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  • MIL-OSI: Results for the Period Ended 30 June 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Octopus Future Generations VCT plc

    Results for the Period Ended 30 June 2024

    Octopus Future Generations VCT plc (‘Future Generations VCT’ or the ‘Company’) is backing businesses that aim to address society’s biggest challenges, providing an opportunity for investors to share in the growth of ambitious, purpose‑driven companies.

    The Company is managed by Octopus AIF Management Limited (the ‘Manager’), who has delegated investment management to Octopus Investments Limited (‘Octopus’ or ‘Portfolio Manager’) via its investment team Octopus Ventures.

    The Company today announces the unaudited financial report for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024.

    Chair’s statement

    Highlights

    • £46.1m in total net assets
    • 86.8p Net Asset Value (NAV) per share
    • 36 portfolio companies 

    I am pleased to present the unaudited financial report and accounts for the Company for the twelve months to 30 June 2024.

    I would like to welcome all new shareholders to the Company. Future Generations VCT invests in exciting early-stage companies which aspire to address current environmental and societal issues.

    The NAV per share at 30 June 2024 was 86.8p, which represents a net decrease of 6.9p per share from 31 December 2023, the latest released NAV. In the twelve months to 30 June 2024, we utilised £8.3 million of our cash resources, including £7.2 million which was invested into 13 new portfolio companies. The cash balance of £17.5 million as at 30 June 2024 represents 37.8% of net assets at that date. The loss made in the period to 30 June 2024 was £4.0 million. This decline is mainly caused by the downward movements in some portfolio company valuations. It is reflective of some company specific performance challenges and the difficult funding conditions in the early stage space. Given the Company is still a new VCT, many of its portfolio companies are at the beginning of their journey and will likely require further funding to succeed, so it is to be expected to see under performance or even failures before any growth in value of companies which are ultimately successful.

    Fundraise
    On 31 January 2024 we launched a new offer to raise up to £15 million, and to date we have raised £3.2 million. The offer will close for new applications on 27 January 2025, or earlier at the Board’s discretion. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all shareholders for their continued support.

    As investors will be aware, the intention is to invest in businesses which meet one of three key themes, which we believe demonstrate good investment prospects as well as having the potential to transform the world we live in for the better.

    VCT qualification
    I am pleased to report that in April 2024, the Company met the requirement for 80% of the Company’s funds to be invested in VCT qualifying holdings by 1 July 2024 (for funds raised up to 30 June 2022). The remainder will be invested in permitted non-VCT qualifying investments or cash.

    In November 2023, a ten-year extension was announced to the ‘sunset clause’ (a retirement date for the VCT scheme), meaning VCT tax reliefs will be available until 5 April 2035. This extension passed through Parliament in February 2024 and on 3 September the Treasury brought into effect the extension through The Finance Act 2024.

    Principal risks and uncertainties
    The Board continues to review the risk environment in which the Company operates on a regular basis. The principal risks as described on pages 32 to 34 of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2023 remain, however there is increased exposure to investment performance and loss of key people These will be reported on in detail in the annual report to 31 December 2024.

    Change to year end
    In 2023, the Board reviewed and approved a proposal to move the Company’s year-end from 30 June to 31 December. This change is largely being driven by operational efficiency gains by aligning year-end periods with other funds with which the Company co-invests. As a result, shareholders will receive an annual report for 31 December 2024 covering an extended 18-month period. After this, the normal cadence of reporting will resume.

    Board of Directors
    As announced in our half-yearly report to 31 December 2023, Ajay Chowdhury was appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director on 1 March 2024. Ajay is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author, and recently retired from his role as senior partner at the Boston Consulting Group. We look forward to benefitting from his wealth of experience in the early-stage venture ecosystem.

    AGM
    The AGM will take place on 10 December 2024 from 10:00am and will be held at the offices of Octopus Investments Limited, 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Full details of the business to be conducted at the AGM are given in the Notice of AGM.

    Shareholders’ views are important, and the Board encourages shareholders to vote on the resolutions within the Notice of AGM using the proxy form, or electronically at www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy. The Board has carefully considered the business to be approved at the AGM and recommends shareholders to vote in favour of all the resolutions being proposed, as the Board will be doing.

    Outlook
    The decline in the NAV is disappointing, with some of the portfolio companies struggling to scale, secure customer wins and successfully fundraise meaning they are not achieving the milestones set at the time the Company invested. With companies not able to prove their business models, we will unfortunately see companies fail. The Board is mindful that it is not an unusual outcome for a Company at this stage of its investment life cycle, with any failures likely preceding valuation growth which is expected once the portfolio matures. While the Company continues to add to its portfolio, there is also currently a greater concentration of value in fewer companies, so performance will be more sensitive to valuation movements in the underlying holdings than if the portfolio was larger.

    The decline has been amplified by challenging global economic conditions which have characterised the last few years particularly impacting on growth and early-stage businesses. We are hopeful that there are signs of recovery on the horizon, with the Bank of England cutting interest rates for the first time since 2020 and the conclusion of the UK General Election bringing more political certainty and stability. The exit environment is also starting to show signs of recovery, with Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) having their strongest start to the year since the peak of 2021, bringing renewed optimism in the market1. Together, this gives us some confidence that the challenging environment our portfolio companies are operating in will start to improve, and with diversification across the three investment themes, it should mean the Company is well positioned to generate long-term value for shareholders.

    I would like to conclude by thanking both my Board colleagues and the Octopus team on behalf of all shareholders for their hard work. The Board’s long-term view of early-stage venture capital remains positive, and I am looking forward to seeing what the remainder of the year brings for your Company.

    Helen Sinclair
    Chair
    27 September 2024

    1 Pitchbook, European Venture Report Q2 2024 https://pitchbook.com/news/reports/q2-2024-european-venture-report#:~:text=Our%20Q2%202024%20European%20Venture,most%2Dactive%20vertical%20after%20SaaS.

    Portfolio Manager’s review

    Focus on Future Generations VCT’s investments
    Below is a breakdown of the 36 investments held as at 30 June 2024, showing the proportion and value of the portfolio in each investment theme:

    Proportion by number of portfolio companies in each theme
    Revitalising healthcare: 50%
    Empowering people: 31%
    Building a sustainable planet: 19%

    Value of the portfolio in each theme
    Revitalising healthcare: £12.3m
    Empowering people: £10.4m
    Building a sustainable planet: £5.9m

    Overview of investments
    The Company completed 7 new investments in the six months to 30 June 2024 (comprising a total of £5.2 million) and 2 further investments after the reporting date totalling £0.5 million. More information on three of these businesses can be found below:

    A selection of our completed investments

    Empowering people
    Swiipr
    Swiipr has developed a digital payments platform specifically for the airline industry. The platform enables airlines to instantly compensate passengers in cases of disrupted or cancelled flights, using virtual or pre-paid cards. Swiipr aims to streamline payment processing for airlines and improve the reimbursement experience for affected passengers.

    Building a sustainable planet
    Drift
    Drift Energy is designing sailing vessels and the routing algorithms required to capture deep water wind energy and convert it into onboard hydrogen gas. This would then be transported back to shore using a fully integrated desalination, electrolysis and storage system.

    Revitalising healthcare
    Manual
    Manual is looking to become the go-to global platform to increase healthy lifespan and build a series of direct-to-consumer health brands for high importance, non-critical areas of health. To achieve this, it will provide easy to access advice and medical support for diagnosis, custom treatment plans and holistic care to induce long-term behaviour change.

    Top ten investments

    Portfolio company Cost Valuation at
    30 June 2024    		 Investment theme
    1. Perk Finance, S.L. (t/a* Cobee) £2.6m £3.7m Empowering people
    2. HelloSelf Limited £2.6m £2.6m Revitalising healthcare
    3. Neat SAS £0.8m £2.2m Building a sustainable planet
    4. Infinitopes Ltd £1.6m £1.6m Revitalising healthcare
    5. TYTN Ltd (t/a TitanML) £0.5m £1.5m Building a sustainable planet
    6. Mr & Mrs Oliver Ltd (t/a Skin + Me) £1.0m £1.4m Revitalising healthcare
    7. Apheris AI GmbH £1.2m £1.2m Empowering people
    8. Remofirst, Inc. £1.2m £1.2m Empowering people
    9. Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies Ltd £0.9m £1.0m Empowering people
    10. Inflow Holdings Inc. £1.0m £1.0m Revitalising healthcare

    * Trading as
      

    Portfolio engagement – D&I and carbon emission measurement
    As part of our strategy, we require portfolio companies to put in place a Diversity and Inclusion policy (D&I) and an Anti-Harassment policy. We also engage with each company to help them understand their greenhouse gas emissions and support them to take action to minimise them. You can see how we are progressing with these goals below, as at the date of this report:

    D&I policy status
    Policy in place: 36
    In progress: 0

    Engaged in monitoring 2023 greenhouse gas emissions
    Signed up: 12
    Introduced: 22
    In progress: 2

    Focus on performance
    The NAV of 86.8p per share at 30 June 2024 represents a decrease of 6.9p per share versus a NAV of 93.7p per share as at 31 December 2023. The decline in valuation over the six-month period has been driven by the downward valuation movements across 13 companies which saw a collective decrease in valuation of £6.5 million. The businesses that contributed most significantly to this were Tympa Health, Pear Bio and Elo Health. In the six months, the Company further invested into Tympa Health as this was the committed second tranche of the original investment case from 2023. During the investment period, Tympa Health over-invested in growth and has now had to make significant cost cuts and changes to senior management whilst running a fundraise process. It has successfully secured an external lead investor, but at a reduced valuation and the Company now sits behind a large preference stack, meaning that other investors get paid back first before the Company would see any returns. Pear Bio has also had to significantly reduced its cash burn but has limited runway and needs to further fundraise, so the valuation has been reduced to reflect this risk. Elo Health has struggled to find a market fit and execute on the investment thesis, so to extend its cash runway it has had to raise an investment round at a reduced valuation. These three valuation movements account for 87.6% of the total decline in the six months.

    Octopus Ventures believes that some of the companies which have seen decreased valuations in the year have the potential to overcome the issues they face and get their growth plans back on track. Octopus Ventures will continue to work with them to help them realise their ambitions. In some cases, if a company is achieving
    its performance milestones, the support offered could include further funding, to ensure a business has the capital it needs to execute on its strategy.

    Conversely, 6 companies saw an increase in valuation in the period, delivering a collective increase in valuation of £2.9 million. These valuation increases reflect businesses which have successfully concluded further funding rounds, grown revenues or met certain important milestones. Notable strong performers in the portfolio include Neat and TitanML, both of which have shown impressive capital efficient growth. These strong performers demonstrate that there are opportunities available for companies to scale.

    At this early stage of the Company’s life cycle, it is to be anticipated that failures will likely precede valuation growth, which takes longer as the portfolio companies have to achieve their agreed milestones and mature.

    The gain on Future Generation’s uninvested cash reserves was £0.9 million in the twelve months to 30 June 2024 (31 December 2023: gain of £0.5 million), driven by returns on money market funds. The Board’s objective for these investments is to generate sufficient returns through the cycle to cover costs, at limited risk to capital.

    Outlook
    We are pleased to report the Company’s first disposal as it was agreed that Cobee (an employee benefits and engagement platform) will be acquired by Pluxee Group as part of its strategic growth plan. The transaction is subject to approval by the Spanish regulatory authorities over the coming months, so we look forward to reporting further after completion has taken place. The transaction is a great result for the Company at such an early point in its investment lifecycle and a good proof point of the investment strategy.

    The decline in NAV over the six-month period is disappointing but attributable to both the stage of the Company and the headwinds the portfolio companies have been facing. We continue to closely monitor the portfolio to ensure support and resources are being directed in the most impactful way, both through Octopus-appointed non-executive directors or monitors on the Boards and our in-house People and Talent team. This team works directly with the portfolio company management teams, offering training and recruitment support to ensure the best talent pool is being explored to help drive success in this more challenging climate.

    We are excited to have the opportunity to continue to scale the Company, support its ambition to make the world a better place for future generations, and hope to deliver attractive returns to shareholders.

    Directors’ responsibilities statement

    The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

    • the financial statements for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with ‘Financial Reporting Standard 104: Interim Financial Reporting’ issued by the Financial Reporting Council;
    • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company;
    • the report includes a fair review of the information required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being:
      • we have disclosed an indication of the important events that have occurred during the twelve months of the period and their impact on the set of financial statements;
      • we have disclosed a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the period; and
      • we have disclosed a description of related party transactions that have taken place in the twelve months of the current financial period, that may have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

    By order of the Board

    Helen Sinclair
    Chair
    27 September 2024

    Income statement

      Unaudited Unaudited Audited
      Twelve months to 30 June 2024 Six months to 31 December 2023 Year to 30 June 2023
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Net loss on valuation of fixed asset
    investments    		 — (3,495) (3,495) — (136) (136) — (6) (6)
    Investment management fees (238) (712) (950) (117) (350) (467) (174) (522) (696)
    Investment income 973 — 973 515 — 515 424 — 424
    Other expenses (535) — (535) (246) — (246) (500) — (500)
    Profit/ (loss) before tax 200 (4,207) (4,007) 152 (486) (334) (250) (528) (778)
    Tax — — — — — — — — —
    Profit/ (loss) after tax 200 (4,207) (4,007) 152 (486) (334) (250) (528) (778)
    Earnings per share – basic and diluted 0.4p (8.4)p (8.0)p 0.3p (1.0)p (0.7)p (0.6)p (1.3)p (1.9)p
    • The ‘Total’ column of this statement is the profit and loss account of Future Generations VCT; the supplementary revenue return and capital return columns have been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.
    • All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
    • Future Generations VCT has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares and securities and from bank and money market funds. Future Generations VCT has no other comprehensive income for the period.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Balance sheet

      Unaudited Unaudited Audited
      As at 30 June 2024 As at 31 December 2023 As at 30 June 2023
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Fixed asset investments   28,566   26,729   24,895
    Current assets:            
    Applications cash* 153   100   370  
    Debtors 212   240   379  
    Cash at bank 192   107   152  
    Money market funds 17,265   19,998   20,140  
        17,822   20,445   21,041
    Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (256)   (177)   (518)  
    Net current assets   17,566   20,268   20,523
                 
    Net assets   46,132   46,997   45,418
                 
    Share capital   53   50   48
    Share premium   51,177   48,372   46,461
    Capital reserve realised   (1,352)   (990)   (640)
    Capital reserve unrealised   (3,492)   (133)   3
    Revenue reserve   (254)   (302)   (454)
    Total equity shareholders’ funds   46,132   46,997   45,418
    Net asset value per share   86.8p   93.7p   94.3p

    * Cash received from investors but not yet allotted.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    The statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 27 September 2024 and are signed on their behalf by:

    Helen Sinclair
    Chair
    Company Number: 13750143

    Statement of changes in equity

      Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Capital reserve realised
    £’000    		 Capital reserve unrealised
    £’000    		 Revenue reserve
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000
    As at 1 July 2023 48 46,461 (640) 3 (454) 45,418
    Comprehensive income for the year:            
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure — — (712) — — (712)
    Net loss on fair value of fixed asset investments — — — (3,495) — (3,495)
    Profit after tax — — — — 200 200
    Total comprehensive income for the year — — (712) (3,495) 200 (4,007)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:            
    Shares issued 5 4,814 — — — 4,819
    Share issue costs — (98) — — — (98)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 5 4,716 — — — 4,721
    Balance as at 30 June 2024 53 51,177 (1,352) (3,492) (254) 46,132

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

      Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Capital reserve realised
    £’000    		 Capital reserve unrealised
    £’000    		 Revenue reserve
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000
    As at 1 July 2023 48 46,461 (640) 3 (454) 45,418
    Comprehensive income for the year:            
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure — — (350) — — (350)
    Net loss on fair value of fixed asset investments — — — (136) — (136)
    Profit after tax — — — — 152 152
    Total comprehensive income for the year — — (350) (136) 152 (334)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:            
    Shares issued 2 1,971 — — — 1,973
    Share issue costs — (60) — — — (60)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 2 1,911 — — — 1,913
    Balance as at 31 December 2023 50 48,372 (990) (133) (302) 46,997

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

      Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Capital reserve realised
    £’000    		 Capital reserve unrealised
    £’000    		 Revenue reserve
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000
    As at 1 July 2022 33 31,572 (118) 9 (204) 31,292
    Comprehensive income for the year:            
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure — — (522) — — (522)
    Net loss on fair value of fixed asset investments — — — (6) — (6)
    Loss after tax — — — — (250) (250)
    Total comprehensive income for the year — — (522) (6) (250) (778)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:            
    Shares issued 15 15,164 — — — 15,179
    Share issue costs — (275) — — — (275)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 15 14,889 — — — 14,904
    Balance as at 30 June 2023 48 46,461 (640) 3 (454) 45,418

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Cash flow statement

      Unaudited Unaudited Audited
      Twelve months to Six months
    to    		 Year
    to
      30 June 31 December 30 June
      2024 2023 2023
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Loss before tax (4,007) (334) (778)
    Loss on valuation of fixed asset investments 3,495 136 6
    Decrease/(increase) in debtors 167 138 (103)
    Decrease in creditors (45) (71) (325)
    Outflow from operating activities (390) (131) (1,200)
    Cash flows from investing activities      
    Purchase of fixed asset investments (7,166) (1,970) (23,238)
    Outflow from investing activities (7,166) (1,970) (23,238)
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Application account inflow 4,602 1,685 13,634
    Application account outflow
    Proceed from share issues    		 (4,819)
    4,819    		 (1,955)
    1,955    		 (15,179)
    15,179
    Share issue costs (98) (41) (275)
    Inflow from financing activities 4,504 1,644 13,359
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,052) (456) (11,079)
    Opening cash and cash equivalents 20,662 20,662 31,741
    Closing cash and cash equivalents 17,610 20,206 20,662
    Cash and cash equivalents comprise      
    Money Market Funds 17,265 19,998 20,140
    Cash at Bank
    Applications cash    		 192
    153    		 107
            100    		 152
    370
    Closing cash and cash equivalents 17,610 20,205 20,662

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Condensed notes to the financial report

    1. Basis of preparation
    The unaudited results which cover the twelve months to 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) Financial Reporting Standard 104 Interim Financial Reporting (January 2022) and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for Investment Companies re-issued by the Association of Investment Companies in July 2022.

    The Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting. The Directors have not identified any material uncertainties to the Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. In reaching this conclusion, the Directors have taken into account the potential impact on the economy including inflation and the recession.

    The principal accounting policies have remained unchanged from those set out in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

    2. Publication of non-statutory accounts
    The unaudited financial report for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024 does not constitute Statutory Accounts within the meaning of s.415 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The comparative figures for the year ended 30 June 2023 have been extracted from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The independent auditor’s report on those financial statements, in accordance with Chapter 3, Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, was unqualified. This financial report has not been reviewed by the Company’s auditor.

    3. Earnings per share
    The loss per share is based on 50,107,452 Ordinary shares (30 June 2023: 40,987,288, 31 December 2023: 48,725,532) being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and so no diluted returns per share figures are relevant. The basic and diluted earnings per share are therefore identical.

    4. Net asset value per share

      30 June 2024 31 December 2023 30 June 2023
    Net assets (£’000) 46,132 46,997 45,418
    Shares in issue 53,160,670 50,165,822 48,138,337
    Net asset value per share (p) 86.8 93.7 94.3

    5. Allotments
    During the twelve months to 30 June 2024, 5,022,333 shares were issued at a weighted average price of 95.2p (30 June 2023: 15,569,169 shares at a weighted average price of 98.6p, 31 December 2023: 2,027,485 shares at a weighted average price of 97.3p per share).

    6. Transactions with the Manager and Portfolio Manager
    Future Generations VCT is classified as a full-scope Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under the Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive (the ‘AIFM Directive’). Future Generations VCT has appointed Octopus AIF Management Limited to provide the services of an Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) of a full scope AIF. In accordance with its power to do so under AIFMD, Octopus AIF Management Limited has delegated portfolio management to Octopus Investments Limited, whilst retaining the obligations of a risk manager.

    Future Generations VCT paid Octopus AIF Management Limited £950,000 in the period as a management fee (30 June 2023: £696,000, 31 December 2023: £467,000). The annual management charge (AMC) is based on 2% of Future Generations VCT’s NAV. The AMC is payable quarterly in advance and calculated using the latest published NAV of Future Generations VCT and the number of shares in issue at each quarter end. Once the quarter has ended, an adjustment will be made if the NAV at the end of the current quarter is calculated and which differs from the NAV as at the end of the previous quarter.

    Octopus also provides Non-Investment Services to Future Generations VCT, payable quarterly in advance. The fee is 0.3% of Future Generations VCT’s NAV, calculated at quarterly intervals. The Non-Investment Services Agreement (NISA) fee is calculated using the latest published NAV of Future Generations VCT and the number of shares in issue at each quarter end. As with the AMC, an adjustment will be made once the quarter has ended if the NAV at the end of the current quarter is calculated and which differs from the NAV as at the end of the previous quarter. During the period £143,000 was paid to Octopus for Non-Investment Services (30 June 2023: £122,000, 31 December 2023: £70,000).

    In addition, Octopus is entitled to performance-related incentive fees, subject to Future Generations VCT’s total return at year end exceeding the total return at the previous year end when an incentive fee was paid or 97p if the first incentive fee has not yet been paid (the ‘Excess’), equal to 20% of the Excess. Future Generations VCT’s total return at year end exceeded the total return at the previous year end when an incentive fee was paid or 97p if the first incentive fee has not yet been paid (the ‘Excess’), equal to 20% of the Excess. No performance fee will be paid prior to the financial period ending 30 June 2025, dividends (paid or declared) being equal to or greater than 10p per Ordinary share and the total return exceeding 120p.

    The cap relating to Future Generations VCT’s total expense ratio, that is the regular, recurring costs of Future Generations VCT expressed as a percentage of its NAV, above which Octopus have agreed to pay, is 3.0%, and is calculated in accordance with the AIC Guidelines.

    7. Related party transactions
    Several members of the Octopus investment team hold non-executive directorships as part of their monitoring roles in Future Generations VCT’s portfolio companies, but they have no controlling interests in those companies.

    Emma Davies, a former Non-Executive Director of Future Generations VCT, previously held the role of co-CEO of Octopus Ventures. On 24 March 2023, Emma Davies ceased to be employed by Octopus Capital Limited and therefore she is no longer considered a related party. Emma retired as a Non-Executive Director of Future Generations VCT on 31 March 2024.

    No dividends have been paid to the Directors of Future Generations VCT.

    8. Voting rights and equity management
    The following table shows the percentage voting rights held by Future Generations VCT in each of the top ten investments, on a fully diluted basis.
                                                            

     

    Investments

    		 30 June 2024
    % voting rights held by
    Future Generations VCT
    Perk Finance, S.L. t/a Cobee 2.8%
    HelloSelf Limited 4.1%
    Neat SAS 3.2%
    Infinitopes Ltd 4.4%
    TYTN Ltd (t/a TitanML) 4.2%
    Mr & Mrs Oliver Ltd (t/a Skin + Me) 0.6%
    Apheris AI GmbH 3.2%
    Remofirst, Inc. 1.4%
    Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies Ltd 5.1%
    Inflow Holdings Inc. 1.9%

    9. Post balance sheet events
    The following events occurred between the balance sheet date and the signing of this financial report:
    ● 2 new investments completed totalling £0.5 million.
      

    10. Financial Report
    The unaudited results which cover the twelve months to 30 June 2024 will shortly be available to view at https://octopusinvestments.com/our-products/venture-capital-trusts/octopus-future-generations-vct/ . 
    A copy of the report will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

    For further information please contact:

    Rachel Peat  
    Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited
    Tel: +44 (0)80 0316 2067

    LEI: 213800AL71Z7N2O58N66

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Horizon Bancorp, Inc. Announces Conference Call to Review Third Quarter 2024 Results on October 24

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) – Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon” or the “Company”) will host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, October 24, 2024 to review its third quarter 2024 financial results.

    The Company’s third quarter news release will be published after markets close on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. It will be available at investor.horizonbank.com.

    Participants may access the live conference call on October 24, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET) by dialing 833-974-2379 from the United States, 866-450-4696 from Canada, or 412-317-5772 from international locations and requesting the “Horizon Bancorp Call.” Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call.

    A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the conference call through November 1, 2024. The telephone replay may be accessed by dialing 877-344-7529 from the United States, 855-669-9658 from Canada, or 412-317-0088 from other international locations and entering the access code 9847279.

    About Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
    Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) is the $7.9 billion-asset commercial bank holding company for Horizon Bank, which serve customers across diverse and economically attractive Midwestern markets through convenient digital and virtual tools, as well as its Indiana and Michigan branches. Horizon’s retail offerings include prime residential and other secured consumer lending to in-market customers, as well as a range of personal banking and wealth management solutions. Horizon also provides a comprehensive array of in-market business banking and treasury management services, as well as equipment financing solutions for customers regionally and nationally, with commercial lending representing over half of total loans. More information on Horizon, headquartered in Northwest Indiana’s Michigan City, is available at horizonbank.com and investor.horizonbank.com.

    Contact:
    Mark E. Secor, Chief Administration Officer
    Phone: (219) 873-2611

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will Meta’s Orion smart glasses be the next ‘iPhone moment’? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Llŷr ap Cenydd, Lecturer in Computer Science, Bangor University

    Meta supremo Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Orion smart glasses, a new augmented reality (AR) prototype, at the annual Meta Connect developer conference. Ten years in the making, and still not expected on high streets until 2027, these will be a new way to meld the real and digital worlds. They will be controlled by the eyes and also the fingers via a neural interface on the wrist.

    So what does this mean for the future of AR wearables and how we interface with computers? We asked three tech specialists at the University of Bangor, Peter Butcher, Llŷr ap Cenydd and Panagiotis Ritsos.

    Why has Orion been such a technical challenge?

    There are serious technical challenges in packing so much sophisticated technology into something so compact. This includes new holographic display technology, hand and eye tracking, off-device processing, cameras, speakers and microphones – all while ensuring the device remains aesthetically appealing and has decent battery life.

    Meta’s chief tech officer, Andrew Bosworth, recently captured the scale of the challenge by saying: “In consumer electronics, it might be the most advanced thing that we’ve ever produced as a species.”

    The optical design is a huge challenge. Mixed reality headsets such as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro rely on “passthrough” technology, in which external cameras capture real-time video of the user’s surroundings. This is displayed inside the headset, with digital elements overlaid.

    In contrast, Orion’s holographic projection allows users to directly see through transparent lenses, with graphics projected into their view. This has demanded substantial R&D.

    Are there other notable innovations?

    One key factor that determines the immersiveness of mixed reality headsets is their field of view, meaning the angular range that the viewer can see through the headset. The state of the art is the 70° field of view of the Magic Leap 2, bigger holographic AR glasses aimed at businesses currently priced above US$3,000 (£2,240)]. They are made by Magic Leap, a US company whose backers include Google and AT&T.

    With Orion, Meta has achieved a field of view of 70° in a much smaller product, which is a grand innovation and crucial for Zuckerberg’s vision of an unobtrusive wearable device.

    The neural interface wristband is also vital. It listens to nerve impulses from the brain to the hand, allowing users to control the device using subtle finger gestures such as pinching and swiping thumb against index finger. Newer mixed reality headsets such as Apple Vision Pro are controlled similarly, but rely on external cameras to interpret hand movements.

    An advantage of tapping into nerve impulses directly is that gestures do not require line of sight, and eventually might not even require the person to perform the full gesture – only to think about it. The technology also opens up brand new input methods, such as texting via mimicking handwriting, and is likely to mature before consumer-grade holographic displays become available.

    Has Orion been more trouble than Meta expected?

    Meta initially gave the Orion prototype only a 10% chance of success, so it has exceeded expectations. While there is still much work to be done, particularly in reducing costs and miniaturising components, Orion could eventually lead to a consumer-ready device.

    Do you think Meta will get an affordable version launched by 2027?

    Meta thinks the initial price will be comparable to flagship phones or laptops the new iPhone 16 starts at £799. We might see development kits released towards the end of the decade, aimed at early adopters and developers, much like how VR headsets were introduced a decade ago.

    In the meantime, other AR glasses and mixed reality headsets such as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro serve as platforms for developing applications that could eventually run on AR glasses.

    Why are the Orion glasses still so expensive?

    Holographic AR glasses remain expensive because much of the hardware – including Ledos micro-display panels and silicon carbide waveguides (which are used to optimise light transmission) – isn’t yet produced at scale. These components are critical for achieving high resolution and holographic displays – and production constraints are reportedly pushing Orion unit prices close to US$10,000. Even then, battery life is currently limited to around two hours.

    Could anyone potentially beat Meta to market?

    Thanks to Meta’s multi-billion dollar investment in R&D through its Reality Labs subsidiary, it has become a leader in virtual and mixed reality headsets, with a robust app ecosystem. However, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Google are developing similar technologies.

    Microsoft’s HoloLens and [Snapchat owner] Snap Inc’s Spectacles series have made strides in AR, but responses have been mixed due to limitations such as narrow fields of view and lower graphics quality. Orion appears to be ahead in holographic display technology. Another company to particularly watch is Apple, which is refining Vision Pro and also exploring AR smart glasses.

    Will AR glasses change the world?

    AR glasses could ignite a transformative “iPhone moment” that redefines how we interact with technology. Zuckerberg envisions them as the next major computing platform, offering a more natural and intuitive alternative to smartphones.

    The success of early mass-market smart glasses such as Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which allow users to make calls, capture videos and interact with Meta AI, hints that AR glasses could see widespread adoption.

    Zuckerberg initially believed holographic technology would be necessary for smart glasses to offer functionality beyond the basic features of these Ray-Bans. But being able to incorporate an AI voice-powered assistant has made Meta realise that smart glasses can be developed from the ground up as a new consumer product category. While the four-hour battery life requires improvement, the positive feedback from both reviewers and users, particularly using them on Instagram and TikTok, demonstrates the potential.

    What does the future look like?

    Reading messages, watching a virtual screen on the wall, playing games, collaborative work – all the things you can do with mixed-reality headsets, but shrunk down to a pair of glasses. Friends will teleport into your living room, a video call where both people feel present in the same space.

    It gets even stranger when you incorporate AI: virtual assistants can already see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you, answer questions and follow commands using smart glasses. In future, AI will be able to manifest itself in your vision, and you’ll be able to have natural conversations with it.

    By 2030, AI will radically change the ways in which we interact with each other, our physical world and computers. Orion aims to prepare us for a world in which the physical, artificial and virtual co-exist.

    Llŷr ap Cenydd develops VR games for Meta Quest headsets.

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

    – ref. Will Meta’s Orion smart glasses be the next ‘iPhone moment’? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/will-metas-orion-smart-glasses-be-the-next-iphone-moment-expert-qanda-240029

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chess: a game rooted in military strategy that has become a tool of international diplomacy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Becky Alexis-Martin, Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

    Hushed silence descends as two opponents engage in a battle of wits, memory and strategy. The atmosphere becomes more tense with each shuffle of a pawn or sweeping arc of the queen. The drama is palpable, but there can be only one winner. This year – at the 45th Chess Olympiad finals in Budapest – it was India, whose players won both men’s and women’s gold medals and four individual golds, signalling a new era of Indian domination.

    Chess has become more than just a game. The recent upholding of the bans on Russian and Belorussian players from international competition by the International Chess Federation (Fide) is an example of the soft power of sanctions as a geopolitical tool against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This ban has been welcomed by the US and Ukraine, among others, although Fide was divided on the issue, with 41 delegates voting to uphold the ban while 21 countries favoured lifting the ban and 27 abstained or were absent.

    Over the centuries, chess – which has its roots in military strategy – has become a symbol of geopolitical competition made peaceful. The game’s first incarnation has been traced back to 6th-century India, as military generals sought a pastime to exercise strategic thinking.

    The original game of chess was named chaturanga, which translates from Sanskrit into “the four military divisions”. The game allowed leaders to simulate conflict by using reasoning and logic to contemplate future battles. The term “checkmate” itself derives from “shah mat”, which loosely translates to “the king has lost” in Persian and Sanskrit.

    Cold war rivalries

    Chess was to become the focus of international, cultural and political competition during the cold war. It captured the world’s political imagination as a symbolic battleground between east and west. The Soviet Union supported promising chess players by establishing chess schools. Soviet grandmasters were unbeatable national heroes, from Mikhail Botvinnik to Tigran Petrosian and Boris Spassky. Their victories were framed as evidence of socialist intellectual superiority.

    But American grandmaster Bobby Fischer disrupted 24 years of Soviet dominance when he beat Spassky at the 1972 World Chess Championships in Rekjavik, Iceland. It would become a critical moment in the cold war.

    For years chess had been seen by both the Soviet Union and the US as a proxy for superpower military competition. Unlike US-Chinese “ping-pong diplomacy” – when goodwill between US and Chinese players in the early 1970s was followed by enhanced diplomatic engagement between the two countries – Fischer’s defeat of Spassky ended more than 20 years of Russian domination of chess.

    The prospect that Fischer might win was seen as so important by the US government that the then secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, personally called Fischer to urge him to go to Rekjavik.

    Years later, Russian former world champion and dissident Garry Kasparov recalled that: “This event was treated by people on both sides of the Atlantic as a crushing moment in the midst of the cold war. Big intellectual victory for the United States, and you know, a hugely painful, almost insulting defeat for the Soviet Union.”

    A game for dissidents

    Chess does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by and reflects historical rivalries, the rise of new power and contemporary geopolitics. And along the way, their refusal to maintain the national status quo and instead articulate their concerns about their societies has led to several grandmasters from various countries having to go into political exile.

    Garry Kasparov’s pro-democracy advocacy and criticism of the Russian state led him to flee Russia with his family to New York in 2013. He was chairman of the Human Rights Foundation from until 2024, and has since been added to Vladimir Putin’s terrorist blacklist.

    Kasparov is in good company. Six of Iran’s female grandmasters have been forced to leave their country, fleeing their country’s oppressive patriarchal regime after being barred from national competition for playing without a headscarf.

    Sara Khadem fled to Spain with her family after refusing to wear the hijab during a match in Kazakhstan in 2022. Her family have since gained Spanish citizenship. However, women who cannot find citizenship elsewhere pay a steep price as their talents are not nurtured and they cannot play professionally. Mitra Hejazipour waited three and a half years to gain citizenship. In 2023, she consecutively became a French citizen and the French national women’s champion.

    Ukrainian players continue to use chess as a platform for resistance against the Russian invasion. Prominent players who have spoken out include Vasyl Ivanchuk, Anna Muzychuk and her sister Mariya. Anna has consistently used her global social media following to condemn the invasion and advocate for peace in Ukraine.

    Projects in Rwanda, Uganda and Palestine have demonstrated that chess is more than just a game by bringing together disparate communities. So by sanctioning Russia and Belarus, the International Chess Federation has made an important statement.

    Chess can be a form of cultural diplomacy, a symbol of non-violent conflict resolution, and a platform for dialogue and understanding between people and nations. Chess is its own universal language. It requires no common tongue or expensive kit, yet it offers a formidable tool to promote critical thinking, international cooperation and conflict resolution.

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

    – ref. Chess: a game rooted in military strategy that has become a tool of international diplomacy – https://theconversation.com/chess-a-game-rooted-in-military-strategy-that-has-become-a-tool-of-international-diplomacy-239739

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five classic concept albums that will take you on a sonic road-trip across America

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Scott, Head of Division, School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland

    The concept album is often viewed as an art form that is primarily focused on lyrical storytelling. But in these five key records, musical ambition, performance and production combine to take the listener on a road-trip through America.

    1. Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins (1959)

    Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, by Marty Robbins, has rightly been lauded as one of the most important artworks of the 20th century – indeed it was preserved in the Library of Congress in 2017.

    The thematic album transports the listener into a mythical west. Each song tells its own story, but there is a distinct unity of characterisation. The tearful convict awaiting death in They’re Hanging Me Tonight might well be an alter ego of the desert rider, hallucinating and desperate in Cool Water. Or even the ebullient narrator celebrating his own American dream in A Hundred and Sixty Acres.

    Marty Robbins performing El Paso.

    The album’s arrangements are mostly simple and stripped back, allowing Robbins’ extraordinary vocal performances and expressive backing vocal arrangements to fly. This reaches a stylistic peak in his greatest song, the white-knuckle ride of El Paso, wherein our protagonist willingly throws himself into a living hell.

    2. Smile by Brian Wilson (2004)

    The Beach Boys released 15 studio albums in the 1960s. Their voluminous output represented one of the most supercharged evolutions in contemporary music – fired by the imagination, energy and ambition of Brian Wilson.

    In 1965, in partnership with lyricist Mike Love, Wilson was extolling the virtues of California girls. Just a few months later, he was creating the mature, introspective humanity of Pet Sounds with collaborator Tony Asher. From there Wilson engaged lyricist Van Dyke Parks to help him realise an “American gothic trip”. Smile describes a journey across the country on the “ribbon of concrete”, or along the railroad with the early settlers.

    Heroes and Villains by Brian Wilson, from Smile.

    One key track on Smile, Heroes and Villains, took its narrative cue directly from Marty Robbins’ El Paso. But others – Cabin Essence and Surf’s Up – painted a new old west and still feel revolutionary today. However, the album became most famous for being left unfinished for 34 years, with snippets appearing piecemeal before its completion as a new recording by Brian Wilson in 2004.

    Van Dyke Park’s lyrics remain intriguing and unique. But I’d argue the real conceptual unity of Smile comes from its musical design. This is an album about American music as much as it is about America. It’s a kaleidoscope of Gershwin, Ives, Bernstein and goofy doo-wop, scaffolded by unexpected and rich textural juxtapositions (double bass, banjo and backing vocals going “boing boing” anyone?). And, of course, there’s the peerless vocal performances of The Beach Boys.

    3. The Delta Sweete by Bobbie Gentry (1968)

    Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete is another concept album that looks at both America (in this case the Mississippi Delta) and American music.

    Gentry first found fame with Ode to Billie Joe, a narrative ballad that became a major hit single. In The Delta Sweete, Gentry blended her own distinctive vignettes of southern life with skilfully curated covers of classics, like Mose Allison’s Parchman Farm.

    In Reunion, Gentry invites listeners into the front parlour of an alternately loving and warring southern family. She illustrates the scene by interweaving dialogue, vocal chants and rhythmic solo cello. Elsewhere we meet the swaggering, comedic Okolona River Bottom Band and experience a southern gothic nightmare in Refractions.

    Bobbie Gentry performs Courtyard.

    The sense of journey is enhanced by a series of orchestral pieces that link each of the 12 tracks. So when we finally alight on the solitude of the closing track, Courtyard, there is a feeling of coming home.

    The ambition of The Delta Sweete was not met with commercial success, but Gentry never quite gave up the conceptual flame. Her follow up – Local Gentry, in 1968 – shared some of the same approach to musical portraiture. And in her final studio album, Patchwork (1971), she returned to a series of vignettes with orchestral links. All make for essential listening.

    4. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye (1971)

    From a journey across America, to a journey across the Mississippi Delta, we turn now to the streets of 1971 inner-city America, via Marvin Gaye’s masterly record, What’s Going On.

    This album represented a clear shift in Gaye’s artistic voice towards commentary, question and critique, against the will of Motown Records boss Berry Gordy resulting in a standoff during which Gaye threatened never to record for the label again. What’s Going On is perhaps most famous for its engagement with the social and political issues of the day, but the ambition of the music, performance and sound stand up thrillingly, 55 years after its release.

    A new music video for What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye, released in 2019.

    Motown Records house arranger David Van De Pitte set congas and guiros against sweeping orchestral arrangements, glockenspiel, choirs and jazz influences. The juxtaposition of tempo and feel created by transitions between the tracks hold you there as listener, walking around Gaye’s landscape, and seeing it through his eyes.

    The key sound of What’s Going On though – and the element that most solidifies its status as a conceptual album – is the approach taken with the vocals. Different takes of the same song overlap, and different ad libs collide and diverge as choral passages peek out from the background. These are the voices talking to Gaye during his walk through the inner city of What’s Going On.

    5. Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé (2024)

    Cowboy Carter’s conceptual birth sprang from the artist’s performance at the 2016 Country Association Awards, where prejudiced questions were raised (in the room and online) about Beyonce’s legitimacy and place in the context of a country music performance. Her ultimate response was this detailed exploration, celebration and critique that gets under the skin of American music itself. Beyoncé creates a searing and detailed a commentary on, and road-map to, American music.



    Read more:
    The genius of Cowboy Carter is Beyoncé’s accent – a musicologist explains

    Jolene by Beyoncé.

    Big questions around the origin and evolution of genre are asked via the medium of a Jolene cover, use of the banjo, impressionistic music arrangements and flights of performative imagination.

    There are spoken inserts (from Linda Martell, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton) and striking musical juxtapositions. Like other albums on this list, Cowboy Carter’s conceptual veracity springs as much from this kaleidoscopic approach to sound as from the central narrative at its heart.

    In this collage we hear new songs, interpretations of classic songs and quotes from American classics, including one from The Beach Boys’ Smile – Good Vibrations.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. Five classic concept albums that will take you on a sonic road-trip across America – https://theconversation.com/five-classic-concept-albums-that-will-take-you-on-a-sonic-road-trip-across-america-239011

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Coast Guard rescues man and dog during Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew rescued a man and dog from a disabled and taking-on-water 36-foot sailing vessel 25 miles off Sanibel Island, Florida, on Sept. 26, 2024. The man and his dog were reportedly in good health and taken to Southwest Florida International Airport to meet with EMS. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Clearwater)

    Download the video here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/938165/coast-guard-rescues-man-and-dog-during-hurricane-helene

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1dnSf6rPk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams and Bonamici Introduce Legislation to Aid AI Development

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    “This is the kind of technology that will define the coming eras of human history. To ensure prosperity at home and maintain America’s scientific advantage abroad, we must innovate. We must utilize every resource available to develop newer, stronger, safer tech which, in turn, will spur advances in national security, energy-efficiency, manufacturing, and more,” said Congressman Williams.

     

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) introduced the Department of Energy Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024, a bill providing updated guidance for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) activities in developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems to carry out missions pertaining to national security, energy-efficiency, and scientific discovery.

    The DOE AI Act of 2024 amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 by updating the section directing a Department of Energy artificial intelligence research program. This bill codifies multiple activities and objectives for DOE’s AI research and development activities, including:

    “This is the kind of technology that will define the coming eras of human history. To ensure prosperity at home and maintain America’s scientific advantage abroad, we must innovate. We must utilize every resource available to develop newer, stronger, safer tech which, in turn, will spur advances in national security, energy-efficiency, manufacturing, and more,” said Congressman Williams.

    “Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly and the government must be equipped to respond to new developments and stay on the cutting edge,” said Congresswoman Bonamici.

    “I’m introducing the bipartisan DOE AI Act with Rep. Williams to position the Department of Energy to develop high-performance platforms, responsibly cultivate training data, and improve energy efficiency to support safe AI innovation.”

    The full bill is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams on Tragic Death of Oswego Deputy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    Williams on Tragic Death of Oswego Deputy

    Volney, NY, September 25, 2024

    “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of Cailee Campbell. She was one of our best and bravest—tragically killed this morning in the line of duty. She was taken from us far too soon. My prayers are with her family, Sheriff Hilton, and all of her fellow officers.”

    VOLNEY — Upon hearing of the tragic death of Oswego County Sheriff’s Deputy Cailee Campbell, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) said the following:

    “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of Cailee Campbell. She was one of our best and bravest—tragically killed this morning in the line of duty. She was taken from us far too soon. My prayers are with her family, Sheriff Hilton, and all of her fellow officers.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams Statement on Hezbollah’s Attack on Tel Aviv

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    Williams Statement on Hezbollah’s Attack on Tel Aviv

    Washington, September 25, 2024

    “David’s Sling has intercepted a ballistic missile over Tel-Aviv, saving countless lives. This escalation is unprecedented, even for Hezbollah’s terrorists. The range and precision of missiles such as these give them the potential to cause great destruction. I am relieved to see that this failed attack resulted in no casualties. We must continue to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally in the Middle East—I stand with Israel.”

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) issued the following statement upon confirmation that Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile which was intercepted over Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-most populous city:

    “David’s Sling has intercepted a ballistic missile over Tel-Aviv, saving countless lives. This escalation is unprecedented, even for Hezbollah’s terrorists. The range and precision of missiles such as these give them the potential to cause great destruction. I am relieved to see that this failed attack resulted in no casualties. We must continue to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally in the Middle East—I stand with Israel.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Piano man comic David O’Doherty to make welcome return to The Alley

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Piano man comic David O’Doherty to make welcome return to The Alley

    27 September 2024

    Award-winning comedian, author and musician David O’Doherty is bringing his brand new show ‘Tiny Piano Man’ to The Alley Theatre, Strabane on Friday 25th October 2024

    The show features a lot of talking and a few songs on a glued-together plastic keyboard from 1986.

    David has previously appeared on TV shows such as Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, as well as writing a children’s book, hosted various radio shows and plays.

    With over 20 years’ experience entertaining audiences worldwide, O’Doherty is looking forward to impressing the Strabane audience with his hilarious new show.

    He first walked out on stage at Dublin’s Comedy Cellar in 1998 and in that time has won the Perrier Award for Best Newcomer and the Main Award.
    He thrilled crowds at The Alley last year when performing his ‘Whoa Is Me’ tour to a packed house.

    Tickets are selling fast so get yours now at www.alley-theatre.com or call 028 71 384444. Tickets are £20.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the annual meeting of G77 Foreign Ministers

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Let me begin by congratulating Uganda on its leadership of the G77 plus China this year.

    And I want to salute your entire membership.

    For 60 years – year in and year out — the G77 plus China has been on the frontlines for fairness, equality, justice and solidarity.

    You have been the engine driving progress to eradicate poverty, to fight inequalities, to root out injustices in our post-colonial world.

    And you have been shining a spotlight on the need for fundamental reforms of the multilateral system.

    Reforms of the international financial architecture and the Security Council to make them more legitimate and more effective. 

    Reforms to make sure our institutions reflect the realities of today’s world and respond to today’s challenges instead of the world and the challenges of 1945. 

    We have taken some steps forward with the adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact.

    Of course, not everything we may have hoped for was in the final package. 

    But none of the achievements would have been possible without your insistence and persistence.  If you allow me an image, if you compare the documents that we approved on Sunday with the continued documents of the G7 and the G77, we have to recognize that they are much closer to the documents of the G77.  One 7 makes a lot of difference. 

    I commend the G77 plus China for always pushing for maximum ambition and look forward to working with you as we continue pursuing the justice your countries deserve – and our world needs.

    We still have a long way to go.

    Our world is on a knife’s edge.

    Climate chaos is worsening.

    Conflicts are raging.

    Human rights are floundering.

    Inequality and injustice are eroding trust and undermining the social contract of societies.    

    The rights of women and girls are being snuffed out.

    Entire economies are drowning in debt.  

    The digital divide is fast becoming a gaping chasm.

    And the Sustainable Development Goals are hanging by a thread.

    We need action on a number of fronts in line with what was approved in the Summit of the Future. 

    First, financial justice.

    Finance is the fuel to drive progress on sustainable development.

    Yet so many countries remain locked out from accessing capital for essential investments.

    This situation is unsustainable – and a recipe for social unrest. 

    That is why we have been pushing for fundamental reforms to the outdated, ineffective and unfair international financial system, and an SDG Stimulus to provide developing countries with the resources they need while seeking medium- and long-term solutions.
     
    We must keep working to make Multilateral Development Banks bigger, bolder and better, enabling them to massively scale up affordable financing for sustainable development, namely in developing countries. 

    We must expand contingency financing through the recycling of Special Drawing Rights that until now have essentially benefitted rich countries and not those that have needed it the most.

    We must promote effective long-term debt restructuring that puts people and planet at the centre.

    And we must keep on working for a more inclusive and effective international tax system. I applaud the Ad Hoc Committee for drafting ambitious and practical Terms of Reference for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

    Second, climate justice.

    We urgently need supercharged action to reduce emissions and avoid the worst of climate chaos.

    This must be in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances.

    Every country must create new national climate action plans – or NDCs – well ahead of COP30, that align with 1.5 degrees and put the world on track to phase out fossil fuels – fast and fairly.
     
    G20 countries – which together produce eighty percent of global emissions – have a responsibility to lead. I am working closely with President Lula of Brazil to drive action in the G20.

    And I urge every developing country to make sure new national climate plans double as investment plans and boost sustainable development – harnessing renewables to power prosperity and pull people out of poverty.

    The United Nations is mobilizing our entire system to support these efforts through the Climate Promise initiative.

    We also need a strong finance outcome – including on innovative finance – from COP29. This also means significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.

    I will continue to press developed countries to honour their promises;

    Doubling adaptation funding to at least $40 billion a year by 2025.

    Showing concretely how the enormous adaptation finance gap will be closed.

    And everyone on earth must be protected by an effective early warning system by 2027.

    We must address the injustices of the energy transition.

    Developing countries are being locked out of the renewables revolution.

    Investments in developing countries outside of China and India are stuck in a time warp reflecting 2015 levels. Africa attracted just 1% of renewable installations last year. It is clear that we must support developing countries to have the resources and the capacity to attract the investments that are necessary for the renewables revolution. 

    The UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has identified ways to ground the renewables revolution in justice and equity, spur sustainable development, and power prosperity in resource rich developing countries.

    We must ensure that the race to net zero does not lead to developing countries being trampled underfoot.  

    Third, technological justice.

    Technology must benefit all of humanity.

    The Global Digital Compact is a blueprint for how governments, together with tech companies, academia and civil society, can work together to make sure new technologies benefit everybody and to manage the risks they pose – including Artificial Intelligence.

    AI has the potential to be an excellent servant but also a dangerous master.

    I am pleased that the Compact includes proposals building on the resolution led by China on capacity building for Artificial Intelligence.

    The High-Level Advisory Body on AI released its recommendations last week, which include bridging the AI divide through a Global Fund on AI for the SDGs, and an AI Capacity Development Network to boost AI expertise in developing countries.

    We must keep working to ensure AI serves everyone, leaving no one behind and it will not be another factor to increase inequalities in the world. 

    Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Across a very full agenda, the G77 and China are crucial to building a more just, inclusive and prosperous world.  

    The G77 was vital in the adoption of the conclusions of the Summit of the Future but its implementation will not be easy.  There will be a lot of resistance.  The G77 must be an engine to make sure that what we have achieved in the Summit will be translated in effective realities to the benefit of developing countries. 

    You can count on me in that essential cause.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Deputy Prime Minister welcomes arrival of the TTC’s new all-electric buses

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today in Toronto, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, alongside Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, highlighted how the federal government is working with the City of Toronto to accelerate public transit for Torontonians.

    $349 million federal investment delivering 340 all-electric buses for the TTC

    September 27, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Public transit gets Canadians to where they need to be, creates new Canadian manufacturing and construction jobs, reduces pollution and congestion, makes life more affordable, and keeps Canadians and communities connected as they grow. That is why the federal government is investing in better public transit.

    Today in Toronto, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, alongside Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, highlighted how the federal government is working with the City of Toronto to accelerate public transit for Torontonians.

    In April 2023, the federal government and the City of Toronto announced a joint investment of $700 million to procure 340 battery-electric buses for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Today, the first two of these 340 electric buses joined the TTC’s fleet, with all 340 electric buses expected to be in service by the end of 2026.

    This investment will help the TTC—as the largest public transit system in Canada—achieve its goal of electrifying its entire fleet by 2040.

    Building up Toronto’s electric bus fleet is just one part of the federal government’s work to improve public transit in Toronto, and across Canada. To connect people across the Greater Toronto Area, the federal government is investing $10.4 billion in four major public transit projects—the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the Ontario Line, and the Yonge North Subway Extension. And, in July, the federal government launched the Canada Public Transit Fund—a permanent ongoing program that will invest an average of $3 billion per year to help cities and communities deliver better public transit systems for Canadians.

    Katherine Cuplinskas
    Deputy Director of Communications
    Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
    Katherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Don’t be Alarmed: Tomorrow is Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, nearly three out of five (59 per cent) fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that failed to operate. That is one of the reasons why the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) have proclaimed September 28, 2024, as Test Your Smoke Alarm Day in the province. 

    Test Your Smoke Alarm Day encourages residents to properly install and maintain smoke alarms in their homes. This is fundamental to ensure that occupants are warned of a fire and have the time needed to escape.

    “Smoke alarms save lives,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “September 28 is the perfect time to test your smoke alarms and change their batteries. Protect yourself and your loved ones by properly installing and maintaining your smoke alarms.”

    As of July 2022, all Saskatchewan residential buildings are required to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. 

    To learn more about smoke alarms, home fire escape planning and fire safety, visit: saskpublicsafety.ca. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Delays Adoption of Tier 3 Energy Efficiency Standards to January 2026

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    Ensuring a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people is a team effort which includes our residents, communities, businesses and building industries. The Government of Saskatchewan values input from stakeholders when planning for growth, including an effective regulatory structure and safe, healthy, habitable and energy efficient buildings.

    As a result, the Ministry of Government Relations is delaying the implementation of Tier 3 energy efficiency in buildings across Saskatchewan by one year, to January 2026. 

    “An additional year to implement the next tier in energy efficiency allows our industry partners to have the time and tools needed to ensure the best possible builds,” Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. “This will maintain Saskatchewan’s competitiveness with other provinces while maintaining affordability for residents.”

    In January 2024, Saskatchewan adopted the 2020 edition of the National Building Code (NBC) by regulation under The Construction Codes Act. These regulations involved the implementation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 energy-efficiency requirements on January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, respectively in new-build construction across Saskatchewan. The energy efficiency tiers of the NBC only apply to residential buildings of three storeys or less in building height, having a building area not exceeding 600 metres squared.

    To learn more about Saskatchewan’s building code regulations, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Sends Letter to Colleagues Touting Republican Wins in 118th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) sent the following letter to his colleagues as we head into the October district work period:

    Dear Colleagues,
     
    It’s hard to believe, but only two years ago the Democrats were signing their deceptively named “Inflation Reduction Act” into law. That capped four years of unified Democrat control of Washington, where they jammed their radical agenda through Congress, spending $10 trillion and causing runaway inflation the American people still struggle with today.
     
    Thankfully, in November 2022, the American people had enough of the destruction caused by the Democrats’ radical agenda and voted us into a narrow House majority. House Republicans were a small beacon of hope in an otherwise desolate Washington landscape controlled by the Democrat Party, their army of bureaucrats, and a media propaganda machine.
     
    It’s been a David versus Goliath fight over the last 21 months of our House majority, and I’m so proud to fight alongside all of you. As we head into the final stretch before this pivotal election, we have a lot to be proud of and important accomplishments we can talk about at home.
     
    While we do not control the Senate or White House, we should be encouraged by the fact that we, as House Republicans, unified around an ambitious agenda that addressed the real concerns American families face every day. From inflation and energy costs to historic illegal immigration and crime to national security and holding those in power accountable, we put on full display the contrast of our vision for the country versus the vision of chaos and economic distress of radical Democrats. Here are some of the highlights:
     
    H.R. 1, the     Lower Energy Costs Act:
    Our conference fought back against the Biden-Harris Administration’s war on American energy by passing the     Lower Energy Costs Act to cut burdensome red tape and boost energy production here at home, instead of relying on hostile foreign dictators that put our energy security at risk. In addition to making America energy independent again, H.R. 1 lowers costs for families who are struggling every day thanks to skyrocketing prices at the gas pump, in the grocery store, and elsewhere.
     
    H.R. 2, the     Secure the Border Act:
    It’s no secret that, even in larger Republican majorities, we have historically struggled to unify around one comprehensive border bill. It was an uphill battle that required painstaking deliberations with all members of our diverse conference. The result was the most comprehensive border security bill in history, H.R. 2, the     Secure the Border Act, to address the worst border crisis in history. Over 8.2 million illegal immigrants have entered the U.S. and more than 2 million gotaways under President Biden and “Border Czar” V.P. Harris’ open border policies, which cost American lives every day, like Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, and Rachel Morin. H.R. 2 increases the number of border patrol agents, resumes construction of the border wall, ends catch-and-release, reinstates ‘Remain in Mexico’, cracks down on the flow of fentanyl, and keeps our communities safe.
     
    H.R. 5, the     Parents Bill of Rights:
     When the Administration and school boards tried to silence parents and remove them from their child’s education while using taxpayer dollars to promote woke agendas in classrooms, House Republicans stood up for parents’ right to be involved in their child’s education by passing H.R. 5, the     Parents Bill of Rights Act. Parents have the right to transparency when it comes to their child’s education, to know how their taxpayer dollars are being used by schools, and to express their concerns to school boards without being silenced by the federal government.
     
    H.R. 7521, the     Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act:
    TikTok, which is controlled by ByteDance and tied to the Chinese Communist Party, poses a significant national security threat to the United States by allowing the CCP to spy on Americans and dictate what we see. House Republicans passed H.R. 7521, the     Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, and placed the choice in TikTok’s hands: either they can sever their ties with the CCP or no longer be available in the United States. The Senate and President Biden followed our lead, signing our TikTok bill into law.
     
    Standing with Our Ally Israel:
    After the horrific attack of October 7th, House Republicans stood by our commitment to provide Israel with the tools it needs to defend itself and defeat terror. We passed H.R. 6126, the     Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, to quickly provide additional military equipment for our ally Israel, and in the face of Biden-Harris Administration efforts to pressure Israel by withholding critical weapons, we passed H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, to force the delivery of congressionally approved military aid. We have also taken on Iran and its terrorist proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis through legislation like H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, to freeze the Biden-Harris Administration’s $6 billion payday for Iran, H.R. 6046, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, and H.R. 340, the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act.
     
    Taking on the Chinese Communist Party:
    The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a generational threat to America, and dealing with it requires working across committee jurisdictions to develop a comprehensive approach. Since beginning this Congress with the establishment of the China Select Committee, that is exactly what we have done, culminating in this month’s China Week. We passed H.R. 9456, the     Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining control of our American farmland, H.R. 1398, the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act, to defend American research and intellectual property, and H.R. 8333, the BIOSECURE Act, to kick the CCP out of our biotechnology supply chains, among many other strong bills.
     
    H.R. 277, the     REINS Act of 2023:
    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, federal agencies continue to expand their authority by assuming the powers of the legislative and judicial branches, allowing unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats to make laws behind closed doors that will have serious impacts on the American way-of-life. House Republicans stepped up to rein in executive overreach by passing H.R. 277, the     REINS Act of 2023, which requires congressional approval before major rules can take effect. 
      
    Ending the COVID National and Public Health Emergencies:
    Long after schools reopened and the majority of workers returned to the office, President Biden delayed terminating the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies because he didn’t want to give up the powers it gave his Administration. The National Emergencies Act was never intended to give the president unlimited authority over the American people’s lives – we passed H.J. Res. 7 and H.R. 382, the     Pandemic is Over Act, to end the COVID national and public health emergencies and get America back to normal.
     
    H.R. 8281, the     SAVE Act:
    With the over 8.2 million illegal immigrants that have come across our southern border thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ open border policies, it is vital we shore up our election security and ensure that only American citizens are voting in American elections. House Republicans came together in strong support of H.R. 8281, the     SAVE Act
    , which would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
     
    H.J. Res 26:
    Last year, Washington, D.C. tried to implement Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies, including weakening criminal penalties for violent offenses, such as carjacking, robberies, and burglary. To keep our nation’s capital safe, House Republicans passed H.J. Res. 29 to reverse the D.C. Council’s misguided crime bill, which all present Republicans voted for and more than 170 Democrats voted against. Thanks to our work in forcing this issue, President Biden eventually caved, and the measure passed the Senate and was signed into law.
     
    H.R. 7024, the     Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024:
    In 2017, under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans passed the     Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a pro-family, pro-worker, and pro-growth tax reform package. Because of constraints associated with reconciliation, some temporary provisions of TCJA have begun to expire, and substantially more will expire at the end of 2025. House Republicans are working to support American families and the economy by extending expiring provisions of TCJA. This Congress, we passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which allows working families to keep more of their paycheck and also restores important tax incentivizes that drive investment in the American economy.
     
    Digital Assets:
    Despite hostility from the Biden-Harris Administration, the digital asset ecosystem continues to grow. To foster continued growth by providing regulatory certainty and appropriate consumer protections, House Republicans passed three trailblazing bills in the digital asset space: H.J. Res. 109, a congressional resolution of disapproval against the SEC’s misguided “Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121”; H.R. 4763, the     Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act; and, H.R. 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act. Taken together, these bills set a clear path for the future of digital assets and their regulation.
     
    H.R. 26, the     Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act:
    To protect the sanctity of life, House Republicans passed H.R. 26, the     Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which secures medical protections for babies that survive an attempted abortion. This comes after four years of Democrats refusing to hold a vote on the life-saving legislation. Newborn babies deserve protection and care regardless of the circumstances under which they are born – this should not be a partisan issue, but common sense and basic morality.
     
    Attempted Assassinations of President Trump:
    The House quickly acted after the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump on July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania, and formed a task force to investigate the series of failures by the U.S. Secret Service that day. The Task Force is also investigating the subsequent assassination attempt that occurred on September 15th in Florida, as it works to deliver answers to the American people and ensure their choice of president is never again threatened by a deranged, radical individual.
     
    Antisemitism on Campuses:
    After Hamas’ horrific October 7th attacks on Israel, and the subsequent military actions taken by Israel to defend itself, the U.S. has seen a disturbing uptick in antisemitism on college campuses. Led by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, House Republicans discovered a troubling culture on campuses, where administrators fail to implement protections for Jewish students and even mock Jewish students, and has demanded answers from these universities about student safety and funding of pro-Hamas groups and propaganda. As a result, the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia resigned in disgrace.
     
    The Biden-Harris Border Crisis Report:
    The Committee on Homeland Security released a report exposing the many ways the Biden-Harris Administration knowingly and intentionally undermined U.S. border security to create the crisis we currently see at the border. The report revealed that even before taking office, the Administration was warned by experienced border security professionals about the dangers of their plan to open our borders and dismantle our border security. The Biden-Harris border crisis was not some inevitable phenomenon – it was directly caused by the actions taken by President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. Earlier this year, House Republicans impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for violating border security laws enacted by Congress and threatening the safety of the American people – unfortunately, Senate Democrats refuse to hold him accountable for his failures.
     
    The Biden-Harris Failed Afghanistan Withdrawal Report:
    The Foreign Affairs Committee’s investigation into the Biden-Harris Administration’s catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan revealed that the Administration disregarded the advice of military and security professionals, ignored the facts on the ground, and indulged in wishful thinking and endless deliberation that left American troops and diplomats in-country dangerously exposed – ultimately resulting in the tragic and unnecessary deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers. This week, House Republicans passed legislation to condemn key figures and officials in the Administration, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, State Department Secretary Antony Blinken, and others, for their part in this historic disaster.
     
    President Biden’s Influence Peddling and Classified Documents:
    On December 13, 2023, the House voted to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Biden allowing the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees to continue developing compelling evidence revealing how President Biden knew, was involved, and benefited directly from his family’s influence peddling schemes. The committees took key actions to bring in significant witnesses, including Hunter Biden and James Biden, both of whom had lied during their appearances, and the committees sent criminal referrals to the Department of Justice recommending they be charged with making false statements.
     
    In February, the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees subpoenaed Attorney General Merrick Garland for records, including transcripts, notes, video, and audio files, related to Special Counsel Robert Hur’s investigation of President Biden’s willful mishandling of classified information, after Hur declined to recommend charges against Biden citing his memory problems. A.G. Garland refused to produce the audio recordings of Special Counsel Hur’s interviews with President Biden and his ghostwriter, and on June 12, 2024, House Republicans voted to hold A.G. Garland in contempt for failing to comply with the subpoena. On July 2, 2024, the House Judiciary Committee filed a lawsuit in D.C. federal court to obtain these recordings. We remain committed to obtaining this critically important evidence in our investigation into Biden’s mishandling of classified documents.
     
    Regulatory Burdens:
    In the wake of the Supreme Court overruling     Chevron, to assure the Biden-Harris Administration respects the limits placed on its authority, our House committees sent oversight letters to nearly every agency in the Executive branch requesting information on legislative rules, agency adjudications, enforcement actions, and agency guidance documents. Additionally, the House Oversight Committee issued a thorough report on the Biden-Harris Administration’s regulatory overreach
    , concluding that it has imposed an estimated $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs, with EPA counting for $1.3 trillion.
     
    This Congress hasn’t been easy, but nothing worth fighting for is. The future of our country is at stake, and it is critical that we make our case across the country of what we’ve accomplished so far and how much more we have left to do to save our country from the chaos and destruction that we have seen under the Biden-Harris Administration and their far-left partners in Congress. We are a team, and I am proud of all of you for the work you have done to help us keep our promises and unite to fulfill the agenda we set out to achieve on behalf of the American people. It’s an honor to serve as your Majority Leader.
     
    -Steve

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blaine’s Bulletin – Harvesting Missouri’s Best

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03)

    Fall is a time of tradition, and like many of you, I look forward to the season—cooler weather, cheering on the Chiefs, and enjoying fall festivities with the grandkids. Our beautiful state is home to a wide array of thriving industries including aerospace, agriculture, transportation equipment, food processing, printing and publishing, financial services, and of course, beer. While these high-earning industries drive a portion of our state’s economy, I want to take a moment to highlight small businesses that not only fund the bank accounts of many Missourians but truly bring life and character to our communities.

    Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, picking up flowers for a loved one, or finding a unique gift, nothing beats the charm and personal touch of shopping at a locally owned business. In Jefferson City, you can stop by Carrie’s Hallmark Shop for the perfect gift, or enjoy a meal at Sweet Smoke BBQ, Over in Hermann, stop by Adam Puchta Winery or visit Hermann Wurst Haus for local delicacies. These businesses, along with countless others across the district and beyond, are the soul of the Third. They bring personality and life to our streets, offer gathering places for residents, and attract visitors who get to experience the best of Mid-Missouri.

    From bustling farmers markets to corner ice cream shops, these local entrepreneurs each bring something to the table that the Missouri’s Third District is. Small businesses are the backbone of Missouri’s economy, employing 1.2 million people—46.2% of our entire workforce. In fact, 530,380 small businesses make up 99.4% of all businesses in the state, showcasing their crucial role in sustaining the economic vitality of our local towns and cities. Whether it’s the farmer at your weekend market or the corner ice cream shop offering your new favorite flavor, these businesses contribute to our daily lives and community celebrations. They embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, creating spaces where we can dream, connect, and plan for the future.

    For those looking to support small businesses over chains, it’s as simple as checking out local farmers markets, downtown shops, or even looking up your favorite local artisans online. Many businesses have expanded to offer convenient services like curbside pick-up or local delivery, making it easier than ever to shop small and keep our money in our community. Despite the challenges they face in today’s economic environment, small businesses continue to thrive because of the support they receive from folks like you. So, as we head into fall, let’s remember to support our local entrepreneurs—the people who make Mid-Missouri a great place to live, work, and play.

    CONTACT US: I encourage you to visit my official website or call my offices in Jefferson City (573-635-7232) or Cottleville (636-327-7055) with your questions and concerns. If you want even greater access to what I am working on, please visit my YouTube site, Facebook page, and keep up-to-date with Twitter and Instagram. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Hickenlooper Chairs Senate Hearing on Training Workers on AI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Hickenlooper: “Now is the time to make sure every worker has access to the professional development training that they need to succeed”
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper chaired a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee’s Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety on how artificial intelligence (AI) skills training can prepare workers to compete in the modern job market and leverage AI tools in the workplace.
    “AI-literacy training is going to help empower employers to choose the safest applications for their workforce, and make sure workers can give well-informed feedback about their experiences with AI,” said Hickenlooper in the hearing. “We know that having a well-trained and informed workforce is key, is really essential, to making sure that AI is used responsibly and that both workers and businesses can reap the full benefits of the tools.”

    Hickenlooper was joined by Ranking Member Mike Braun; Dr. Karin Kimbrough, Chief Economist at LinkedIn; Alex Kotran, Chief Executive Officer of aiEDU; Ken Meyer, Senior Director of Human Resources of Ryan Health; and Denzel Wilson, Grassroots Program Manager at Seed AI. 

    During the hearing, Hickenlooper and the other senators asked witnesses about how businesses of all sizes were implementing AI in their operations and what AI trainings and skills American workers would benefit from. 
    “As AI technologies and training programs change over time, we’ll need everyone – our union partners, employers, nonprofits, everyone – to make sure we get this right and we set ourselves up for success,” said Hickenlooper in the hearing.
    Last year, Hickenlooper chaired a Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety hearing to explore how to best ensure workers are trained and empowered for the widespread integration of AI in the workplace and to discuss helpful ways for companies and workers to prepare to leverage AI in their workflows. Hickenlooper also chaired a Senate hearing on how to increase transparency in AI technologies for consumers, identify uses of AI that are beneficial or “high risk,” and evaluate the potential impact of policies designed to increase trustworthiness in the transformational technology.
    For a full video of Hickenlooper’s opening remarks, click HERE.
    Full text of Hickenlooper’s opening remarks below:
    “Last year, this subcommittee heard from witnesses on the potential benefits of AI to our economy, but concluded that those benefits will only become a reality if we have a well-trained workforce.
    “Since then, AI has only continued to explode with innovation, and has remained at the forefront of conversations for both employers and workers as new applications of AI continue to transform the workplace. 
    “Unlike most previous technologies, like all previous technologies, previous technologies like personal computers or cell phones, they initially had substantial barriers that limited consumer access. AI has already achieved wide access. 
    “AI-powered applications are being used by students and workers and business owners all across the country.
    “By some estimates, more than 60% of companies are exploring how to integrate some form of generative AI technology even as we speak.
    “Additionally, some workers already have their own subscriptions to AI applications and are using them to enhance their work, to accelerate their projects.
    “Bottom line: AI clearly does have the potential to change how we all work.
    “While some tasks may become more automated, the majority of jobs will use processes that employ, in some form, a collaboration between AI and human-run systems.
    “Despite the clear interest in AI technologies from employers and workers alike, we have more work to do to create widely available AI literacy training opportunities to put everyone on an even playing field. 
    “The rapidly-changing landscape in AI technologies is making some employees and even some industries hesitant to invest in comprehensive training opportunities. They’re not sure if what they’re training will be useful and remain relevant in a relatively short period of time.
    “But we know that having a well-trained and informed workforce is key, is really essential, to making sure that AI is used responsibly and that both workers and businesses can reap the full benefits of the tools. 
    “For example, human talent is needed to evaluate outputs generated by AI for accuracy, or to tailor AI-generated concepts into customized solutions that support their customers.
    “AI literacy should also include an emphasis on methods to help workers identify AI-generated content versus human-generated content.
    “AI-literacy training is going to help empower employers to choose the safest applications for their workforce, and make sure workers can give well-informed feedback about their experiences with AI. 
    “I think we’ve read the room. Now is the time to make sure every worker has access to the professional development training that they need to succeed.
    “That’s why earlier this year I introduced the Lifelong Learning Act with Senators Budd and Peters to make sure we can appropriately invest in training opportunities for current and future workers.
    “Senator Braun and I have also been working together to make sure the Department of Labor, as well as other agencies, understand the urgent need for these programs and need to address the safety factors connected to that urgent need. 
    “During today’s hearing, we’ll hear from panelists from various sectors and communities, who are providing or benefiting AI-literacy training opportunities.
    “As AI technologies and training programs change over time, we’ll need everyone – our union partners, employers, nonprofits, everyone – to make sure we get this right and we set ourselves up for success.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Public Lands Bill to Protect Gunnison Basin and Surrounding Regions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Bill shaped by over a decade of deliberation with Western Colorado leaders and public land users
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act to permanently protect over 730,000 acres of key portions of the Gunnison Basin and the surrounding regions.
    “Adventurers across Colorado and the country come to the Gunnison Basin for its rugged canyons and untamed wilderness,” said Hickenlooper. “Protecting these additional 730,000 acres will help keep it that way for generations.”
    “For over a decade, Coloradans have come together at trailheads and kitchen tables to share their love for the spectacular landscape in and around Gunnison County,” said Bennet. “This bill proves that people with wide-ranging interests can forge compromise and develop a common vision to protect our public lands for future generations.”
    The bill is based on over a decade of collaboration with local governments, Tribes, and public lands user groups. It has the bipartisan support of six counties in Western Colorado, as well as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and local municipalities. A wide variety of local outdoor recreation businesses, ranchers, hunters, anglers, and water users also support the bill.
    “Land is very important to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and throughout history we have lost a lot of land that has been taken from the tribe unjustly,” said Manuel Heart, Chairman Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. “To get land back for the tribe by putting it into Trust status as this legislation does, is important to the tribe’s children and grandchildren. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe appreciates Senator Bennet’s work on the GORP Act, supports the legislation and hopes it will move forward quickly in the US Senate.”
    “Colorado’s great outdoors are known around the world and this bill marks a valuable step in the need to protect the incredible Gunnison Basin for future generations of Coloradans and visitors,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “I appreciate Senator Bennet’s leadership on this issue and look forward to seeing this bill move forward.”
    “As a former resident of the Gunnison Valley and Western Colorado University graduate, I am intimately aware of the importance public lands, wildlife and outdoor recreation are to local communities’ economy and environment,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Our forests, water, wildlife and open spaces are some of our most precious natural resources and outdoor recreation drives visitors and residents to our state to enjoy our diverse opportunities. I commend the work of Senator Bennet and the many diverse stakeholders on developing the locally driven Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act. Introduction is a great first step and I look forward to working alongside all interested parties as this legislation makes its way through the U.S. Congress.”
    “The GORP Act reflects the way we do business in Gunnison County: we sit down with our neighbors to find common-ground solutions and a way forward to best serve our community. Public lands are our backyard here and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring so many stakeholders – snowmobilers, ranchers, mountain bikers, and conservationists to name a few – together,” said Jonathan Houck, Gunnison County Commissioner. “While GORP started in Gunnison County, I couldn’t be happier to stand with five neighboring Western Slope counties in support of this legislation, and I thank Senator Bennet for listening to our communities.”
    “Delta County is glad to have worked with Senator Bennet on the GORP Act,” said the Delta County Commissioners. “Its provisions for Delta County will provide public access to a boat ramp, ensure that the BLM can continue to permit existing motorized boat use, and bring forward a thoughtful balance of uses on public lands in the North Fork Valley. This legislation shows what’s possible when we roll up our sleeves and work together.”
    “The Saguache County Board of Commissioners are pleased to support the introduction of Senator Bennet’s Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act (GORP), and eagerly anticipate the passing of this legislation,” said the Saguache County Commissioners. “We appreciate the many years the many stakeholders have committed to this project.”
    “Pitkin County Is a strong supporter of public lands, and we believe in designating new Wilderness areas in sensitive landscapes, where appropriate,” said Greg Poschman, Chairman, Pitkin County Board of Commissioners. “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Bennet for his work on the GORP Act, and we look forward to celebrating the two proposed Wilderness designations in Colorado’s wild and pristine high country.”
    “Hinsdale County was proud to have collaborated with Senator Bennet, Gunnison County and Ouray County on the GORP Act,” said Kristie Borchers, Chair, Hinsdale County Board of County Commissioners. “We are excited that a key portion of the scenic Cimarron area where Hinsdale, Ouray and Gunnison County come together will be protected by this legislation. This bill will help protect our watersheds and the landscapes that attract the visitors who help drive our mountain town economies in the San Juan Mountains. We look forward to seeing the GORP Act move forward in Congress.”
    “The GORP Act sets the bar for collaborative and beneficial legislation,” said Lynn Padgett, Vice-Chair, Ouray County Board of County Commissioners. “I am forever grateful to Senator Bennet and his team and stakeholders like Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Ouray Counties for enthusiastically working together to include the proposed Uncompahgre Wilderness expansion and especially for protecting Turret Ridge. The peaks of the Cimarron range are unique in their scenery and geology. The GORP Act not only protects important migration areas for elk and key habitats for lynx and moose. The GORP Act protects our precious wildlands, vital to our local economy and quality of life.”
    “Our groups have worked for nearly a decade to craft a vision for public lands in and around Gunnison County that will benefit our economy, environment, and quality of life into the future,” said members of the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative in a joint statement. “The GORP Act reflects the countless hours we spent working together and with communities around the Gunnison Basin. We are eager to see this thoughtful and well-vetted legislation signed into law.”
    Specifically, the GORP Act would:
    Protect over 730,000 acres of public lands in Western Colorado, safeguarding the region’s local economy, world-class recreation, ranching heritage, wildlife habitat, and clean air and water
    Preserve recreational boating in Delta County
    Support the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s request to transfer the Pinecrest Ranch from fee ownership to trust ownership
    Hickenlooper and Bennet also championed the CORE Act and Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act as an effort to ensure Colorado public lands are protected. Hickenlooper helped pass both bills through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) with bipartisan support.
    Maps of the areas designated by the bill are available HERE and a summary of the bill HERE. You can find additional information, including support letters and answers to frequently asked questions on the GORP Act website HERE.
    The text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Murphy Announces $15 Million FEMA Award to Increase Climate Change Resiliency

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – To conclude Climate Week, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) selected New Jersey’s application, awarding $15 million in funding to increase climate change preparedness and provide immediate relief to homeowners in the aftermath of a storm. New Jersey will provide a 10% match, about $1.5 million, as part of the award.

    The selection, through FEMA’s Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program, will allow New Jersey to make low-interest loans to local governments most in need of financial assistance, including low-income areas and underserved communities, for their hazard mitigation and resilience infrastructure needs.

    “This award is essential to ensuring that our local communities have the tools they need to get ahead of the next disaster,” said Governor Murphy. “As our state experiences the growing intensity of storms and sea-level rise due to climate change, this program will allow us to increase available resources so we can provide prompt assistance to New Jerseyans. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and New Jersey’s congressional delegation for fully funding the STORM Act as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

    The Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act established the STORM Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to provide revolving loan funds to states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories, and Washington, D.C. to finance projects that reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

    Through the STORM RLF program, FEMA empowers these entities to make funding decisions and award loans directly. These revolving loan funds will help local governments carry out hazard mitigation projects that reduce disaster risks for communities, homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to build climate resilience.

    “As we highlight Climate Week, it is important for us to address the ever-expanding impacts that climate change has on the communities we serve. Increased severe weather activity not just threatens an increase in costs– it threatens lives,” said FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “At FEMA, we take climate change seriously and understand that funding opportunities of this type are critical to building resilience against the damaging effects that can occur throughout the region. We remain committed to putting people first and value our partnership with New Jersey to help communities build capacity for years to come.”

    “The new STORM RLF financing program highlights the significance our federal and State officials have placed on climate mitigation infrastructure projects in our neediest communities,” said Robert Briant, Jr., Chairperson of the I-Bank. “Working with FEMA, New Jersey now has one more tool to help these communities protect their residents and assets before the next disaster strikes.”

    “This is a significant award for the state and provides an additional path to assist local governments and underserved communities,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and State Director of Emergency Management. “As New Jersey continues to experience stronger storms, this resource allows us to offer yet another method to carry out mitigation projects and make our state even more resilient.” 

    This second year of STORM Act funding to New Jersey represents the second highest cumulative award in the nation to date.

    The funding was made possible by a partnership between the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) and the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), within the Division of State Police, to apply for and administer funds to finance hazard mitigation projects in New Jersey through the New Jersey Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program (NJ CHAMP). Please contact the I-Bank at information@njib.gov for additional information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Funding for Farms to Address Impacts of Climate Change

    Source: US State of New York

    As world leaders gather in New York during Climate Week NYC 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted the State’s nation-leading climate efforts, including awarding a record level of funding—more than $33 million—to farms through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. Funded projects aim to help New York’s farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water, ensure soil health, and increase on-farm resiliency to the effects of a changing climate. Altogether, the projects are estimated to reduce greenhouse gases by 120,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year – the equivalent of removing 28,560 gasoline powered vehicles from the road for one year. This is nearly double the impact of the previous round of the program. Funding for the program was included in the New York State FY 2025 Enacted Budget as part of the State’s aggressive climate agenda and is supported by additional federal funds through a USDA Climate Smart Commodities grant.

    “New York State is leading the nation in the fight against climate change, and our record investment in the Climate Resilient Farming Program is just one part of my administration’s ambitious efforts to protect our ecosystems and create the green future all New Yorkers deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “This program gives farmers the resources they need to mitigate their impact on the environment, prepare for and respond to whatever weather events the future holds, and continue their critical work contributing to our local economies.

    Led by county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), a total of 70 projects will be implemented on 184 farms across New York State. They are supported through $16.14 million in State funding, plus an additional $17 million in federal funds. Of the 70 awarded projects, 39 involve a new farm participant, illustrating the growing reach and impact of the program.

    SWCDs were awarded the grants on behalf of farmers in one of six tracks:

    • Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management (New York State funds)
    • Track 1B: Manure Storage Cover and Methane Capture Projects (federal funds)
    • Track 2: Adaptation and Resiliency (New York State funds)
    • Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (systems and Best Management Practices that support soil health and agroforestry (New York State funds)
    • Track 3B: Soil Health Systems (federal funds)
    • Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (for carbon sequestration) (New York State funds)

    The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program follows the State’s Agricultural Environmental Management planning framework and is led and implemented by county SWCDs. County SWCDs work with farms and communities to conserve natural resources and address pressing environmental challenges and opportunities. SWCDs in the following regions were awarded grants through Round 8 of the program:

    • Capital Region: $3,152,885 awarded to work with 11 farms
    • Central New York: $8,241,829 awarded to work with 36 farms
    • Finger Lakes: $12,948,325 awarded to work with 67 farms
    • Long Island: $118,763 awarded to work with four farms
    • Mid-Hudson: $166,400 awarded to work with five farms
    • Mohawk Valley: $608,797 awarded to work with five farms
    • North Country: $3,439,282 awarded to work with 20 farms
    • Southern Tier: $2,827,378 awarded to work with 19 farms
    • Western New York: $1,655,677 awarded to work with 12 farms

    In total, the awarded farms are projected to implement 98,000 acres of cover crops, 23 acres of riparian buffers, and nine manure storage cover and flares systems – the most in a single round, which will provide the largest estimated greenhouse gas emission reduction for a single practice for the program to date. For a complete list and descriptions of projects awarded, please visit the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website.

    State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Farmers care deeply for the health and vitality of New York’s working landscapes. Working in partnership with county Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state, our farmers are committed to producing food in a way that reduces their environmental footprint and protects our natural resources at the same time. With this record-setting level of funding, we are expanding our reach to even more farms across the State, helping New York State to continue to lead the nation in combating climate change and ensuring a healthy, thriving environment for all.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “With $33 million in new funding announced today, New York’s farmers will be able to better prepare for the impacts of extreme weather events resulting from climate change and reduce operational impacts to the environment, like choosing equipment that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implementing projects to better support soil health and water quality after extreme weather. DEC applauds Governor Hochul and our partners at the Department of Agriculture and Markets for supporting New York farms and advancing sustainable practices to improve the health and resiliency of our agricultural ecosystems and communities with record investments and complementary initiatives like investments through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.”

    New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Farmers are natural stewards of the environment. We welcome investments in sustainability, especially those investments that help farmers protect the land that is their livelihood. The Climate Resilient Funding Program creates a pathway for farmers to reduce greenhouse gases and take proactive measures in planning for extreme weather conditions.”

    Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “For nearly a decade, the Climate Resilient Farming Program has helped farmers address the impacts of climate change through proven techniques and practices. I’m pleased that this record-level round of funding is reaching so many new participants across the state. Thank you to the Governor, our federal partners, and my colleagues for their continued support for this program and to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts for their dedicated service.”

    Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “As fresh water sources become scarcer nationwide, sustainable farming has become even more important for New York and the entire US. Thank you to Governor Hochul for on-going support to farms and addressing climate change through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. This program increases sustainability efforts and lowers greenhouse gas emissions while protecting water and soil health through projects led by county Soil and Water Conservation Districts,” said Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, “This year’s projects will nearly double the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while abating nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms, protecting drinking water, and supporting our farmers and New York farms.”

    State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Our farms are facing the consequences of the climate crisis every day. The Climate Resilient Farming Grant program is vital to their efforts to build soil health, protect our environment, and ensure a sustainable local food supply. I’m particularly proud of the Healthy Soil NY program, which promotes a cohesive, scientifically rigorous soil protection strategy. It was true then and true now. With continued support, we can empower New York farmers to lead the way in resilient, climate friendly agriculture.”

    Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “When we say farmers are on the frontlines of the Climate Crisis, we mean their ability to grow our food is directly tied to the environment around them—how healthy the soil is, the weather conditions, and the effects of a changing climate. Their work and our food supply depend on a stable and thriving ecosystem, and as a state, we have a major stake in this process. The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program is one of the key initiatives where the state can deliver direct support to our farms, helping scale proven sustainability measures and put New York in the best position to protect our food supply for the future. I’m proud to help champion this vital program and congratulate all the awarded projects supporting farms across New York State, including in Columbia and Ulster counties!”

    New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair Dale Stein said, “Thanks to the partnership between the State and the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, we have seen great progress in the use of Best Management Practices on our farms to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to help our farmers be better prepared for the increasing number of severe weather events we are all experiencing. Now, with the help of federal funds, our Districts are able to expand their reach even further and welcome even more farms into the program.”

    Launched in 2015, the Climate Resilient Farming Program supports the State’s agricultural sector in meeting its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration on working lands under the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. So far, through the program, with expert technical support provided by county SWCDs, 580 farms have been able to implement changes that are contributing to a reduced environmental footprint and increased resiliency to the effects of a changing climate. Round 8 of the program provides $16.14 million in state funding for these projects, consistent with $16 million in Round 7 and a significant increase from $8 million in Round 6.

    Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Soil and Water Conservation Districts

    Under the Governor’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget provides $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund, up $4 million from last year, for agricultural programs and initiatives, such as the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change. This includes capital investments Soil and Water Conservation Districts oversee, such as supporting dairy farmers to implement projects that enhance manure management systems that sequester carbon and conserve manure nutrients applied to fields and soil to benefit water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also includes recent funding in the Eastern Finger Lakes Watershed that galvanizes implementation of the plans and programs to address on-the-ground actions necessary to abate nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms (HABs), prevent runoff, protect drinking water, and support local farmers.

    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 150 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 United Kingdom: Ministry of Defence analyses future global strategic trends

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The seventh edition of Ministry of Defence’s analysis of the long-term future global strategic context and possible futures has been published today, covering a range of global trends including defence and technological advances.

    • Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055 describes key drivers of change.
    • Long-term document forms seventh edition of strategic foresight analysis.
    • Analysis highlights possible future opportunities and challenges.

    Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055 describes key drivers of change and illustrates alternative future worlds to test planning assumptions and help decision-makers prepare for an uncertain world.

    The findings and deductions do not represent the official policy of the UK government or that of the MOD, but the findings will be considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review, which will make sure our Armed Forces are bolstered and that our country has the capabilities needed to ensure the UK’s resilience for the long term.

    The document indicates an abundance of opportunities, alongside new and existing challenges in the global outlook. Notable areas of potential future trends for Defence include: 

    • A highly uncertain future for Russia, with the outcome of its war in Ukraine and the implications of this being key to its future power and status.
    • China will continue to use economic interdependencies, underpinned by military strength, as core means to achieve its objectives.
    • In an age of increasing uncertainty, the need to build resilience, agility and new forms of deterrence will be paramount.
    • An expansion in the number of nuclear-armed states fielding more powerful weapons, combined with new weapons of mass effect, could create new challenges.
    • Military shaping power will remain one of the ultimate levers of power. Space and cyberspace will increasingly be a key factor in battlefield success.

    This edition marks more than 20 years of strategic foresight analysis conducted by the MOD’s internal think tank. The authors gathered a diverse range of insights and research to present a global view of the long-term future, focusing on key areas such as social, economic, environmental and security factors.

    Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said:

    The need to examine the implications of these future trends in a more openly contested and volatile world, as well as the possible shocks that may emerge, is a crucial task to assist policy makers and senior leaders.

    Commander Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, said:

    I am delighted to release this latest edition of Global Strategic Trends. All seven publications, over the last 20 years, have promoted an open-minded approach to understanding the context and conduct of Defence and Security.

    This rich and diverse programme of work, by Strategic Command, deliberately does not represent UK policy, instead it provides policymakers with a future strategic context to aid long-term decision-making, capability planning and strategy development.

    Its key conclusions indicate an abundance of opportunities but also highlight the combination of new and existing challenges that will redefine the contours of economies, societal structures, governance and defence.

    The work identifies six key interconnected drivers of change that are most likely to determine what the future might look like. These are: global power competition; demographic pressures; climate change and pressure on the environment; technological advances and connectivity; economic transformation and energy transition; and inequality and pressure on governance.

    ‘Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055’ has been produced with cross-government support and international collaboration. Thousands of individuals were engaged during the research and writing process along with numerous national governments and several multilateral organisations, including NATO.

    Background

    • The first edition of GST, published in 2003, was designed to support the development of the MOD’s Future Strategic Context for Defence and subsequent White Papers. Since then, each edition has served to inform the various iterations of top-level strategic documents.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Investing in unforgettable experiences on Prince Edward Island

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    To boost tourism, the federal government is offering financial assistance to businesses and organizations

    September 27, 2024 North Rustico, Prince Edward Island Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, boosting local economies, creating jobs and energizing communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage, fostering awareness and understanding of the many peoples who call it home. The Government of Canada is investing to help six tourism operators in central Prince Edward Island seize opportunities to boost tourism and ensure the industry is well-positioned for long-term sustainable growth.

    Discover the island all year round

    Today, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, announced a total contribution of $1,725,333 for ten projects to support the advancement of Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    These investments will help the Municipality of North Rustico, Tourism Cavendish Beach, L’Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, The Island Path, Central Coastal Tourism Partnership, And Golf PEI to plan and create dynamic tourism experiences, and will support PEI Events Innovation Fund which helps non-profit organizations create and organize festivals and cultural events to expand the island’s tourist offering during all four seasons.

    The province of Prince Edward Island is also contributing $986,575 to nine of these projects.

    For further information on the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to growing Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and increasing the region’s potential as a world-class destination of choice.

    Quotes

    “Breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and welcoming people, Prince Edward Island is ready to be explored all year long. On this magical island, people return again and again to discover more. This World Tourism Day, make plans to experience all this incredible region has to offer.”

    – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

    “People come from all over the world to experience the beautiful scenery, world-class cuisine and vibrant cultural events that Prince Edward Island has to offer. Investing in our province’s tourism operators and associations will help them meet this demand and showcase this great destination.”

    – Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

    “The Government of Prince Edward Island strongly believes in our tourism industry and the exciting future that lies ahead. This funding announcement allows Island communities to plan and create exciting new tourism experiences. We are pleased to support this sector so that it continues to be one of our greatest assets. This Island is a place to visit and enjoy at any time of the year.”

    – The Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister, Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, PEI and MLA for Montague-Kilmuir

    “For 26 years, the North Rustico Seawalk has been a vital part of the community, used daily by residents and visitors of all ages. With a large gazebo, picnic areas, access to the National Park beach, restaurants and shops at the North Rustico Harbour, the boardwalk offers both wellness and economic benefits. The replacement of the boardwalk is a step towards ensuring the safety, accessibility and enjoyment of our residents and the many tourists who visit North Rustico each year. The Municipality of North Rustico thanks the Government of Canada for its financial commitment, through ACOA, towards our boardwalk project.”

    – Stephanie Moase, City Manager, Municipality of North Rustico

    Quick Facts

    World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September to raise awareness of the social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism and the contributions the sector can make to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The theme of World Tourism Day 2024 is “Tourism and Peace”.

    More than 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, operating in the areas of food service, accommodation, recreation, transportation and travel services. Together, these businesses employ more than 111,000 people in full- and part-time positions.

    Tourism is a major driver of employment for Atlantic Canada’s population living outside major cities, accounting for approximately 9.5% of all local employment in rural communities.

    The funding announced today is provided by the program Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (CERI), THE Business Development Program (BDP), and the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) of ACOA.

    Related products

    Contact persons

    Connor BurtonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyConnor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    David FlemingCommunications ManagerAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agencydavid.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    April GallantSenior Communications OfficerFisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Province of Prince Edward Islandaldgallant@gov.pe.ca

    Stephanie MoaseCity ManagerMunicipality of North Rusticosmoase@northrustico.com

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: MP Sheehan highlights funding for Sault Community Career Centre to support skills training for youth

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    September 27, 2024 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada

    Young Canadians are one of this country’s greatest strengths and sources of potential, which is why the Government of Canada supports them every step of the way on their path to a prosperous future. Every young person deserves a good job, but we know that many still face barriers to employment. Creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need to have a fair chance at financial success is essential to strengthening our economy, building a more inclusive country, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

    Today, on behalf of Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan announced more than $1.07 million in funding over four years to the Sault Community Career Centre for its Transition to Independence Program (TIP). This funding is provided through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program.

    TIP is a flexible, personalized program that supports youth in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the next four years, TIP funding through the YESC will support 66 youth aged 15 to 30 who face barriers to employment. This includes youth who are not in education, training or employment, those experiencing poverty or homelessness, immigrants and refugees, and those experiencing discrimination. By providing a range of activities, training and work experiences, TIP will help participants overcome socio-economic challenges and transition into employment or education.

    In total, the YES program is expected to fund more than 200 new projects worth approximately $370 million by 2028 as part of the government’s plan to create 90,000 youth employment opportunities per year between 2024 and 2026. These projects will provide flexible employment services and holistic supports tailored to each participant to help young people develop transferable skills that will have a positive and lasting impact on their careers. This approach has already proven successful, with more than 80% of participants between June 2019 and December 2022 securing employment or returning to school after completing the YES program.

    The Government of Canada recognizes the critical role governments can play in ensuring young people succeed. That is why, as announced in Budget 2024, the government is helping to restore fairness for every generation by facilitating access to post-secondary education, investing in the skills of the future, and creating opportunities for young Canadians to get good jobs.

    Quotes

    “Young people want to succeed – for themselves, their families and their communities. The federal government is making sure that happens by helping them access the skills and experience they need to successfully transition to the workforce. The Sault Community Career Centre project is a great example of how, with federal support, community organizations can create opportunities for all young people, particularly youth facing barriers and youth with disabilities, to find good jobs and build rewarding careers.”

    – Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien

    “I am proud that our government recognizes the tremendous work that the Sault Community Career Centre does. Providing enhanced career development opportunities and integrated services, including mental health, food security and personal resources, helps encourage and support future community leaders. Helping young people who face barriers find employment in our community and develop skills to enter the workforce is how we ensure we remain a thriving and prosperous city.”

    – Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan

    “The Transition to Independence Program is a vital initiative that provides youth in Sault Ste. Marie with the skills and supports they need to overcome barriers and achieve long-term success. This generous funding from the Government of Canada allows us to provide a tailored approach to each participant, helping them reach their full potential. By providing employment training, wraparound services and resources for their personal development, we are investing not only in their future, but also in the future of our community.”

    – Adam Pinder, Executive Director, Sault Community Career Centre

    Quick Facts

    ESDC’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program was designed to give youth equal opportunities to find meaningful employment. New to this funding cycle is the Youth with Disabilities Stream, which focuses on supporting projects targeting youth with disabilities. More than 30% of funded projects are expected to address the unique employment challenges faced by youth with disabilities, up from the initial target of 20%.

    Other priority groups include Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI youth, Black and racialized youth, and youth from official language minority communities.

    ESDC’s YES program is part of the Government of Canada’s broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a horizontal initiative sponsored by 12 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help young Canadians (aged 15 to 30) gain the skills and experience they need to successfully transition to the job market.

    To help young Canadians pursue and achieve their dreams, the Government is investing to create more job opportunities and ensure that the work of the next generation pays off. To create 90,000 jobs and employment supports for youth per year, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $351.2 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy in the 2025–26 fiscal year. These investments in youth employment opportunities include:

    $150.7 million from federal partners for the SEJC program to provide youth-friendly internships and employment supports; $200.5 million for ESDC’s Canada Summer Jobs program to provide well-paid summer jobs, including jobs in sectors with significant labour shortages, such as residential construction.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Carolyn SvonkinDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth873-355-0996Carolyn.svonkin@fegc-wage.gc.caMedia Relations OfficeEmployment and Social Development Canada819-994-5559media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.caFollow us on X (Twitter)

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Deputy Prime Minister welcomes delivery of new all-electric TTC buses

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    $349 million federal investment delivers results: 340 all-electric buses for the TTC

    September 27, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Public transit gets Canadians where they need to go, creates new jobs in Canada’s manufacturing and construction sectors, reduces pollution and traffic congestion, makes life more affordable, and keeps people and communities connected as they grow. That’s why the federal government is investing in a better public transit system.

    Today in Toronto, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, joined by Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, highlighted how the federal government is working with the City of Toronto to improve the speed of public transit for Torontonians.

    In April 2023, the federal government and the City of Toronto announced a joint investment of $700 million to secure the supply of 340 battery-electric buses for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The first two of these 340 electric buses have now joined the TTC’s fleet. All 340 electric buses are expected to be in service by the end of 2026.

    This investment will help the TTC, Canada’s largest public transit system, achieve its goal of electrifying its entire bus fleet by 2040.

    Strengthening Toronto’s electric bus fleet is just one part of the federal government’s work to improve public transit in Toronto, and across the country. To connect people across the Greater Toronto Area, the federal government is investing $10.4 billion in four major transit projects: the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglington Crosstown LRT Extension, the Ontario Line and the Yonge North Subway Extension. And in July, the federal government launched the Canada Public Transit FundThrough this ongoing, permanent program, the government will invest an average of $3 billion per year to help cities and communities provide better public transit systems for Canadians.

    Quotes

    “Our government knows that improving public transit is essential to ensuring our economy reaches its full potential. That’s why we’re making historic investments in reliable and sustainable transit infrastructure. Today, delivering new all-electric TTC buses is just one way we’re helping the TTC grow. This investment will give Torontons a faster, cleaner way to get around.”

    – The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

    Quick Facts

    Total funding for public transit in Toronto announced since 2015 is $10.4 billion. This includes the following projects:

    November 2023: New TTC streetcars. December 2022: Capacity improvements at Bloor-Yonge Station. 2021: New Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton Crosstown West Line, Ontario Line and Yonge North Subway Extension.

    Through the Zero-Emission Public Transit Fund, the federal government is supporting public transit and school bus operators who want to equip themselves with electric buses. In addition, the government is making possible the purchase of 5,000 zero-emission buses and the construction of related infrastructure, such as charging stations.

    In Budget 2024, the government announced that any community seeking long-term, predictable funding through the new Canada Public Transit Fund must take steps to directly increase its housing supply. These measures include:

    Eliminate all mandatory minimum parking requirements within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line. Allow high-density housing to be built within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line. Allow high-density housing to be built within 800 metres of post-secondary institutions. Conduct a housing needs assessment for all communities with a population greater than 30,000.

    The Canada Public Transit Fund will provide:

    $2 billion per year on average, or $20 billion over 10 years, for the metropolitan region agreements component. $500 million per year on average, or $5 billion over 10 years, for the base funding component. $500 million per year on average, or $5 billion over 10 years, for the targeted funding component.

    Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

    In Ontario, the public transit component of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program has already supported more than 400 projects to improve public transit. The federal government has committed $8.3 billion, and the provincial government has committed $7.3 billion.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Media may contact:

    Katherine CuplinskasDeputy Director of CommunicationsOffice of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceKatherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

    Media RelationsDepartment of Finance Canadamediare@fin.gc.ca613-369-4000

    General Inquiries

    Phone: 1-833-712-2292Teletypewriter: 613-369-3230Email: financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca

    Stay connected

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Digby — Digby RCMP charge man with sexual offences related to child pornography investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Digby RCMP has charged a man with multiple sexual offences targeting young people as part of an investigation related to suspected possession and distribution of child pornography.

    In March, investigators with Digby RCMP received a report of a device suspected to contain child pornography. The following investigation, led by Digby RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS), included the execution of multiple search warrants on phones and computers. Officers identified adult and youth victims and witnesses in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and the United States.

    Keegan Hamilton, 25, of Port Lorne, has been charged with 19 offences, including Sexual Assault, Distribution of Child Pornography, Arrangement or Agreement to Commit Sexual Offence Against Child, Bestiality, and Failure to Comply with Probation Order.

    Hamilton most recently appeared at Digby Provincial Court on September 11. He was released on conditions pending an upcoming court appearance on November 6. His conditions include that he cannot possess a phone or other device capable of accessing the internet and he cannot communicate with or be in the presence of anyone known to be under age 16.

    Digby RCMP have appreciated partnership from other units and police agencies that supported this investigation. Since March, investigators from the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking units and the RCMP Interview Assistance Team in Nova Scotia have been engaged as well as Victim Services, Codiac RCMP Further Investigation Team in New Brunswick, Prince George RCMP GIS in BC, and the US Department of Homeland Security.

    If you are experiencing, or have experienced, gender-based violence, including sexual assault, you are not alone. The elimination of gender-based violence continues to be a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and the RCMP employs a trauma-informed approach. Survivors of gender-based violence can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process. Survivor supports are available, including through the RCMP Victim Services program. The RCMP encourages citizens to be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to their local police or by using Canada’s national tip line: www.cybertip.ca.

    Officers believe there are more victims associated to this investigation. Anybody with information is asked to contact Digby RCMP at 902-245-2579 or reach out to other supports and resources in the community. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget lists Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) on Spot with 12,500,000 Tokens in Rewards and 25% in Rebates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) on its spot trading platform, offering users an opportunity to benefit from a substantial rewards pool and rebates. This campaign, spanning from September 26, 10:00 PM to October 3, 10:00 PM (UTC+8), aims to engage users with a total prize pool of 12,500,000 HMSTR tokens and up to 25% in rebates for eligible participants.

    During this promotion, users can enjoy zero fees when purchasing crypto using a credit or debit card or through cash conversion after topping up their fiat balance via bank deposit. This initiative aims to make crypto trading more accessible and appealing, especially for those new to the Bitget platform. By simplifying the process and minimizing costs, Bitget is enhancing the user experience, allowing more traders to explore and engage with the HMSTR token.

    Participants need to register for the promotion through the designated ‘Register Now‘ button to qualify. As the campaign progresses, users who buy crypto during the promotion period can potentially earn up to a 25% rebate in HMSTR tokens. The rebate amount is based on the participant’s trading volume relative to the total trading volume of all users involved in the campaign. This creates an environment that not only rewards active traders but also encourages higher engagement with the HMSTR listing.

    The total prize pool of 12,500,000 HMSTR tokens will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of prompt participation. The distribution of rewards will take place within five business days following the conclusion of the campaign, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the reward allocation process. However, it’s crucial to note that this campaign is exclusively available for newly registered Bitget users. Sub-accounts, institutional users, API traders, and market maker accounts are not eligible for this promotion, maintaining fairness in the campaign’s structure.

    The listing of Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) on Bitget’s spot trading platform shows the exchange’s commitment to expanding its portfolio and providing users with opportunities to engage in diverse crypto projects. As HMSTR garners more attention within the crypto community, this campaign serves as a strategic step in introducing new assets and fostering active trading.

    By offering zero fees and substantial rebates, Bitget provides its users and traders with added incentives. The HMSTR listing and its accompanying promotional campaign present a significant opportunity for traders to explore the token’s potential while benefiting from Bitget’s user-centric approach to crypto trading.

    To participate in the campaign for HMSTR, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 100+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team).

    For more information, users can visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use.

    Contact

    PR

    Simran

    Bitget

    media@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: “The Art of Resilience”: The Documentary Series on Solutions from Latin America and the Caribbean that are Changing the World

    Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

    The episodes emphasize resilience, the innovation of their protagonists, and how collaboration within communities is driving significant transformations in the region. In the first season, which consists of three episodes, entrepreneurs and community leaders share their work in areas contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “It is essential to highlight the global solutions that originate in our region: the faces, ideas, achievements, and Latin American and Caribbean projects that often go unnoticed. We want to show the world that Latin America and the Caribbean is a region of solutions. Change is possible when we act collectively, and each of us can make a difference,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.

    Each episode also features artists who contribute music, culture, and art, creating a deep emotional connection with the audience—something that enhances the transformative power of art and culture in our societies.

    “We are proud and excited to showcase the powerful stories of communities positively transforming our region. As UNDP, we believe this initiative will bring us closer to the common goals that unite us as a society and will help foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean, leaving no one behind. By valuing our multicultural richness, protecting our lush biodiversity, and promoting social enterprises led by youth and local communities, we create a better present while preserving options for future generations,” affirmed Michelle Muschett, Regional Director of UNDP for Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The series has been produced by WaterBear Network in partnership with the Resilient Foundation and aims to spotlight local initiatives that promote the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs.

    “We are at a crucial moment where the stories of resilience and transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean deserve to be told. With ‘The Art of Resilience,’ we want to inspire others to see the strength that resides in our communities and how, through collaboration and creativity, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future. Every initiative we present is a testament to the fact that change is possible and that together we can make a difference,” added María López, Executive Director of Detonante.

    The premiere took place in New York during Climate Week and included a screening of the series followed by a discussion with the creators, who shared their perspectives on sustainable development in the region.

    A public viewing will be held during COP16, which will take place in Cali, Colombia, in October 2024.

    • For more information and to join the campaign For All #ElCambioPosible, visit www.elcambioposible.com and follow the conversation on social media (Instagram: @elcambioposible). 
    • The series is available on the WaterBear Network streaming platform starting September 26 at www.waterbear.com. 
    • It will be featured at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, in October 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Guthrie, Newhouse, and Fulcher Introduce Bill to Secure America’s Midstream Critical Materials Supply Chain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) released the following statements after introducing the Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act, which will establish a National Roadmap to provide a pathway to reshore domestic critical material processing facilities away from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and reduce unworkable permitting barriers to help secure our supply chains. Midstream critical material processors are essential to America’s manufacturing and energy future:

    “Today I was proud to introduce the Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act alongside Congressmen Newhouse and Fulcher to help ensure America has control over its manufacturing and energy future. For too long our nation has been reliant on the CCP and other foreign adversaries for the essential facilities to process critical materials into usable resources for our manufacturing industry. This bill will help provide a pathway to reshoring the processing of critical materials and uncovers the extent to which the CCP has exploited this supply chain. If our nation is to become energy independent once again, secure our supply chains, and reshore job creating industries then we must produce and process our critical materials here at home, I am proud to be leading this bill that will help accomplish this,” said Congressman Guthrie.

    “It is no secret the United States is in a dangerous position with our reliance on adversaries like the CCP for the critical minerals we use in everything from our energy sector to our defense industrial base. This bill is a big step towards bringing critical mineral processing back to our shores and keeping bad actors out of our supply chains. As a member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, I know we as lawmakers need to be doing all we can to prioritize national security before it is too late.” said Congressman Newhouse.

    “Critical minerals are not only vital to America’s energy supply, but to our national security as they are a key component for defense technologies and weaponry. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Congressman Guthrie and Newhouse to establish a national roadmap to bring the development and processing of key minerals back to the USA. Securing America’s energy independence starts with securing our critical minerals supply chain,” said Congressman Fulcher.

    Background

    • The Securing America’s Midstream Critical Material Processing Act will establish a Dept. of Energy led National Roadmap to reshore domestic critical material processing industry, which will include a comprehensive review of:
      • Current landscape of domestic and global markets for midstream critical material processing
      • The extent to which China and other adversaries employ anti-competitive practices to manipulate critical material markets
      • Opportunities and barriers to reshoring domestic industries, including working alongside allied nations
      • Permitting challenges facing a domestic critical material processing industry
    • This bill requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on how to improve federal permitting to incentivize more investment including:
      • How the Inflation Reduction Act may have fueled Chinese greenfield investment in Free Trade Agreement countries
      • How EPA regulations and litigation raise costs on facilities
      • Ways to improve federal collaboration and coordination to leverage expertise in critical material processing

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    MIL OSI USA News –