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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Global: Alberta’s impending anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation is stoking fear and anxiety

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Corinne L. Mason, Professor, Women’s and Gender Studies, Mount Royal University

    The Alberta Legislature has reconvened for its fall sitting, and the United Conservative Party is expected to table new anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation that will restrict trans women and girls’ access to sports, curtail inclusive education and ban youth from accessing gender affirming care.

    Some of the potential measures include banning puberty blockers for youth, and having parents opt-in for their children to be present for formal lessons on sexual health. In addition, trans women could be banned from competing in women’s sports.

    In February, when Alberta Premier Danielle Smith first announced these policies, she was riding the wave of the “parental rights” movement. Smith framed these policies as the government protecting children from harm, telling the media that she was “sympathetic to parents who want to preserve the innocence of their kids for as long as they can.”

    The parental rights movement has reintroduced homophobic and transphobic narratives from the 1970s that position 2SLGBTQIA+ people as pedophiles and “groomers” who “recruit” children. According to parental rights proponents, kids have to be protected from “gender indoctrination.” This hate movement has led to violent attacks against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, such as bomb threats targeting drag performers at library storytimes.

    Despite growing awareness that “parental rights” proponents are connected to a larger network of dangerous hate groups including the Proud Boys, The Patriot Front and the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, provincial conservative governments and parties in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have introduced anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies inspired by this movement.

    As concerned parents, we have been following how the “parental rights” movement is influencing provincial government policies. As researchers, we have been publishing our analysis about the rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiments in Alberta for the past two years.

    In early 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her government will implement new policies relating to transgender youth.

    Our conversations with parents

    As the parental rights movement and associated anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation are new, scholars and other organizations are just beginning to publish findings showing the harm they have created. For example, a recently published academic study from the United States found that in states where anti-transgender laws legislation has been enacted, suicide attempts among transgender and non-binary youth have increased by up to 72 per cent.

    Academic scholarship about the impact of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation in Canada does not yet exist. This gap in knowledge motivated us to undertake a research project that could capture the experiences of parents as this new “parental rights” legislation rolls out.

    Set in Calgary, Alberta, our ongoing study involves 10 parents from 2SLGBTQIA+ families who have committed to bi-monthly focus groups over the period of a year. By facilitating conversations with parents, our aim is to track the short and long-term impacts of the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ climate in Alberta. The participants in our study are a mix of straight, cisgender, queer and trans parents. All of them are already experiencing the negative outcomes of Alberta’s move to legislate 2SLGBTQIA+ lives.

    Below, we have used pseudonyms to protect their identities.

    We held our first focus group in late September 2024 where we asked participants about their concerns related to the impending changes to education, health care and sports in the province. We also asked parents what they knew about the parental rights movement, and how the rhetoric of parental rights is affecting their families.

    One of the overwhelming sentiments of the parents was that the parental rights movement excluded parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ kids. According to our participants, voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and families are missing or silenced in the conversations around “protecting children.”

    One participant, Maia, said: “There needs to be more representation of the parents especially because it’s a legislation that’s being fought on behalf of parents so we need to make our voices heard.”

    Olivia similarly stated, “I feel like people keep talking for parents. I’m a parent and you’re not saying anything I think … so I just feel very unheard.”

    When it came to parental rights, participants remarked that their parental choice to support their 2SLGBTQIA+ kids is not being protected. In fact, they felt their responsibility to protect their children from harm is being taken away by the provincial government that is making choices for their families.

    Courtney stated: “It makes me really angry that our kid’s medical care can be adjusted based on the government. I work in health care. The thought that the government could step in and get a doctor to go against evidence-based medical care is … insanity.”

    2SLGBTQIA+ youth express fear

    According to the parents in our study, the impending legislation has stoked so much fear and anxiety in their children that their school experiences have already been negatively affected. Courtney’s trans child has missed a large chunk of school since the announcement of impending anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies last February.

    Another parent, Sophia, told us that her teenager’s overall well-being has “deteriorated” since the impending legislation was announced: “She has started self harming. She is missing school. She is terrified for what’s coming … even though she knows that for her she’s somewhat protected with her HRT [hormone replacement therapy], but it doesn’t mean that they’re not going to say something about bathrooms or that her friends are safe.”

    Saskatchewan’s Conservative Premier Scott Moe recently promised to implement a new policy that would ban trans girls from school change rooms. In Alberta, the UCP’s policy resolutions for 2024 include a similar ban, but instead of focusing on schools, the party aims to remove trans women and girls from all “exclusively female spaces.”

    Our research, while preliminary, demonstrates that harmful effects are already taking shape in Alberta, and parents in 2SLGBTQIA+ families are terrified of what is coming with the legislation dropping soon.

    As we map the fallout of Alberta’s anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation over the next year, we expect to collect similar findings to that of our U.S. research counterparts who are publishing evidence that these policies are associated with adverse consequences to mental and physical well-being.

    Corinne L. Mason receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Leah Hamilton receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Alberta’s impending anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation is stoking fear and anxiety – https://theconversation.com/albertas-impending-anti-2slgbtqia-legislation-is-stoking-fear-and-anxiety-241874

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £1 billion to boost bus services across the country as bus fares capped at £3

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The £3 fare cap will keep bus travel affordable while ensuring it is fair to taxpayers.

    • single bus fares to be capped at £3 until the end of 2025, ensuring services remain affordable and supporting travel in rural areas and towns
    • fare cap extension comes on top of nearly £925 million invested to deliver high quality services and protect vital bus routes up and down the country
    • part of government plans to end the postcode lottery of bus services, ensure access to opportunities and deliver growth

    Millions of people will enjoy better bus services as the government invests over £1 billion to protect vital bus routes and cap bus fares, particularly in rural communities and towns where there is a heavy reliance on buses. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed today (28 October 2024) that bus travel will be kept down at £3 at the Budget for an additional year – saving up to 80% on some routes. 

    Under the inherited plans, funding for the current cap on bus fares had been due to expire at the end of 2024, with fares set to soar by as much as £13 for the Leeds to Scarborough route, unless the government intervened to keep fares down.

    The government’s announcement will ensure fares remain affordable from 1 January 2025 and prevent a financial cliff-edge for bus operators that would have seen vital services put at risk across the country. 

    The £3 maximum fare cap will keep bus travel affordable while ensuring the cap is fair to taxpayers, helping millions of people access better opportunities and protect vital bus routes, particularly lifeline services in rural communities. 

    The cap means no bus fare will exceed £3, and routes where fares are less than £3 will only be allowed to increase by inflation in the normal way. Local authorities and Metro Mayors can also fund their own schemes to keep fares down, as is already the case in London, West Yorkshire and Manchester.

    Some of the biggest bus savings on some key routes up and down the country include: 

    Journey Normal fare Amount save under £3 cap % saving under £3 cap
    Newcastle to Middlesbrough £8.00 £5.00 63%
    Hull to York £8.50 £5.50 65%
    Leeds to Scarborough £15.00 £12.00 80%

    The cap is being funded by £151 million from government until the end of 2025. It comes as the Department for Transport confirms an additional £925 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to improve bus services across the country, bringing total bus investment at the Budget to over £1 billion.

    Local authorities can use the £925 million to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

    Moving forward, the government will also explore more targeted options that deliver value for money to the taxpayer to ensure affordable bus travel is always available for the groups who need it the most – such as young people. 

    Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: 

    Buses are the engines of economic opportunity across the country.  

    We know that reliable, affordable bus services are vital to keeping Britain moving. That’s why the government will cap fares at £3 for an additional year and provide over £1 billion to deliver better bus services. 

    This will avoid a cliff-edge at the end of this year and keep fares affordable across the country – improving access to opportunities, particularly in towns and rural areas, while offering value for the taxpayer. 

    Our bus revolution will give every community the power to take back control of their services, end the postcode lottery of services and turn the page on 4 decades of failed deregulation.

    The move comes ahead of the new Buses Bill, to be introduced later this parliamentary session, which will help bring an end to the current postcode lottery of bus services by empowering local authorities to deliver modern and integrated bus networks that put passengers at the heart of local decision making. 

    The bill will mean local transport authorities can emulate the huge success of publicly controlled buses in Greater Manchester and London. Greater Manchester’s successful Bee Network has already seen passenger numbers grow by 5% since public control began to be rolled out just a year ago.

    Buses remain the most used form of public transport across the country, but – after almost 4 decades of failed deregulation – thousands of vital services have been slashed, with passengers left frustrated at the lack of accountability. 

    Since 2010, the number of miles driven by buses has plummeted by around 300 million. The transformative work this government is doing will turn the tide by giving communities access to reliable and affordable services and the opportunity to have a real say in building local transport networks that work for them.

    David Sidebottom, director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said:

    We know that bus passengers want simpler, better value for money fares and buses provide a lifeline for so many people up and down the country. Our research shows the fare cap is having a big impact in helping more people get around by bus.

    We welcome the wider investment in services, and the announcement of a new £3 cap on bus fares will provide certainty for many people who are struggling and worried about the cost of travel.

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    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twillingate — Twillingate RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at Gary’s Irving in Summerford, man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a break, enter and theft that occurred on October 26, 2024, at Gary’s Irving in Summerford, 41-year-old Adam Boyde was arrested by Twillingate RCMP.

    The crime occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. on October 26. The front door glass was smashed and a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes were stolen from inside. Evidence obtained during the investigation identified the suspect as Adam Boyde, who was arrested later that day.

    Boyde is charged with break, enter and theft and is set to appear in court at a later date.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration, alongside Congresswoman Wilson, Announce $389 million towards Miami-Dade County’s Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    The Federal Transit Administration, alongside Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24), announced that it is advancing the Miami-Dade County Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project into the Engineering phase of the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. 

    This means the Federal Transit Administration will invest $389,474,434 in Miami-Dade County. The total project plan is $927.3 million, and under this plan, the Federal Transit Administration will provide $389.4 million, Miami Dade County will provide 337.9 million, and the State of Florida will commit $200 million.

    Congresswoman Wilson, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said, “The Federal Transit Administration’s announcement is a game-changer for Miami-Dade County and brings our community much closer to seeing the Northeast Corridor become a reality. Traffic and transit options have been issues across Miami-Dade County for as long as I can remember, especially in areas like Wynwood, Aventura, Little Haiti, and North Miami. I’m proud to have worked with our county officials and federal partners at the Federal Transit Administration to help secure these funds for Miami-Dade County. Constructing the Northeast Corridor will help reduce traffic, provide more transportation options, create jobs, contribute to our efforts to combat the climate crisis, and allow Miami-Dade County to become the modern, transit-connected community it deserves to be. While more work lies ahead, today marks a large milestone in our efforts to construct the Northeast Corridor.”

    Congresswoman Wilson represents the areas where the Northeast Corridor would be constructed, including North Miami, Aventura, and Little Haiti. She has been a consistent advocate for the Northeast Corridor and has previously requested $454 million in funds from the federal government for the Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project. She was also one of five cosponsors of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which helped allow this funding for the Northeast Corridor.

    “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for continuing to support this critical project and our SMART Program to offer more affordable transportation options to our community,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The Northeast Corridor and its local commuter rail service will help reduce traffic and give many residents, especially in underserved areas, more options to access jobs, education and opportunities. This service will be a gamechanger for those who need it most as we continue building the future of transit in Miami-Dade.”

    Next, the project will need a second rating from the Federal Transit Administration, considering factors such as mobility improvements, land use, and environmental benefits. Miami-Dade Transportation and Public Works already scored well enough on the first review to move into the Engineering phase and grant preliminary approval for a Capital Investment Grant. If they receive a strong score again and complete all engineering work, they’ll be able to secure a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration. This agreement would commit the Federal Transit Administration to provide $389.3 million for the project, pending the availability of funding through annual appropriations, as this transit program relies on the General Fund instead of guaranteed Highway Trust Fund dollars.

    No congressional approval is needed on a project-specific level, but Congress will have to approve funds for all Capital Investment Grants projects as part of the annual Congressional appropriations process to ensure the funds for this project.

    “The Federal Transit Administration’s $389 million investment in Miami-Dade’s Northeast Corridor is a monumental step forward in our efforts to create a modern, connected transit system that serves our residents and visitors,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “This funding is a testament to our community’s vision and the commitment from leaders like Congresswoman Federica Wilson to make that vision a reality. With stops in places like Wynwood, Little Haiti, and at the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, expanding and improving our transit options means less traffic congestion, a cleaner environment, and enhanced access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities for thousands. I am proud to advocate for this vital project alongside our congressional partners and look forward to the progress that will transform how we move across Miami-Dade.”

    Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who represents the area where the Northeast Corridor would be constructed, has traveled numerous times between Miami-Dade and Washington, D.C., to advocate for this funding.

    Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert said, “This announcement by the FTA marks a commitment to a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive Miami-Dade County. Whether it’s jobs, housing, or educational opportunities, the federal support for the Northeast Corridor will bring transformative change and make it easier for people to connect with what matters most in their lives.”

    Cathy Dos Santos, Executive Director of Transit Alliance Miami, said, “In August of 2024, 80% of Miami-Dade voters gave our elected officials a mandate to expand mass rapid transit, the Northeast Corridor delivers. This rail project is a giant step towards a robust, competitive transit network that secures the economic well-being of Miami-Dade. For our workers and families, this commuter rail will be a completely new way of moving that’s safe, fast, affordable, and enjoyable, compared to the traffic nightmare of the I-95. We commend Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Commissioner Higgins for fighting to secure this funding and Miami-Dade’s future!”

    For the approval letter from the Federal Transit Administration, click here.

    For the details on the Federal Transit Administration’s announcement, click here.

    The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project includes 13.5 miles of commuter rail, with 7 stations, including Miami Central, Wynwood, Design District, Little Haiti, North Miami, FIU/Biscayne, and West Aventura.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blaine’s Bulletin: The Promise of NextGen MURR

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

    For so many of us, cancer isn’t just a word—it’s personal.  Whether it’s touched a friend, family member, or even ourselves, cancer has left its mark on our lives and our communities. It’s a fight that impacts not only our loved ones but also our entire nation. But here in the Third District, we are leading the charge in the fight against this devastating disease. With each passing day, research and treatment options are advancing, and I’m proud to say that Missouri is at the forefront of that progress.

    Over the past 15 years, I’ve been an avid supporter of funding the nuclear reactor at the University of Missouri. This isn’t just about funding a reactor; it’s about powering life-saving discoveries. The NextGen MURR project will bring a new, 20-megawatt state-of-the-art research reactor to Mizzou, expanding critical medical isotope research and production for cancer treatments. These are the technologies that make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients—technologies that come from uranium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are the backbone of nuclear reactors and the radiopharmaceuticals they produce. NextGEN MURR builds on the legacy of the existing MURR facility, the only U.S. producer of four essential medical isotopes used to treat liver, thyroid, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.  This new reactor will allow Missouri to remain a global leader in the development of radiopharmaceuticals, strengthening our role in research that will impact healthcare nationwide. 

    This couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment. As the demand for critical minerals essential for lifesaving treatments is projected to surge by over 20% in the next decade—largely fueled by the increasing need for cancer therapies that rely on isotopes—NextGEN MURR is perfectly positioned to meet this challenge. Currently, MURR is already making significant contributions to healthcare, generating billions through enhanced diagnostics and treatment. With the development of NextGEN MURR, we have the potential to elevate that impact to an astounding $3 billion annually. 

    I began supporting the research reactor at the University of Missouri because I believed in its potential to change lives right here in the Third District. Supporting Missouri-based research has always been an easy decision for me—not just for the research dollars, but for positioning Missouri as a hub for innovation. Today, we’re seeing that vision realized as MURR leads groundbreaking work that’s saving lives and advancing cancer treatment. But this is just the beginning. As NextGEN MURR propels us into the next 15 years, driving new discoveries in nuclear research, medical treatments, and technological advancements that will directly benefit our district and our nation, its impact will extend far beyond the lab. It will create high-skilled jobs, boost our local economy, and ensuring more families in our community have access to cutting-edge treatments.

    I’ll leave you with this – I can assure you that the future of the Third District is bright as we lead the nation in nuclear research and medical technology, offering real hope in the fight against cancer. Our investment today is more than just a financial commitment; it’s a promise to future generations to come.  

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wittman Hosts Veterans Seminar in Midlothian

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)

    MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today hosted a community seminar at American Legion Post 354 in Midlothian to convene veterans, their families, support organizations, and community members to provide resources and discuss the challenges faced by the veterans community in Virginia’s First District. The seminar was a follow-up to a similar event the congressman hosted in Mechanicsville earlier this month.

    Watch the livestream here.

    “Our veterans made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for that service,” said Rep. Wittman. “These heroes and their families deserve access to the highest level of care, employment and educational opportunities, and support from their community. Our veterans have earned their benefits through sacrifice, service, and hardship, and I believe they should receive the most efficient delivery of benefits possible. I remain committed to protecting these hard-earned benefits for our nation’s heroes.”

    The congressman was joined by Harry Schein, veterans service representative at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and Bill Barksdale, assistant director of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Roanoke Regional Office. 

    Virginia’s First District is home to many veterans, with over 700,000 veterans residing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Throughout his time in Congress, Rep. Wittman has reintroduced multiple pieces of legislation that would remove administrative roadblocks to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services and to bring accountability to the VA by increasing transparency:

    • Voted for the PACT Act

      • Expands VA health care to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their military service. 

      • Extends the period of time post-9/11 combat veterans have to enroll in VA health care from five to 10 years post-discharge. 

      • Requires veterans enrolled in VA health care to be screened regularly for toxic exposure related concerns.

      • Invests in VA health care facilities by authorizing 31 major medical health clinics and research facilities in 19 states.

      • Requires VA to conduct outreach to any veteran who had previously filed a claim for benefits related to toxic exposure and was denied ensuring they are aware of the opportunity to refile.

    • Cosponsored the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act

      • Improves the delivery of healthcare, benefits, and services at the VA for veterans, their families, and their survivors.

      • Expands economic opportunity, modernizes the disability claims process, improves elder care, and expands mental health support.

    • Cosponsored the Not Just a Number Act

      • Directs the VA to study which programs work best to stop suicide and expand upon them. 

      • Enhances accuracy of data, timely reporting of veteran suicides, and improves prevention efforts through better service delivery and the proposal of new administrative structures.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Watch How Students Help NASA Grow Plants in Space: Growing Beyond Earth

    Source: NASA

    2 min read

    Since 2015, students from across the USA have been partnering with scientists at NASA to advance research on growing plants in space, ultimately to feed astronauts on long-distance space missions, as part of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Growing Beyond Earth project, which is now in its 9th year. This classroom-based citizen science project for 6th-12th grade students includes a series of plant experiments conducted by students in a Fairchild-designed plant habitat similar to the Vegetable Production System (VEGGIE) on the International Space Station.

    This year, 8000+ students from 400+ schools are testing new edible plant varieties, studying radiation effects on growth, exploring the perfect light spectrum for super-sized space radishes, and experimenting with cosmic soil alternatives.

    Watch these South Florida students show us how it’s done.

    [embedded content]

    NASA citizen science projects are open to everyone around the world, not limited to U.S. citizens or residents. They are collaborations between scientists and interested members of the public. Through these collaborations, volunteers (known as citizen scientists) have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. More than 450 NASA citizen scientists have been named as co-authors on refereed scientific publications. Explore opportunities for you to get involved and do NASA science: https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/

    The Growing Beyond Earth project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC22MO125 and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

    Credit: Niki Jose

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East Africa: The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway is Shaping Regional Connectivity with the Support of the African Development Bank

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 28, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The electricity highway between Ethiopia and Kenya, officially opened in 2023 after more than 10 years of planning and construction, is redefining energy connectivity in East Africa. It is more than a piece of infrastructure, it is an economic and environmental entity, connecting not just power grids but nations and populations. 

    This vision of a shared energy future runs for 1,045 km between Wolayta-Sodo in Ethiopia and Suswa in Kenya. It enables both countries to pool resources, hydroelectricity from Ethiopia, and geothermal and wind power from Kenya. 

    Regional Connectivity lies at the heart of the project. As John Mativo, Managing Director of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) explains, this project is all about collaboration:  

    “Around 2010, countries in East Africa, as an energy pool, decided that it was essential to have an interconnected hub so that everyone could use and exploit energy and support each other.” 

    One of the project’s critical aspects is the use of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology, which makes it much easier to transport electricity with long distance transmission lines as Tewoderos Ayalew, the site manager at Ethiopian Electric Power explains: 

    “The reason we are using HVDC technology is to minimize energy wastage and reduce power losses in the transmission line energy wastage and reduce the costs of constructing transmission lines; it is also easy to operate and improve grid stability in operating the interconnection from the power grids of different countries.”  

    Hydroelectric dams in Ethiopia produce energy in the form of alternating current, which is transported via the Ethiopian grid to the converter station in Sodo. There, it is converted to Direct Current (DC) and leaves Ethiopia for Kenya, via 1,045 km of overhead transmission line. Once it arrives at the Suswa converter station, it will be converted back to alternating current to be integrated into the Kenyan power grid. 

    This high voltage DC infrastructure is the only one of its kind in the region and is the foundation of East Africa’s ambition to be interconnected in terms of power exchange and allow cross-border trade in energy. 

    The total cost of USD 1.26 billion was funded partly by USD 338 million from the African Development Bank. The World Bank, the Agence française de développement (AFD) and the governments of the two countries concerned also contributed. 

    Significant economic benefits 

    The project has brought significant economic benefits. For Kenya, where 95 percent of electricity comes from renewable sources, the connection is increasing its competitiveness. Kipkemoi Kibias, General Manager at Ketraco, endorses the project: 

    “Using clean, renewable energy brings numerousadvantages not just to Kenyans, but to the whole world… it allows us to attract investors, especially in light and heavy industries, who are looking for green energy.” 

    The project also creates jobs. The development of business zones close to energy infrastructure, like the one near Suswa, creates thousands of jobs and boosts local economic activity. Moreover, the project includes a significant social dimension, notably involving local communities. Out of the 100 employees at the Suswa power station, 70 come from the region, offering opportunities for local development. 

    For Sylvia Kinaiya, an engineer from the region, the project is also a source of personal pride: 

    “I am Masai, so for me, it’s a way of giving back to my community,” she says. She also emphasizes that this project proves that it is possible to be both a mother and an engineer, helping to break down gender barriers in technical occupations. 

    Apart from its economic and social impacts, the project is a model of sustainability, allowing better integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind power and Solar, into regional networks. According to John Mativo, this infrastructure ensures that “Kenya has enough green energy to support our industrial development while maintaining a small carbon footprint.” 

    Kenya is already on the way to self-sufficiency in clean energy, with the aim of moving to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. By connecting its grid to Ethiopia, Kenya can not only stabilize its energy supply but also attract more investment into green energies. This vision is also shared by investors, who see this infrastructure as a guarantee of energy and environmental security. 

    The Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway is therefore much more than a simple infrastructure project; it embodies a vision of the future in which green energy becomes the driver of stronger regional cooperation and sustainable development. Thanks to this connection, East African countries can share their energy resources efficiently, while responding to the growing needs of their populations and industries. 

    The future is bright according to Tweoderos Ayalew: 

    “We have the potential not only to meet our own needs, but also to supply energy to our neighbours and beyond.”  

    This pioneering project is thus paving the way to shared prosperity, while putting the region on the path to a sustainable energy transition.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $3.6 million in Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Ida aid for Louisiana

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $3,568,827 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid. 

    “Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Ida damaged many facilities across south Louisiana, including educational buildings and churches. This $3.6 million will help communities rebuild and recover from some of the high costs sustained during these storms,” said Kennedy. 

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $1,312,778 to the Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lafayette for the restoration of the St. Francis Mission Chapel due to Hurricane Laura damage.
    • $1,202,044 to the Office of Risk Management to repair multiple state educational facilities, the 3rd Circuit Appeal Courthouse and surrounding buildings due to Hurricane Delta damage.
    • $1,054,005 to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission for emergency protective measures during Hurricane Ida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets González Urrutia, winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina

    28 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received Edmundo González Urrutia, winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, at Palazzo Chigi today.

    Offering her congratulations for the recently awarded prize, President Meloni stressed that the situation in Venezuela is a priority for the Italian Government, also as current G7 Presidency, and provided assurance of support for the ongoing efforts to facilitate a democratic and peaceful transition that corresponds to the will of the Venezuelan people.

    President Meloni also reiterated the call for an immediate stop to human rights violations, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, particularly against political opponents.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative will support AI innovation and adoption in British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    PacifiCan funding of over $32 million will help businesses bring new technologies to market and adopt AI 

    October 28, 2024 – Burnaby, British Columbia – PacifiCan               

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformational opportunity for British Columbians. With a strong AI ecosystem – one that includes researchers developing technology, companies creating AI-based solutions to the world’s challenges, and adopters putting the power of AI to work in their operations – British Columbian businesses are well-positioned to leverage the power of AI to drive innovation across the province, creating jobs and economic growth.

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced that businesses and not-for-profit organizations will be able to apply for funding from the new Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative in British Columbia beginning November 18. In British Columbia, PacifiCan will deliver the RAII with $32.2 million, making investments that help businesses commercialize and adopt AI technologies. 

    To ensure that Canada stays at the forefront of innovation, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments that will help drive AI adoption across the country. This includes $200 million over five years for Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to deliver the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to help businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up AI adoption across the country. 

    In British Columbia, PacifiCan will prioritize projects that not only have strong economic benefits but also bring positive outcomes for human health, the environment, and/or economic resilience and productivity across a wide range of sectors. PacifiCan will welcome project ideas from both businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

    PacifiCan is investing in British Columbian businesses, workers and organizations to ensure they have access to the tools they need to succeed at home and compete in the global economy.

    More information is available on PacifiCan’s web page: Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Canada.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bonaparte First Nation celebrates completion of their new water treatment plants

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Today, Bonaparte First Nation proudly marked the completion of two new water treatment plants, which now provide clean drinking water to remote areas of their community.

    October 28, 2024 — Bonaparte First Nation, Secwépemc Territory, British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada

    Today, Bonaparte First Nation proudly marked the completion of two new water treatment plants, which now provide clean drinking water to remote areas of their community.

    The newly built water treatment plants and distribution systems, located in the Lower Hat Creek area, are a significant step toward ensuring long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in IR#1 and IR#2 of the Bonaparte reserve. These facilities will help prevent future drinking water advisories, an issue that has affected these areas intermittently since 2004.

    Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $9.8 million for the feasibility studies, design and construction of the two state-of-the-art water treatment systems. In addition, Bonaparte First Nation and ISC are collaborating on further enhancements to water infrastructure in IR#3 to meet the area’s long-term water needs.

    The Government of Canada will continue to prioritize working in partnership with First Nations to ensure communities have reliable access to safe and clean drinking water.

    Quotes

    “Today we celebrate the new water treatment plant. After two long decades of persistent water advisories, our community can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to these critical upgrades. Water is a lifeline and a fundamental right. We are grateful for this investment, it ensures the health, safety and well-being of our community and for generations to come.”

    Kúkpi7 Frank Antoine
    Bonaparte First Nation

    “Decades of uncertainty are now behind us. I would like to thank and acknowledge the determined efforts of all our partners, advocates, current and past leaders who all worked tirelessly to ensure our community has access to clean water. These new water treatment facilities are a significant investment to our future.”

    Byron Porter, Water Manager
    Bonaparte First Nation

    “Water is essential and too many First Nations communities still live without clean drinking water. These new water treatment plants will play a significant role in the health and well-being of members of Bonaparte First Nation. I applaud Kúkpi7 Frank Antoine and Council, as well as the people of Bonaparte First Nation, for their leadership and dedication with these projects.”

    The Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services

    Quick facts

    • Bonaparte First Nation is located west of Kamloops, British Columbia.

    • The Band is a member of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) people.

    • The community has a registered population of 1,152 members.

    • The Government of Canada also invested $4.26 million in a new water system in Bonaparte First Nation IR#3 in 2020, which supported the lifting of a long-term drinking water advisory; further upgrades to the IR#3 water system are currently under discussion with the community.

    • Since 2016 and as of June 30, 2024, Indigenous Services Canada has invested $4.35 billion of targeted funds to support 1,358 water and wastewater projects, of which 637 are completed. These projects will benefit 591 communities serving approximately 476,000 people.

    • Since 2015, First Nations, with support from Indigenous Services Canada, have lifted 146 long-term drinking water advisories, and have prevented over 280 short-term advisories from becoming long-term.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information, media may contact:

    Kukpi7 Frank Antoine
    Bonaparte First Nation
    250-318-0742
    kukpi7@bonaparte.band

    Jennifer Kozelj
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
    jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

    ISC Media Relations
    819-953-1160
    media@sac-isc.gc.ca

    Stay connected

    Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

    X: @GCIndigenous
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    Instagram: @gcindigenous

    You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Commissioner Pham Announces Global Markets Advisory Committee will Meet November 21

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — CFTC Commissioner Caroline D. Pham, sponsor of the Global Markets Advisory Committee, announced the GMAC will hold a virtual public meeting Thursday, Nov. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. EST. The meeting will be open to the public via live webcast or listen-only audio feed via telephone.

    “The GMAC is continuing to meaningfully address innovations in market structure through pragmatic recommendations for applying existing regulatory frameworks to new and emerging technology,” Commissioner Pham said. “I look forward to the presentations on tokenized collateral to improve operational efficiency and mitigate risks, and development of regulatory approaches to utility tokens.”

    At this meeting, the GMAC will hear a presentation by the Tokenized Collateral workstream of the GMAC’s Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee on expanding use of non-cash collateral through use of distributed ledger technology and consider a recommendation from the Subcommittee. The meeting will also include a presentation by the Utility Tokens workstream of the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee summarizing their work to-date on defining utility tokens and developing guidance for market participants.

    A detailed agenda is available here.

    Under Commissioner Pham’s sponsorship, the GMAC has advanced 13 recommendations in less than a year, and continues making progress on developing solutions to the most significant challenges in global markets as set forth in its 2023-2025 work program. Learn more about the GMAC and its work here.

    Meeting Details

    What:

    Global Markets Advisory Committee Meeting

    Location (virtual):

    The meeting will take place virtually. Viewing instructions below

    When:

    Thursday, November 21, 2024

    9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (EST)

    Viewing/Listening Instructions: View a live webcast on CFTC.gov or through the CFTC’s YouTube channel. Use the numbers below to call in. Call-in participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name, and affiliation, if applicable. Materials presented at the meeting will be made available on CFTC.gov.

    Participation Details

    Domestic Toll-Free:

     

     

    Domestic Toll:

     

    +1 833 568 8864 or +1 833 435 1820 

     

    +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or (U.S. Spanish Lines) +1 415 449 4000 or +1 646 964 1167

     

    Webinar ID:

    161 533 1062

     

    Passcode: 990545

     

    International Numbers:

    International Numbers

    Additional information is available in the Federal Register.

    About the GMAC and Advisory Committees

    The GMAC was created to advise the Commission on issues that affect the integrity and competitiveness of U.S. markets and U.S. firms engaged in global business, including the regulatory challenges of a global marketplace that reflects the increasing interconnectedness of markets and the multinational nature of business. The GMAC also makes recommendations regarding international standards for regulating futures, swaps, options, and derivatives markets, as well as intermediaries. In June 2023, Commissioner Pham announced the leadership and membership of the GMAC and its subcommittees—the largest-ever single advisory committee initiative sponsored by the CFTC. Members include financial market infrastructures, market participants, end-users, service providers, and regulators. Harry Jung is the GMAC Designated Federal Officer, and Nicholas Elliot is the GMAC Alternate Designated Federal Officer.

    There are five active Advisory Committees overseen by the CFTC. They were created to provide advice and recommendations to the Commission on a variety of regulatory and market issues that affect the integrity and competitiveness of U.S. markets. These committees facilitate communication between the Commission and market participants, other regulators, and academics. The views, opinions, and information expressed by the Advisory Committees are solely those of the respective Advisory Committee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, its staff, or the U.S. government.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Researchers Working to Extinguish ‘Inflammatory Fire’ Stroke Causes in the Brain

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    It’s been more than three decades, but still there are only two treatments for a stroke: either rapid use of a clot-busting medication called tPA or surgical removal of a clot from the brain with mechanical thrombectomy. However, only 5% to 13% percent of stroke cases are actually eligible for these interventions.

    In his research laboratory at UConn School of Medicine, Rajkumar Verma Ph.D., of the Department of Neuroscience and the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

    “We need to be persistent with our research to find a new therapy for stroke,” says Rajkumar Verma, M.Pharm., Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Neuroscience at UConn School of Medicine working in cross-campus collaboration with Professor Raman Bahal Ph.D. of the Deparment of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the UConn School of Pharmacy. “Stroke research is hard and challenging to do. But without trying we won’t make progress. We need to keep trying. UConn is determined to keep trying.”

    In addition to being life-threatening, stroke is the major cause of long-term disability worldwide.

    “When a stroke strikes a patient, we don’t have any treatment to offer to effectively repair the brain’s damage. Once brain cells and tissue are damaged by a stroke, nothing can help restore the damage. In essence, the cascading inflammation caused by a stroke in the brain is like a fire in a house. We need to find a way to stop stroke’s fire,” says Verma.

    Verma and his multidisciplinary research team believe they have found a new innovative therapy to try to stop a stroke’s “fire” or inflammation. This October they reported their new findings in the journal Molecular Therapy: Nucleic Acid.

    To try to more effectively control a stroke’s damage and turn back time, UConn researchers are leveraging the power of micro-RNA (MiRNA), small molecules that regulate protein expression inside cells as they are able to control multiple proteins at a time.

    “MiRNAs are small RNA molecules that help cells to regulate multiple gene and protein expression,” says Verma. “UConn researchers discovered that during a stroke these MiRNA get dysregulated, thus leading to brain damage by multiple unchecked proteins. Also, our laboratory research has confirmed the presence of increased levels of one such MiRNA, known as miRNA-141-3p, in blood samples of stroke patients.”

    Novel gamma PNA based miRNA-141-3p inhibitors (syPNA-141) reduced brain damage (image on right with less atrophy) after stroke in mouse model of ischemic stroke. (Courtesy of Verma laboratory image).

    Verma adds, “We are thrilled to report that we have successfully tested a novel MiRNA-141-3p inhibitor synthesized in our collaborator Dr. Bahal’s lab with the ability to reduce stroke damage and extinguish spreading inflammatory fire in the brain. In mouse models, we have seen swift restoration of once-lost motor function and memory. Also, we see a decrease in brain injury and enhanced expression of neuroprotective genes and growth factors fueling the brain’s recovery from stroke.”

    The new promising therapeutic modality developed to inhibit stroke is called anti-miR-141-3p. UConn’s medical school is currently working to commercialize the discovery and take it toward clinical trial testing as a future treatment option for stroke.

    Verma says UConn’s research findings once again showcase the powerful tool of miRNA and the promise of their newly developed miRNA inhibitor’s ability to stop the overexpression of dangerous, dysregulated bad proteins causing inflammation in the brain post-stroke.

    Verma came to the U.S. over a decade ago from India and continued his stroke research journey at UConn School of Medicine studying stroke.

    “I saw the big therapeutic gap in a new drug treatment for stroke to mitigate its brain damage and help with post-stroke recovery, and was motivated to try to fill this gap by learning more about stroke and by performing more translational research. I have chosen to stay at UConn for my stroke research, as UConn excels at this.”

    But Verma is also driven to fight stroke personally.

    “So many people have a personal story or family member who has been personally impacted about stroke – including me,” Verma shares. “My father died from a cardiovascular incident. We are not sure if it was in the brain or the heart. But this experience has led to my motivation for pursuing more stroke research.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Bulletin on Third-Party Collection of Voter Ballots and Unofficial Ballot Drop-Off Containers

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — Ahead of the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 General Election, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a bulletin summarizing California laws that apply when voters entrust their ballots to another person for delivery to elections officials, as well as rules that apply to unofficial ballot collection containers. Active registered voters can track their ballots by signing up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov and voters unsure of their registration status can check online at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. 

    “Here in California, all active registered voters are mailed vote-by-mail ballots because we want to make it as easy as possible for your voice to be heard,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California law also permits voters to entrust their completed mail ballots to someone else for delivery to election officials, which is another way our State makes it easier for people to vote. But, to ensure the integrity of our elections, those who accept another person’s ballot for delivery have serious responsibilities and, with today’s bulletin, we want to raise awareness of those responsibilities.”

    Returning Vote-By-Mail Ballots 

    The California Elections Code permits voters to return their voted vote-by-mail ballots in the following ways:

    • Mailing it to your county elections official (no postage is required; must be postmarked on or before Election Day).
    • Returning it in person to any polling place within the state or your county elections office by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
    • Returning it to an official vote-by-mail ballot drop-off location within the state by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
    • Authorizing a third party to return the ballot on your behalf, subject to requirements set forth below.

    When a voter entrusts a third party to return their voted ballot, the following requirements apply:

    • The designated person to whom the ballot is entrusted must include their name and signature on the vote-by-mail ballot return envelope as the person authorized to return the ballot.
    • The designated person must return the ballot in person, or put the ballot in the mail, no later than three days after receiving it from the voter or before the close of the polls on election day, whichever time period is shorter.
    • The designated person may not receive any form of compensation based on the number of ballots that the person returns, and no party may compensate them on this basis.
    • The designated person may not engage in other criminal acts related to that ballot.

    The California Elections Code prohibits a variety of conduct relevant to the return of vote-by-mail ballots. For example, anyone who attempts to vote a vote-by-mail ballot by fraudulently signing the name of a regularly qualified voter, a person who is not qualified to vote, or a fictitious person is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both fine and imprisonment. 

    Official Ballot Drop Boxes and Unofficial Drop-Off Containers

    Only city and county elections officials may establish official ballot drop boxes. The regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State’s office provide extensive requirements for the design, use, and security of vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes. 

    Certain conduct related to unofficial ballot drop off containers, or ballot drop boxes not established by elections officials, is prohibited. For example:

    • It is a crime to display a container to collect ballots with the intent to deceive any voter into casting a ballot into an unofficial container. Evidence of intent to deceive voters may include using the word “official” on the container or other features that are likely to deceive voters into thinking that an unofficial container is an official drop box approved by election officials.
    • It is a crime to direct or solicit a voter to place a ballot in containers described in the bullet above.

    This conduct is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for up to three years, or by both fine and imprisonment. It is also a crime to aid or abet anyone in the commission of these offenses, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for six months or in the state prison for up to three years. 

    The bulletin can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates robbery at Skipper Joe’s, seeks public’s assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating a robbery that occurred on the evening of October 27, 2024, at Skipper Joe’s store on Hamilton River Road in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

    The crime occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. A lone man, who was wearing all black clothing and gloves, entered the store wearing a black ski mask. He approached the cashier and demanded that the employee open the register. The man departed the store with the register in hand and was last seen running east along Hamilton River Road towards Juniper Street.

    The investigation is continuing. Police ask the public to check for any available surveillance footage, including dash cam footage, and to report suspicious activity.

    Anyone having information about this crime, the identity of the suspect or the current location of the cash register is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: New app set to slash merchant payment fees and transform how NZers manage their money

    Source: BNZ statements

    Imagine running a bustling café where every transaction not only saves you money on fees, but also automatically updates your loyalty programme, provides smart sales insights, and even puts you on the map for potential new customers.

    Meanwhile, your regulars can pay their brunch bill without even bringing a wallet, quickly send their share of the brunch tab to friends, manage their bank accounts, loyalty cards and gift vouchers seamlessly in one place, and easily track their daily flat white habits.

    Soon this will be the reality for New Zealand businesses and their customers with the launch of Payap – the country’s first digital wallet and Point of Sale (POS) app compatible with all New Zealand banks.

    Leveraging the power of open banking, Payap offers a new lower cost, contactless way to pay and get paid. Payap makes transactions effortless: users simply scan QR codes dynamically generated on an EFTPOS terminal, enabling instant cash transfers directly from their bank account. It also provides a low-cost ecommerce solution, making it easy and affordable for businesses to accept payments online.

         

    With Payap’s 0.39% payment acceptance rate, a retail business turning over $100,000 monthly could save up to $7,320 annually compared to the average 1% merchant service fee reported by the Commerce Commission. For ecommerce businesses, Payap’s 0.59% fee is approximately 80% cheaper than the percentage fees charged by some other providers.

    • Businesses using Payap also have access to a suite of powerful features, including:
    • The ability to create and manage loyalty programmes, making it easy to reward customers and build brand loyalty
    • Enhanced visibility over transactions and the ability to manage discounts and refunds through a dedicated portal
    • Increased visibility with Payap’s ‘store finder’ map, showcasing location, business details, and available offers to app users
    • Use existing hardware – Payap is supported by all leading EFTPOS providers

    For consumers, Payap brings together all your accounts from New Zealand banks, as well as loyalty, and even gift cards in one easy-to-use digital wallet. It allows seamless payments from any linked account and offers a range of features that simplify money management:

    • Manage your bank accounts, loyalty, and gift cards in one place
    • Split a payment across multiple sources, combining different bank accounts, debit cards, or gift card balances, all managed seamlessly within Payap
    • Easily split bills or manage shared expenses with friends with peer-to-peer payments
    • Log all your receipts in one place and get smart insights to gain a clear view of your spending patterns
    • Level up your loyalty, with rewards automatically applied during transactions

          

    Powered by New Zealand fintech Centrapay and backed by BNZ, Payap is now available for business sign-ups ahead of the March 2025 consumer launch. The onboarding process is quick and free, and businesses are encouraged to register their interest. Payap is available to all businesses regardless of who they bank with.

    “Payap is the country’s first comprehensive digital payment service that leverages the power of open banking to fill a clear gap in the New Zealand market,” says Centrapay CEO Greg Beehre.

    “We’re excited to introduce this innovative solution that will transform how businesses accept payments and how we manage our money.”

    BNZ Executive Customer Products and Services, Karna Luke, says the potential Payap offers to both businesses and consumers is impressive.

    “Our team is working closely with our business customers to onboard them before the consumer launch, and we expect thousands of businesses to be on the platform on day one when their customers start using the app.

    “Payap is designed to benefit businesses across Aotearoa, and we welcome all interested businesses – from small street vendors to enterprise retailers and everything in between – to get in touch with us to explore how it can enhance their payment system and customer experience.”

    Core payments, acceptance and rewards features will be available at launch, with additional capabilities like peer-to-peer payments being rolled out progressively throughout 2025.

    Businesses interested in learning more about Payap can visit www.payap.com or www.bnz.co.nz/payap

    The post New app set to slash merchant payment fees and transform how NZers manage their money appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a Trump election win could hit the US food industry and leave millions of Americans hungry

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shonil Bhagwat, Professor of Environment and Development, The Open University

    Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock

    As the US presidential election inches closer, a recent survey found that the economy is the top issue for voters, and many are also concerned about healthcare, foreign policy and inequality. Amid all the noise about these key issues however, food has received only marginal coverage in the campaigning despite the country’s high cost of living.

    Project 2025, a 900-page policy document produced by conservative thinktank the Heritage Foundation, has become a major talking point in the election campaign. Although Republican candidate Donald Trump has denied any links between his campaign and Project 2025, the people who have authored this document are no strangers to the former president, with more than half of the 307 contributors having served in the Trump administration or on his campaign or transition teams.

    Trump’s Democratic rival in the race to the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris, has been very vocal about the dangers to the American people if the Project 2025 proposals were to be implemented. Instead, her campaign has promised an “opportunity economy” to support the American middle class, which will seek to cut prices and taxes, lower household costs, and offer various tax reliefs.

    Analyses of Harris’ versus Trump’s economic policies suggest that the tariffs Trump has proposed will cause a rise in prices of imported goods – including food. On the other hand, Trump’s policies could lower energy costs because more domestic fossil fuel production could make US-produced foodstuffs cheaper.

    But Project 2025 proposes deregulation of US dietary guidelines and US food assistance programmes, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), and the National School Lunch Program. Democrats have argued that this will “drastically reduce” the access that families have to fresh American-grown food, threatening the health of the most vulnerable.



    Read more:
    How Harris and Trump’s economic pledges stack up

    Democrats have also claimed that Project 2025 policies would reduce support to small-scale farmers, favouring large agribusinesses while deregulating the flow of ultra-processed food manufactured and distributed by influential corporations. Some estimates suggest that 73% of US food supply is already made up of ultra-processed foods, and they have been found to provide 60% of the calories consumed by the average US adult.

    The links between ultra-processed food and negative health outcomes are increasingly being drawn. As such, food policy under Project 2025 would be very likely to have a negative impact on wider public health in the US.

    But at the same time, Project 2025 would probably make healthcare less affordable and more restrictive for millions of citizens. It promises to reinstate the ability of the pharmaceutical industry to fix prices, raising the cost of drugs for American people.

    It would also cut funding for health coverage for low-income Americans, threatening the survival of hospitals, health centres or doctors who serve those people.

    These healthcare policies, combined with deregulation of the food industry and dietary guidelines, as well as the defunding of food assistance programmes, could spell a triple whammy for the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in America.

    How do Harris’s plans compare?

    Harris’s plans, on the other hand, aim to make healthcare less expensive and more accessible, particularly for those from vulnerable groups such as black Americans or those on low incomes, the elderly or veterans.

    But while these proposals might remove barriers to healthcare, they won’t directly improve food provision for Americans. Some of the proposals in Harris’s “opportunity economy”, however, could directly address the issue.

    The outcome of the presidential election could have serious consequences for food security and wellbeing – especially among America’s poorer populations.
    Tada Images/Shutterstock

    Harris’s proposals focus on strengthening and diversifying supply chains for food production, processing and distribution. She has been outspoken about investigating price-fixing of food products by large corporations – and prosecuting firms anywhere in the supply chain where this is found to have happened.

    Harris’s plans would also support small producers, processors, distributors, family farms and food and farm workers with more funding to compete with large conglomerates. This could result in more decentralised supply chains, which are known to make it easier to provide healthier food to more people by encouraging crop diversity and lowering the cost of fresh local products.

    And she is promising to crack down on mergers and acquisitions of food corporations, which are known to compromise the sustainable provision of healthy food by curbing farmers’ bargaining power and leaving communities with little say over how their land is used.

    Food is integral to the public sector economy, alongside things such as providing healthcare, protecting the environment and reducing inequalities. The organisation of the entire food system – from production to processing, trade to transport, and consumption to nutrition – needs to consider ways in which feeding a country can strenghten its public sector economy, and meet its obligation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The US has already made a commitment to these goals through global food security programmes like Feed the Future.

    These issues are especially pertinent to the US, as its food system is highly centralised. In fact, 6% of farms grow 60% of food. Meanwhile family farms – which represent 88% of the total – contribute only 19%. Harris’s proposals could go some way to correcting this imbalance. But the rhetoric coming from her rivals on the other hand could ultimately end up making the US worse off in terms of food provision and health.

    Shonil Bhagwat is a member of the UK Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs Science Advisory Council: Social Science Expert Group and the National Trust, UK, Specialist Advice Network: Natural Environment Advisory Group. He has received funding from UK Research and Innovation (Research England, Natural Environment Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council), European Union Horizon 2020, The Leverhulme Trust, The Royal Society, and the British Ecological Society.

    – ref. How a Trump election win could hit the US food industry and leave millions of Americans hungry – https://theconversation.com/how-a-trump-election-win-could-hit-the-us-food-industry-and-leave-millions-of-americans-hungry-242316

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Japan-style ‘tiny forests’ are taking root in British cities

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hanyu Qi, PhD Candidate, School of Architecture and Landscape, University of Sheffield

    Anatta_Tan/Shutterstock

    A staggering one in three people in England lack access to nature-rich spaces within a short walk from their homes. Now, a growing movement is bringing nature back to cities across the UK. The Miyawaki forest method involves planting a diverse mix of densely packed native woodland trees – or “tiny forests” – that grow quickly in small areas, around the size of a tennis court.

    Already, there are more than 280 Miyawaki-style forests nationwide. Tucked away within housing estates, school grounds and wasteland on the urban edge, these urban forests are growing faster than conventionally planted trees.

    This tree planting approach was developed by Japanese ecologist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. Proponents argue that tiny forests create more habitat for wildlife and increase the capacity of land to store carbon, although few studies aim to quantify those benefits in western countries. If planted in a certain way, they can help create a more complete plant community structure from the ground up to the canopy.

    This means that the forest has distinct layers from the slow-growing canopy species right down to the smaller shrubs and ground covering herbs. These habitats are self-sustaining, so after three to five years’ growth they apparently don’t need much maintenance.

    The environmental charity Earthwatch Europe uses the Miyawaki method to plant tiny forests in urban areas. So far, with the help of local communities, they have planted 285 forests since 2022.

    Some local councils and community groups are embracing this tiny forest revolution. At Tychwood in Witney, near Oxford, the UK’s first tiny forest now has an outdoor classroom area that’s used by schoolchildren and local residents who can work on citizen science projects and tree maintenance.

    Since it was first planted in March 2020, the habitat has become home to insects, birds and lots of native plants such as oak, birch, crab apple, dogwood and goat willow.

    But while a government-funded pilot project called Trees Outside Woodlands has received attention for its possible socio-environmental benefits, very little research has quantified how best to do this effectively. One report published by conservation charity the Tree Council shows that Miyawaki plots have significantly higher survival rates and are more cost-effective than non-Miyawaki plots. But lots of unknowns remain.

    A climate of uncertainty

    Despite recognition of the potential benefits, including carbon storage, biodiversity conservation and educational opportunities, there’s a lot of uncertainty about how to apply the tiny forest method in different climates, particularly in the UK.

    Our recent study, published in the Arboricultural Journal, explores how suitable these tiny forests are within the UK context. Our interviews with 12 professionals (tree experts from academia or practitioners) reveal that while half of them supported the Miyawaki method, especially in specific urban areas such as schools and small parks, concerns remained about tree mortality and the high costs of buying saplings, prepping soil and maintaining trees. A few people told us that they could see potential in using unused farmland to establish tiny forests in rural settings too.

    Climate adaptation is paramount and planting trees in urban environments has never been more important. Access to nature also improves people’s health and wellbeing, with green spaces helping to connect communities and reduce loneliness, as well as mitigate the negative effects of climate change, such as air pollution, heatwaves and flooding, and improve biodiversity.

    As UK cities face both climate change and biodiversity loss, the tiny forest method offers a promising solution. There are still many challenges to overcome as this movement is still in its infancy – but it could be key to a greener, more resilient future.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like? Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Nicola Dempsey is on the Board of Green Estate, CIC, Secretary of the Sheffield Green Spaces Forum and a member of the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership.

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

    – ref. Japan-style ‘tiny forests’ are taking root in British cities – https://theconversation.com/japan-style-tiny-forests-are-taking-root-in-british-cities-239005

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a crisis of truth is putting US electoral system under stress

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clodagh Harrington, Lecturer in American Politics, University College Cork

    America is in the grip of a crisis of truth and its political and electoral systems are under duress. Losing the connection between what is true and what is fiction could have enormous consequence in the middle of this US election campaign.

    Academics refer to this as an epistemological crisis, a situation where different people believe different “truths” and it becomes difficult to get a shared understanding of key facts. This, they argue, can lead to polarisation and potentially, even, an ungovernable country, based on an inability to decide on what is factually correct.

    Jonathan Rauch, the journalist and author of The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, says historically disagreement about what is true has, on some occasions, led to untold killing and suffering.

    Right now in the US, it’s clear that there are massive differences in what people believe is true. Polls show, for instance, that around 69% of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters think the 2020 election result was not legitimate and that Joe Biden did not win.

    This division is amplified by what is happening in and around the campaigns, and the use of new and developing techniques. The Trump campaign, for instance, continues to make claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

    Sharing misinformation (that is, when inaccurate content is disseminated but not with the intent to mislead) has always been part of political life, but it is now quickly amplified by social media. Spreading disinformation takes this to the next level, when organisations or individuals deliberately spread lies. But the means to do so have grown more sophisticated, as demonstrated in the recent Moldovan election, where a massive Russian disinformation campaign was discovered.

    History reminds us that fake news is at a premium during wartime and the world is currently experiencing two major conflicts. In both cases, the geopolitical consequences for the US are sky-high.

    By spring 2024, US news media were reporting on Russia’s potential to interfere in the US election. The US administration’s position on the Ukraine war in particular matters greatly to the Kremlin, and it is no secret that a Donald Trump victory would suit Putin far better than a continuation of the Ukraine-funding Democrat alternative.

    What is an epistemological crisis?

    In September, US officials warned of election threats, not only from Russia but also Iran and China. Former director of the US Cyber-Security and Infrastructure Agency, Chris Krebs, stated that 2024 is “lining up to be a busy election interference season”. What makes these multi-faceted and constantly evolving threats even harder to manage is the fact that Maga influencers are embroiled in the proceedings. This makes a unified American response against an external threat all but impossible.



    Read more:
    Why do millions of Americans believe the 2020 presidential election was ‘stolen’ from Donald Trump?

    One recent such example involved a company in Tennessee which was used by members of the Russian state-owned broadcaster RT (formerly Russia Today) to spread Russia-friendly content. The content-creators were paid US$10 million (£7.7 million) by RT to publish pro-Russia videos in English on a range of social media platforms. The RT employees were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

    This is one of many developments by the foreign interference machine as the election on November 5 nears. Other incidents include dozens of internet domains used by the Kremlin to spread disinformation on websites designed to look like news sites and to undermine support for Ukraine. The US government response to these complex and boundary-blurring threats is complicated by the tension between maintaining discretion and informing the public.

    Old challenges, new technology

    Looking back, the 2016 presidential campaign and subsequent victory for Trump brought many firsts, some comical, others deadly serious in this post-truth arena. The lighter side included inaccurate claims made by White House press secretary Sean Spicer about the size of Trump’s 2017 inauguration crowd. When Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway declared on television to have “alternative facts” to those reported by the media on the crowd size, her phrase entered general use.

    With hindsight, such falsehoods now seem a little quaint, as the images from the day told the truth better than any script. Far more disturbingly, Russia’s Project Lakhta involved a “hacking and disinformation campaign” described in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 2019 Report as vast and complex in scale. The scheme involved human and technological input and targeted politicians on the political left and right, with a view to causing maximum disruption. Just a year later, Russia interfered in the 2020 race, this time spreading falsehoods about Biden and working in Trump’s favour.

    Fast forward to 2024 and we are awash with AI-created images and writing. Now any sort of lie is possible. Deep fakes, voice, image and video manipulation now mean that we literally can no longer believe our ears and eyes.

    Kellyanne Conway on alternative facts.

    Meanwhile, back on the campaign trail in 2024, Team Trump demonstrates few qualms when dishing out alternative facts. A long-time proponent of “truthful hyperbole” the former real-estate dealer takes exaggeration to a point no longer on the scale. From sharing an AI-generated image of Taylor Swift endorsing him (she soon backed his opponent) to claims that helicopters were not getting through with hurricane relief, the news cycle is awash with baseless content.

    An inevitable outcome of this crisis and conflict over truth is voters’ confusion and disengagement, and increasing public tension, with a new poll reporting that the majority of Americans are expecting violence after the election.

    Voters deserve to know whether what they know is real, but in this campaign it is increasingly clear that they don’t and the consequences of this could be stark.

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

    – ref. How a crisis of truth is putting US electoral system under stress – https://theconversation.com/how-a-crisis-of-truth-is-putting-us-electoral-system-under-stress-242046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: US election: Puerto Rican voters could deliver Donald Trump an unwelcome ‘October surprise’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Todd Landman, Professor of Political Science, University of Nottingham

    As it moves into the final week, the US election campaign remains so tight that most commentators are calling it a toss-up. But Donald Trump’s campaign may have just dealt itself its own “October surprise” – something no candidate for the US president wants as it stands for a last-minute disaster.

    At his much anticipated “closing argument” rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 27, various warm-up speakers engaged in strong, dark rhetoric about the state of the nation that laid the ground for Trump to take the stage and assert his position as the “protector”,“fixer”, and “liberator” of what he and his support base like to think of as an “occupied” country.

    But the tone and content of the event was problematic from the start. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made opening remarks in which he described Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage”.

    Deep offence at these remarks rippled across America’s Puerto Rican community and beyond. His slur on Puerto Rico drew condemnation across the political spectrum and mobilised a rash of new endorsements for the Harris-Walz campaign. The incident has raised the prospect of a Puerto Rican backlash that could well have an impact on the outcome of the election.

    Tony Hinchcliffe: an October surprise?

    Causing such deep offence to a significant minority population at a crucial moment in the campaign could have real consequences. Ultimately, the outcome of the election is determined by electoral college votes. These, in the end, will rely heavily on tallies across seven swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Caroline, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

    The outcome of the 2016 and 2020 elections, although the Democrats received far more votes than the Republicans in total (3 million and 7 million, respectively), came down to very close margins across these swing states. In 2020, Joe Biden won the electoral college vote across these seven states – but with an average of less than half a percentage point (0.47%).

    Why Puerto Rico matters

    Puerto Rico is what is known as an “unincorporated territory” of the United States. Since it is not a state, it does not have any electoral college votes. But Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States – a status they have enjoyed since 1917 – and can move freely between Puerto Rico and the mainland.

    Those who reside in Puerto Rico may not vote in federal elections, but those who do live in the United States are eligible to vote in the states where they are registered.

    Historically Puerto Ricans have been more likely to support the Democrats. But their turnout has been in consistent in the past. And both campaigns have made special effort to target this group. If enough people take offence at Hinchcliffe’s remarks, this could have a significant impact on the election result.

    Millions of Puerto Ricans have made successful lives and careers in the US. As of 2021, Puerto Ricans make up 2% of the US population (5.8 million, up from 4.7 million in 2010). Despite this relatively low percentage overall, it is the distribution of the Puerto Rican population that makes them important in the presidential election.

    The table below shows the Puerto Rican population across swing states in 2024 as well as the number of electoral college votes that are up for grabs in each state and the winning vote margin for Joe Biden in 2020. The figures in the table are for the whole Puerto Rican population.

    Across these seven swing states, it is clear that the distribution of Puerto Ricans is not insignificant. This is especially the case in the key state of Pennsylvania. The total number and proportion of Puerto Ricans living there is easily large enough to affect the marginal vote share needed to tip the state to one of the two main political parties, which has 19 electoral college votes.

    It’s telling that the Harris-Walz campaign was in Pennsylvania actively courting Latino voters at the same time the rally was underway in New York. The rapid impact from the rally manifested in real time and included the endorsement of the Harris-Walz campaign from world-famous celebrities.

    Shortly after the remarks at the rally, Bad Bunny, the world’s most-streamed musical artist on Spotify between 2020 and 2022, endorsed Harris, as did singer Ricky Martin and actress Jennifer Lopez, whose parents come from Puerto Rico.

    Bad Bunny showed his support by resharing with his millions of social media followers a video of Harris speaking about Trump’s response to the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria that ravaged Puerto Rico in 2017. Ricky Martin posted “Esto es lo que piensan en nosotros” (This is what they think of us) with a tag of “vote for @kamalaharris”.

    In a race where margins of victory are extremely thin, a small island country like Puerto Rico with its special status and mobile voters may just tip the scales in Harris’s direction.

    Todd Landman receives funding from International Justice Mission, US State Department Trafficking in Persons Office, J. Sainsbury’s Ltd., and the US National Institute for Justice. .

    – ref. US election: Puerto Rican voters could deliver Donald Trump an unwelcome ‘October surprise’ – https://theconversation.com/us-election-puerto-rican-voters-could-deliver-donald-trump-an-unwelcome-october-surprise-242326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five reasons Warhammer 40,000 should be considered a great work of science fiction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mike Ryder, Lecturer in Marketing, Lancaster University

    Games Workshop, the British company behind the tabletop war game Warhammer and its futuristic counterpart Warhammer 40,000 (also known as Warhammer 40k), is now worth in the region of £3.75 billion. And it counts among its fans celebrities like Henry Cavill, Brian May and the late Robin Williams.

    The original Warhammer (known as Warhammer Fantasy Battle) was a fantasy tabletop miniature war-game. Released in 1983 it featured J.R.R. Tolkien-esque orc, goblin, dwarf and elf characters. A few years later, Games Workshop launched a science fiction version of the game, Warhammer 40k, where many of the fantasy races were re-imagined for a futuristic science fiction setting.

    Historically, many fans of science fiction have looked down on Warhammer 40k as something of a niche interest, the darker, grimier cousin of the clean-cut American franchises of Star Wars and Star Trek. But things are starting to change. Warhammer 40k is now so much more than a simple tabletop battle game. It is a whole universe of rich and diverse characters of great depth, and it is supported by a body of literature.

    Here are five reasons the Warhammer 40k franchise is as worthy of science fiction fandom as its American cousins.

    1. The grand scope of its format

    Warhammer 40k is no longer just a miniatures game. Rather, it is a complete fictional universe far grander in scope than any other science fiction universe that exists today.

    This multi-modal format means that fans don’t just have to collect model miniatures to enjoy it. There are so many different formats available, including animations, role-playing and video games, as well as comic books and the extensive literary publications from the Black Library, the publishing arm of Games Workshop.

    2. The franchise’s scale

    Warhammer 40k universe is huge. And I mean, seriously huge. The Horus Heresy series – the key saga that sets the context for the “present day” universe – spans some 54 books, with a further ten books mapping out the series’ conclusion.

    This is arguably the biggest single collective literary undertaking in all of science fiction. The series started in 2006 with the novel Horus Rising, and has now reached its conclusion, with just the final few books awaiting their paperback release.

    3. Depth of storytelling

    Make no mistake, Warhammer 40k is no simple battle of good versus evil. Rather, it is a universe of deep politics, philosophy and nuance, where even the so-called “good guys” are forced to make difficult choices in the name of survival.

    This tension is encapsulated in the leader of the Imperium (humanity), known as The Emperor, who has sat atop his golden throne for more than 10,000 years. He is sustained by the ritual daily sacrifice of thousands of souls, who give up their lives in order that he continue his psychic battle with the forces of chaos in the psychic realm, known as The Warp.

    Such depth has helped the universe flourish over many decades, providing a constant stream of ideas for fans to engage with, and characters to explore.

    4. The grimdark aesthetic

    Such has been the impact of the Warhammer 40k universe that it has even spawned its own unique sub-genre of science fiction and fantasy, known as grimdark. Spearheaded by legendary artist John Blanche, grimdark is characterised by its bleak aesthetic that calls back to a kind of primordial existence, where day-to-day survival is not guaranteed.

    This sub-genre extends far beyond the realms of Warhammer, even shaping the work of bestselling fantasy novelists such as Joe Abercrombie, author of The First Law trilogy.

    5. Research potential

    Researchers are also now starting to take Warhammer seriously. In September, Germany hosted the world’s first academic conference dedicated to all things Warhammer. The conference attracted almost 60 speakers, with academics from across the globe looking at the universe through their own particular academic lens.

    Meanwhile, the depth of academic literature on Warhammer is also growing rapidly. In my own research I often write about science fiction and its potential to help us think about complex problems in new ways. With Warhammer, I have been able to explore what it means to be a soldier, and the symbolic relationship between the soldier and the state. I do this by exploring the portrayal of 40k’s most iconic characters, the space marines – genetically enhanced super-soldiers who live a monk-like existence committed to waging endless war against the enemies of mankind.

    The Prime series Secret Level will feature a Warhammer 40k episode.

    Time to go mainstream

    While it is fair to say that Warhammer 40k has so far been fairly underrepresented in science fiction circles, it seems the tide is finally starting to turn. Just last year Games Workshop signed a deal with Amazon to produce a TV series. There will also be a Warhammer 40k animation, due for release in December 2024. There have also been several important critical successes for 40k in the realm of video games, the most recent example being Space Marine II.

    With the growth of the tabletop hobby, the continued success of licensed video games and with an Amazon series on the horizon, we are now at a point where Warhammer is about to go mainstream. No longer is it merely a game of rolling dice, and painting model miniatures. Rather now, it is a huge and deeply significant work of science fiction, and one that is worthy of being spoken about in the same way as its American peers.


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

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

    – ref. Five reasons Warhammer 40,000 should be considered a great work of science fiction – https://theconversation.com/five-reasons-warhammer-40-000-should-be-considered-a-great-work-of-science-fiction-241040

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Announces Congressionally Directed Spending Award for WVU Research Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS), announced funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for West Virginia University (WVU).
    This award, which was secured through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request made by Senator Capito in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), will support new research equipment and resources.
    “WVU is known to be a global leader in critical research initiatives,” Senator Capito said. “During the appropriations process, I worked closely with the university to identify the areas of need, and it was clear that strengthening their research capabilities was a priority. This award will help the university continue its efforts by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment that meets the demands of a leading electron microscopy facility, which can ultimately lead to attracting and retaining a high caliber of research faculty and students. I was proud to help secure this award that will have long-lasting benefits for WVU and our entire state.”
    Award details listed below:
    $1,140,000 CJS CDS award to WVU (Morgantown, W.Va.) for a suite of research equipment to develop standards and optimization in the areas of advanced energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and fundamental biomedical, neuroscience and life science studies. This equipment will be used to upgrade the existing Sample Preparation Laboratory (SPL) within the Electron Microscopy Facility (EMF) to optimally utilize current and future electron microscopes. The SPL processes samples for the EMF, as well as other research facilities. The availability of modern electron microscopy sample preparation facilities will support the recruitment of new faculty and student talent and in the retention of existing talent. The award also has the potential to benefit the entire Shared Research Facility by enabling faculty to propose and execute more ambitious studies in collaborative teams and by promoting greater industrial engagement by means of the materials insights that WVU can contribute.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle: $10.2 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Boost Eugene Transportation Projects

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    October 28, 2024

    For Immediate Release: October 28, 2024

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle announced today $10,215,123 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds are headed to the Eugene area for two transportation projects. The federal grants awarded will support the deployment of a mobility app for residents and fund airport terminal reconstruction efforts at Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field.

    “Oregonians in every corner of our state should be able to get where they need to go safely and efficiently,” U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a once-in-a-generation investment that is bringing critical federal dollars to our communities for major transportation projects. These latest funds to the Eugene area will bring a first-of-its-kind app for everyone from students to rural Oregonians to connect with regional transportation options, as well as funds for energy efficiency and capacity upgrades at Eugene Airport. I’ll keep fighting for investments like these to better connect cities and towns across Oregon.”

    “From mass transit on the ground to travel by air, I’m gratified these federal resources are headed to Eugene so Oregonians in and around the city can more easily get from Point A to Point B,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “I worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to generate investments just like these that expand modern, safe and energy-smart transportation opportunities throughout our state. And I’ll keep battling to bring similar transportation funds from this landmark law to every nook and cranny of Oregon.”

    “The $5.3 million for LTD’s first-of-its-kind mobility app will help students with transportation challenges get to and from school and the $5 million for Eugene Airport will help us keep pace with the 41% growth in passenger growth over the last 5 years,” U.S. Representative Val Hoyle said. “I would like to thank Senators Merkley and Wyden, local leaders, as well as Secretary Buttigieg, the Department of Transportation, and the White House, for helping us ensure that Oregonian tax dollars always come back home to Oregon to invest in our local priorities and communities.” 

    The two U.S. Department of Transportation awards and project descriptions can be found below:

    $5,215,123 for Lane Transit District (LTD)’s Regional Mobility-Enabling Service Hub (Regional MESH). Regional MESH will create a first-of-its-kind regional mobility management platform integrating diverse transit services for users, including school transportation, into one planning platform, design and deploy on-demand transit in a low-income school district and optimize existing fixed-route rural transit service. Data from trip queries from an associated trip planning app will inform future transit planning and performance management. This funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment (ATTAIN) Program.

    $5,000,000 for Eugene Airport to fund a portion of the Concourse A reconstruction and connector bridge expansion project including restroom and utilities upgrades to increase energy efficiency and capacity. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program.

    “LTD has the necessary expertise to build a reliable and affordable practical service,” said Jameson Auten, LTD’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful for the support that got us here from U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle.”

    “We are so grateful to be awarded this competitive Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant. This is the first step in furthering terminal expansion plans at the Eugene Airport to better serve our regional community,” said Cathryn Stephens, Airport Director.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces Nearly $133 Million for Bridge Replacements in Penobscot, Kennebec Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has been awarded $132,676,036 for two projects in Penobscot and Kennebec County. This funding will assist in the rehabilitation or replacement of six bridges on Interstate-395 between Bangor and Brewer, and the replacement of six aging overpasses on Interstate-95 near Augusta. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Bridge Investment Program (BIP). With these two awards, the State of Maine is receiving more than 20% of the nearly $635 million being awarded nationwide through the BIP this funding round. Senator Collins sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of MaineDOT’s grant requests.

    In 2021, Senator Collins, then the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the bipartisan infrastructure law. This law established the BIP, which is the single largest dedicated investment in bridge infrastructure since the construction of the Interstate highway system.

    “This funding will make our roadways safer and more resilient by addressing bridges that are crucial to Maine’s infrastructure,” said Senator Collins. “Upgrading these routes will ensure that vital travel corridors remain accessible for residents, businesses, and commercial transport alike.”

    “This funding will help fund a dozen significant bridge projects in Kennebec County and the Greater Bangor area,” said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. “Our team will replace six deteriorating bridges in Sidney and Waterville that do not provide enough vertical clearance for interstate traffic. We will also make major improvements on six bridges along the I-395 corridor in Bangor and Brewer, including the rehabilitation of the Veterans Remembrance Bridge spanning the Penobscot River. These investments in our transportation system support safety, reliability, and economic opportunity. We thank Senator Collins and Maine’s entire Congressional delegation for their ongoing commitment to supporting critical infrastructure projects in our state.”

    The funding is allocated as follows:

    • I-395 Bridge Bundle Project – $63,016,563 to rehabilitate or replace six deteriorating bridges along I-395 to enhance safety and improve driving conditions for those traveling between Bangor and Brewer, benefiting both local and regional mobility.
    • I-95 Accessibility Improvements Minimizing Heavy-Truck Impacts Project – $69,659,473 to replace six outdated bridges over I-95, bringing structures up to modern standards, allowing for safer heavy-truck passage, and reducing long-term maintenance needs on this critical route in Kennebec County.

    According to the USDOT, the BIP provides funding for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection projects that reduce the number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of declining into poor condition.

    Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Announces Over $38 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky’s Railroads

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $32,183,290 to the R.J. Corman Railroad Group and $6,492,000 to the Louisville and Indiana Railroad Company (LIRC) through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.

    R.J. Corman will use today’s award to rehabilitate tracks across multiple rail lines in Central and Western Kentucky, enhancing the efficiency and timeliness of its rail operations. The federal funding awarded to LIRC will support critical repairs to Clagg Bridge, an important rail bridge traversing the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Indiana that services both rail and waterway traffic.

    Today’s awards are funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as annual appropriations from Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, contacted the U.S. Secretary of Transpiration in support of both railways’ competitive grant applications and advocated for CRISI funding in both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the annual appropriations process.

    “As a transportation and logistics hub, Kentucky’s railroads have been the linchpin of economic growth for generations of workers and job creators in the Commonwealth. The grants announced today will increase the speed, efficiency, and safety on two of Kentucky’s keystone rail operations, improvements that support good jobs and commerce across our state. I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law precisely for projects like these, and I’ll continue to be a fierce advocate for Kentucky’s railroads, riverports, and waterways in years to come,” said Senator McConnell.

    “We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Railroad Administration for this grant, as well as to Senator McConnell, officials, and communities that supported this initiative. This partnership with R. J. Corman and Logan Aluminum underscores the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors. By leveraging federal infrastructure dollars alongside private investment, we are maximizing economic development opportunities for rail infrastructure in Kentucky. These enhancements will not only strengthen our ability to serve our customers but will also benefit a range of manufacturing companies and industries in central Kentucky. By improving the transportation of key commodities—such as agricultural products, automotive components, and raw materials—this project will bolster the region’s economy, expand market access, and enhance the overall efficiency of our supply chain,” said R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and CEO Ed Quinn.

    “The Louisville & Indiana Railroad is grateful for this award which will ensure that our 100-year-old lift span bridge over the Ohio River will remain a key component for our country’s economy for the next 100 years.  I would like to thank everyone that made this happen with a special thanks to Senator McConnell whose support is greatly appreciated,” said LIRC President John Goldman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NBC News: Senators take aim at big private equity landlords as rents soar

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    October 24, 2024

    As Wall Street financiers snapped up huge swaths of the nation’s rental housing market in recent years, the deals sailed through unchallenged. Now, with the costs of renting an apartment or home out of reach for a growing number of Americans, four Democratic senators say these transactions need more scrutiny. 

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sent a letter to private equity giant KKR on Wednesday, demanding information about its recent $2.1 billion purchase of 5,200 rental apartments across eight states. Among her questions: How does KKR plan to ensure that long-term tenants will be able to stay in their homes and what proportion of profits does KKR expect to generate from hikes in rents and fees at the apartments? 

    “KKR is just the latest private equity firm using the housing crisis to rake in profits while squeezing families,” Warren said in a statement to NBC News. “I’m sounding the alarm because we can’t solve the housing crisis unless we crack down on predatory practices by Wall Street investors.”

    …

    Read the full story here.

    By:  Gretchen Morgenson
    Source: NBC News

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mass Live: Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls on federal law enforcement to help Springfield with increasing gun violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    October 24, 2024

    Following 21 months of record gun violence that has left at least 55 people dead in Hampden County, a Springfield police officer blinded in one eye and the seizure of more than 620 firearms, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is calling for federal authorities to help Western Massachusetts.

    On Wednesday Warren sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with a five-point plan to better stop gun trafficking and crack down on illegal sales of guns to help the region.

    The letter also is signed by multiple Massachusetts members of Congress, including U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Reps. Seth Moulton, James McGovern, Lori Trahan, William Keating, Stephen Lynch and Jake Auchincloss.

    …

    Read the full story here.

    By:  Jeanette Deforge
    Source: MassLive

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Business Insider: More student-loan borrowers are taking advantage of an updated route to get rid of their debt in bankruptcy court, top Democratic senators say

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    October 28, 2024

    An updated process for student-loan borrowers to get rid of their debt in bankruptcy court is working, a group of Democratic senators said.

    On Monday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Dick Durbin led Sens. Raphael Warnock and Sheldon Whitehouse in sending a letter — first viewed by Business Insider — to the Justice and Education Departments regarding the status of recent guidance intended to make it easier for borrowers to have success in bankruptcy court.

    Discharging student loans in bankruptcy court has been historically difficult. Borrowers had to prove a standard known as “undue hardship,” in which they cannot maintain a minimal standard of living, their circumstances aren’t likely to improve, and they have made a good-faith effort to repay their debt.

    …

    Read the full story here.

    By:  Ayelet Sheffey
    Source: Business Insider

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister announcing healthy meals for kids in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada News

    We’ve been through a tough time. When COVID first hit, our country suffered the deepest recession since the Great Depression. Our economy shrank by 17 per cent and it’s been tough getting out of that. In recent weeks, we’ve had some good news. What we’ve been seeing is light at the end of the tunnel. We are approaching a soft landing for the Canadian economy after the turbulence of the COVID recession and what followed.

    October 18, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

    Check against delivery

    I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are in Treaty 1 territory and that the land on which we gather today is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.

    I want to start by saying a couple of things about the Canadian economy.

    We’ve been through a tough time. When COVID first hit, our country suffered the deepest recession since the Great Depression.  Our economy shrank by 17 per cent and it’s been tough getting out of that.  In recent weeks, we’ve had some good news.  What we’ve been seeing is light at the end of the tunnel.  We are approaching a soft landing for the Canadian economy after the turbulence of the COVID recession and what followed.

    What kind of good news am I talking about?  First of all, inflation in September was at 1.6 per cent.  That is in the lower end of the Bank of Canada’s target range, below the central target of two per cent.  For the past nine months, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range.  I know that is a relief for people here.

    What that means is that interest rates are coming down, too.  Canada was the first G7 country to lower interest rates for the first time, the first G7 country to lower interest rates for the second time and the first G7 country to lower interest rates for the third time.  That is a relief for a lot of Canadians, a lot of Manitobans as well.

    Wages and employment are going up.  We had strong jobs numbers in September.  The Canadian economy added 47,000 new jobs and unemployment went down a bit.  For the past 20 months, wages have been outpacing inflation.

    All these things are important for Canadians, for families like the parents of the kids here who want to ensure they can take care of their kids, feed their kids, pay their mortgage, pay their rent.  What that economic progress means is that we as a country are able to make investments in our most precious resources, our kids.

    That is why we announced the National School Food Program in the 2024 Budget, which is, in my opinion, one of our government’s key programs.

    The National School Food Program is one of the most important investments we can make in our kids, in our families.  It’s $1 billion over five years.  It’s going to mean 400,000 kids can get fed at school, 400,000 kids who are hungry in their classroom are going to be able to have a snack or some breakfast or some lunch.  That’s going to make such a difference to them, to their teachers.  A family with two kids will save as much as $800 a year on groceries.

    We can only deliver a program like this when we have provincial partners who share our values, who share our commitment to Canada’s kids.  That’s what we have in Manitoba.  That is why I am deeply thrilled to be able to announce today that we have a deal with the great province of Manitoba to invest in school food for Manitoba’s kids.

    The federal government is investing $17.2 million over three years to expand school food programs in Manitoba.  Manitoba is putting money on the table too.  The result is 19,080 more kids in Manitoba are going to get school meals.

    Manitoba is, as usual, in a leadership position with Premier Kinew.  Manitoba is just the second province to conclude a school food deal.  It’s meaningful for every parent who has a kid and knows their kid is going to get a snack, for every kid who’s not going to be hungry.

    This is part of our government’s absolute commitment to investing in families and in children.  It is a companion program to our national system of early learning and childcare, and Manitoba is also playing a leadership role in the country.  You guys are down to $10 a day.  That is fantastic.  That is saving a family in Manitoba $2,610 per child per year, a real affordability measure.  There is also the Canada Child Benefit, where a family can get up to $7,787 per child per year thanks to that benefit.  When you put those programs together, this is a real investment in the most important people in our country, our kids.

    I would like to thank the Government of Manitoba, especially Premier Kinew, who is an excellent partner for us. Our work is not always easy but, because we share the same values, we are able to work together to get things done.

    We need our economy to grow, but that needs to be growth with a purpose. Our purpose needs to be to invest in Canadians.  There is no better investment and no more important investment that we can make than investing in our beautiful, amazing, precious children.  That’s what we’re here to celebrate today.  Thank you.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025
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