain risk due to geopolitical factors.

    As demand for rare earths has surged, this has led to substantial investment in research and exploration for additional deposits. The more deposits are known, the better industry can pick deposits that will yield rare earths at the lowest financial, environmental and societal cost.

    Extinct iron-rich volcanoes are often mined for iron ore. Our results indicate existing mines at such locations can potentially be modified to produce rare earths as well.

    This would be a positive outcome – an existing mining operation can gain additional value. In some cases, mine waste can be reprocessed to extract these critical metals. This would mean new mines for rare earth elements may not even be required, preventing unnecessary disruption of natural environments.

    Michael Anenburg receives funding from the Australian Research Council for an Industry Fellowship co-funded by BHP Olympic Dam.

    – ref. Humanity needs more rare earth elements. Extinct volcanoes could be a rich new source – https://theconversation.com/humanity-needs-more-rare-earth-elements-extinct-volcanoes-could-be-a-rich-new-source-239410

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department Celebrates 30th Anniversary of the COPS Office

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

    The Justice Department celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Community Oriented Policing Services Office (COPS) and announced that it has awarded over $600 million in grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders across the country.

    The funding was announced as part of the Justice Department’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the COPS Office, commemorating 30 years since the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Since that time, the COPS Office has advanced community policing across the country by providing a variety of resources, including grant funding, training, technical assistance, and a wide range of publications and other resources.

    Related:
    https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-awards-over-600m-hire-law-enforcement-officers-keep-schools-safe-and

    https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/principal-deputy-associate-attorney-general-benjamin-c-mizer-delivers-remarks

    https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-delivers-remarks-delivers-remarks-30th-anniversary

    https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/deputy-attorney-general-lisa-monaco-delivers-remarks-delivers-remarks-30th-anniversary

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3tf1jP8n58

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: 09.24.2024 Sens. Cruz, Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan Bill Supporting Nuclear Fuel Recycling

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today introduced The Advancing Research in Nuclear Fuel Recycling Act. The bill requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Academy of Science to create an independent committee of experts to study recycling the country’s spent nuclear fuel. The DOE-commissioned study would evaluate the cost, benefits, and risks of recycling our spent nuclear fuel compared to the status quo of interim storage. Domestic recycling has the potential to reduce the amount of storage we need for spent nuclear fuel, reduce our dependence on nuclear fuel imported from hostile nations like Russia, and provide another supply of rare elements and isotopes used for certain medicines and advanced technologies.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “No individual state should be responsible for bearing the brunt of nuclear waste accumulation. In order to advance American energy, we need to find ways to maximize our cleanest baseload energy source.  I am proud to work with Sen. Heinrich on this bipartisan legislation to study how new technologies can harness the full potential of recycled nuclear energy. Innovation is key to making America energy dominant.”
    Sen. Heinrich said, “We need to find ways to provide clean and reliable energy for all Americans. This bill will help identify safe and secure methods of recycling our spent nuclear fuel, which can increase domestic clean energy resources, lower costs, and deliver good-paying jobs for Americans.”
    Ed McGinnis, CEO, Curio said, “We commend Senators Cruz and Heinrich for their forward-thinking leadership in the Advancing Research in Nuclear Fuel Recycling Act of 2024. Their dedication underscores the critical importance of nuclear waste recycling in unlocking America’s energy independence and ensuring a sustainable future. By embracing innovative solutions and bridging the gap between technology and policy, we pave the way towards a more environmentally sustainable and economically robust U.S. nuclear sector. Together, we can harness the full potential of nuclear energy while finding a permanent solution to nuclear waste.”
    Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO, Oklo said, “Oklo greatly appreciates the interest and support Congress has expressed for commercial recycling of used nuclear fuel. This legislation will help outline benefits and potential policy opportunities, while Oklo continues to deploy its own recycling program for the purpose of supplying fuel for our Aurora powerhouses.”
    Doug True, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer, Nuclear Energy Institute said, “The U.S. nuclear industry supports efforts by Congress to advance used nuclear fuel recycling for its potential to enhance the sustainability and economics of existing and advanced reactors, to improve U.S. energy security, and to convert used fuel into waste forms that can be more easily disposed of in a permanent geologic repository.”
    Read the full text of the bill.
    BACKGROUND

    There are over 90,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear power plants within the United States and that number continues to grow by 2,000 metric tons each year.
    There are over 70 sites within the U.S. where nuclear waste is currently stored. 20 of those sites lack an operational nuclear reactor and are considered shut down.
    World powers such as France, the UK, and Japan currently recycle their spent nuclear fuel. Meanwhile, the U.S. employs a “one-time-through” fuel life cycle because of a since-rescinded executive order from President Carter that prohibited the recycling of nuclear fuel.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cardin Expresses Concerns with Planned Transmission Line through Western Maryland and the Drive to Increase Data Centers Fueling the Need for More Power

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

    “In addition to their energy demands, the direct environmental impact of data centers on water resources and air quality will challenge our shared public health, clean energy and environment goals”

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has written to the Maryland Public Service Commission expressing his concerns about the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. The proposed route, through Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore counties, could have a negative impact on rural communities, including Maryland farmland and wildlife habitats. Senator Cardin urges the Commission to “take into account the consequences of the project on the State’s agricultural sector, historic heritage, and conservation goals.”

    In the letter, Cardin wrote: “I urge the Commission to engage with community stakeholders, landowners, and local conservation and preservation organizations to gather insights on how best to lessen the project’s impacts. It is imperative the decision-making process reflects a comprehensive understanding of the social and environmental implications of the proposed project.”

    In addition, Senator Cardin has written to Governor Wes Moore, urging him to carefully weigh “the benefits of data centers to Marylanders against the substantial negative impacts that the unmitigated development of data centers would have on our already overburdened grid, ratepayers, and environment … In addition to their energy demands, the direct environmental impact of data centers on water resources and air quality will challenge our shared public health, clean energy and environment goals.”

    While recognizing their “value to innovation and economic growth” Cardin is asking the governor to seek a “thoughtful and sustainable data center siting policy.”

    The letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission can befound here.

    The letter to Governor Wes Moore can befound here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manchin Reiterates Commitment To Protecting The Filibuster

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

    September 24, 2024

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released the following statement on Vice President Harris’ support for eliminating the filibuster in the U.S. Senate.

    “I have been consistent on the importance of protecting the 60-vote threshold, which we call the filibuster, since I arrived at the United States Senate. This threshold stabilizes our democracy, promotes bipartisan cooperation and protects our nation from partisan whiplash and dysfunction. I have always said: ‘if you can’t change your mind, you can’t change anything’ and I am hopeful that the Vice President remains open to doing just that.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch in Judiciary Committee Hearing on SCOTUS’ Unprecedented Immunity Decision: “My concern is the rule of law is being whittled away.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) emphasized how the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in former President Donald Trump’s immunity case endangers the United States’ constitutional system of checks and balances and Congress’ constitutional responsibility to enforce the rule of law. Senator Welch also questioned witnesses about how the Supreme Court’s unprecedented immunity decision undermines the core democratic principle that no one is above the law. 
    “At the heart of this seems to be a core dispute about whether presidential power needs immunity in order to be effective, powerful and unconstrained, or whether presidential power within the Constitution—adhering to the doctrine of separation of powers, adhering to the doctrine that no person is above the law—needs constraints,” said Senator Welch.  
    Questioning Michael Mukasey, former Attorney General under President George W. Bush, Senator Welch noted, “General Mukasey, you expressed a concern about the powers of the presidency being ‘whittled away.’ My concern is the rule of law is being whittled away. My concern is that constitutional freedoms are in the process of being whittled away. What’s been whittled away are the checks and balances at the core of our constitutional system. And, Mr. Chairman, what’s being whittled away is the Article I responsibility of Congress to enforce the rule of law.” 
    Senator Welch also asked Executive Director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University Law School Mary McCord about potential ramifications of the Court’s decision to define presidential actions in office as absolutely immune. Professor McCord testified that the decision opens the doors to activities that scholars agree should not have immunity. 
    Senator Welch concluded: “Mr. Chairman, this is not about the Court—this is about us. It’s about how much confidence we have in our capacity as a democracy to govern ourselves as opposed to transfer that responsibility—without limitation—to a person in an office who is not traditionally been above the law, but subject to the law, and whose responsibility is to serve us and not use authority to abuse us.” 
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks below. 

    Senator Welch is a cosponsor of the No Kings Act, legislation that would reaffirm that the President is not immune to legal accountability and remove the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to hear appeals related to presidential immunity from criminal law. Senator Welch is also a cosponsor of the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2023, which the Judiciary Committee advanced this summer with unanimous Democratic support. The legislation requires the Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct, establish a mechanism to investigate breaches of that code, recuse themselves when they have conflicts of interest in cases, and disclose gifts and income, among other provisions.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.R.H. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.R.H. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Secretary-General commended Bahrain for its support to the United Nations and multilateralism.

    The Secretary-General and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including the war in Gaza and the increased risk of regional escalation.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting innovation and growth in rural Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Indigenous and small communities are vital to Alberta and its long-term economic prosperity. In December 2022, Alberta’s government recognized the importance of these communities by releasing its Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan.

    Alberta’s government is investing in the second round of grants through the Small Community Opportunity Program to further implement this plan. Grant funding through the program will support Indigenous and small communities and help rural Alberta grow its economic footprint. In 2023, the program awarded grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for 43 community-led projects that build capacity in agriculture, small business supports and local economic development.

    “The Small Community Opportunity Program continues to provide financial backing for Indigenous and small communities to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities to grow their local economic footprint. By building capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry, these rural communities will have a strong foundation to grow and thrive.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    To be eligible for funding, projects must align with the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan and build entrepreneurship, mentorship and skills development, small business supports and/or partnerships, as well as interconnectivity and collaboration within the local community.

    Eligible organizations can apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for local, community-led projects. Non-profit organizations may collaborate with Indigenous and small communities, or communities may work together or independently on projects that drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth and diversification. Projects must be completed within two years and have a measurable impact supporting, improving or enhancing rural and Indigenous communities, local economic development and/or the agriculture industry.

    The Small Community Opportunity Program will open for applications September 24.

    Application criteria

    • Small Community Opportunity Program projects must align with one or more of the following Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan strategic directions:
      • Rural business supports and entrepreneurship
      • Support for labour force and skills development
      • Marketing and promoting rural tourism
      • Rural economic development capacity building
    • Applicants must be an incorporated non-profit organization in a rural community or a rural or Indigenous community. The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan identifies rural communities as those that:
      • Have a population of fewer than 20,000
      • Are removed from communities larger than 25,000 people that could provide employment and services
      • Are remote communities or communities that have within them, or are surrounded by, a significant amount of nature, natural resources, agricultural land and wilderness areas
      • Have a workforce largely focused on primary economic activity, including oil and gas, agriculture and forestry

    Quick facts

    • The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan has strategic directions with corresponding initiatives and actions to ensure rural Albertans and Indigenous communities have economic opportunities where they live.
    • The Small Community Opportunity Program is made possible through Budget 2023 to provide up to $3 million per year in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
    • Albertans can learn more about the program through webinars hosted by the following organizations in October:
      • Rural Municipalities of Alberta
      • Economic Developers Alberta
      • Alberta Municipalities

    Related information

    • Small Community Opportunity Program
    • Rural economic development
    • Small Community Opportunity Program 2023-24 Grant Recipients
    • Northern and Regional Economic Development Program

    Related News

    • Strengthening rural Alberta (Nov. 9, 2023)
    • Maximizing opportunities in rural communities (Jun. 10, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Womack Delivers Remarks at Unveiling of Johnny Cash Statue in U.S. Capitol

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3)

    Washington, D.C.—September 24, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) participated in the unveiling ceremony for a statue depicting Arkansan country music legend Johnny Cash.

    Congressman Womack’s remarks as prepared are below:

    “Not lost on me is the fact that very few members of Congress have the privilege of presiding over something as unique and profound as a Statuary Collection dedication. I’m honored to be part of this historic event.

    “Admittedly, I was a Johnny Cash fan since my childhood. Little known fact, I loved the song ‘A Boy Named Sue.’ I loved it so much that I memorized its lyrics. I could prove it to you right now—some 55 years later—but organizers of this event limited me to two minutes.

    “There are statues of great people throughout the Capitol. Men and women of significant accomplishment. But today marks a first. Johnny Cash represents the first such statue of a professional musician, and while many statues are of people some of us have never heard of, rare will it be that someone will see this masterpiece and not know of the legendary singer-songwriter represented here. That makes me proud.

    “A couple of weekends ago, while catching up on Arkansas Week on PBS, I heard Rosanne comment on the significance of this moment. Her dad won many awards and accolades. He’s a Hall of Fame artist. One of the most recognizable figures in American history. But to hear her say that this dedication—to have his likeness standing in the iconic symbol of freedom in the world—tops them all, gave perspective to this day.

    “And the artist, Kevin Kresse, whose God-given talent in this magnificent statue is surpassed only by his incredible ability to portray Johnny Cash as he truly was, down to the finite detail. In this statue, Kevin, I can actually see the ‘gravel in his gut and the spit in his eye.’ Well done.

    “To my friend Shane Broadway, the Arkansas General Assembly, and everyone associated with this rare occasion, thank you.

    “Now, Arkansas will have Daisy Bates forever surveying this historic hall and the ‘Man in Black,’ larger than life, in the Visitors Center. No one walking by these impressive memorials will fail to know who they were, what they did, and where they were from. That makes me Arkansas proud.”

    A recording of Congressman Womack’s remarks can be found here.

    A recording of the entire ceremony can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barragán Brings Attention to the Threat of Air Pollution and Extreme Heat on Latina Maternal Health

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     

    September 24, 2024

    Contact: Kevin McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)

    Kevin.McGuire@mail.house.gov

    Washington D.C. –  Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) introduced a resolution that recognizes the threat of air pollution and extreme heat on Latina maternal and infant health at a press conference alongside Guadalupe Pacheco from the National Hispanic Health Foundation and Amy Tamayo from Alianza Nacional de Campesinas.

    The resolution recognizes the significant correlation between air pollution and extreme heat to maternal and infant health, particularly within Latino communities. It highlights that these communities face disproportionate exposure to environmental toxins, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth.

    “Air pollution and extreme heat are not just environmental issues—they are issues of equity and health that disproportionately harm Latina moms,” stated Rep. Barragan. “This resolution calls on Congress to invest in clean air initiatives, bilingual air quality alerts, improved maternal healthcare access, and much more. We must act now to ensure that no mother has to choose between her health and her job, or between staying cool and protecting her unborn child.”

    “Many healthcare providers emphasize exercise and nutrition, but they often overlook the critical need to protect ourselves from extreme heat—especially during pregnancy. I had to undergo a c-section at 36 weeks, and while my son and I are healthy, I wish I had been warned about the dangers of high temperatures,” added Luz Drada, EcoMadres’s Program Coordinator. “This resolution ignites optimism for a healthier future for mothers and children everywhere. Together, we can fight for a better tomorrow.”

    “The National Hispanic Health Foundation supports health equity for Latina women, especially during pregnancy and infancy,” explained Guadalupe Pacheco, Director of Programs at the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF).”Addressing the disproportionate risks of extreme heat and air pollution is crucial to safeguarding mothers’ and their children’s health and well-being.”

    “We are very encouraged to see Congresswoman Barragán introduce this resolution calling on Congress to address health vulnerabilities in our communities,” said Amy Tamayo, National Policy and Advocacy Director at Alianza Nacional de Campesinas. “Farmworker women are not only subjected to extreme heat in the fields, but also sexual violence and harassment, and dangerous pesticide exposure that compromises their health and that of their children’s. Pregnant farmworkers growing food to nourish the nation should not have to fear for their children’s lives or their health. Farmworker women bear the heavy burden of risking their health daily and their well being must be a national priority.”

    The resolution also outlines several actions Congress should take to address this problem, including greater investment in air quality programs, more green spaces, bilingual air quality alerts, and the education of public health professionals.  

    The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Raul Grijalva, Nydia Velázquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Grace Napolitano, and Emmanuel Cleaver.

    The following organizations support the resolution: Ecomadres, Mom’s Clean Air Force, National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, Hispanic Access Foundation, American Women’s Medical Association, and Corazon Latino.

    Read the full text of the resolution here.

    # # #

    Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44th District.  She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues.  She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rollout of onboard cameras to continue

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The rollout of onboard cameras on commercial fishing vessels will continue and discard rules will be amended under fisheries reforms proposed by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones.

    Mr Jones is proposing practical changes that will reduce red tape, provide a boost to commercial fishers, and ensure a thriving and sustainable seafood industry.

    “These proposed changes will help a vital sector that supports 9000 jobs nationally and attracts $1.6 billion in export revenue by simplifying rules and making our fisheries system more efficient.”

    The rollout of cameras on commercial fishing vessels will continue but the timeframes will be extended by three months to allow time to complete the installations.

    “Officials have taken a close look at the operating costs associated with cameras and have identified scope for significant reductions. I plan to limit the cost recovery levies on industry for onboard cameras to a level comparable with the cost of observers on vessels,” Mr Jones says.

    The important matter of privacy for fishers who work with cameras on their vessels will also be considered in the upcoming proposals.

    Another proposed change includes amending discard rules so fishers with monitoring on their vessels have more options for dealing with their catch. At present, fishers are required to land all their catch on shore unless an exception is in place.

    Once introduced, the rules will allow fishers to legally return fish to the sea as long they have cameras or observers on board to verify catch, and the discards are counted against their annual catch entitlement.

    “It will make the most of the onboard cameras and simplify the rules for fishers, reflecting challenges at sea. It recognises that as long as fishers are operating inside their catch entitlement, the Government shouldn’t be making decisions for fishers about what they should do with their catch,” Mr Jones says.

    Unnecessary red tape will also be removed from the decision-making process for setting catch limits. 

    “I will look to speed up decision-making to make the most of our fisheries resources to generate income that supports jobs in our communities. I will consult on a range of changes that will enable faster and more effective decision-making when setting catch limits,” Mr Jones says.

    The changes are being developed into specific proposals and feedback will be sought from early next year.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Watch out for wild turtles

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  25 September 2024

    DOC freshwater ranger Matt Brady says red-eared slider turtles brumate during winter, meaning they’re sluggish and don’t eat for weeks at a time.

    “Brumation is like a half hibernation. When red-eared sliders emerge in spring, looking for food, they’re a serious threat to native freshwater plants and animals.”

    Matt says Aotearoa doesn’t have native freshwater turtles so any turtle seen in the wild is an escaped exotic species.

    “Red-eared slider turtles can be kept as pets throughout much of the country, but if abandoned, they’re a problem.”

    Volunteer leader Jayne Nightingale and a team of volunteers have caught 76 red-eared slider turtles at Cook’s Beach, Coromandel, since 2021. These include turtles caught in a trap provided by Waikato Regional Council as well as those handed in by the community or as bycatch in fishing gear.

    “When I first started trapping turtles, I was met with a lot of negativity from the locals. However, with a bit of education, the ecological impacts from invasive turtles have become much better understood.

    “The trapping work has been so successful that we think only a couple of the turtles remain at large. We hope to catch them this spring, when they’re more active,” says Jayne.

    Matt says the best thing people can do protect native ecosystem from turtles is to report them.

    “If you see a turtle in the wild, take a photo and record it on iNaturalist or the Find-A-Pest app. This helps DOC and regional councils to understand where the turtles are, how many there are, and it informs how we manage them.”

    If the turtle looks sick, injured or in need of urgent care, contact your local vet or SPCA. If it is safe, put the turtle in a container with wet towels and keep it at home in a cool place until advised what to do next by the SPCA or vet. Take care as turtles can bite.

    If you’re struggling to look after your pet turtle, contact the SPCA to find out how they could support you.

    Matt also asks anyone considering buying a red-eared slider turtle to do their ‘due diligence’.

    “Red-eared sliders can grow to the size of a dinner plate and live for up to 50 years. They have particular habitat needs such as large, heated aquarium or a secure outdoor pond. Taking on a turtle requires 100% commitment.”

    Background information

    Red-eared slider turtles are native to North America. They can be kept as pets in Aotearoa New Zealand, but are banned from sale in Auckland.

    They have an olive green to brown shell patterned with yellow spots or stripes, and a distinctive red stripe behind their eyes. The ‘slider’ part of their name comes from their ability to slide into the water quickly from rocks and logs.

    Turtle eggs have to remain at 22–33°C for 55–80 days to hatch into live young. At cooler temperatures, only male turtles are produced. In warmer parts of Aotearoa, turtle eggs can hatch but do not produce female young.

    As climate change brings increased temperatures, there is concern that both male and female young will hatch and allow a self-sustaining population to establish in the wild.

    Red-eared sliders are listed by the IUCN as one of the 100 worst invasive species. They are regarded as invasive because they damage freshwater ecosystems. In Aotearoa New Zealand, they eat fish, plants, aquatic insects, koura, and small birds including ducklings. Red-eared sliders can also displace wetland bird nesting sites. Their presence in a waterway can reduce water quality.

    Releasing turtles into the wild is an offence under the Biosecurity Act and the Animal Welfare Act, and in some regions would breach Regional Pest Management Plans. You could face a fine of $5,000.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024
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