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  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Their Letter, Durbin, Duckworth Applaud Biden Administration For Approving Illinois Disaster Declaration Following Summer Tornadoes, Extreme Weather

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    09.23.24

    The Senators led the Illinois delegation in calling for federal assistance for seven counties

    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) applauded the Biden Administration for approving Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the State of Illinois, to support seven Illinois counties in recovering from severe storms in which more than 40 tornadoes spun through Central and Northern Illinois and downstate Illinois flooded between July 13 and July 16, 2024.  On August 29, Durbin and Duckworth led the Illinois delegation in sending a letterto President Biden in support of Governor Pritzker’s request for federal assistance.

    “Severe summer storms have become increasingly common, placing strain on communities left in its wake.  This summer, Illinois saw tornadoes, flooding, and damaging winds that put Illinoisans in danger and impacted several counties across the state,” said Durbin.  “Thankfully, President Biden has recognized the severity of the situation and responded to our request.  Illinoisans will have access to the federal support they need to rebuild and prepare for the next disaster.”

    “As communities across Illinois continue recovering from this summer’s severe storms, it’s clear we must do everything possible to better prepare for and mitigate additional loss in the future,” said Duckworth.  “I’m thankful President Biden is heeding our request for assistance and providing this federal support to impacted communities.  I’ll continue working to bring home critical resources that help folks in every corner of the state prepare for and recover from future hazardous weather and natural disasters.”

    The federal assistance includes grants for individuals to recover from the storms, as well as take hazard mitigation measures to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future natural disasters.  The counties eligible for the assistance are Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties.  

    Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance today by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Urge Supreme Court To Maintain Strength Of Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Provision in HEWITT V. U.S.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    09.23.24

    In an amicus brief, the Senators encourage the justices to reject a Fifth Circuit interpretation that narrows the scope of a First Step Act provision reducing the length of mandatory minimums and modifying minimum sentencing enhancements

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led fellow Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Lee (R-UT) in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in Hewitt v. United States. The brief deals with the Senators’ landmark 2018 bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation—the First Step Act (FSA)—and provisions reducing the length of mandatory minimums and modifying minimum sentencing enhancements.

    The Supreme Court granted certiorari in Hewitt and Duffey on July 2, 2024, and consolidated the two cases, both of which arise out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In the brief, the Senators encourage the Court to clarify Section 403 applies to defendants who were sentenced before the Act was passed but whose cases were vacated and remanded for resentencing after the Act was enacted. Federal circuit courts are split on this question, which could lead to radically different sentences for similarly-situated defendants.

    The Senators said: “The answer, unequivocally, is yes.”

    The Senators continued, writing: “In designing the First Step Act, Congress sought to ensure that individuals who committed an offense before the Act was enacted, but who were not yet subject to a sentence for that offense, would benefit from Section 403. That group, as Congress conceived of it, includes both individuals facing an initial sentencing proceeding as well as individuals facing resentencing following vacatur of a prior sentence.”

    The Senators urged the Supreme Court to reject the Fifth Circuit’s faulty interpretation, writing: “There is no principled basis, much less a textual basis, on which to differentiate between defendants whose prior sentences were vacated and those being sentenced for the first time. The interpretation adopted by the Fifth Circuit, which the Executive Branch itself rejects, is flatly inconsistent with the concept of vacatur, finds no support in the First Step Act’s text, contradicts the purpose of the Act, and produces outcomes that undermine the fairness and legitimacy of the criminal justice system. This reading of Section 403 is inconsistent with Congress’ intent as reflected in its chosen text.”

    Click here for the Senators’ full amicus brief.

    Championed by Durbin, Grassley, Booker, and Lee, the First Step Act was signed into law in 2018 and serves as a beacon for “smart on crime” policies. The law makes the Fair Sentencing Act’s reforms retroactive, as well as:

    • Requires the Department of Justice to develop a risk and needs assessment system to assess the recidivism risk of all prisoners, place them in programs and activities to reduce risk, and permit early transition into prerelease custody based on earned time credits;
    • Reduces mandatory minimum sentences for some drug trafficking offenses;
    • Expands the safety valve to allow judges to sentence low-level, nonviolent drug offenders with minor criminal histories to less than the required mandatory minimums; and
    • Authorizes incarcerated individuals to file compassionate release motions in federal court.

    As noted at a hearing earlier this year, these reforms have been tremendously successful. Of the 44,671 incarcerated adults released under First Step Act reforms through January 2024, only 9.7 percent have been arrested for new crimes. By comparison, the overall Bureau of Prisons recidivism rate currently stands at around 43 percent. To date, there have been 4,146 retroactive sentence reductions and 4,756 compassionate release motions granted.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SOMALIA – Tensions over recent supplies of arms to Somalia and Puntland

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 24 September 2024 weapons  

    Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides) – There is an intense verbal exchange between Somalia, Somaliland and Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa over the recent arms shipments to the region.On September 20, the government in Mogadishu condemned “illegal arms shipments” by the government in Addis Ababa to Puntland, an autonomous Somali region that has its own institutions but, unlike Somaliland, a region in the north that declared its independence from Mogadishu in 1991, has so far not expressed any intention of separating from the rest of Somalia.On January 1, 2024, Somaliland signed a naval agreement with Ethiopia (see Fides, 3/1/2024), which has been heavily criticized by Mogadishu because it recognizes Somaliland as an independent state in exchange for the transfer of a naval base and control of a stretch of Ethiopian coast. The government in Addis Ababa thus becomes the great protector of Somaliland, including militarily, which increases Mogadishu’s fears about Somalia’s territorial integrity.These fears are now being exacerbated by Ethiopia’s arms shipments to Puntland. The authorities of the autonomous region, while recognizing the authorities in Mogadishu, are at odds with them because they claim that they have not received the necessary help from Mogadishu to fight the jihadists in their territory, groups linked to Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State. The Ethiopian government now seems to be interfering in the tensions between Puntland and Somalia in order to increase its room for maneuver in the region.Just a few days after the government in Mogadishu adopted this stance, protests broke out in Addis Ababa over the arrival of Egyptian military supplies in Somalia intended for the local armed forces. This is the second shipment of weapons from Cairo as part of the military agreement signed in August between Egypt and Somalia (see Fides, 30/8/2024).According to the Ethiopian Foreign Minister, the supply of weapons by “external forces” risks “exacerbating the fragile security situation”. There is also a risk that these weapons “fall into the hands of terrorists in Somalia”. “The uncontrolled proliferation of weapons in an already fragile environment increases the risk of an arms race, in which different groups will likely seek to increase their stockpiles to protect their own interests,” says Somaliland.Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the management of Nile waters are now escalating in Somalia, with the Somali government, backed by Cairo (but Mogadishu also has important military agreements with Turkey which is currently trying to mediate, see Fides 2/7/2024)) trying to fuel internal tensions in the neighbor (see Fides, 17/9/2024). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/9/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul: young people from all over the world to become “courageous missionaries”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 24 September 2024

    Arcidiocesi Seoul

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – From a country where faith was transmitted “without the help of missionaries”, young people are to become “courageous missionaries” able to bear witness to the joy of the Gospel. This is the wish of the organizers of the next World Youth Day, to be held in Seoul in 2027, whose logo and theme have already been decided.“Take courage: I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33) is the theme chosen by the Pope, while the logo depicts a red and blue cross. These colors symbolize Christ’s victory over the world. The overall design is inspired by traditional Korean art, using the brushstroke techniques of Korean painting and including the Hangul characters that represent Seoul. In addition, the red on one side of the cross symbolizes the blood of the martyrs and harmonizes with the theme of “courage”. Blue represents the vitality of youth and symbolizes the call of God. Together, these colors recall the Taegeuk motif of the Korean flag. The yellow that shines behind the cross represents Christ, the “light of the world,” who shines on the Church like the sun that rises in the east and leads the Church to unity.The theme and logo were unveiled this morning during a press conference at the Vatican attended by Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, which organizes World Youth Day, Peter Soon-Taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and President of the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Seoul 2027, and Paul Kyung Sang Lee, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and General Coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027.“The pilgrimage to WYD Seoul 2027 will be more than just a gathering,” said the Archbishop of Seoul, pointing out that, along with the beginning of the Holy Year, “it will be a meaningful journey where young people, united with Jesus Christ, will reflect and discuss the modern challenges and injustices they face. It will be a great celebration where everyone can experience the vibrant and energetic culture of young Koreans. It will also be an opportunity to immerse oneself in and share the dynamic and passionate culture that young Koreans have created. In addition, this celebration will provide young Koreans with a valuable opportunity to engage with and share the concerns and passions of their peers.”Korea, Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee continued, “is in a unique context, different from that of previous World Youth Days, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of different religious traditions. In this context, the Korean Catholic Church has always embodied the Christian virtues of ‘forgiveness’ and ‘sharing’, promoting these values in society while living peacefully with other religions. In the reality of living in a ‘divided nation’, the Church has worked tirelessly over the past seven decades to resolve the conflicts inherent in this division and has striven for peace and unity for the Korean people. The emergence of K-Catholic and K-Faith among our youth is a testimony to these efforts. Our youth and young believers remain open to interreligious dialogue and strive for harmonious and peaceful coexistence.”The road to Seoul, however, will first pass through Rome. As is customary after every international WYD, the young people of Lisbon will hand over the symbols of WYD to the young Koreans, namely the Youth Cross and the Marian icon of the “Salus populi romani” on November 24, the Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, during the Holy Mass that the Pope will preside over in St. Peter’s Basilica.”We hope that many young people, even those who have never participated in a WYD, will take a journey over the next three years, especially an interior journey, to finally meet the Successor of Peter in Asia and give a courageous witness to Christ together,” concluded Cardinal Farrel. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/9/2024)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDONESIA – Father Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 24 September 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On 5 September 2024, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), appointed Father Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan (SX) National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Indonesia for a five-year term.The new National Director was born in 1979 and completed his novitiate and first religious vows at the Society of Saint Francis Xavier for Foreign Missions (Xaverians) in Jakarta. Ordained a priest in 2009, he studied philosophy and theology, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in theology and a canonical license in spirituality. He studied Italian language and culture in Parma, Spanish in Madrid and English in Glasgow.He was Vice Rector of the Pre-Novitiate of the Xaverians in Jakarta (2011-2023), Vice Assistant Priest in the Parish of St. Matius Penginjil in Bintaro (Jakarta), where he also worked as a teacher of religion at a state institute (2013-2015); Lecturer of Theology at STF Driyarkara in Jakarta and member of the Training Commission of the Xaverians of Indonesia (2012-2016). He was Lecturer of Biblical Institutions in Indonesia and Vice Rector of Philosophy Studies at the Xaverians in Jakarta (2015-2016), and he was Director of Animation and Missionary Vocation at the Society of St. Francis Xavier for Foreign Missions in Yogyakarta (2016-2021). In 2021 he was Rector of the Domus St. Francis Xavier in Padang (Central Sumatra). From 2022 to 2024 he headed the Youth Commission of the Diocese of Padang and was Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies of the diocese; he was also assistant parish priest of the parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Padangbaru (Central Sumatra) and formator at the “Maria Nirmala” Minor Seminary in Padang. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 24/9/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Helps Build New Federal Sea Level Rise Website

    Source: NASA

    Designed to be user-friendly, the resource contains the latest sea level data, explainers, and other information from several U.S. agencies.
    The U.S. Interagency Task Force on Sea Level Change launched the U.S. Sea Level Change website on Monday, Sept. 23. Designed to help communities prepare for rising seas, the site features the latest science on changing sea levels, details about the impact on the environment and coastal communities, and strategies to mitigate the consequences. NASA led the development of the website for the task force.
    “NASA, together with our partner agencies, has studied climate change and Earth’s rising seas for decades,” said Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The data collected by our satellites and ground-based instruments is crucial to helping policymakers and communities prepare for the consequences of sea level rise. By combining NASA data with information from other federal agencies, the U.S. Sea Level Change website is the latest example of government working for the benefit of humanity.”
    Demonstrating a whole-of-government approach, the sea level task force sits within the U.S. Global Change Research Program and includes leading researchers from NASA, the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
    They’ve designed a user-friendly hub that brings together information on sea level change from the various federal agencies. While being detailed and accurate for resource managers, researchers, and others seeking more technical information, the website is intended to be accessible to anyone interested in the latest science and strategies to cope with rising seas.
    “Everyone will have access to accurate sea level and flooding information in their favorite U.S. coastal city and see the timing of the projected increase in water levels and flooding frequency,” added Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, who directs NASA’s sea level change team as well as the ocean physics program at the agency’s headquarters in Washington.
    The contributing federal agencies focus on different aspects of sea level rise, including basic scientific research and the effects of rising seas on the environment, as well as infrastructure. With the new site, users can explore the topic from different angles.
    “Having this information in one place, delivered in a consistent and authoritative way through a true interagency effort, represents a big step forward for how the federal government helps coastal communities prepare for future sea level rise,” said Ben Hamlington, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
    Site visitors can find explainers on sea level science, summaries of what rising seas will look like for various parts of U.S. coastlines, and updates to the 2022 interagency report on sea level rise. The report concluded that U.S. coastlines will experience an average of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) of rise above current sea levels by 2050 and that the amount of rise in the next 30 years could equal the total rise seen over the past 100 years.
    The report also outlined near-term sea level rise under various levels of greenhouse gas emissions, from best-case to business-as-usual to worst-case scenarios. The scenarios are based on improved scientific understanding of how melting glaciers and ice sheets — as well as upward and downward vertical land motion — will affect ocean heights at our coasts. The data and scenarios have been updated for the task force website.
    NASA contributions to the 2022 interagency report, as well as to the newly launched sea level website, are part of ongoing agency work to understand Earth’s rising seas. NASA’s efforts to monitor the ocean span more than 30 years and include satellites such as Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich and the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. Both were jointly developed by the agency and international and domestic partners. Agency partners on Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich include ESA (European Space Agency), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, and NOAA. For SWOT, NASA partners include the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), CSA (the Canadian Space Agency), and the UK Space Agency.
    For more on how NASA studies our home planet, see:
    http://www.nasa.gov/earth
    News Media Contacts
    Elizabeth Vlock / Aries KeckNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600 / 202-604-2356elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov / aries.keck@nasa.gov
    Jane J. Lee / Andrew WangJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov
    2024-127

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Educational Activities in Space

    Source: NASA

    As students of all ages returned to school this month, crew members on the International Space Station continue to conduct a variety of educational programs and activities that support learning on the ground. These efforts are part of a wider commitment at NASA to engage, inspire, and attract future generations of explorers and to build a diverse future workforce equipped with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

    One current activity is Robo-Pro Challenge 5, an educational program hosted by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in cooperation with NASA. For the challenge, students create software programs to control NASA’s Astrobee and JAXA’s Internal Ball Camera, using image processing to move the free-flying robots through a series of coordinates to a target point. The challenge helps support computing and coding curricula, and the hands-on experience inspires the study of STEM subjects.

    Genes in Space is a national contest for students in grades 7 through 12 to design DNA analysis experiments for the space station. It is sponsored by the ISS National Lab and New England Biolabs in collaboration with Boeing and miniPCR bio. There have been more than a dozen contests to date, many producing significant results.
    Genes in Space-5 provided proof of concept of simultaneously amplifying multiple DNA sequences in space, expanding the possibilities for in-flight research and health monitoring.
    Genes in Space-6 used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for the first time in space, using the technique to generate breaks in the DNA of a common yeast, direct a method to repair the breaks, and sequence the patched-up DNA to determine whether its original order was restored.

    Genes in Space-9 validated technology used to synthesize proteins without needing living cells. This technique could produce proteins for research, vaccines, and development of diagnostic tests for environmental contaminants and infectious agents. Ultimately, such synthesis also could enable portable, low-cost devices for health monitoring, detection of environmental hazards on Earth and in space, and other applications.

    In addition to the Robo-Pro challenge, several other programs involve student coding. AstroPi, a program from ESA (European Space Agency), uses special computers, one equipped with an infrared camera and the other with a standard visible spectrum camera. European students write programs for the computers that address specific challenges such as measurement and calibration and image processing. One project successfully identified and computed the horizontal wavelengths of atmospheric gravity waves in clouds.

    Zero Robotics also is a competition where students write software to control one of the Astrobees, co-led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Innovation Learning Center, and other collaborators. Finalists have their code downloaded to the Astrobee platform and can observe its performance in space.

    High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware, or HUNCH, is a learning program where high school students design and fabricate real-world products for NASA. More than 2,500 students have participated to date, flying some 3,000 products to space, including a tape dispenser that can be operated with one hand, footpads, sleeping pad liners, and orange blackberry croissants and other food products.

    Through ISS Ham Radio, a collaboration with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, students use ham radio to ask astronauts questions about life in space, career opportunities, and other space-related topics. Participating teachers report that the program has a significant and positive impact on students, increasing interest in all STEM areas. The experiences also help students make real-world connections among disciplines, learn problem-solving, and hone communication skills. To date, more than 100 crew members have communicated with over 1 million students from 49 U.S. states, 63 countries, and every continent.

    Developed through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, STEMonstrations are short educational videos demonstrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics in microgravity for grades K through 12. The videos are available online and every STEMonstration includes materials teachers can use to explore the topics in their classrooms. Six videos released in the past 12 months have been viewed 98,705 times to date across various social media platforms. The program provides students with a connection to NASA and scientific work conducted on the space station, inspiring the next generation of explorers and contributing to a diverse future workforce.

    Melissa GaskillInternational Space Station Research Communications TeamNASA’s Johnson Space Center

    Search this database of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned in this article.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 class of the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame announced

    Source: United States Army

    ARLINGTON, Va. (Month DD, 2024) – Douglas R. Bush, the U.S. Army Acquisition Executive, announced today the 2024 inductees into the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame.

    The 2024 class of the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame includes Ms. Maureen Cross, Ms. Cathy Dickens, Mr. Gary Winkler, and retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Yakovac. These acquisition leaders will be inducted at a ceremony during the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 15.

    “The 2024 Army Acquisition Hall of Fame inductees epitomize exceptional leadership, marked by unwavering dedication, innovative vision and relentless commitment to service,” said Bush. “Their induction celebrates their alignment with the core values of the Army, their devoted pursuit of our mission and the profound impact they have made, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.”

    The Army Acquisition Hall of Fame is open to former Army Acquisition Workforce professionals who served a minimum of 20 years in federal service and have been retired or separated from service at least one year. Nominees were evaluated on their significant and enduring contributions to the Army acquisition community’s historic and ongoing missions.

    The Army Acquisition Workforce is currently made up of more than 33,000 Army civilians, officers and noncommissioned officers who develop, acquire and sustain operational capability. Army acquisition covers six functional areas: engineering and technical management, contracting, life cycle logistics, program management, test and evaluation, and business financial management and cost estimating.

    “The legacy of the 2024 Army Acquisition Hall of Fame inductees extends far beyond their achievements, fostering the spirit that fuels our workforce – a spirit defined by perseverance, teamwork and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Collins, director of the Army Acquisition Corps. “These leaders personify the guiding principles that propel our Army forward and serve as an inspiration to those who follow in their footsteps.”

    For more information on the Army Acquisition Hall of fame, visit https://asc.army.mil/web/hall-of-fame/.

     

     Ms. Maureen Cross

    For exceptional leadership, selfless service, and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Ms. Maureen Cross is hereby inducted into the 2024 Class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. Since joining the Army Acquisition Workforce in 1993, Ms. Cross served in a number of high-profile positions and established herself as a leader and team builder. In her role as the director of the Army Systems Acquisition Review Council Secretariat within the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management Office, Ms. Cross provided program management oversight to more than 600 programs valued in excess of $30 billion annually. Ms. Cross’ comprehensive knowledge of regulation, policy and statute made her a trusted advisor to senior Army acquisition leaders, and resulted in vastly improved program success. Mrs. Cross’ profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

     

    Ms. Cathy Dickens

    For exceptional leadership, selfless service and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Ms. Cathy Dickens is hereby inducted into the 2024 Class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. As the deputy to the commanding general of U.S. Army Aviation Command, Ms. Dickens managed a multifaceted and diverse organization with an annual budget of over $4 billion and a global workforce of over 11,000 military and civilian employees. Throughout her career, Ms. Dickens served as a trusted acquisition authority, consultant and advisor to a number of senior leaders, including managing and directing an acquisition program valued at $25 billion annually and active contracts of $110 billion. Ms. Dickens’ efforts saved taxpayer money while improving efficiencies to get Soldiers much-needed equipment in the field. Her profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

     

    Mr. Gary Winkler

     

    For exceptional leadership, selfless service, and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Mr. Gary Winkler is hereby inducted into the 2024 Class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. Mr. Winkler served as the Army’s first chief knowledge officer, and principal director for governance and acquisition, and provided oversight of Major Automated Information System programs and developed enduring Army policies, procedures and tools to prioritize and manage the Army’s IT-based capabilities. As Program Executive Officer for Enterprise Information Systems, Mr. Winkler managed a $4 billion portfolio of 40 major programs for large-scale enterprise systems supporting finance, logistics, personnel, communications infrastructure, biometrics, medical and warfighting functions. His profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

     

    Retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Yakovac

    For exceptional leadership, selfless service and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Lt. Gen Joseph Yakovac is hereby inducted into the 2024 class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. Yakovac was instrumental in delivering capabilities to the field in his work with Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems and the development of the acquisition workforce at large when he served as director of the Army Acquisition Corps. Yakovac’s focus was always on people, programs and processes. He worked to instill a culture that encouraged people to work together across various domains and provided exemplary leadership and mentorship, developing future technical and acquisition leaders. His profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges Four Entities for Failing to Register as FCMs

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed charges against four entities for failing to register as futures commission merchants. Each complaint seeks an order directing the entities to cease and desist from committing violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations as charged.

    The four entities charged are:

    • cryptoiminerstrade.com allegedly based in New York and Los Angeles, claims to offer binary options based off the value of commodities like foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. It claims to be “one of the leading platforms in the U.S. offering binary options, Forex and spreads.” It touts its ability to handle customer funds and further claims that it is regulated by the CFTC.
    • Expert Stocks Zone allegedly based in New York, claims to offer binary options based off the value of commodities like foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. It claims to be “one of the leading platforms in the U.S. offering binary options, Forex and spreads.” It touts its ability to handle customer funds and claims that its “first priority is the security of our clients’ funds,” for which it has received awards.  It further claims that it is regulated by the CFTC.
    • FalconForexBot allegedly based in New York and Beaumont, Texas, claims to offer binary options based off the value of commodities like foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin. It claims to be “one of the leading platforms in the U.S. offering binary options, Forex and spreads” and describes itself as a “a true opportunity to earn on cryptocurrency/binary.” It touts its ability to handle customer funds and claims that its “first priority is the security of our clients’ funds,” for which it has received awards.  It further claims that it is regulated by the CFTC.
    • swiftminingexpert.com allegedly based in New York and Los Angeles, claims to offer binary options based off the value of commodities like foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. It claims to be “one of the leading platforms in the U.S. offering binary options, Forex and spreads.” It touts its ability to handle customer funds and further claims that it is regulated by the CFTC.

    The CFTC strongly urges the public to verify a company’s CFTC registration before committing funds.  If an entity is unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity. A company’s registration status can be found using NFA BASIC. 

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Leslie R. Kan, Michael Geiser, Elizabeth C. Brennan, David W. Oakland, Lara Turcik, K. Brent Tomer, Lenel Hickson Jr., and Manal M. Sultan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger Regarding cryptoiminerstrade.com, Expert Stocks Zone, FalconForexBot, and swiftminingexpert.com

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Each of the four “Unregistered Entity Sweep” matters before the Commodity Futures Trading Commission[1] today seeks a cease-and-desist order and uses the Commission’s administrative process to avoid bringing these charges in the federal courts.  I respectfully dissent from the Commission’s use of administrative proceedings to bring an unregistered futures commission merchant (FCM) charge without identifying any relevant facts to support that charge.

    The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in SEC v. Jarkesy[2] raises the level of scrutiny that any agency, including the Commission, should apply before employing the use of administrative proceedings.  In each of these four matters, I am concerned that there is insufficient evidence that the proposed respondent was acting as an FCM.  Specifically, while there may be sufficient evidence that the proposed respondent engaged in soliciting or in accepting orders for the relevant types of transactions, there is no evidence that the proposed respondent accepted money, securities, or property (or extended credit in lieu thereof) to margin, guarantee, or secure those trades or contracts.[3]

    FCMs are vital intermediaries in our markets and serve as critical agents to their customers in facilitating the execution and clearing of derivative transactions.  They are distinct from designated contract markets or swap execution facilities which execute derivative transactions, and from derivatives clearing organizations that clear derivative transactions.  They are also distinct from other intermediaries, such as commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors, introducing brokers, and swap dealers.  Just because a person or entity may purport to accept money for a derivative transaction does not necessarily mean that it should be registered as an FCM or that an enforcement case should be brought against it if it did not do so.  This requires a deeper analysis, and, more importantly, evidence that the person or entity actually engaged or purported to engage in activity that meets the required elements of the FCM definition.

    While I support acting to stop entities from falsely claiming that they are registered with the Commission, I cannot support the unregistered FCM charges in this sweep without additional evidence.  Furthermore, when our Division of Enforcement utilizes administrative avenues to bring its cases, it must do so with careful and thorough consideration of the underlying evidence to ensure that any succeeding decisions under those cases by presiding officers or other administrative judges are limited to only those appropriate under the law.  Therefore, I dissent.

    [1] This statement will refer to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as the “Commission” or “CFTC.”

    [2] Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy,144 S. Ct. 21 (2024).

    [3] See Commodity Exchange Act Section 1a(28), 7 U.S.C. §1a(28) (defining a futures commission merchant as “an individual, association, partnership, corporation, or trust that is engaged in soliciting or accepting orders for the purchase or sale of a commodity for future delivery; a security futures product; a swap; any agreement contract, or transaction described in section 2(c)(2)(C)i) or section 2(c)(2)(D)(i); any commodity option authorized under section 4c; or any leverage transaction authorized under section 19…and in or in connection with [those activities], accepts any money, securities, or property (or extends credit in lieu thereof) to margin, guarantee, or secure any trades or contracts that result or may result therefrom”).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Local 709 Partners with Lockheed Martin, Technical College on State-of-the-Art Training Facility

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Local 709 in Marietta, Ga., has announced a new partnership with Lockheed Martin and the Chattahoochee Technical College’s Aviation Training Academy.

    Local 709 leaders and representatives from Lockheed Martin attended a ceremony to celebrate the launch of a newly completed, state-of-the-art training facility. The first class of 10 students began their training on Aug. 19, 2024. Lockheed Martin has offered conditional employment to all 10 students upon successful completion of the program.

    The company plans to enroll all new students specializing in aircraft structures and electrical work through this training program. Currently, Chattahoochee Tech offers programs in Aircraft Structural Technology, Avionics Technology, and Aircraft Upholstery and Trim. Programs pending FAA approval include Aviation Maintenance (Airframe), Powerplant Maintenance, and a combined Airframe and Powerplant diploma.

    “The IAM is thrilled to embark on this partnership with Lockheed Martin and Chattahoochee Tech, investing in the next generation of skilled aviation professionals,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “This collaboration will not only strengthen the workforce but also provide life-changing opportunities in our communities.”

    “Local 709 is proud to be a part of this new program,” said IAM Local 709 President Mark Pietrofere. “It will encourage growth in the aviation maintenance and manufacturing fields, respond to industry growth, and an aging workforce.”

    To fill these positions, Lockheed Martin is collaborating with local high schools, technical schools, and county workforce boards to recruit students. Job requisitions tied to Chattahoochee Tech will be posted on the Lockheed Martin website and clearly labeled with “Chattahoochee Tech” in the job title. 

    It is also recommended that applicants register with local county workforce boards to help reduce tuition costs and potentially receive assistance with gas, food, and transportation expenses. The initiative represents a U.S. Department Labor apprenticeship program, which opens up more opportunities for student participants.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta’s Sponsored Bill to Solve More Crime Through Forensics Services Signed into Law

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

     

    AB 3042 extends the sunset on Proposition 69, the “DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime and Innocence Protection Act” which directs funding from criminal fines to bolster essential crime-solving DNA services

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after Assembly Bill 3042 (AB 3042) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Authored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D – Elk Grove), AB 3042 ensures DOJ will be able to continue to provide important forensic DNA services with funding through updates to Proposition 69, the “DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime and Innocence Protection Act.” The bill also extends the sunset date for Proposition 69 and directs funding from criminal fines to support essential crime-solving DNA programs both at DOJ and local law enforcement agencies. 

    “I am very proud of the important work that is done in our Bureau of Forensic Services and will continue to be done thanks to this new law,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The Bureau receives crucial funding through Proposition 69, and AB 3024 will ensure that Proposition 69 remains in place to support our efforts to solve crime through forensic services. I want to thank Assemblymember Nguyen, our legislative partners and Governor Newsom for their work toward this important goal.”

    “I would never feel safe knowing someone who has harmed me or my loved ones are still out there,” said Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “I am proud to author AB 3042 in collaboration with Attorney General Bonta to continue key funding to better support public safety in our communities as well as exonerating the innocent.”

    Voters approved Proposition 69 in November 2004. Proposition 69 specifically directs money from criminal fines to be allocated towards funding the CAL-DNA Data Bank program which helps to solve violent crimes both at local public crime laboratories and within DOJ itself using the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In another provision of Proposition 69, the CAL-DNA Data Bank also assists with the identification of missing and unidentified persons, including abducted children, using separate Missing Person CODIS databases. Historically, DOJ has received more than $74 million through Prop. 69 over a span of two decades. However, this proposition included a sunset date that would terminate funding collection after twenty years. AB 3042 sought to extend the sunset date to establish a steady source of revenue outside of the General Fund that will support DNA testing programs at both state and local levels. 

    AB 3042 was supported by California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors, California District Attorneys Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, County of Kern County Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

    The text of the legislation is available here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Providing Sustainable Power for 123,000 More Homes

    Source: US State of New York

    In celebration of Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission has issued final siting permits for the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects. The solar farm and the wind farm, located in St. Lawrence County and Steuben County, respectively, will bring a combined 387 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to New York’s electric grid, powering more than 123,000 average-sized homes. Both facilities will contribute significantly to the State’s ambitious climate goals while providing economic benefits to local communities.

    “These two massive renewable energy projects are prime examples of our progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With the issuance of these siting permits, we are creating good-paying jobs in the North Country and the Southern Tier, while providing clean sustainable energy for our families and businesses.”

    The Rich Road Solar project developers estimate that the 240 MW solar farm—which will be supplemented with an additional 20 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) located in the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County—will generate clean energy capable of powering more than 61,000 average-sized homes. The Prattsburgh wind farm, a 147 MW wind project spanning the Towns of Prattsburgh, Avoca, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler in Steuben County, will produce enough power for an estimated 62,000 homes according to its developers.

    Today’s announcement marks the second and third major renewable energy facility permits issued by ORES this month. Together, the projects bring the total number of ORES-approved large-scale renewable energy projects to 18 since 2021, representing over 2.7 gigawatts of clean energy. The approvals come during New York’s Climate Week, highlighting the State’s continued leadership in advancing clean energy initiatives and reinforcing its commitment to working toward the State’s climate goals.

    Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Interim Executive Director Jessica Waldorf said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s continued commitment to a clean energy transition and the responsible siting and development of renewable energy resources. ORES’ issuance of the permits of the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects will support the delivery of significant amounts of clean energy to the electric grid and local community benefits, while mitigating significant adverse environmental impacts.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The implementation of wind and solar developments like the projects announced today in St. Lawrence and Steuben counties is a critical part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing a clean energy economy and achieving the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. DEC commends the Governor and ORES for their efforts to accelerate green energy deployment and address the challenges of climate change to ensure a greener future for all New Yorkers.”

    Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, “Every megawatt of clean energy that comes online is a win for New Yorkers in the fight against climate change, and brings lasting economic benefits to our state. We thank the state and ORES for granting these siting permits and we look forward to the day the switch is flipped and power flows from these important projects.”

    New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “With the impacts of climate change growing more dire by the day, we can no longer afford to just talk about renewable energy, we need to deliver real projects on the ground, and that’s why we’re thrilled to see Governor Hochul and the team at ORES approve the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind projects. Together, their promise of 387 megawatts of clean energy mark another important step on New York’s path to meeting our CLCPA obligations and transitioning to the clean energy economy we need.”

    The application for the Rich Road solar farm was deemed complete on January 3 and a draft permit was issued by ORES on March 4. A thorough, timely, and transparent review process followed that included a public comment period and hearing. The facility will feature three ground-mounted solar PV arrays on single-axis tracker racking systems, a 34.5 kilovolt (kV) to 345 kV collection substation, and a point of interconnection switchyard. Construction of the facility will create more than 300 full-time jobs, with four permanent positions during operation. The project is expected to provide $24 million in direct payments to the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County, and local school districts over the next 35 years.

    The application for the Prattsburgh wind farm was deemed complete on October 30, 2023, with a draft permit issued by ORES on December 29, 2023. The project will encompass 36 wind turbines and related infrastructure across approximately 53 acres of primarily rural land. The project will generate more than $1.2 million annually in tax revenue for local municipalities and over $500,000 in direct lease and neighbor agreement payments to landowners. Additionally, it will create 81 on-site jobs during construction and eight full-time positions during operation.

    Both projects are integral to New York’s broader strategy to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s targets, which mandate 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040. Additionally, both projects were approved in less than the one-year timeframe required under the law.

    For more information about the Rich Road Solar and Prattsburgh Wind projects, as well as other ORES-permitted facilities, visit the ORES website.

    New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path toward a zero emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Helping More Children With Complex Mental Health Needs

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards amounting to nearly $90 million over five years to help six providers across the state establish services that provide critical support to youth struggling with complex mental health issues. Administered by the State Office of Mental Health, the critical time transition program will serve youth between the ages of 11 and 17 to help them utilize one-on-one support, provide stability for the child and their family, and help the child avoid extended stays in emergency departments or psychiatric emergency programs.

    “By investing in these programs, we can help more children with complex mental health issues get the services they need,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is taking a new approach to this issue by providing one-on-one support options locally across the state and in some instances, in a home-like setting where they can receive the level of care they need as they recover.”

    OMH awarded approximately $14.5 million over five years to each of the following six service providers, for a total of nearly $90 million across all of the providers. This includes $100,000 in start-up funding to each provider to help provide immediate support to get the program underway.

    • Northeast Parent and Child in Schenectady County
    • ACCESS CNY in Onondaga County
    • Hillside in Monroe County
    • Rehabilitation Support Services in Orange County
    • Essex County ARC in Essex County
    • Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference in Broome County

    These six service providers will use critical time intervention, an evidence-based practice that mobilizes support for individuals during periods of transition. These supports include mental health and behavioral treatment; interpersonal and rehabilitative skills training; vocational and educational planning; intensive family or caregiver education; coordination of all stakeholders and service providers; and, as needed, a transitional home-like environment to stay and receive support.

    Each transitional residential setting will have space to accommodate up to eight youth. These residences will accommodate children for up to 120 days as they adjust their support systems and prepare to return to their community.

    Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “It is always a priority to provide services for our youth in a community-based setting avoiding hospitals and emergency rooms. This Critical Time Transition Program will provide intensive services for youth and their families in a welcoming and healing community environment. This innovative program is a result of the forward-thinking approach Governor Hochul has demonstrated with her continued emphasis on strengthening our state’s mental health system.”

    Families with youth who have complex needs and are enrolling them in outpatient programs may need additional support that is not immediately available. These families often find themselves relying on extended stays at hospitals while they are waiting for services and if they believe they cannot safely care for their children at home.

    Children and teens having complex needs, including co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, are more likely to experience discharge delays from higher levels of care waiting for the appropriate community services. Drawn out hospital stays can have a negative impact on outcomes for youth with complex behavioral needs, especially for ones that do not require this level of care.

    The Healthcare Association of New York State recently highlighted these challenges in a report released in February, indicating that a survey of 52 hospitals in 2022 found that more than 500 individuals – including children – remained in hospitals for a month or more after they were ready for discharge. Among other recommendations, the report called for crisis respite transition programs for people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, so they can readily access essential care as they wait for placement in outpatient programs.

    The program model was created in close collaboration with other child-serving New York State agencies that are integral to solving this statewide issue. This includes the state Office of Children and Family Services, the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the State Department of Education and the Council on Children and Families.

    Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “Evidenced by this investment and several other initiatives, Governor Hochul has demonstrated she is listening to the families and service providers who are seeking relief for children that have specialized health care needs. The system grapples with prolonged hospitalizations involving children and youth with complex mental health needs, and there have been limited avenues post-stabilization. Yet with this new funding and the evidence-based model, the government and voluntary agencies will have additional resources to keep families together, promote well-being, and facilitate a healthy transition for children discharged from the hospital back into their communities.”

    Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Willow Baer said, “With this funding, Governor Hochul is addressing a gap in care that impacts too many young New Yorkers with co-occurring diagnoses, prolonging unnecessary hospitalizations and disruptions for families. OPWDD is proud to partner with the Office of Mental Health and the award recipients to build this innovative and much needed transitional approach to care.

    State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Students today are experiencing unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. These challenges reflect the complex needs of young people, which demand equally complex solutions. Access to mental health services is essential for the well-being and development of our students. Together with Governor Hochul and our government partners, we are committed to taking meaningful steps to provide the vital support and resources necessary for our children to thrive.”

    Council on Children and Families Executive Director Vanessa Threatte said, “This funding will help ensure that children across New York – those who have suffered abuse, neglect, and trauma or whose complex psychiatric and intellectual and developmental needs require more specialized or intensive service – receive needed services. As the executive director of the Council on Children and Families, the state agency responsible for promoting cross-agency collaboration, I am especially excited about this new program and look forward to working closely with the dedicated group of providers to connect our state’s most vulnerable youth to services.”

    State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “Our young people with unmet complex needs must receive care that seeks to minimize family trauma and prevents extended hospital stays. With Governor Hochul’s $90 million in support of critical youth mental health services, we are moving in the right direction – young people with unmet complex needs will finally receive one on one attention, critical time intervention, and competent care, but we also know that there is much more that needs to be done. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and our community partners to ensure that our families receive the mental health and behavioral support they need to thrive.”

    Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, “Our young people are the future, and this investment will provide more comprehensive, community-based care for those who are struggling. Strengthening these local support systems will provide immediate impacts for kids, while also taking a burden off our stressed emergency rooms and psychiatric emergency programs. I commend this funding and the Governor’s dedication to supporting our youth during this pivotal time in their lives.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in rural health facilities across Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Alberta’s government is committed to providing the highest quality of health care services for all Albertans, no matter where they live in the province.

    To ensure Albertans can get the care they need close to home, the government is investing almost $15.5 million to improve access to health care services in rural and remote communities. This investment will support the construction of a new dialysis unit in Lloydminster, the construction of the Brian Rosche Ambulance Station in Slake Lake, and will enhance kidney care services for residents of Grande Prairie and its surrounding area.

    “We are committed to supporting capital projects in every corner of the province. Rural Albertans deserve access to high-quality health care services, and this program has been designed to ensure facilities can service the needs of their communities.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    The projects in Slave Lake and Lloydminster are funded through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, which funds strategic capital projects at rural health facilities to help ensure Albertans can access the health care services they need as close to home as possible.

    The program is supporting 44 projects in 39 communities, including construction of the new dialysis unit in Lloydminster. Alberta’s government is investing $6.2 million in the project, which is expected to be complete in late fall 2025. The new location will operate six stations initially, with the ability to add more as the demand increases. The unit will operate Monday through Saturday to accommodate the needs of hemodialysis patients, who typically receive three four-hour treatments each week.

    “Our investment in rural health facilities demonstrates our strong commitment to delivering equitable health care for all Albertans. This funding will strengthen local communities by improving access to essential services, bringing quality care closer to home.”

    Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for rural health

    Alberta’s government has also provided $6.8 million through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program for the recently completed Brian Rosche Ambulance Station in Slake Lake – a 990-square-metre facility designed to better accommodate local staff and ambulances. The facility, named in honour of the late Brian Rosche, a dedicated community leader and former Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 councillor, includes accommodation for nine crew members, a training and multi-purpose room, kitchen, living spaces, and space for nine ambulances in the garage. These enhancements will help ensure staff are supported to deliver prompt, effective and high-quality emergency medical care.

    “Mr. Rosche’s unwavering commitment to advancing health care in the region, including his advocacy for a new EMS facility, has been deeply valued by the community. We are grateful for his legacy and excited for the positive impact this facility will have on our community.”

    Francesca Ward, mayor, Town of Slave Lake

    “This facility is a crucial addition to our health care infrastructure and will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies in the Slave Lake area. It’s also a fitting tribute to Brian Rosche’s dedication to advancing health care in our region.”

    Rob Barone, associate executive director, EMS, North Zone

    Enhancing kidney care services in Grande Prairie

    In addition to the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, Alberta’s government is investing in major capital projects to meet the health care needs of Albertans living in rural communities.

    Alberta’s government is providing $2.42 million to enhance and consolidate kidney care services for Grande Prairie and area residents. The funding will help the Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Centre expand its hemodialysis unit to provide care for up to 24 patients a day in the future.

    The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation is providing $1.5 million to support the project. The space will be named the Sargent Family Kidney Care Centre, honouring the Sargent family’s significant donation to the foundation for this project.

    “Improving access to kidney care services will significantly impact our community in a positive way. We are proud to support this initiative and grateful to the Sargent Family Foundation for their dedication to extended kidney care in Grande Prairie and the Peace Region.”

    Keith Curtis, executive director, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2024 includes $65 million over two years for the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.
    • The Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program is intended to support the renovation of rural health facilities and to help purchase and install new equipment.
      • Since its inception in 2021, the program has invested $115 million across the province.

    Related information

    • Capital Plan
    • Alberta Health Services Capital Projects

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada launches Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    OTTAWA, September 24, 2024

    Canada, like elsewhere around the world, has seen a rise in hate both on the streets and online in recent years. The federal government is committed to doing whatever it takes to protect everyone living in Canada as well as the resilient and diverse communities across the country to ensure that all can thrive while being their authentic self.

    The rise in hate incidents has disproportionately affected Indigenous Peoples; Black, racialized, religious minorities, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities; women; and persons with disabilities. Hate not only harms those directly targeted but also impacts the broader Canadian society, undermining social cohesion and posing a threat to national security.

    That’s why today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, unveiled Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. The Action Plan represents Canada’s first-ever comprehensive cross-government effort to combat hate. It brings together 20 key federal initiatives grounded on three pillars:

    • Empower communities to identify and prevent hate;
    • Support victims and survivors, and protect communities; and
    • Build community trust, partnerships and institutional readiness.

    The Action Plan invests $273.6 million over six years, and $29.3 million ongoing, to tackle hatred from multiple angles. It includes increasing support to victims and survivors, helping communities prevent, address and protect people from hate; enhancing research and data collection; providing greater resources for law enforcement; and raising public awareness.

    Everyone has a right to be safe and treated with dignity. We will collaborate with provincial, territorial and international governments, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, and cities and communities across Canada to make this happen. Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate will help us continue building a safer and more inclusive Canada where everyone can succeed, regardless of who they are, who they love or what they believe in.

    Quotes

    “Everyone has the right to feel safe, regardless of who they are, what they look like or what they believe in. We have all been alarmed to witness the tragic consequences of hate, both at home and abroad. Hate has no place in Canada – whether in person or online, in our schools, or in our places of worship. Our government is committed to keeping communities across the country safe. Because when someone becomes a victim of hate, it affects all of us. Canada’s first-ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate represents an unprecedented cross-government effort to combat hate while providing more support to victims of hate and at-risk communities. As we face difficult and challenging times, we must stand up for who are as a country – a country where diversity is our strength and where everyone can be who they are and achieve their dreams without fear.”

    —The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities

    “Hate, in all its forms, has no place in Canada – everyone has a right to feel and be safe in their homes and in their communities. We all have a role to play in fighting discrimination and fostering a fairer, safer and more inclusive Canada. The Changing Narratives Fund, as part of Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, will break down systemic barriers and empower diverse voices in the arts, culture and media. The fund ensures their experiences and perspectives are better represented, and advances anti-racism, equity, and diversity and inclusion within the cultural and media sectors.”

    —The Honourable Pascale St‑Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

    “In the face of an increase in hate crimes, our government is stepping up to ensure at-risk communities can access financial support to protect their institutions. The new Canada Community Security Program is designed to be simpler, more flexible and more generous, in direct response to what we’ve heard from community organizations across the country.”

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

    “No one should live in fear of being who they are, but we know that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression continues to be a reality in Canada. This is wrong and must be eliminated. Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate complements actions we have taken to protect and support Canadians since 2015, including the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, all of which were developed by listening to the voices and lived experiences of individuals and communities across Canada. As always, we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with all communities experiencing hate and we will not hesitate to use all federal tools to protect and support them.”

    —The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

    “We all expect to be safe in our homes, in our neighbourhoods and in our communities. This is why we introduced Bill C-63, a key component of Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. We know that online harms can have real world impacts with tragic and sometimes fatal consequences. This legislation is about keeping everyone safer in an online world that can feel more dangerous and unfortunately more toxic each and every day so that women, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and people of diverse faiths and backgrounds can go to their places of worship, community centres, schools or work without fearing that online threats might turn into real world danger.”

    —The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    “Canada is as innovative as it is diverse, and it is far more successful when everyone is given a fair chance to develop their full potential, free from hate and discrimination. With Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, we are standing up to confront hate and protect Canadians, and Statistics Canada will be key in researching and gathering the data needed to build a safer and more resilient society.”

    —The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “Canada is a country rich in diversity, where every person deserves to feel safe and be respected. This is why today we’re launching Canada’s first-ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate, a commitment of $273 million to help build a safe Canada for everyone.”

    —Sameer Zuberi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2022 provided $85 million over four years, starting in 2022–23, to the Department of Canadian Heritage to launch and implement the new Anti-Racism Strategy and a national action plan on combatting hate. Budget 2024 provides an additional $273.6 million over six years, starting in 2024–25, and $29.3 million ongoing to support Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. The Action Plan brings together key initiatives led by federal departments and organizations, including Canadian Heritage, Public Safety Canada, Justice Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Women and Gender Equality Canada, Statistics Canada and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. 

    • According to the July 2024 Statistics Canada data release, the number of police-reported hate crimes increased from 3,612 incidents in 2022 to 4,777 in 2023 (+32%), even though some victims might not report a hate crime they experienced. This followed an 8-percent increase in 2022 and a 72-percent increase from 2019 to 2021. Overall, the number of police-reported hate crimes (+145%) has more than doubled since 2019.

    • Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate is complemented by the work of the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.

    • Public Safety Canada’s enhanced Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) (previously the Security Infrastructure Program) is also part of Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. The CCSP is making it easier and more efficient for organizations and communities at risk of hate-motivated crime to access security support when they need it.

    • The Action Plan aligns with ongoing efforts to further mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content online through Bill C-63, which proposes to create a new Online Harms Act to create stronger protections for the most vulnerable groups online. The Government of Canada has tabled Bill C-63, An Act to enact the Online Harms Act, to amend the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts, in the House of Commons.

    • Canada is signatory to the Christchurch Call to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online, which is a global pledge by 56 governments, including Canada, as well as online service providers and civil society organizations to coordinate and collaborate on efforts to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. The Government of Canada reiterates its engagement to advance the Christchurch Call to Action in Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

    • Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate complements Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028. Both initiatives take a comprehensive and intersectional approach to confronting hate, racism and discrimination.

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    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Waleed Saleem
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
     waleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canadian Heritage
    819-994-9101
    1-866-569-6155
    media@pch.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More Than $3.9 Billion Invested Since 2020 Toward Improving Highways

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 24, 2024

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan reflects on the past four years of significant investments into our province’s infrastructure. These investments improve safety, support our export-based economy and work toward the goal of improving 10,000 km of highways by 2030.

    “Our government recognizes the importance of strategic funding to build, maintain and operate a safe and reliable highway network, along with continued improvements on the road ahead to keep our great province strong,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “This critical infrastructure helps people get to the places and services they need, while it moves the products of our key industries that create jobs and support our strong and growing export-based economy.”

    More than $3.9 billion has been invested overall since 2020-21 toward such initiatives as building passing lanes, upgrading thin membrane surface (TMS) highways, maintenance activities and other significant infrastructure. This overall investment includes a $300 million Stimulus Program; a booster shot to Saskatchewan’s economy during the global pandemic.

    Highlights within the first five years of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan include:

    • More than 40 new sets of passing lanes throughout the province, which improves safety on strategic trade corridors, as the province ships to more than 160 countries around the globe.
    • More than 840 km of TMS improvements.
    • More than 85 bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects.
    • More than 1,100 culvert replacement projects.

    Major projects and other initiatives include:

    • Twinning segments of Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and southeast of Corinne.
    • Continuing work to improve the Highway 5 corridor between Saskatoon and Humboldt.
    • The completion of the Garson Lake Road to the Alberta-Saskatchewan Border.
    • Development of an ongoing passing lane strategy, which includes future projects on Highway 10 between Fort Qu’Appelle and Melville, along with Highway 17 from Lloydminster heading north.
    • More than $350 million toward building, maintaining and operating the transportation system in Northern Saskatchewan.
    • Completion of a five-year, $100 million investment in road safety.

    This recent and ongoing work means an expected 5,900 kms of highways will be improved in the first five years of the provincial government’s Growth Plan and positions Saskatchewan to be ahead of the pace needed to meet the goal of 10,000 kms improved by 2030.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA Pacific Region investigation leads to seizure of firearms and prohibited devices in Vancouver

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    September 24, 2024                 Vancouver, British Columbia            Canada Border Services Agency

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians by intercepting and investigating smuggling attempts at our borders.

    Between August 2023 and January 2024, Border Services Officers at Vancouver International Airport Air Cargo Operations and Mail Center intercepted two firearm suppressors and two replica firearms in two related incidents. As these are prohibited devices, the Pacific Region Criminal Investigations Section launched an investigation into the importer of these devices. On August 28, 2024, CBSA criminal investigators, with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department, executed search warrants on the suspect’s residence in Vancouver. A number of items were seized, including:

    • two firearms;
    • two completed 3D printed firearms;
    • two 3D printed lower receivers;
    • eighteen replica firearms;
    • various other firearm parts and accessories;
    • suspected drugs.

    The suspect was arrested and the investigation is ongoing.

    Quotes

    “The safety and security of Canadians is our top priority. By stopping the smuggling of illegal firearms and drugs, we’re keeping communities safe. This seizure is a great example of the ongoing cooperation between the CBSA and local law enforcement agencies.”

    – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety

    “The Canada Border Services Agency works hard to intercept undeclared firearms and firearm parts at our borders and investigates those who break Canada’s laws. The efforts of our officers and investigators, with support from the Vancouver Police Department, have removed dangerous firearms and prohibited devices from this community.”

    – Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Pacific Region

    “Violent offenders, organized criminals, and crime groups have no respect for local or international boundaries. Law enforcement and national security agencies must work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons and drugs that threaten public safety within our communities. We are grateful to have assisted Canada Border Services Agency during this important investigation.”

    – Don Chapman, Superintendent, Operations Support Command, Vancouver Police Department

    Quick facts

    • Smuggling and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to arrest, criminal charges and prosecution in a court of law.

    • The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.

    • For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

    • If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060.

    Contacts

    Media Relations

    Canada Border Services Agency

    media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

    1-877-761-5945

    @CanBorderPAC

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Far too many people’s lives are impacted by hate and its devastating consequences. Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate is informed by individuals and communities with lived experience of hate.

    OTTAWA, September 24, 2024

    Far too many people’s lives are impacted by hate and its devastating consequences. Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate is informed by individuals and communities with lived experience of hate. It is grounded in consultation activities organized by the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, which included:

    • 15 town halls
    • 2 national summits on antisemitism and Islamophobia;
    • 1 national youth forum on anti-Black racism;
    • 21 roundtables; and
    • an online questionnaire open to everyone in Canada.

    Additionally, the Action Plan builds on community engagement conducted by the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat for the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, three roundtables led by Public Safety Canada on the Security Infrastructure Program (now known as the Canada Community Security Program), and research and recommendations from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. 

    The Action Plan lays the foundation for the Government of Canada’s robust response to the growing threat of hate while ensuring every person’s right to be safe and treated with dignity. To achieve this goal, priority areas for action are organized under three pillars:

    • Empower communities to identify and prevent hate;
    • Support victims and survivors, and protect communities; and
    • Build community trust, partnerships and institutional readiness.

    To drive real change across the country, the Action Plan brings new and existing initiatives together to foster greater coordination and collaboration among federal organizations. Working in collaboration with their provincial, territorial, international, Indigenous and municipal counterparts, it includes federal initiatives led by:

    • Canadian Heritage;
    • Canadian Race Relations Foundation;
    • Justice Canada;
    • Public Safety Canada;
    • Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
    • Statistics Canada; and
    • Women and Gender Equality Canada.

    Everyone has multiple and diverse factors of identity that intersect. This impacts how individuals understand and experience hate and the government’s response to hate crimes and hate incidents. This Action Plan was developed using Gender-Based Analysis Plus in an effort to develop responsive measures that take into account the diversity of needs and realities.

    For more information, consult the Action Plan web page at https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/combatting-hate.html.

    Related Products

    Waleed Saleem
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
    waleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: FinTech360 Launches Cross-Device Trading Solutions to Meet Growing Mobile Demand in FinTech Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FinTech360, a leading B2B provider of fintech solutions for regulated forex brokers, today announced the launch of its new cross-device trading solutions, designed to meet the increasing demand for mobile-friendly platforms in the fintech industry. This innovative system enables brokers to offer seamless trading experiences across multiple devices, including Android, iOS, and web platforms, ensuring a consistent user experience and maximizing client engagement in a mobile-first world.

    With mobile traffic now accounting for the majority of user interactions in the financial sector, FinTech360’s new cross-device solutions come at a critical time for brokers seeking to stay competitive. The platform provides brokers with advanced tools for customer lifecycle management, CRM, payment gateways, and trading signals, all of which are accessible from any device, offering flexibility and convenience to both brokers and traders.

    “In response to the growing dominance of mobile usage in trading, we are proud to introduce our cross-device solutions, which allow brokers to offer their clients uninterrupted access to trading tools on any platform,” said Aaron Bitter, BDM of FinTech360. “We recognize that brokers need to cater to mobile-first users, and our new solutions provide the perfect balance between functionality and accessibility across all devices.”

    Innovative Cross-Device Features Tailored for Forex Brokers

    The new cross-device platform from FinTech360 is specifically designed for the unique needs of forex brokers, allowing them to engage with a broader client base by providing a seamless user interface across mobile apps and web-based platforms. As mobile trading continues to grow, the ability to offer a unified trading experience across different devices becomes essential for brokers looking to attract and retain clients.

    With enhanced functionality and a mobile-optimized interface, the platform empowers traders to access real-time data, execute trades, and monitor market movements on-the-go, all while enjoying the same high-quality experience whether they are using a mobile phone or desktop computer.

    FinTech360’s Continued Commitment to Innovation and Broker Success

    As part of this new launch, FinTech360 has integrated Acuity Trading’s AI-driven market analysis tools into its cross-device platform. This combination of AI technology and mobile optimization provides brokers with deeper market insights and more comprehensive trading strategies, helping them make informed decisions and better serve their clients.

    FinTech360 has long been recognized for its innovative fintech solutions tailored specifically for regulated brokers. The company’s full suite of services includes CRM systems, business intelligence tools, trading platforms, and affiliate network solutions, all designed to simplify broker operations and enhance overall efficiency. By focusing on creating flexible, scalable solutions, FinTech360 continues to empower brokers to thrive in a competitive market.

    For more information about FinTech360 and its latest cross-device trading solutions, visit FinTech360.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient Secures Landmark Multi-Million Deal with Leading Global Insurer to Drive Customer Communications Transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The €6.5M agreement over an initial period of 5 years includes the adoption of Quadient Inspire as a managed service

    Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, announced today a new €6.5-million deal with one of the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurers. The multi-year agreement will see the US-based insurer adopt Quadient Inspire, Quadient’s award-winning Customer Communications Management (CCM) platform, as a cloud-hosted managed service, streamlining and optimizing customer communications across its global operations from one centralized platform.

    This global insurance leader operates in over 50 countries spanning all continents and was facing significant challenges in managing its vast array of customer communication templates, spread across a complex mix of legacy and home-grown systems. After an extensive multi-year evaluation process, the insurer selected Quadient among other vendors for its unparalleled expertise in handling large-scale, multi-regional deployments, the excellence of its CCM platform, and for its proven long-term commitment to its customers’ success. The adoption of Quadient Inspire will allow this insurer to consolidate nearly 70,000 communication templates and retire multiple legacy systems, ensuring the customer can rapidly respond to market changes and maintain compliance across its international operations.

    “We are honored to have earned the trust of one of the world’s largest insurers as they embark on this pivotal transformation of their customer communications,” said Chris Hartigan, chief solution officer, Digital, for Quadient. “Their decision underscores their confidence in our ability to deliver on complex, large-scale initiatives. By moving to a unified platform, they are streamlining operations and positioning themselves for long-term success. This partnership highlights the strength of our technology, but more importantly, it reflects the trust and collaborative spirit we build with our clients as we work together toward a shared vision of the future.”

    Quadient’s comprehensive cloud-based platform will not only streamline the management of complex communications, but also free the insurer’s IT teams from the burden of application management, hosting, and lifecycle maintenance. With an extensive team of certified experts, Quadient is well positioned to support global organizations in scaling their communications over time, focusing on innovation, resilience, and operational efficiencies. To know more about Quadient Inspire, visit https://www.quadient.com/en/customer-communications/inspire-platform.

    About Quadient®
    Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit www.quadient.com.  

    Contacts

    Sandy Armstrong, Sterling Kilgore Joe Scolaro, Quadient         
    VP of Media & Communications Global Press Relations Manager
    +1-630-699-8979 +1 203-301-3673
    sarmstrong@sterlingkilgore.com j.scolaro@quadient.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEF Names Finalists for 2024 NaaS Excellence Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEF, a global industry association of network, cloud, security, and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, announced finalists today for its 2024 Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) Excellence Awards. MEF’s award program recognizes achievements of service providers, technology providers, and professionals pioneering the future of digital services delivered across an ecosystem optimized for a cloud-like experience for today’s enterprise. Winners will be recognized at MEF’s Global Networking-as-a-Service Event (GNE), held Oct 28-30 in Dallas, Texas.

    Award finalists were selected based on rigorous criteria by an esteemed panel of senior industry analysts from ACG Research, Analysys Mason, Appledore Research, Atlantic ACM, AvidThink, Dell’Oro Group, Frost & Sullivan, IDC, Omdia, TeleGeography, and Vertical Systems Group.

    2024 MEF Excellence Awards Finalists

    The Service Provider category includes awards for NaaS Service Provider of the Year, Best NaaS Vision, MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet Service Provider of the Year, SASE Service Provider of the Year, SD-WAN Service Provider of the Year, Service Automation Leadership, and Best Services Ecosystem Automation Platform. Finalists are:

    AT&T
    CMC Networks
    Cirion Technologies
    Colt Technology Services
    Comcast Business
    Console Connect
    Equinix
    Lumen Technologies
    Orange Business
    Orchest Technologies
    Singtel
    Sparkle
    Tata Communications
    Ufinet
    Verizon Business

    The Technology Provider category includes awards for Network Technology Vendor of the Year, Best NaaS Vision, SASE Vendor of the Year, SD-WAN Vendor of the Year, LSO Solution Provider of the Year, Most Impactful Service Automation Vendor, and Most Innovative Service Automation Vendor. Finalists are:

    Amartus
    Amdocs
    Enxoo
    Fortinet
    insidepacket
    Netcracker Technology
    Palo Alto
    VMware by Broadcom

    Additionally, outstanding individuals will be recognized for exceptional leadership with the Industry Executive of the Year award, and for positive industry impact with the Michael Howard Industry Impact award.

    “MEF’s 2024 NaaS Excellence Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and groundbreaking innovations of visionary companies and individuals driving the evolution of the global automated NaaS ecosystem,” said Nan Chen, Chief Executive Officer, MEF. “The transformative work of this year’s finalists is reshaping our industry. We’re thrilled to recognize these trailblazers and look forward to honoring their accomplishments at our gala awards ceremony during GNE in October.”

    Awards will be presented to all winners during the MEF Excellence Awards gala dinner on Oct 29 at GNE.

    For more information about the awards, please email awards@mef.net. For sponsorship opportunities or to register to attend GNE or the awards gala please visit the GNE webpage.

    About MEF
    MEF is a global consortium of service, cloud, cybersecurity, and technology providers collaborating to accelerate enterprise digital transformation. It delivers standards-based frameworks, services, technologies, APIs, and certification programs to enable Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) across an automated ecosystem. MEF is the defining authority for certified Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) business and operational APIs and Carrier Ethernet, SASE, SD-WAN, Zero Trust, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies and services. MEF’s Global NaaS Event (GNE) convenes industry leaders building and delivering the next generation of NaaS solutions. For more information about MEF, visit MEF.net and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

    Media Contact:
    Melissa Power
    MEF
    pr@mef.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: National Marine Electronics Association Names KVH TracVision UHD7 Its 2024 Satellite TV Product of Excellence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The members of the National Marine Electronics Association recognized the performance and reliability of the TracVision® UHD7 satellite TV system from KVH Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI) during the 2024 NMEA Conference. The advanced maritime entertainment system received the 2024 Product of Excellence Award in the Satellite TV Antenna category. It marked the 27th consecutive year that a KVH TracVision system has been honored in the marine satellite TV category.

    “We are gratified by the decision of the NMEA members to bestow this honor upon the TracVision UHD7,” remarked Jim George, KVH’s vice president of global leisure sales. “The professionals comprising NMEA are invaluable partners in our efforts to educate consumers about the dramatic changes in maritime technology, carrying out outstanding quality installations, and providing superior technical support. Their votes affirm our quality, performance, value, and innovation. Thank you to the members, and congratulations to the other honorees.”

    The NMEA annually presents its Product of Excellence Awards to recognize design, performance, and reliability in marine electronics products. NMEA members, comprising representatives of more than 600 companies, including manufacturers, dealers, and boat builders, select the winners.

    The TracVision UHD7 is a high-performance 60 cm (24 inch) marine satellite TV antenna designed to provide boat owners, charter yacht guests, and commercial vessel crews access to ultra-high-definition (UHD) and 4K programming from leading satellite TV providers.

    Note to Editors: For more information about KVH products and services, please visit https://www.kvh.com. High-resolution images of KVH products are available at the KVH Press Room Image Library, https://www.kvh.com/imagelibrary.

    About KVH Industries, Inc.

    KVH Industries, Inc. is a global leader in maritime and mobile connectivity delivered via the KVH ONE® network. The company, founded in 1982, is based in Middletown, RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and more than a dozen offices around the globe. KVH provides connectivity solutions for commercial maritime, leisure marine, military/government, and land mobile applications on vessels and vehicles, including the TracNet™, TracPhone®, and TracVision product lines, the KVH ONE OpenNet Program for non-KVH antennas, AgilePlans® Connectivity as a Service (CaaS), and the KVH Link crew wellbeing content service.

    KVH Industries, Inc., has used, registered, or applied to register its trademarks in the USA and other countries around the world, including but not limited to the following marks: KVH, KVH ONE, TracVision, TracPhone, TracNet, and AgilePlans. Other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

    For further information, please contact:
    Chris Watson
    Vice President, Marketing & Communications
    KVH Industries, Inc.
    Tel: +1 401 845 2441
    cwatson@kvh.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aee1634e-2a7d-4c68-915a-09005f45ca13

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HP Workforce Solutions Advances Strategy to Deliver Exceptional Employee Experiences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    News Highlights

    • Supercharges HP Workforce Experience Platform with expanded access and capabilities
    • Introduces managed services that reduce downtime and keep employees productive
    • Announces the industry’s most advanced remote remediation technology
    • Launches HOPE Recycling Futures to give PCs a second life while accelerating digital equity

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today at HP Imagine, HP Inc.’s (NYSE: HPQ) Workforce Solutions division (HPWS) today announced a series of significant advancements designed to enable companies to achieve growth by delivering more personalized, fulfilling experiences.

    As part of this, HP is expanding access to HP Workforce Experience Platform, giving CIOs access to enhanced tools, data and insights to ensure their employees are connected and productive. For customers wanting HP to manage their IT environment, HP is announcing advanced monitoring solutions and global availability of HP Managed Collaboration Services that proactively remediate incidents before employees are impacted. And when technology does fail, HP is launching a new service that helps get employees back up and running quickly. HP is also introducing a new service to help companies harness the power of AI to drive further productivity in the workforce and expanded refurbishment programs to drive a more circular economy.

    “We are at the intersection of two major trends – AI and Flexible Work – and both are having a profound impact on our lives,” said Dave Shull, President of HP Workforce Solutions. “At the same time, employees want greater fulfillment and companies want improved productivity. Our Future-Ready portfolio of software and solutions helps guide companies through this shift.”

    Keeping Employees Engaged and Productive

    HP Workforce Experience Platform Expands Beta Access and Introduces New Features
    HP Workforce Experience Platform – a platform that intelligently anticipates and resolves digital friction across every employee endpoint from a single dashboard – has been in private beta for three months with more than 270K devices enrolled.[1]

    HP is now expanding access by making the Workforce Experience Platform Beta available to new or renewing HP Proactive Insights customers in the United States at no extra cost.

    As part of the new release, HP is rolling out new features that enable customers to monitor, secure, and manage printer performance at scale, in addition to PCs. New capabilities in AI-powered fleet management and employee sentiment analysis will help reduce IT support tickets and employee downtime through proactive anomaly detection and smart recommendations.

    Additionally, HP Workforce Experience Platform supports integrations with Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate and Tableau (available now) and plans to support Microsoft Intune and ServiceNow in a future release, enabling IT to leverage Workforce Experience Platform data easily and securely within their existing workflows. This means IT has a more holistic view of their device fleet, better data accuracy, and more tailored IT operations that help drive down expenses and improve return on investment.[2]

    New Global Command Centers for Advanced Monitoring Capabilities
    As companies look to shift their IT support from a reactive to a proactive approach, HP is announcing advanced Monitoring and Management capabilities – enabled by new global command centers – to help customers monitor and manage both HP and non-HP devices across the world, including detecting and remediating incidents.

    Leveraging telemetry,[3] HP monitors thousands of data points in conference room equipment, printers, and PCs. This enables HP Service Experts to detect and identify issues and take remote actions to proactively remediate incidents before employees are impacted. These HP Managed Services are available globally for HP’s managed solutions customers and sold through direct channels.

    Industry’s First Out-of-band Diagnostics and Remediation Capability
    Data shows that 90% of employees prefer flexible or hybrid work.[4] Employees have also come to expect the same level of support remotely that they would receive in an office. But existing remote support tools can’t always address the problem, like when a PC crashes and won’t reboot.

    To help reduce the time and frustration involved in restoring productivity for both hybrid employees and IT, HP is introducing a new HP out-of-band remediation service,[5] the industry’s most advanced remote remediation technology,[6] that enables more PC issues to be fixed remotely than ever before – even if the PC won’t boot. HP is the first PC manufacturer to use out-of-band technology to securely connect to remote PCs below the OS, using an encrypted cloud connection. This allows HP support agents full keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) control to diagnose and fix more complex issues like boot failures, imaging and BIOS issues — with virtually no assistance from the end user.

    This industry-first remediation service is expected to be available later this year in North America and the EU as an add-on to an HP Essential, Premium or Premium+ Support package with the purchase of any new Intel vPro enabled PC direct from HP or an authorized reseller. HP plans to expand the service feature availability across other commercial PCs in the coming months.

    New AI Advisory Services Help Customers Tap into the Potential of Microsoft Copilot
    HP is also announcing a new AI advisory service to help customers tap into the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot. This new AI advisory service will evaluate a company’s current setup and readiness for AI, conduct interactive workshops to help companies maximize the benefits of AI, and help companies plan for rolling out new AI tools. This new AI Advisory Service is expected to be available in November 2024 in the US, UK, France, Spain, Ireland, and Germany.

    Creating Collaborative Team Experiences

    Managed Collaboration Services Now Available to Customers Worldwide
    In today’s flexible working world, video collaboration connects more employees than ever before. To help customers modernize and maintain their conference rooms, HP is announcing the global availability of HP Managed Collaboration Services. HP Managed Collaboration Services uses Poly and HP gear to deliver exceptional meeting experiences with flexible, reliable, managed room solutions that ensure every space is video-enabled, and ready to be used. Learn more here.

    Driving Societal Impact

    HP is committed to accelerating equitable access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for those who are systemically excluded so they can participate and thrive in a digital economy. HP’s new services and programs help give technology a second life while delivering hope around the world.

    Expanded Portfolio of HP Certified Refurbished Hardware
    With growing customer demand for high-quality, reliable second-life devices, HP is announcing expansion of its HP Certified Refurbished hardware portfolio to now include LaserJet Multi-Function Printers, available for Managed Print Solutions customers in the United States.

    Each HP Certified Refurbished device undergoes rigorous refurbishment and inspection processes, utilizes approved HP parts, and comes backed by HP Support for added peace of mind. The LaserJet offerings are the latest addition to the HP Certified Refurbished hardware portfolio, which also includes availability of HP EliteBook 800 G6 and G7 series notebooks in the United States and France.

    Delivering HOPE Around the World
    HP is expanding HOPE Recycling Futures – HP’s signature program that helps companies connect and uplift children. HOPE Recycling Futures receives devices from organizations who would otherwise dispose of them, works with its partners to erase existing data and refurbish the devices. HP then coordinates with vetted non-governmental organizations to deliver the devices to schools serving vulnerable and marginalized youth — all at no cost to the company or receiving organization.

    HOPE Recycling Futures is already partnering with companies across the EU, UK, Switzerland, India, Singapore, and Brazil, and will now extend this partnership to include Mexico. More than 16,000 children in 22 countries have benefited from the program through 72 donation projects to date.

    By giving their PCs a second life for kids in need through HOPE Recycling Futures, businesses can play a crucial role in reducing e-waste and empowering the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.

    For more information on today’s news at HP Imagine, visit https://www.hp.com/us-en/newsroom/press-kits/2024/hp-imagine.html.

    About HP Workforce Solutions
    Workforce Solutions is a global business unit of HP Inc. Given HP’s innovative and comprehensive portfolio of PCs, printers, and collaboration gear, HP Workforce Solutions (HPWS) is used by millions worldwide to solve customer problems, often proactively, through AI-enabled software and services. HP can help partners and customers from start to finish of their technology journey.

    About HP
    HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com. 

    [1] The Workforce Experience platform is for commercial customers and requires registration. At launch, some features will require a subscription. To register for access, visit https://admin.hp.com/. Some features and capabilities may require additional purchase of HP services and/or commercial hardware capable of supporting the HP Insights agent for Windows, Mac, & Android. Activation and restrictions may apply.
    Select HP Workforce Solutions require an HP Insights agent for Windows, Mac, & Android, available for download at https://admin.hp.com/software. For full system requirements and services that require the agent, please visit https://admin.hp.com/requirements. The agent collects telemetry and analytics around devices and applications that integrate into the Workforce Experience platform and is not sold as a standalone service. Internet access with connection to the Workforce Experience platform is required. HP follows stringent GDPR privacy regulations, and the platform is ISO27001, ISO27701, ISO27017 and SOC2 Type2 certified for Information Security.
    [2] Third party licenses required.
    [3] HP Services Scan is preinstalled and/or provided thru Windows Update and checks for service entitlement on each hardware device and downloads the applicable software agent automatically. To disable this feature, please follow the instructions at http://www.hpdaas.com/requirements. The HP Insights agent is a telemetry and analytics platform that provides critical data around devices and applications and is not sold as a standalone service. HP follows stringent GDPR privacy regulations and is ISO27001, ISO27701, ISO27017 and SOC2 Type2 certified for Information Security. Internet access with connection to the HP Insights agent is required. For full system requirements, please visit http://www.hpdaas.com/requirements. Not available in China.
    [4]Remote Work Statistics & Trends In (2024) – Forbes Advisor, Pew Research
    [5] Out-of-band diagnostics and remediation is available in North America (which includes the US and Canada), and the EU as an HP Care Pack for select HP commercial platforms that are Intel® vPro® and Intel® AMT enabled and are entitled to HP Premium Support or HP Premium+ Support. Service levels and response times for HP Care Packs may vary depending on your geographic location. Service starts on date of hardware purchase. Restrictions and limitations apply. For details, visit www.hp.com/go/cpc. HP Services are governed by the applicable HP terms and conditions of service provided or indicated to Customer at the time of purchase. Customer may have additional statutory rights according to applicable local laws, and such rights are not in any way affected by the HP terms and conditions of service or the HP Limited Warranty provided with your HP Product. Check with your HP authorized sales rep for availability.
    [6] Based on HP’s internal analysis of PC manufacturers with power cycle control, non-OS control, BIOS control and reimaging control as of 9/24/2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Transaction in Own Shares and Total Voting Rights and Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALBION ENTERPRISE VCT PLC

    LEI Code 213800OVSRDHRJBMO720

    TRANSACTION IN OWN SHARES AND TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS AND CAPITAL

    Albion Enterprise VCT PLC (the “Company”) announces that it purchased 73,646 ordinary shares at 126.31 pence per share on 24 September 2024. The shares purchased represent 0.07% of the total number of voting rights in the Company before the transaction. These shares will be held in treasury.

    Following this transaction, and in conformity with the provisions of DTR 5.6, we would like to notify the market of the following:

    The capital of the Company as at 24 September 2024 consisted of 129,223,229 ordinary shares with a nominal value of 1 penny each. The Company holds 18,185,333 shares in treasury.

    Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 111,037,896 which may be used by shareholders or other persons as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

    24 September 2024

    Vikash Hansrani
    Operations Partner
    Albion Capital Group LLP
    Tel: 020 7601 1850

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing HP Print AI, Industry’s First Intelligent Print Experiences for Home, Office, and Large Format Printing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    News Highlights

    • Unveils HP Print AI, including intelligent features to simplify and enhance printing from setup to support
    • Launches Perfect Output feature for consistent and accurate prints every time
    • Expands availability of HP Scan AI Enhanced to digitize workflows and help people work smarter
    • Debuts HP Build Workspace, new AI-enabled print collaboration ecosystem for design and construction

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today at HP Imagine, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) unveiled HP Print AI, the industry’s first intelligent print experiences1 designed to change how the world prints. HP Print AI’s features make printing frictionless by eliminating common challenges from printer setup to support. The first feature – Perfect Output – ensures prints look perfect every time and is available today via an exclusive beta program. HP Print AI features also enhance the printing experience at home and at work by unlocking new possibilities for creativity, productivity, and collaboration.

    “We are transforming the printing experience with HP Print AI, making it easier and more intuitive,” said Tuan Tran, HP President of Imaging, Printing, and Solutions. “Introducing AI solutions across our portfolio will simplify printing, ignite creativity, and accelerate collaboration – all while ensuring customer data is protected and kept private. This is our first step in setting a new standard for printing.”

    Delivering Perfect Output
    More than half of print jobs come from web browsers2, including online articles, travel documents, recipes, and how-to guides. However, printing from the web has traditionally yielded unnecessary white space, issues with image size, and inclusion of unwanted web ads. Consumers printing from web browsers have understandably felt frustrated, rating the experience with “strong dissatisfaction” 3.

    Perfect Output bridges the gaps between what people see on the screen and what they intend to print, reformatting and reorganizing content to fit perfectly on the page the first time. Perfect Output can detect unwanted content like ads and web text, printing only the desired text and images, saving time, paper, and ink.

    Messy web browser print layout before using HP Print AI

    Clean, reformatted print options after using HP Print AI

    Spreadsheets are another common print job, and more than half of spreadsheet users report experiencing challenges to make documents print out correctly 4. Perfect Output proactively creates a printable spreadsheet without splitting tables and charts across pages.

    Excel spreadsheet cuts across multiple pages without HP Print AI

    Spreadsheet and graph cleanly reformatted with HP Print AI

    Customizing Support
    HP Print AI will also simplify and tailor support for individual customers. From the moment a customer turns their printer on, intelligent technology anticipates their needs – walking through each step of setup. HP Print AI leverages natural language and contextual awareness, remembering users’ preferences and past questions, so customers receive immediate and customized support whenever they need it.

    Personalizing Experiences
    With HP Print AI, customers can easily transform photos into creative projects. Using simple conversational prompts, HP Print AI can seamlessly integrate unique layouts, custom styles, and fonts to personalize greeting cards for every occasion. HP Print AI also corrects common print errors by automatically upscaling images and removing unwanted objects.

    Once the design is ready, customers can choose to print or explore a curated list of partners that offer unique photo printing capabilities, gift certificates to be printed on the card, and so much more.

    Collaborating Seamlessly
    For the commercial market, HP announced the expanded availability of HP Scan AI Enhanced. This cloud-based, AI-driven solution automatically recognizes the type of documents being scanned and extracts key information based on the customer’s specific business needs. By reducing manual steps and data entry, this solution saves time and money for SMB and enterprise customers. For instance, a major retail group with 300 locations in Italy saw an 80% reduction in labor costs after implementing HP Scan AI Enhanced in its delivery and inventory workflow 5.

    HP is also extending AI capabilities to vertical industries, starting with design and construction, an industry lagging behind in using technology to deliver productivity improvements 6. HP’s new Build Workspace enables design and construction professionals to easily create and organize site observations, facilitate collaboration, and automate tasks such as field reports. By automating time-consuming tasks, HP Build Workspace drives efficiency and collaboration among professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field. Key features such as site capture, AI vectorization, and continuous feedback empower AEC professionals to streamline their workflows and optimize designs. The collaboration hub, HP Build Workspace, allows AEC professionals to access projects on desktop or mobile devices.

    Availability

    • HP Print AI is available today, starting with an exclusive beta delivering the Perfect Output feature to select print customers. HP intends to continue launching HP Print AI capabilities throughout 2025.
    • HP Build Workspace is available today, with HP Print AI capabilities also in beta in the US and Europe, scaling to the UK and Ireland soon, with expected worldwide rollout starting Spring 2025.
    • HP Scan AI Enhanced is a software service available today in North America, most of Europe and Latin America, and in parts of Asia.

    More information on today’s news at HP Imagine can be found here.

    ABOUT HP
    HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

    1. Based on HP’s internal analysis of intelligent solutions meeting the criteria of artificial intelligence, having a print platform, and covering scope of home, office and large format printing, as of September 2024
    2. Print Telemetry Data from Microsoft
    3. –62 Net Promoter Score (NPS) for strong dissatisfaction
    4. HP Research: Excel AI Print Add-In, July 2024
    5. Based on HP client use case, June 2023
    6. McKinsey Report: Delivering on construction productivity is no longer optional, August 2024

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cedbace-5799-4efb-a2da-526a418476cd
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fafd7c20-abaf-413f-b0b8-9b7863aa3490
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/decb99ba-962e-4180-bab3-85fe1621e576
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92e3b40b-c748-4dae-a41d-42e41d153e92

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: M2 Compliance Proudly Sponsors the 18th Annual Jewish Law Symposium

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — M2 Compliance (“M2”), a global leader in regulatory compliance and SEC filing solutions, is honored to sponsor the prestigious 18th Annual Jewish Law Symposium, scheduled for September 26, 2024, at Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ.

    This year’s symposium will explore “The Ethics of War and Peace”, delving into pressing legal and ethical challenges drawn from both modern and ancient texts. The event will feature Alyza D. Lewin, Esq., President of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, as the keynote speaker. Additionally, a compelling panel discussion will be hosted, featuring esteemed figures such as Dov Ben-Shimon, Executive Vice President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, Russell G. Pearce, Professor of Legal Ethics, Morality, & Religion at Fordham University School of Law, and Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, Internationally Acclaimed Scholar, Author & Lecturer.

    As a corporate sponsor, M2 Compliance is committed to supporting initiatives that align with our core values of integrity and community engagement. M2 Compliance’s sponsorship is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to fostering thought leadership and collaboration within the legal industry.

    M2 Compliance’s UNLIMITED SEC Filings Program

    M2’s UNLIMITED SEC FILINGS program has reshaped the landscape of SEC compliance by providing unlimited, full-service EDGAR & iXBRL filing solutions for one annual fixed rate. Our program gives clients complete freedom and flexibility, ensuring their filing needs are met efficiently without the burden of unpredictable costs. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled service at the most competitive rates in the industry, making us a trusted partner in your compliance journey. Clients that join M2 stay because the service is outstanding, and the pricing/product offered is unbeatable.

    About M2 Compliance:

    M2 Compliance has been serving the financial and legal industries for over 14 years and is recognized as the 4th largest SEC filing agency worldwide. Our innovative UNLIMITED SEC FILINGS program has revolutionized the industry by offering fixed-rate pricing, allowing clients to eliminate overage fees. As the fourth largest filing agency globally, we are proud to maintain a 99% client retention rate, driven by our ability to provide cost-effective solutions with faster turnaround times. Our clients trust M2 to meet their compliance needs 24/7, and our commitment to excellence keeps them with us year after year.

    For more information about M2 Compliance, please visit www.m2compliance.com or contact:

    David McGuire, CEO
    M2 Compliance, LLC
    501 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 300
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
    T: (754) 243-5120
    F: (754) 243-5135
    W: www.m2compliance.com

    Operated by McGuire Services, LLC, a Puerto Rico Organization

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: We won’t turn away when patients need us

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    © Médecins Sans Frontières 2024

    Federal tax ID#: 13-3433452

    Unrestricted donations enable MSF to carry out our programs around the world. While we try to honor requests to earmark, should we receive more gifts than we can use for a program, we will reallocate them where the needs are greatest.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Belt-Road tax forum held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The three-day 5th Belt & Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) opened today at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking the first time for Hong Kong to host the forum.

    Themed “Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt & Road Development”, the forum gathered more than 400 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from different countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences.

    In his welcome address, Chief Executive John Lee said tax administration plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. Efficient tax systems provide the essential resources for the delivery of public services and infrastructure.

    Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong believes transparent and fair tax policies could foster trust among investors, governments and taxpayers.

    As a champion of free and multilateral trade, Hong Kong supports the co-ordinated efforts of the international tax community, actively engaging in initiatives designed to bring economies together, he added.

    On the margins of the forum, Mr Lee met Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration Hu Jinglin and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tax co-operation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) among the finance and taxation departments of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao SAR.

    The MOU will promote the co-ordination of tax administration and services in the GBA. The deepened tax co-operation in the GBA can enhance Hong Kong’s tax competitiveness and create a more favourable business environment.

    Speaking at the welcome dinner, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that BRITACOF is a crucial and exemplary international platform designed to enhance co-operation among tax administrations along the Belt & Road.

    Mr Hui added that Hong Kong is also fully supportive of the international standard of tax information exchange to avoid tax evasion. By endorsing and implementing these standards, Hong Kong ensures that Belt & Road projects involving Hong Kong companies adhere to the highest international benchmarks in terms of tax governance and transparency.

    In addition, during BRITACOF, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with representatives from Kazakhstan, Maldives, Tajikistan and Türkiye to discuss deepening tax co-operation at the international and Belt & Road levels.

    This year’s forum gathered more than 400 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from different countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bill to protect taxpayer privacy, strengthen penalties for leaking personal data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act to safeguard Americans’ sensitive data and increase penalties for those who steal and leak Americans’ tax information.
    “American taxpayers deserve to know that their financial data is safe from criminals and bad actors. My bill would discourage would-be crooks and vigilantes from exposing anyone’s personal tax information by increasing the punishment for those abuses,” said Kennedy. 
    Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act in the House, which passed the legislation earlier this month.
    “Americans rightfully expect their personal tax information is safe and protected when they file their tax returns with the IRS. Unfortunately, that expectation was shattered when IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn was discovered to have stolen the private tax data of thousands of individuals, including President Trump, and leaked that information to the New York Times and ProPublica for publishing. Mr. Littlejohn was aware of the legal consequences before committing his theft, but was unfazed and undeterred. He even went as far as to destroy evidence and conceal his actions from law enforcement. The Taxpayer Data Protection Act scales up the punishment to fit the crime and sends a clear message to would-be criminals that Congress will not tolerate the theft of Americans’ personal and private tax information,” said Smith.
    Under current law, disclosing tax information without that authority is a felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, by a sentence of up to five years in prison or both. The legislation would increase the maximum fine to as much as $250,000, lengthen potential prison sentences to as many as 10 years and subject criminals to either or both punishments.
    Kennedy’s bill would also clarify that a person who exposes personal data is subject to prosecution for every taxpayer whose data he or she leaked. The Biden Justice Department recently employed a political maneuver by charging Charles Littlejohn with one count of improperly disclosing tax return information even though he stole tax return information for thousands of Americans. Under this bill, criminals who share data from multiple Americans would not be able to avoid prosecution for multiple counts.
    Background:
    In 2019, Internal Revenue Service contractor Charles Littlejohn illegally leaked the tax returns of President Donald Trump to the New York Times. 
    In 2020, Littlejohn also illegally disclosed the tax information of roughly 7,600 individuals and 600 entities to ProPublica for political purposes.
    In 2023, the Department of Justice announced it was charging Littlejohn with just one count of disclosing tax return information without authorization despite his distributing the information of thousands of Americans.
    The judge overseeing the case ultimately sentenced Littlejohn to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine because the law did not allow a more appropriate punishment. 
    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –