NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Invests $20 Million in Transportation Program for People Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Invests $20 Million in Transportation Program for People Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

    NCDHHS Invests $20 Million in Transportation Program for People Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a $20 million investment made possible by the NC General Assembly in Non-Law Enforcement Transportation, a promising practice of providing trauma-informed transportation for people in mental health crisis who need to be transported from emergency rooms to residential treatment. In the past, much of this transportation was provided by law enforcement; but non-law enforcement transportation provides a safe, therapeutic alternative for people already in mental health distress. 

    “People in crisis need health care, not handcuffs,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “This program helps people experiencing a mental health crisis receive safe transportation to the inpatient care that they need.”

    Currently, many counties across North Carolina rely on law enforcement to transport individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.  This often involves the use of police vehicles, lights, sirens and, in some cases, handcuffs — all of which can unintentionally turn a routine transfer into a traumatic experience. The new transportation program aims to decriminalize and destigmatize the process of seeking mental health care.

    “We want people and families feeling comfortable reaching out for mental health crisis support when they need it,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “Knowing a person may be transported in police custody can be a deterrent for people reaching out for the care that they need. This new program is part of our work to strengthen the North Carolina mental health crisis system, ensuring people in crisis can access support without fear or stigma.”

    NCDHHS is working closely with many community partners to ensure the mental health crisis transportation program is designed to effectively reduce the burden on law enforcement to conduct mental health-related transportation services and ensure officers can focus on their core responsibilities.

    The new transportation program will initially operate in two regions of the state, which will be identified through a competitive request for proposal process. The RFP is now open, allowing qualified transportation vendors to apply for funding. Eligible transportation vendors can access and apply for the RFP on the NCDHHS website. 

    The initiative is part of NCDHHS’s broader $835 million investment to transform North Carolina’s behavioral health system, including efforts to build a crisis response system, decrease emergency department boarding times and provide faster access to care for all North Carolinians in need of mental health treatment.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy una inversión de $ 20 millones hecha posible por la Asamblea General de Carolina del Norte en Transporte No Policial, una práctica prometedora de proporcionar transporte informado sobre el trauma para las personas en crisis de salud mental que necesitan ser transportadas de las salas de emergencia al tratamiento residencial. En el pasado, gran parte de este transporte era proporcionado por la policía; pero el transporte no policial proporciona una alternativa segura y terapéutica para las personas que ya tienen problemas de salud mental.   

    “Las personas en crisis necesitan atención médica, no esposas”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “Este programa ayuda a las personas que experimentan una crisis de salud mental a recibir transporte seguro a la atención hospitalaria que necesitan”.

    Actualmente, muchos condados de Carolina del Norte dependen de la aplicación de la ley para transportar a las personas que experimentan una crisis de salud mental. Esto a menudo implica el uso de vehículos policiales, luces, sirenas y, en algunos casos, esposas, todo lo cual puede convertir involuntariamente una transferencia de rutina en una experiencia traumática. El nuevo programa de transporte pretende eliminar la penalización y el estigma del proceso de búsqueda de atención de salud mental.

    “Queremos que las personas y las familias se sientan cómodas buscando apoyo para crisis de salud mental cuando lo necesiten”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias del NCDHHS. “Saber que una persona puede ser transportada bajo custodia policial puede ser un elemento que desanime a las personas que buscan la atención que necesitan. Este nuevo programa es parte de nuestro trabajo para fortalecer el sistema de crisis de salud mental de Carolina del Norte, asegurando que las personas en crisis puedan acceder al apoyo sin miedo ni estigma”.

    El NCDHHS está trabajando en estrecha colaboración con muchos socios comunitarios para garantizar que el programa de transporte de crisis de salud mental esté diseñado para reducir efectivamente la carga de las fuerzas del orden público para llevar a cabo servicios de transporte relacionados con la salud mental y garantizar que los oficiales puedan concentrarse en sus responsabilidades principales.

    El nuevo programa de transporte operará inicialmente en dos regiones del estado, que se identificarán a través de un proceso competitivo de solicitud de propuestas. El proceso de solicitud de propuestas (RFP, por sus siglas en inglés) ya está abierto, lo que permite a los proveedores de transporte calificados solicitar fondos. Los proveedores de transporte elegibles pueden acceder y aplicar para el RFP en el sitio web del NCDHHS. Haga clic aquí para ver la aplicación.

    La iniciativa es parte de la inversión más amplia de $ 835 millones del NCDHHS para transformar el sistema de salud conductual de Carolina del Norte, incluidos los esfuerzos para construir un sistema de respuesta a crisis, reducir los tiempos de espera en el departamento de emergencias y proporcionar un acceso más rápido a la atención para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte que necesitan tratamiento de salud mental.

    Dec 20, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Charges Dual Russian and Israeli National as Developer of LockBit Ransomware Group

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defendant Rostislav Panev in Custody Pending Extradition from Israel to the United States

    Note: A copy of the superseding criminal complaint can be found here.

    A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group.

    In August, Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was arrested in Israel pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request with a view towards extradition to the United States. Panev is currently in custody in Israel pending extradition on the charges in the superseding complaint.

    “The Justice Department’s work going after the world’s most dangerous ransomware schemes includes not only dismantling networks, but also finding and bringing to justice the individuals responsible for building and running them,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Three of the individuals who we allege are responsible for LockBit’s cyberattacks against thousands of victims are now in custody, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to hold accountable all those who lead and enable ransomware attacks.”

    “The arrest of Mr. Panev reflects the Department’s commitment to using all its tools to combat the ransomware threat,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “We started this year with a coordinated international disruption of LockBit — the most damaging ransomware group in the world. Fast forward to today and three LockBit actors are in custody thanks to the diligence of our investigators and our strong partnerships around the world. This case is a model for ransomware investigations in the years to come.”

    “The arrest of alleged developer Ratislav Panev is part of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most prolific ransomware variants across the globe,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The LockBit group has targeted both public and private sector victims around the world, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, as well as small businesses and multi-national corporations.  No matter how hidden or advanced the threat, the FBI remains committed to working with our interagency partners to safeguard the cyber ecosystem and hold accountable those who are responsible for these criminal activities.” 

    “The criminal complaint alleges that Rotislav Panev developed malware and maintained the infrastructure for LockBit, which was once the world’s most destructive ransomware group and attacked thousands of victims, causing billions of dollars in damage,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Along with our domestic and international law enforcement partner actions to dismantle LockBit’s infrastructure, the Criminal Division has disrupted LockBit’s operations by charging seven of its key members (including affiliates, developers, and its administrator) and arresting three of these defendants — including Panev. We are especially grateful for our partnerships with authorities in Europol, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel, which show that, when likeminded countries work together, cybercriminals will find it harder to escape justice.”

    “As alleged by the complaint, Rostislav Panev for years built and maintained the digital weapons that enabled his LockBit coconspirators to wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “But just like the six other LockBit members previously identified and charged by this office and our FBI and Criminal Division partners, Panev could not remain anonymous and avoid justice indefinitely. He must now answer for his crimes. Today’s announcement represents another blow struck by the United States and our international partners against the LockBit organization, and our efforts will continue relentlessly until the group is fully dismantled and its members brought to justice.”

    According to the superseding complaint, documents filed in this and related cases, and statements made in court, Panev acted as a developer of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. During that time, Panev and his LockBit coconspirators grew LockBit into what was, at times, the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world. The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States. Their victims ranged from individuals and small businesses to multinational corporations, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure, and government and law-enforcement agencies. LockBit’s members extracted at least $500 million in ransom payments from their victims and caused billions of dollars in other losses, including lost revenue and costs from incident response and recovery.

    LockBit’s members comprised “developers,” like Panev, who designed the LockBit malware code and maintained the infrastructure on which LockBit operated. LockBit’s other members, called “affiliates,” carried out LockBit attacks and extorted ransom payments from LockBit victims. LockBit’s developers and affiliates would then split ransom payments extorted from victims.

    As alleged in the superseding complaint, at the time of Panev’s arrest in Israel in August, law enforcement discovered on Panev’s computer administrator credentials for an online repository that was hosted on the dark web and stored source code for multiple versions of the LockBit builder, which allowed LockBit’s affiliates to generate custom builds of the LockBit ransomware malware for particular victims. On that repository, law enforcement also discovered source code for LockBit’s StealBit tool, which helped LockBit affiliates exfiltrate data stolen through LockBit attacks. Law enforcement also discovered access credentials for the LockBit control panel, an online dashboard maintained by LockBit developers for LockBit’s affiliates and hosted by those developers on the dark web.

    The superseding complaint also alleges that Panev exchanged direct messages through a cybercriminal forum with LockBit’s primary administrator, who, in an indictment unsealed in the District of New Jersey in May, the United States alleged to be Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev (Дмитрий Юрьевич Хорошев), also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab. In those messages, Panev and the LockBit primary administrator discussed work that needed to be done on the LockBit builder and control panel.

    Court documents further indicate that, between June 2022 and February 2024, the primary LockBit administrator made a series of transfers of cryptocurrency, laundered through one or more illicit cryptocurrency mixing services, of approximately $10,000 per month to a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Panev. Those transfers amounted to over $230,000 during that period.

    In interviews with Israeli authorities following his arrest in August, Panev admitted to having performed coding, development, and consulting work for the LockBit group and to having received regular payments in cryptocurrency for that work, consistent with the transfers identified by U.S. authorities. Among the work that Panev admitted to having completed for the LockBit group was the development of code to disable antivirus software; to deploy malware to multiple computers connected to a victim network; and to print the LockBit ransom note to all printers connected to a victim network. Panev also admitted to having written and maintained LockBit malware code and to having provided technical guidance to the LockBit group.

    The LockBit Investigation

    The superseding complaint against, and apprehension of, Panev follows a disruption of LockBit ransomware in February by the United Kingdom (U.K.)’s National Crime Agency (NCA)’s Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization’s infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit’s reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by documents filed in this case.

    The superseding complaint against Panev also follows charges brought in the District of New Jersey against other LockBit members, including its alleged primary creator, developer, and administrator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev. An indictment against Khoroshev unsealed in May alleges that Khoroshev began developing LockBit as early as September 2019, continued acting as the group’s administrator through 2024, a role in which Khoroshev recruited new affiliate members, spoke for the group publicly under the alias “LockBitSupp,” and developed and maintained the infrastructure used by affiliates to deploy LockBit attacks. Khoroshev is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.

    A total of seven LockBit members have now been charged in the District of New Jersey. Beyond Panev and Khoroshev, other previously charged LockBit defendants include:

    • In July, two LockBit affiliate members, Mikhail Vasiliev, also known as Ghostrider, Free, Digitalocean90, Digitalocean99, Digitalwaters99, and Newwave110, and Ruslan Astamirov, also known as BETTERPAY, offtitan, and Eastfarmer, pleaded guilty in the District of New Jersey for their participation in the LockBit ransomware group and admitted deploying multiple LockBit attacks against U.S. and foreign victims. Vasiliev and Astamirov are presently in custody awaiting sentencing.
    • In February, in parallel with the disruption operation described above, an indictment was unsealed in the District of New Jersey charging Russian nationals Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev, also known as Bassterlord, with deploying LockBit against numerous victims throughout the United States, including businesses nationwide in the manufacturing and other industries, as well as victims around the world in the semiconductor and other industries. Sungatov and Kondratyev remain at large.
    • In May 2023, two indictments were unsealed in Washington, D.C., and the District of New Jersey charging Mikhail Matveev, also known as Wazawaka, m1x, Boriselcin, and Uhodiransomwar, with using different ransomware variants, including LockBit, to attack numerous victims throughout the United States, including the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. Matveev remains at large and is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s TOC Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.

    The U.S. Department of State’s TOC Rewards Program is offering rewards of:

    Information is accepted through the FBI tip website at tips.fbi.gov.

    Khoroshev, Matveev, Sungatov, and Kondratyev have also been designated for sanctions by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their roles in launching cyberattacks.

    Victim Assistance

    LockBit victims are encouraged to contact the FBI and submit information at www.ic3.gov/. As announced by the Department in February, law enforcement, through its disruption efforts, has developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Submitting information at the IC3 site will enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.

    LockBit victims are also encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/usao-nj/lockbit for case updates and information regarding their rights under U.S. law, including the right to submit victim impact statements and request restitution, in the criminal litigation against Panev, Astamirov, and Vasiliev.

    The FBI Newark Field Office, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, is investigating the LockBit ransomware variant. Israel’s Office of the State Attorney, Department of International Affairs, and Israel National Police; France’s Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command, Paris Prosecution Office — Cyber Division, and judicial authorities at the Tribunal Judiciare of Paris; Europol; Eurojust; the U.K.’s NCA; Germany’s Landeskriminalamt Schleswig-Holstein, Bundeskriminalamt, and the Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia; Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice, Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Zurich, and Zurich Cantonal Police; Spain’s Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil; Japan’s National Police Agency; Australian Federal Police; Sweden’s Polismyndighetens; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Politie Dienst Regionale Recherche Oost-Brabant of the Netherlands; and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation have provided significant assistance and coordination in these matters and in the LockBit investigation generally.

    Trial Attorneys Debra Ireland and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, David E. Malagold, and Vinay Limbachia for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the charges against Panev and the other previously charged LockBit defendants in the District of New Jersey.

    The Justice Department’s Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, Office of International Affairs, and National Security Division also provided significant assistance.

    Additional details on protecting networks against LockBit ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov. These include Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisories AA23-325A, AA23-165A, and AA23-075A. 

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: NERC 2024 Reliability Report Highlights Challenges for U.S. Electric Grid; Renewables and Storage are Key to Resilience

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: NERC 2024 Reliability Report Highlights Challenges for U.S. Electric Grid; Renewables and Storage are Key to Resilience

    WASHINGTON DC, December 20, 2024 — The newly released North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC)  2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment Report highlights growing concerns about the strength and resilience of the U.S. electricity grid.
    According to the report, rising demand for electricity, increases in extreme weather events, and delays in connecting new resources to the grid threaten stability across the U.S.
    “In response to surging demand and increasing extreme weather events, we must embrace a diverse energy mix and avoid sidelining any market-ready generation,” said American Clean Power (ACP) Association Vice President of Markets & Transmission Carrie Zalewski.
    “We need to tap into the 1,000 GW of storage-hybrid facilities in the queue that can deliver low cost, flexible resources. Adding new transmission infrastructure and a diverse energy mix need to be top priorities.”
    On enhancing resiliency, the report found that battery storage is outperforming expectations, providing flexibility to balance solar and wind variability, particularly during extreme weather and peak demand periods.
    “Energy storage is having an outsized effect on enhancing grid reliability. ERCOT is helping make that case,” Zalewski said. “In the past year, during both winter and summer months, significant energy storage capacity additions provided ERCOT with the ability to navigate moments of stress on the grid while helping keep the lights on and produce hundreds of millions in energy cost savings in the process.”
    Report Highlights:
    51 percent jump in planned transmission projects over the next decade, with more than 28,000 miles of new transmission reported in planning stages, a much-needed step in expanding the grid to support renewable energy integration.
    15 percent increase in summer peak demand and an 18 percent increase in winter peak demand over the next 10 years.
    Both figures are considerably higher than NERC’s last assessment and driven largely by surging energy needs from data centers.
    ###

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Breaking news from the #EUsummit !

    Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)

    Watch Spanish reporter Beatriz just before she goes live on TV with a breaking summit scoop.
    #EUsummit #backstage #leaders #EuropeanUnion

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO_bdcB_2gI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Spruance returns home after five-month deployment to 5th and 7th Fleet

    Source: United States Navy

    Spruance departed San Diego with the ABECSG and deployed to the 7th and 5th fleet area of operations, July 17, 2024.

    “The Spruance crew continues to impress – there is no other team that I would rather be a part of. I am immensely proud of all that the team has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. This deployment was a test of our readiness, and our Sailors exceeded every expectation,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, Spruance. “Facing advanced missile threats and attack drones in a high-stakes environment, they demonstrated exceptional tactical precision and a war fighter mindset. From identifying incoming threats to controlling aircraft to executing flawless missile engagements, our crew neutralized every danger with unwavering focus and discipline.”

    ABECSG initially deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment, highlighted by the first-ever U.S.-Italy multi-large deck event (MLDE) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group held in the Indo-Pacific on Aug. 9, 2024.

    The strike group was ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to bolster U.S. military force posture in the Middle East, deter regional escalation, degrade Houthi capabilities, defend U.S. forces, and again sailed alongside our Italian allies and other partners to promote security, stability and prosperity. Assigned destroyers of the ABECSG, to include Spruance, were essential to providing a layer of defense to U.S. forces and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels and partner nations transiting in international waterways like the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

    The destroyers worked alongside U.S. Central Command forces in successfully repelling multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks during transits of the Bab el-Mandeb strait. During the transits, the destroyers were attacked by one-way attack uncrewed Aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles which were successfully engaged and defeated. The vessels were not damaged and no personnel were hurt. The ships were well prepared, supported, and the well-trained Sailors successfully defended the ship.

    “I am so proud of our team. Our Sailors met every challenge on this deployment with professional excellence. Sailors displayed the highest levels of teamwork, adaptability, and courage—qualities that make our Navy the finest in the world,” said Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, executive officer, Spruance. “There is no other group of Sailors who have more grit and tenacity for mission success, and they proved it.”

    Throughout deployment, Spruance traveled 37,200 nautical miles, conducted 12 replenishments-at-sea, 28 sea and anchor details, Anti-Submarine Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC) controlled over 800 hours of rotary air wing control and the Air Intercept Controllers (AIC) controlled 50 live runs with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and U.S. Air Force assets. Spruance also achieved 36 re-enlistments, 37 advancements and seven officer promotions. Spruance Sailors were awarded the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Expeditionary Medal and Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for their actions in the Bab el-Mandeb.

    Spruance was led by their commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, executive officer, Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, and Command Master Chief Kurtiss Vervynckt.

    The ABECSG is the most capable CSG comprised of the air wing of the future, the most advance Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121) as Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander, and the Arleigh Burke destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, representing more than 6,000 Sailors, deployed from their homeports of San Diego and Pearl Harbor since July 2024.

    Deploying units of the strike group include the flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), DESRON 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and Frank E. Petersen Jr. While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, assigned to DESRON 21, USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) returned to its homeport, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

    As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NAVAIR issues V-22 bulletin and interim flight clearance

    Source: United States Navy

    Aircraft with PRGBs that currently meets or exceeds a predetermined flight-hour threshold will resume flights in accordance with controls instituted in the March 2024 interim flight clearance (IFC).

    A new IFC, containing additional risk mitigation controls, has been issued to address aircraft with PRGBs below the flight-hour threshold. These controls will remain in place until the aircraft’s PRGBs are upgraded, or the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

    NAVAIR collaborated with the Navy, Air Force Special Operations Command and the Marine Corps to implement the bulletin and IFC.

    Due to operational security concerns, the specifics of the V-22 flight-hour threshold, number of aircraft affected and additional flight controls will not be released.

    NAVAIR remains committed to transparency and safety regarding all V-22 operations. The V-22 plays an integral role in supporting our nation’s defense. Returning these vital assets to flight is critical to supporting our nation’s interests.

    NAVAIR continuously monitors data and trends from all aircraft platforms to provide service members the safest, most reliable aircraft possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Beloit (LCS 29) makes it home to Mayport

    Source: United States Navy

    After 15 locks, four Great Lakes, three port visits, and over 2,500 nautical miles traveled, USS Beloit (LCS 29) and her mighty crew at last arrived in the Atlantic Ocean, continuing her transit to its future homeport, Naval Station Mayport, Florida. 

    The road to make it to the Atlantic Ocean included months of preparation from the crew. In less than two months after moving onboard in August, the crew certified in several mission areas required to safely operate and get underway including: Search and Rescue, Navigation, Damage Control, Communications and Engineering.

    “The Beloit Badger crew are some of the best Sailors I have served with. They are resilient, strong, flexible and dedicated, and I am blessed to be their Commanding Officer. Almost everything we have done in the past five months has been ‘high risk’ and ‘first time’, but that’s what makes us so unique,” said Cmdr. LeAndra Kissinger, Beloit’s commanding officer. We work hard, pray hard, and lean on each other as a team. We truly are a family, and when a family wants to accomplish a mission, it’s hard to stop them.”

    Each evolution, although involving different departments on the ship, required careful coordination and support from each division and Sailor onboard and was necessary for the crew to be able to set sail from Marinette, Wisconsin, towards the site of its commissioning ceremony in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

    On November 23, the crew took the order to “man the ship and bring her to life.” Amongst thousands of onlookers, the ship made its much anticipated transition from pre-commissioned unit to United States Ship and began her sail around home. 

    Her commissioning festivities included a crew visit to their namesake town of Beloit, a Chairman’s dinner hosted by the Commandant, and a commissioning ceremony who’s audience was filled with veterans from many significant battles. Along the way, she stopped in Cleveland, Ohio, Quebec City, Quebec and Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Norfolk for refueling, stores replenishment and liberty for the crew.  

    “This crew has shown tremendous resilience in overcoming the last 4 months. Completing difficult consecutive certifications while learning a new ship and being away from family. This team made it look easy and brought a whole new meaning to the term “Beloit Proud,” said Senior Chief David Chisholm, Beloit’s Senior Enlisted Leader. “Watching them perform under pressure and overcoming every obstacle with grace shows just how awesome our team is and their readiness to face the challenges ahead after some much needed and well-deserved family time. It is an honor to be sailing with them and representing the city of Beloit.”

    Capt. James Lawrence said it best, “Don’t give up the ship.” And that’s exactly what this crew did to get us home on time!” said Operation Specialist first class petty officer Ernesto Sanchez, USS Beloit’s Sailor of the Year!

    With the last port fading in the rear only a few hundred nautical miles remain before Jacksonville is within view, the crew is eagerly awaiting returning to their families and friends, and ready to take on the next mission that will come their way as the Navy’s newest warship join the fleet!  

    LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats and is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. 

    For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, visit https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/lcsron2/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/comlcsron2/

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement on Afghanistan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Joint statement on the situation in Afghanistan following a G7+ meeting in Geneva

    Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in Geneva on December 16, 2024 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights, Representatives of the World Bank (WB) and of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also participated in the meeting as observers.

    The Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan:

    1. Expressed grave concern over the Taliban’s decisions in December 2024 to ban women and girls from attending public and private medical training institutions; and expressed concern that this new ban will have devastating consequences for all Afghans, especially mothers and infants – both born and unborn, both boys and girls – and will further destabilize an already fragile healthcare system. These decisions, which come on the back of the Taliban’s “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice” announced in August 2024, expand upon the already over 80 repressive, discriminatory edicts aimed at excluding Afghan women and girls from education, public and economic life. We call for the immediate reversal of these unacceptable practices and policies.

    2. Noted with grave concern recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the region, as well as the continuing threat terrorism poses to security and stability in Afghanistan; and acknowledged the Taliban actions to tackle terrorist threats from ISIS-K, while recalling the need for the Taliban to pursue actions to tackle terrorist threats, in accordance with Resolution 2593 of the United Nations Security Council and underscoring that some terrorist groups still reside safely inside Afghanistan and are able to plan and carry-out internal and cross-border terrorist strikes.

    3. Underscored that achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan requires a credible and inclusive national dialogue leading to a constitutional order with a representative and inclusive political system, as well as accountable political leaders and the State of Afghanistan meeting its international obligations.

    4. Emphasized the need for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2721 (2023), which took positive note of the UN’s independent assessment prepared pursuant to UNSCR 2679 (2023), encouraged member states and all other relevant stakeholders to consider implementation of its recommendations and requested the UN Secretary General to appoint a Special Envoy for Afghanistan to take forward a process between Afghan stakeholders and the international community for long term peace and stability in Afghanistan.

    5. Commended the work of the United Nations, including the UN-led Doha Process, and recognized the important and specific work of UNAMA, UN agencies present in the country, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the many international and local NGOs and other humanitarian actors that continue to support the people of Afghanistan through ongoing social and humanitarian crisis.

    6. Reaffirmed that international NGOs are indispensable to humanitarian work in Afghanistan; and reinforced the importance of a united humanitarian response that includes representation from UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and other humanitarian actors.

    7. Highlighted the necessity to continue helping Afghans who are suffering in the ongoing humanitarian crisis with appropriate consideration for vulnerable populations, including women and women-led households, children and members of ethnic and religious minority communities.

    8. Looked forward to deepening engagement with neighbouring countries and other countries of the region on a joint response to the developing situation in Afghanistan, including countering potential threats such as terrorism and illegal migration to regional security and stability emanating from Afghanistan; commended the efforts of Muslim-majority countries and the OIC in engaging with the Taliban on women’s and girls’ rights and welcomed the leadership they have demonstrated on issues such as access to education and encouraged them to continue their active engagement on these and related issues.

    9. Expressed their appreciation to Switzerland for organizing these consultations and hosting the meeting; and looked forward to this Group of Special Envoys and Representatives meeting again in the near future.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DoD Releases 2025 Continental U.S. Cost-of-Living Allowance Rates

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    The Defense Department released the 2025 Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance (CONUS COLA) rates today, and will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. In 2025, $51 million will be paid to approximately 61,000 service members stationed within CONUS.

    CONUS COLA is a supplemental allowance designed to help offset higher prices in the highest-cost locations in CONUS that exceed the average costs within the CONUS. Rates can increase, decrease, or remain the same, depending upon the non-housing prices in a duty location as compared to non-housing prices in average CONUS.

    By law, a contractor provides the Department civilian cost data from each military housing area (MHA) and non-MHA for the following categories: transportation, goods and services, federal income taxes, sales taxes, and miscellaneous expenses.  Data is adjusted to account for Basic Allowance for Subsistence, an allowance meant to offset the costs for a member’s meals, day care subsidies, and for cost savings gained from shopping at commissaries and exchanges. This information is compared to the same cost data for average CONUS, which serves as a benchmark; the resulting ratio is called an index.

    By law, a CONUS COLA rate is only prescribed when the index meets a certain threshold above the CONUS average. For 2025, the costs for non-housing types of goods and services in a particular location must be at least 7 percent more expensive than average CONUS costs to qualify for a CONUS COLA payment. An index above 107 percent would qualify for CONUS COLA (e.g., a location that is 10 percent more expensive would qualify for a 3 percent COLA index).

    This year, 10 MHAs will begin receiving CONUS COLA; 6 MHAs will receive an increase in CONUS COLA; 3 MHAs will receive a decrease in CONUS COLA and 4 MHAs will no longer receive CONUS COLA.  

    For non-MHA areas (non-metropolitan counties), 25 counties will gain CONUS COLA, 1 county will receive a decrease in CONUS COLA and 51 counties will lose CONUS COLA.

    Military housing areas with the highest CONUS COLA rates:
              New York City, NY                  8%
              Humboldt County, CA             5%
              San Francisco, CA                 5%

    Military housing area with the largest decrease:
              New York City, NY                  13% to 8%

    Military housing area with the largest increase:
               Humboldt County, CA             0% to 5%

    The total amount of CONUS COLA a Service member receives varies based on geographic duty location, pay grade, years of service, and dependency status.  Payments per CONUS COLA percentage point range from $35 to $60 per month for members with dependents, and from $27 to $46 per month for members without dependents. Service members can calculate their CONUS COLA rate at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/CONUS-COLA-Rate-Lookup/. 

    Additional information about CONUS COLA can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Berwick — Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit charges four people with firearm and drug offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (VISCEU) has charged four people with drug offences after a search warrant was executed at a home in South Berwick.

    On December 6, VISCEU with the assistance of Kings District RCMP, Kentville Police and the Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia (CISNS) executed a search warrant at a home on Buchanan Rd., as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

    At the home, police safely arrested four people then located and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, scales, cellphones, firearms, cash and stolen property.

    Scott Graham, 51, of Berwick; Jessie Jones, 35, of Waterville; and Theresa Atwell, 59, and Josh Jackson, 33, both from Cambridge, have been charged with:

    • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (2 counts)
    • Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (2 counts)
    • Careless Use of Firearm (2 counts)
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (over $5,000)
    • Possession for Purpose of Trafficking (3 counts)

    Atwell was also charged with Possession Contrary to Order, and Jackson was also charged with Failure to Comply with Probation Order.

    All four were released by the Court on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court on February 11 at 9:30 a.m.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.

    File # 2024-1779565

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wake County Man Responsible for Trafficking Methamphetamine Sentenced to 10 Years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Michael Lynn Russell, a 62-year-old resident of Fuquay-Varina, has been sentenced to 120 months in prison after being arrested twice for trafficking methamphetamine.  Russell pled guilty on October 8, 2024.

    “This sentencing reflects the commitment of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department to protecting our community from the devastating impact of methamphetamine trafficking. We are grateful for the collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office, the DEA, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and our dedicated officers who worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice. Let this serve as a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal drug activity in Fuquay-Varina,” said Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Tim Smith.

    According to the court documents and other information review by the court, in August and September 2022, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department (FVPD) received information from a confidential source (CS1) that Russell was sourcing drug sales occurring at the Marquee Station Apartments in Fuquay-Varina.  Law enforcement conducted surveillance on Russell between September 2022 and December 2022.  On December 2, 2022, officers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the FVPD, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a traffic stop on Russell’s vehicle after he left a hotel. A K-9 officer then conducted an open-air sniff search of the car, which resulted in a positive alert for controlled substances.  

    A search of Russell resulted in the seizure of two large bundles of cash folded in half and rubber banded. A search of the vehicle revealed two scales, a meth pipe, torches, baggies, methamphetamine, Suboxone, hydrocodone and Adderall pills, cocaine, and a locked box containing U.S. currency. A total of $10,779.00 in cash was seized during the traffic stop.  Russell was arrested following the traffic stop and released on a state bond.

    From August 2022 through May 15, 2024, Russell was arrested twice each while possessing additional drugs. At sentencing Russell was found to be responsible for 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10 milligrams of hydrocodone, 11 dosage units of Suboxone, 150 milligrams of pure methamphetamine, 5 grams of cocaine, and 26 dosage units of Alprazolam.  After each of his arrests, Russell admitted to his criminal activities to law enforcement.

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief Judge Richard Myers. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Fuquay-Varina Police Department, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:24-cr-00142-M-BM.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawson Sex Offender Sentenced to 17 Years for Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lawson, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender has been sentenced in federal court for distributing child pornography over the internet.

    Lance M. Berry, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Thursday, Dec. 19, to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Berry to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $33,000 in restitution to his victims.

    On Aug. 7, 2024, Berry pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography over the internet.

    Berry has a prior Ray County, Mo., conviction for the deviate sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, which requires him to register as a sex offender.

    Berry admitted that he utilized a peer-to-peer file-sharing program on June 1, 2022, to make images and videos of child pornography available to other users over the internet. On that day, an undercover officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol was able to directly connect to Berry’s cell phone and download 14 videos of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Berry’s cell phone contained 944 unique images of child pornography, including 19 images of sadistic or masochistic violence against a minor, and 168 images featuring infants or toddlers. There were an additional 40 videos of child pornography, which also included depictions of sadistic or masochistic violence and/or infants and toddlers.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.

    Project Safe Childhood

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Priorities for Vermont’s Flood-Impacted Communities to Become Law as Part of Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act 

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the biennial, bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024 was advanced by the Senate. The bill contains several of U.S. Senator Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.) priorities for flood-impacted communities. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.  
    “The Water Resources Development Act will help repair and strengthen Vermont’s flood-impacted infrastructure, protect our watersheds, and make our communities more resilient to extreme weather. Now more than ever, we need to support the Army Corps of Engineers as they work with our communities and the State to protect our communities from flooding,” said Senator Welch. “I look forward to President Biden signing this bipartisan bill, and I thank my colleagues Bernie and Becca for their partnership in getting these Vermont-focused priorities over the finish line.” 
    The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform vital projects including flood control, water navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Senator Welch’s priorities for Vermont in the bill include: 

    Lowering the Non-Federal Cost-Share of the Lake Champlain Watershed Environmental Assistance Program for Vermont: With this legislation, the cost share will be 10% non-federal for underserved communities, down from 35%. This change will make the program more affordable to the towns that most need it.  

    Lowering the State of Vermont Cost-Share for Work on the Waterbury, Wrightsville, and East Barre Dams: The cost share for the three dams would be lowered to roughly 7.1% non-federal, down from 35% for East Barre and Wrightsville. (This cost share adjustment was achieved for Waterbury in the 2022 WRDA reauthorization.) Wrightsville’s dam was nearly breached in the July 2023 floods, and this change will make projects on these three dams more affordable for the state of Vermont in the future.  

    Authorizing a New Flood Control Study of the Winooski River: This bill will authorize a new flood control study of the Winooski River watershed, which would examine how to make the Winooski River and neighboring communities along the river more resilient to future floods and other climate change-fueled natural disasters.   

    Reauthorizing the Aquatic Plant Control Program: The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program is valuable to Vermont’s efforts to combat the spread of water chestnut, a nonnative plant that has threatened to disrupt ecosystems and water access in Lake Champlain. Reauthorization ensures the state can continue using the program in years to come.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on Yalda

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    (flickr.com)

    Media Contacts

    Office of the Premier

    Media Relations
    premier.media@gov.bc.ca

    https://news.gov.bc.ca/31821

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon launches eighth intake of Housing Initiatives Fund

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Yukon launches eighth intake of Housing Initiatives Fund
    jlutz

    The Government of Yukon has opened applications for the eighth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund. With a commitment of up to $4 million for two different funding streams, this initiative aims to support the development of new affordable housing units across the territory.

    The Housing Initiatives Fund supports shovel-ready, partner-led projects with funding to accelerate the delivery of quality, affordable housing for Yukoners. Projects must exceed the National Building Code energy efficiency standards by 25 per cent, ensure that 20 per cent of units in multi-unit buildings are built to accessibility standards and remain affordable (below median market rental rates) for at least 20 years. Additionally, projects must create a minimum of four affordable units in Whitehorse or one unit in rural communities.

    Through the program’s year-round project concepts stream, proponents can access up to $20,000 to support the development of affordable housing project proposals and other pre-development activities.

    The deadline for the eighth intake of shovel-ready project proposals is March 15, 2025. Applications for project concept funding are accepted year-round.

    Since 2018, the Government of Yukon has committed more than $35 million to support projects that will create 931 new units across the territory, including 827 that will remain affordable for 20 years. By supporting private developers alongside partners like the Northern Community Land Trust Society, Da Daghay Development Corporation, Normandy Living, Boreal Commons, Opportunities Yukon and the Safe at Home Society, it has created economic opportunities, strengthened communities and addressed the Yukon’s diverse housing needs.

    The Housing Initiatives Fund helps Yukoners play a key role in creating affordable housing solutions within their own communities. By supporting the development of more affordable rental properties and new homes, this program directly improves the lives of individuals and families across the territory. As the eighth annual intake opens, the Housing Initiatives Fund continues to be a vital resource in easing the housing pressures that impact so many Yukoners.

    Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai

    Quick facts

    • Proponents must be Yukon residents (with proof of residency) or registered Yukon businesses. 

    • Eligible applicants include community housing providers, First Nations governments and development corporations, municipalities and private sector organizations or individuals, committed to completing shovel-ready projects within two years.

    • Shovel-ready construction projects may be eligible for up to $100,000 per unit, with a maximum of $1 million per project. 

    • Additional consideration will be given to projects that address diverse housing needs in the Yukon, including housing for seniors, tenants earning below Yukon Housing Corporation’s household income limits, individuals experiencing homelessness, youth aged 18 to 25 and First Nations-led initiatives.

    • Funding can be combined with other Yukon Housing Corporation programs, such as the Municipal Matching Rental Construction Program and the Developer Build Loan Program, as well as federal funding initiatives.

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 

    Kim Sheridan
    Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
    867-667-8818
    kim.sheridan@yukon.ca 

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Apply for funding for housing initiatives
    Yukon Housing Corporation

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on the Council of Federation Fall 2024 meeting

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Statement from Premier Pillai on the Council of Federation Fall 2024 meeting
    zaburke

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “This week, I had the privilege to join Premiers for the Council of the Federation Fall 2024 meeting in Toronto. We discussed key priorities for the coming year, uniting our voices on issues that matter to all Canadians, including Canada-U.S. relations, health care and energy security.

    “Canada-U.S. relations were a central focus of our discussions. For the Yukon, this means continuing to strengthen our relationship with Alaska, which benefits both sides of the border. Premiers are committed to working hard to avoid any potential U.S. tariffs and agreed on the need to accelerate achieving the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Arctic security was also highlighted in these discussions, and I look forward to raising our interests during the Premiers’ mission to Washington, D.C. in February 2025.

    “For Yukoners, improving health care is a top priority. Our government is working to address the health workforce shortage by supporting recruitment and retention efforts. I know that Minister of Health and Social Services, Tracy-Anne McPhee, along with many health system partners, highlighted our progress in the first annual report on the Health Human Resources Strategy. Premiers continue to stress the need for more resources to tackle the Substance Use Health Emergency, which continues to deeply impact communities across the territory. Faster access to prescription medicines was also an important part of the Premiers’ discussion, and I look forward to seeing progress on this file, led by our respective health ministers.

    “Energy security was another major topic of discussion. As emerging technologies create new opportunities, we must work together to ensure energy is reliable, affordable, and sustainably produced. Critical minerals and energy corridors will play a crucial role in securing Canada’s future prosperity.

    “In addition to the Council of the Federation meeting, I was honoured to once again join Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok and Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson to discuss northern priorities on the national stage. Arctic security, infrastructure and critical minerals were at the top of the agenda. We emphasized the need for more federal investment in these areas to address the unique challenges faced by northern communities. The North must have a seat at the table when it comes to decisions that impact our future. I would like to thank Premier P.J. Akeeagok for his work as chair over the past year and look forward to hosting the 2025 Northern Premiers’ Forum as incoming chair.

    “Attending the Council of Federation is an important opportunity to amplify Yukoners’ voices and advocate for the North. I am honoured to join Premiers in promoting collaboration and remaining committed to working together. I am proud of our continued partnership on these crucial issues and thank Premier Ford for hosting us in Toronto.”
     

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 
     

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Premiers Discuss Important Issues for Canadians
    Government of Yukon addresses Health Human Resources challenges
    Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with northern Premiers

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon announces updates to Yukon Nominee Program application process for 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Yukon announces updates to Yukon Nominee Program application process for 2025
    dkclark

    The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) will reopen for applications from all employers on January 29, 2025, at 9 am Yukon Standard Time. For this calendar year, the program will be moving to an intake-based approach to manage application volumes.

    For the intake beginning on January 29, the program will accept up to 125 new, completed applications. When the program receives the maximum number of applications for that intake, submissions will close until the following intake.

    Unprecedented demand for the Yukon Nominee Program in 2024 necessitated a pause in the acceptance of applications from Whitehorse employers. The updates to the intake model will help spread intake over the year, to help employers and foreign nationals to plan for their applications and give them more flexibility in timing their submissions. It will also help to prevent having more applications submitted than the allocation received from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as seen in 2024.

    These intakes are expected to be held quarterly. However, the actual number of intakes and how many applications can be accepted in the calendar year is contingent upon the number of allocations the Yukon receives from IRCC. The Government of Yukon receives allocations from IRCC in late February of each calendar year and has requested an increase in allocations for 2025. The program’s approach to accepting applications may be adjusted, depending on whether this increase is granted or if allocation numbers change due to evolving federal immigration targets.

    Once the 2025 numbers have been provided, the department will announce further intake dates and the maximum number of applications that can be accepted under each intake.

    People can find more information about the YNP process at https://yukon.ca/en/yukon-nominee-program-process.
     

    Quick facts

    • While an intake is open, the department will post daily updates on the number of applications received. 

    • The Department of Economic Development is continuing discussions with the Government of Canada on how to support people who have work permits expiring in 2025. Details will be announced as they become available.

    • In 2024, the YNP received more applications than allocations available. Because of this, the program anticipates carrying approximately 150 of these extra applications over to 2025 for processing in the new year. Any approved applications will count toward the Yukon’s 2025 allocations, affecting how many more applications can be accepted in the new calendar year. 

    • On October 24, 2024, the Government of Canada announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan with significant reductions in the numbers of temporary and permanent residents. 

    Media contact

    Linnea Blum
    Economic Development
    867-332-2625
    linnea.blum@yukon.ca 
     

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Learn about the Yukon Nominee Program process
    Government of Canada: 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister Sandy Silver on Canada’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Joint statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister Sandy Silver on Canada’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
    zaburke

    Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Finance Sandy Silver have issued the following joint statement:

    “This week, federal House Leader Karina Gould delivered an update on how Canada’s finances and economy are doing along with measures to address critical issues for Canadians in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. Many of these issues are keenly felt in the Yukon and our government is pleased to see the statement recognizes the importance of reducing everyday costs, fostering innovation, adjusting to the current realities of global trade and promoting investment.

    “We are happy to see that the Government of Canada has responded to repeated requests from our government by including a proposal to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act in the Fall Economic Statement. The proposed amendment would allow certain projects, identified with consent from affected Yukon First Nations, to be exempt from re-assessments. Such a change will help combine a strong regulatory framework that protects the Yukon environment with one that eases the way for investment. We look forward to this legislative change creating a more efficient assessment process and are happy to see them move forward after several years of advocacy from our government and support from First Nations governments.

    “Canada’s Premiers have been continually asking for bail reform, so it is heartening to see that the statement commits to amending the Criminal Code to specifically address the bail system. The federal government has also put forward $1.3 billion in new funding towards a comprehensive border security package and we await more details on what this package will look like. This announcement promises to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations and could help curb the flow of fentanyl into the Yukon. 

    “Meeting housing needs is another major area that our government is working with the Government of Canada to address and is crucial to making life in the Yukon more affordable. The statement includes programs that lay the groundwork for putting housing within reach of more Canadians through the Affordable Housing Fund and Canada is also extending the Federal Community Housing Initiative to include residents of non-profit and co-op housing. Our government will examine how these programs will work within the Yukon to increase our housing supply or improve access to existing housing stock. Our government will also make sure that Yukoners can take advantage of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program mentioned in this statement, which will fund retrofits to make homes more energy efficient.

    “We are ready to discuss the programs and initiatives mentioned in the Fall Economic Statement with the Government of Canada and find ways to ensure these measures bring the most benefits to Yukoners, as well as laying out our priorities for the territory for the future.”
     

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 
     

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Investing in Jobs and Growth (Government of Canada news release)
    2024 Fall Economic Statement

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon and Government of Canada announce new investments to make heat pumps more affordable for Yukoners

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Yukon and Government of Canada announce new investments to make heat pumps more affordable for Yukoners
    zaburke

    This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.

    The Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon are partnering to help Yukoners switch to smart electric heating systems, making life more affordable while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Today, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, Brendan Hanley on behalf of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault, announced a federal investment of $1.4 million from the Federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program (OHPA) and $287,000 from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF). Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker announced that the Government of Yukon will provide an additional $700,000 in territorial funding towards further helping low-to-middle-income households cover the cost of purchasing and installing a heat pump. 

    Heat pumps are one of the best ways for homeowners to save money on energy bills and combat climate change. They are two to three times more efficient than other electric home heating sources, providing greater savings for homeowners while reducing energy consumption for utilities and power grids.

    As part of the Government of Yukon’s Affordable Heap Pump Program, eligible Yukon homeowners can receive 100 percent of the cost to purchase and install a heat pump to a maximum of $24,000. Additionally, homeowners can receive an upfront payment of $250 to add high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently heated with oil. Homeowners using other energy sources, such as propane or electric baseboards, could also be eligible for cold climate heat pump rebates funded by LCEF and the Government of Yukon.

    Through these investments, the governments of Canada and Yukon are helping Yukoners access energy-efficient heat pumps, save on their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions to protect the environment. 
     

    Our government believes that we can save money and our planet at the same time. Through Our Clean Future, our government committed to helping Yukoners transition from fossil fuels to smart electric heating systems like heat pumps. I’m pleased that these new investments will help make life more affordable for Yukoners while reducing our territory’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

    Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

    Making the switch to more energy-efficient heating systems can help Canadians save thousands on their energy bills, reduce their energy use and decrease their carbon footprint. That’s why we are strengthening the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program and ensuring that families are in the Yukon supported in making the switch from heating oil to an efficient heat pump. 

    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson

    Yukoners face some of the coldest temperatures in Canada and need reliable, affordable heating systems to stay warm. This is now truer than ever as climate change is making weather increasingly unpredictable.  Heat pumps have shown to be an efficient way to heat homes reducing emissions, protecting the environment and helping Canadians save on their utility bills. That’s why we are investing in programs like this that support the transition and get us closer to our emission reduction goals.

    Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault

    Transitioning to energy-efficient heating systems offers Canadians and Yukoners the opportunity to save money on more-efficient home energy systems. The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program will ensure that families in the Yukon receive the necessary support to switch from heating oil to efficient heat pumps, which will benefit local installers and businesses while also helping ease northern Canada’s pathway to home heating that is less expensive and more environmentally friendly.

    Member of Parliament for Yukon, Brendan Hanley

    Quick facts

    • The federal government’s Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program was first introduced in November 2022 as a $250 million investment in a new stream within the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. On February 22, 2023, the program was opened to pre-registration and was fully launched in late March 2023, with the first grants being issued shortly thereafter.

    • Introduced in October 2023, the federal government announced working with provinces and territories on co-delivery agreements including an upfront payment of $250 for eligible applicants through the Canada Heat Pump Bonus.

    • Every year, on average, a household participating in the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program saves $1,337 on energy costs and 2.78 tonnes in greenhouse gas reductions.

    • The federal government currently has OHPA program co-delivery arrangements in place with British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Active discussions are underway with other provinces and territories to deliver new, strengthened OHPA co-delivery agreements to make heat pumps even more affordable for Canadians across the country. In jurisdictions without co-delivery arrangements, oil-heated households can continue to apply to the national program to receive up to $10,000 in federal OHPA funding for switching to electric heat pumps.

    • The federal government’s Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program has received over 29,000 applications to date nationally.

    • Under Budget 2024, the Government of Canada is taking numerous steps to make life more affordable for Canadians while addressing climate change. This includes the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, which will support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low to median incomes.

    • Yukoners who participate in the Affordable Heat Pump Program (the Yukon’s version of the federal government’s Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program) may retain their pre-existing heating sources as backup systems for periods of extreme cold.

    Media contact

    Media Relations 
    Natural Resources Canada 
    343-292-6096 
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca 

    Joanna Sivasankaran
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Energy
    and Natural Resources
    joanna.sivasankaran@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca 

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 

    Kate Erwin 
    Energy, Mines and Resources 
    867-667-7627
    kate.erwin@yukon.ca 
     

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Yukon affordable heat pump program
    Oil to heat pump affordability program
    Low carbon economy fund
    Canada greener homes initiative
    Canada green building strategy

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Yukon and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce announce community safety funding

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of Yukon and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce announce community safety funding
    zaburke

    This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.

    As part of the Downtown Whitehorse safety action plan, the Government of Yukon is working with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce to administer crime prevention programming for businesses in downtown Whitehorse. 

    The Yukon government is working with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce to facilitate delivery of crime and theft prevention and de-escalation tools to Whitehorse businesses and organizations. 

    The content of this programming has been developed with industry partners following discussions with affected businesses. It will provide:

    • Subsidies to businesses in downtown Whitehorse for security assessments of locations, including assessment of layout and design to aid in crime prevention. 
       
    • Training to business owners and staff, including but not limited to de-escalation and conflict resolution training.
       
    • An updated Who’s Minding Your Business security checklist to support businesses as they work to address security elements. 

    This new pilot programming is being offered as year one of the Crime Prevention Grant program. Security assessments conducted this year may be helpful in adjusting the program design and guidelines in the future to better address the specific needs of participants. The aim is to provide qualifying businesses and NGOs with practical skills, updated resources and security strategies. 
     

    Program guidelines and information on how to apply will be posted on the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce website in January 2025.
     

    Businesses and NGOs in Whitehorse have been resilient in the face of ongoing challenges, but work is needed to ensure they can operate safely. We will continue to provide resources to support them and to increase overall community safety in our territory’s capital. I want to thank the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce for their dedication to advocating for a safer city and for taking on the administration of phase one of this program. 

    Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

    This pilot program is an important first step in addressing the safety and security concerns of Whitehorse businesses and organizations. By providing practical tools such as security assessments, de-escalation training and updated resources, we aim to empower businesses and organizations with preventative strategies while working together to create a safer and more resilient community.

    Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrei Samson

    Quick facts

    • This programming is being created in accordance with the Downtown Whitehorse safety action plan.

    • Funding has been approved for three fiscal years, from 2024–25 through 2026–27. This new agreement with the Chamber will support them in distributing this funding for the first year. 

    • The planned phases include:

      • Phase 1 (January 2025 to March 2025): Establish a project team, orient staff, and begin communications with stakeholders.
      • Phase 2 (April 2025 to September 2025): Collect qualitative data, meet with stakeholders, roll out a survey, and conduct data analysis.
      • Phase 3 (October 2025 to March 2026): Perform safety assessments, host further community meetings, and conduct validating surveys.
      • Phase 4 (April 2026 to July 2026): Develop, review, and present a final Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
         

    • Over the next three years, the Crime Prevention Grant will focus on providing subsidies for security equipment purchases and installations, as well as assistance for damage caused by break-ins or vandalism, including costs not covered by insurance.

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 

    Damian Topps
    Economic Development Communications
    867-667-5378
    damian.topps@yukon.ca 
     

    News release #:
    Related information:
    Government of Yukon provides update on work underway to enhance public safety i…
    Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce
    Downtown Whitehorse safety response action plan

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition opens in Dubai (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition opens in Dubai (with photos)
    “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition opens in Dubai (with photos)
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         The “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition opened in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, today (December 20). This is the fifth stop of the exhibition, following its successful staging by the Information Services Department (ISD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Guangzhou, China between July 2023 and August 2024.      Organised in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), the exhibition is part of the ISD’s promotional campaign to showcase the city’s new attractions, advantages and opportunities. Themed “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, it invites visitors from the Middle East to explore the unique potential for tourism, business and investment in Hong Kong.      The Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu, said Hong Kong has been actively expanding and deepening its overseas networks, including closer co-operation and engagement with the Middle East.      “The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and a number of Principal Officials have led delegations to visit the Middle East since last year to strengthen Hong Kong’s connections with the region, to tell good stories of Hong Kong, and to explore greater business opportunities.      “Building on the success of the previous runs of the exhibition, we are bringing it to the Middle East for the first time. We hope that the exhibition in Dubai will provide an opportunity for our friends in the region to understand more about our city and its unique potential,” she said.     Through interactive art technology, the “Immersive Hong Kong” exhibition enables visitors to delve into different virtual scenes representing the city with a creative twist. The five thematic zones, namely “Financial Bridgehead”, “I&T Brain Bank”, “Blossoming Creativity”, “Diversity and Greenery” and “Buzzing Sports Action”, feature multiple interactive art projections, light box installations and naked-eye 3D displays, presenting the multifaceted appeal of Hong Kong. There is a special introduction to the Kai Tai Sports Park, Hong Kong’s new state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports venue, which is set to officially open in the first quarter of 2025.      Visitors may also enjoy the city’s vibrant and colourful skyline, illustrated by Hong Kong artist Messy Desk (Jane Lee), at a photo corner in the venue. Promotional videos on Hong Kong and digital panels with information and insights shared by companies and prominent individuals from the Middle East about their experiences in Hong Kong are also on display, explaining why the city is one of the most desirable places to visit, live, work and invest.     To encourage more people to visit Hong Kong, an interactive game, “Snap a cool shot @Immersive Hong Kong”, is also part of the exhibition. Two winners will receive attractive prizes sponsored by Cathay Pacific. The winner of the Grand Prize will receive two round-trip business class air tickets from Dubai to Hong Kong, while the runner-up will receive two round-trip economy class air tickets on the same itinerary.     To give Middle East audiences a taste of Hong Kong’s cultural offerings, a pop music concert by SENZA A Cappella and a street dance performance by Move Beyond will be staged at the exhibition venue from today to December 22.     The exhibition is being held at The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence, a buzzing residential, shopping and dining complex in Dubai, until January 5, 2025. Admission is free, and visitors will be offered souvenirs during the event. In addition to Dubai ETO, other supporting organisations of this event include the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Hong Kong Talent Engage, Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Kai Tak Sports Park.      More information on the exhibition is available on the dedicated page on the Brand Hong Kong website (www.brandhk.gov.hk/en/campaign/hkpromotion-middle-east) as well as the website of Dubai ETO (www.hketodubai.gov.hk/en/index.html).

     
    Ends/Friday, December 20, 2024Issued at HKT 23:44

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chair Murray Statement on Government Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the path forward to fund the government:

    “I’m ready to stay here through Christmas because we’re not going to let Elon Musk run the government. Put simply, we should not let an unelected billionaire rip away research for pediatric cancer so he can get a tax cut or tear down policies that help America outcompete China because it could hurt his bottom line. We had a bipartisan deal—we should stick to it. The deal that was already agreed to would responsibly fund the government, offer badly needed disaster relief to communities across America, and deliver some good bipartisan policy reforms.

    “The American people do not want chaos or a costly government shutdown all because an unelected billionaire wants to call the shots—I am ready to work with Republicans and Democrats to pass the bipartisan deal both sides negotiated as soon as possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU summit discusses EU’s role in the world

    Source: European Union 2

    EU leaders gathered in Brussels to talk over the EU’s role in the world. Their focus was on Ukraine and on the situation in the Middle East, following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. They also exchanged on the situation in Moldova and Georgia, as well as on the latest progress on enlargement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Peers respond to House of Lords appointments

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Peers Jenny Jones and Natalie Bennett respond to news that new Peers have been appointed to the House of Lords:

    “We are the two Green Party peers who have campaigned for the Lords to be replaced with an elected second chamber. We hope these new peers will join us in doing the same. 

    “If the second chamber matched the votes at the general election, there would be more than fifty greens under a fair votes system. Instead, we have the establishment parties constantly appointing people and increasing the size of the house for their own purposes.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: November 2024 Transaction Data

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in November 2024.

    NicoElNino/Shutterstock.com

    Please note this data shows what HM Land Registry has been able to process during the time period covered and is not necessarily a reflection of market activity.

    In November:

    • HM Land Registry completed more than 1,943,100 applications to change or query the Land Register 
    • the South East topped the table of regional applications with 435,883

    HM Land Registry completed 1,943,101 applications in November compared with 2,140,187 in October and 1,793,402 last November 2023, of which: 

    • 306,054 were applications for register updates compared with 310,269 in October
    • 1,110,956 were applications for an official copy of a register compared with 1,235,375 in October
    • 209,365 were search and hold queries (official searches) compared with 231,874 in October
    • 89,170 were transactions for value compared with 91,561 in October
    • 16,723 were postal applications from non-account holders compared with 17,806 in October

    Applications by region and country 

    Region/country September applications October applications November applications
    South East 437,185 482,889 435,883
    Greater London 362,510 403,283 365,053
    North West 219,362 238,586 216,160
    South West 188,834 207,134 185,863
    West Midlands 163,947 184,916 168,918
    Yorkshire and the Humber 155,258 173,833 155,460
    East Midlands 142,378 156,106 146,092
    North 95,537 105,772 95,129
    East Anglia 80,620 91,431 87,995
    Isles of Scilly 159 137 103
    Wales 89,016 95,981 86,328
    England and Wales (not assigned) 110 119 117
    Total 1,934,916 2,140,187 1,943,101

    Top 5 local authority areas 

    November 2024 applications

    Top 5 local authority areas November applications
    Birmingham 29,319
    City of Westminster 26,518
    Leeds 22,886
    North Yorkshire 21,615
    Buckinghamshire 19,974

    October 2024 applications

    Top 5 local authority areas October applications
    Birmingham 33,745
    City of Westminster 31,294
    Leeds 25,654
    North Yorkshire 25,103
    Cornwall 22,138

    Top 5 customers 

    November 2024 applications

    Top 5 customers November applications
    Infotrack Limited 187,524
    Orbital Witness Limited 39,998
    Landmark Information Group Ltd 35,947
    Enact 30,521
    O’Neill Patient 27,874

    October 2024 applications

    Top 5 customers October applications
    Infotrack Limited 213,540
    Landmark Information Group Ltd 48,797
    Enact 33,503
    Orbital Witness Limited 33,417
    O’Neill Patient 30,657

    Access the full dataset on our Use land and property data service.

    Next publication 

    Transaction Data is published on the 15th working day of each month. The December 2024 data will be published at 11am on Wednesday 22 January 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New safety measures installed at bus station to tackle ASB

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 20th December 2024

    Major improvement work is being carried at a Stoke-on-Trent bus station, making it safer, more comfortable and easier for passengers travelling around the city.

    New lighting, seating and CCTV is being installed at Longton Bus Station as part of the project which aims to improve the look of the station and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

    Part of the existing canopy which covers all nine stands at the bus station is also being removed to create more open space and improve visibility.

    In addition, information boards displaying real-time passenger information will be installed in the new year, during Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year.

    The work has been carried out in partnership with Staffordshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. It has been funded by £46,409 of Government funding as part of the Safer Streets 5 programme.

    Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are aware of some of the problems which have been reported in this area including dangerous driving, disorder, vandalism and criminal damage and we believe that these improvements will go a long way to combat these issues.

    “We are working with partners all over the city to design out crime in our town centres and this project is just one example of how we working together to make our city safer for all.”

    In addition to the work at Longton Bus Station, a separate package of improvements is being planned in the near future, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government.

    This work will include improved pedestrian links between the bus station and the neighbouring retail park, market and surrounding businesses.

    Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, said: “Funding from the Safer Streets project has been used across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to tackle anti-social behaviour which can blight our communities.

    “I hope that bus station users will feel much safer as a result of this work.”

    Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner said: “The work at Longton bus station is just a small part of the work the council are doing to make the city safer for everyone.

    “Additional lights, cameras and the open plan bus station will provide better access and improve visibility to deter people from using the station for anti-social activities.

    “The Safer Streets funding will improve the streets, leading to a safer more accessible city. I hope everyone will feel the benefits of this.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rouge Bouillon update20 December 2024 TravelClarendon Road is now open southbound towards town diversions remain in place please follow signsonly travel to the area if necessaryPedestrian diversion route now in place Residents building monitoring… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    20 December 2024

    Travel

    • Clarendon Road is now open southbound towards town 
    • diversions remain in place please follow signs
    • only travel to the area if necessary
    • Pedestrian diversion route now in place

    Residents 

    • building monitoring continues 
    • Infrastructure & Environment are still assessing repairs to the area. 

    Thank you for your patience. These measures will be in place over the weekend. 

    Further updates will follow on Monday after 1pm.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gasworks Pipe Bridge reopens

    Source: City of Oxford

    Friday, 20 December 2024

    We are pleased to announce that the bearing replacement works for the Gasworks Pipe Bridge have been successfully completed.

    The bridge has been de-jacked, reconnected to the abutments, and is now open for public use. The contractor will return to the site in early January to carry out final works, including restoring the towpaths to a good condition and demobilising the site compound area.

    Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout this project.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Town ambition for Liverpool North

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Plans to redevelop one of Britain’s most deprived areas and to build more than 10,000 new homes have been set out by Liverpool City Council.

    A visionary submission for New Town status has been sent to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government for New Town status to expand the regeneration of the northern fringe of the City through to Bootle town centre.

    The new development – to be known as Liverpool North – would span 5km between Bootle and Liverpool and include Everton, Anfield and Kirkdale.

    The bold proposal would see the transformation of a number of brownfield sites, which would also lay the foundations for economic growth and sustainability, encompassing Everton FC’s new £500m stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and the £20m Bootle New Strand development project.

    Liverpool City Council has worked in collaboration with Sefton Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Homes England, and key landowners in the area to set out a 10-year vision for the area.

    The partnership could see the ambitious proposals revitalise communities blighted by high deprivation, unlocking economic potential for decades to come. The plan will focus on building on unused land, repurposing old buildings while maintaining and supporting communities that already call the area home.

    New Town status is a designation given to certain areas in the UK that are undergoing significant redevelopment. These areas are often characterised by a mix of old and new housing, commercial spaces and infrastructure. The goal of New Town status is to revitalise these areas and to make them more attractive places to live, work and play.

    Liverpool North is strategically located with existing transport links and presents a key opportunity for large-scale urban expansion and regeneration.

    Liverpool City Council is planning to accelerate housing development in the Liverpool North area through several key projects. These include:
    • Goodison Legacy: working with Everton Football Club and Everton in the Community, the Council is developing plans for the area around Goodison Park, including a new strategic walking and cycling route that will unlock key housing sites (“The Toffee Trail”).
    • County Road: proposals for County Road are also being developed, with a focus on linking Goodison to the new Bramley Moore Stadium.
    • Anfield: The Council is working with housing associations, commercial partners and Liverpool Football Club to bring forward housing and mixed-use development in the Anfield area, including a “Red Walk” connection.
    • Greatie Market: a £5 million investment in Great Homer Market is expected to stimulate increased housing development around the market.

    These projects are all linked to other major developments in the area, such as Liverpool Waters, Bramley Moore Dock, Ten Streets Creative District and Pumpfields.

    The Council has developed these transformational plans with the support of Everton Football Club, Everton in the Community and Liverpool Football Club, in addition to key landowners and place shapers in the area – including Torus, Riverside Group, and One Vision.

    The Liverpool North corridor represents a unique opportunity to marry urban development in Liverpool with regeneration plans in Bootle, creating a strategic city fringe location. This area currently faces significant challenges, including high deprivation, economic inactivity, and poor housing quality.

    The vision is to create a sustainable and attractive new community. This will be achieved through the building of high-quality housing with a significant proportion of affordable homes, investing in existing homes to improve quality and significantly improving transport infrastructure.

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “These ambitious plans mark the beginning of an era of change and transformation for the whole Liverpool City Region. If given the go-ahead by the UK Government, Liverpool North will be a dramatic new landmark between the city centre and Bootle and provide a catalytic boost to the area.

    “The revitalisation of communities across a huge area, from Bootle through Kirkdale, to Anfield and Everton, will give the whole region a massive economic boost, provide thousands of affordable homes and create new districts providing employment, leisure and educational opportunities.

    “I can’t wait to see how this plan develops in the coming months and the difference it will make to our great City.”

    Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to regeneration and this would super-charge our plans to transform Bootle and south Sefton for the benefit of residents and businesses.

    “We’ve already seen the impact that our work has had so far with the creation of the Salt and Tar entertainment venue along with plans to improve the Strand Shopping Centre so it becomes a modern town centre but this would take things on to another level.

    “We all know too well the challenges we have with some of the housing quality in the borough so this would also see huge improvements in the housing stock while improving our links into the city centre and beyond.

    “By working across the city region area there are so many opportunities for us to benefit from the significant investment on our doorstep through projects such as Everton’s new stadium and I’m excited to see how this develops.”

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Our plans for North Liverpool and South Sefton is a perfect example of how the Liverpool City Region’s bold, joined-up thinking can help deliver on the government’s national missions, including the drive to build 1.5 million new homes. We’re not just about hitting targets for the sake of it; but transforming areas that have been left behind for far too long and showing the power of regeneration to improve lives.

    “Our vision aligns perfectly with what the country needs right now—thousands of high-quality, affordable homes that lay the foundations for strong, thriving communities. Working hand in hand with local councils, housing associations, and national partners, we’re proving that the Liverpool City Region is ready to lead the way again.

    “This will be about much more than bricks and mortar; it’s about giving people pride in their place, creating opportunities, and showing how ambition and collaboration can deliver real change. Together, we’re not just building houses—we’re building hope, ambition, and a brighter future for our region.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health, medical research supported

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Health Bureau today said the Government provides comprehensive and dedicated support for health and medical research projects, research infrastructure and research capacity building in Hong Kong through setting up the Health & Medical Research Fund (HMRF).

    Making the statement in regard to some recent media reports on the Government’s funding support for infectious diseases-related research, the bureau emphasised that the Government has all along been highly supportive of the local health and medical sector to conduct health and medical research, including those related to infectious diseases.

    The bureau noted that funding commitment to the HMRF, established in 2011, has been increased repeatedly and the approved amount has increased to $4.22 billion to support Government-commissioned programmes and investigator-initiated projects. Among them, those related to infectious diseases research amount to $1.2 billion.

    Such projects involved six commissioned programmes on infectious diseases with approved funding of $792 million, covering COVID-19, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), influenza, avian flu, swine flu and other respiratory infectious diseases, human papilloma virus and anti-microbial resistance research.

    The above-mentioned commissioned programmes include a total of $556 million since April 2020 to support 105 individual COVID-19 related research studies from bench to bedside and at the community level through application of new technologies.

    These studies provide new evidence to support the Government to promptly tackle the COVID-19 epidemic by formulating health policies, identifying the transmission chains, implementing control measures, improving clinical management as well as developing and promoting the vaccination programme.

    One of the research projects successfully developed the sewage testing approach for quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2, providing an important indicator for the Government to keep track of virus activity in the community during the COVID-19 epidemic.

    For investigator-initiated projects, infectious disease has always been one of the thematic priorities. As of end September 2024, a total of about 400 research studies have been funded amounting to $424 million.

    Such studies covered the prevention, detection, diagnosis and management of various infectious diseases, such as the hepatitis virus, tuberculosis, AIDS, and those related to preparedness and response to a pandemic and epidemic.

    The Government encourages researchers to continue to leverage the HMRF to amplify the value of their research projects into full play and usher in considerable and sustainable positive impacts on health policy making and implementation with their research outcomes and to unleash new quality productive forces.

    On combating infectious diseases, the Government will continue to support the health and medical sector in conducting related research in order to enhance the capacity in surveillance, early detection, prevention and control.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –