Source: US Marines (video statements)
Bear Grylls, an adventurer and television presenter, tours the Pentagon and meets with Marines in Arlington, VA, Oct. 22, 2024.
Bear Grylls served in the British Army’s Special Air Service and is an honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)
WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Michelle Steel (CA-45) led the entire California Republican Congressional delegation in a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requesting they delay their upcoming November 8th vote on amendments to the Lower Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) until the public is provided with transparency on how these changes will impact gas prices. In September 2023, CARB reported that these changes could raise prices by 47 cents per gallon in 2025. CARB has since walked back this analysis and refused to provide an updated cost analysis.
“Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation because of our state’s gas tax,” said Congressman Valadao. “It is unacceptable that unelected bureaucrats at CARB are attempting to quietly pass new rules that will raise gas prices even more for Central Valley families. I strongly urge CARB to delay this vote until they provide a full and complete analysis of how their actions will impact gas prices for consumers.”
“Governor Newsom’s bureaucracy in Sacramento continues to make life unaffordable for Californians without considering input from affected citizens. State agencies should not be enacting new regulations raising our cost of living by dramatically increasing already-high gas prices,” said Congresswoman Steel. “CARB must delay their November 8 vote and study the impact their regulations will have on all Californians.”
In the letter, the lawmakers noted that Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation. Rep. Valadao led a letter to Governor Newsom earlier this year citing his concerns over the LCFS amendments and the annual gas tax increase.
“CARB’s new and deceitful approach comes as Californians continue to weather gas prices $1.50 per gallon above national averages, as well as a July hike in the gas excise tax to 59.6 cents per gallon. CARB has misleadingly billed these amendments as a regulatory burden limited to fossil fuel producers and importers. Unfortunately, there is no doubt that Californians will continue to pay the price,” the lawmakers wrote.
Read the full letter here.
###
Source: European Union 2
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is observed on 27 October to raise awareness about the significance and preservation risks of audiovisual materials.
Audiovisual archives serve as powerful storytellers, capturing the lives, cultures and histories of people from all over the world. They represent a priceless heritage which is an affirmation of our collective memory and a valuable source of knowledge, reflecting the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of our communities. These archives not only deepen our understanding of the past but also help us appreciate the world we share today.
Conserving this rich heritage and ensuring it remains accessible to the public and future generations is thus vital. Historically, information was preserved through photographs, sheet music and books. Modern technology has revolutionised this process, allowing us to now record and share important moments through sound and video using different apps. Platforms like music streaming services, video-sharing sites and social media act as modern-day archives, storing a wide variety of audiovisuals.
The EU utilises different platforms and depositories for storing and sharing audiovisual content. Among them, the Audiovisual Library of the European Commission functions as central deposit for audiovisual materials intended for external communication, produced or purchased by Commission services. The library is responsible for the management, preservation, and accessibility of the collective audiovisual memory of the European integration process, available in both English and French. Since 1948, the library has catalogued over 250 000 videos, 500 000 photos and 8 500 audio recordings, covering all major steps of EU history. The collection continues to grow and is accessible to the public via the Audiovisual Portal.
In addition, Europeana is a web portal that aggregates audiovisual materials from over 2000 different institutions across Europe. This includes libraries, museums, archives, galleries and others, offering its users a unique opportunity to access a diverse range of content online.
The EU is committed to safeguarding and enhancing Europe’s cultural heritage through numerous policies and programmes. By preserving audiovisual heritage such as films, recordings, and photographs, we ensure that future generations can experience the richness of our shared past. Protecting audiovisual heritage is not just about safeguarding memories, but about keeping cultural diversity alive and accessible for all.
For more information
European Commission’s Audiovisual Service
The Audiovisual Library: Europe’s living audiovisual memory (video)
Source: IMF – News in Russian
H.E. Ahmed Munawar
Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority
October 25, 2024
بسم الله الرّحمن الرّحيم
As-alam-alaikum and a very good morning
It is a great honor to welcome you to the 2024 Plenary of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.
A warm welcome to the Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva and the President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga. Congratulations Ms. Georgieva, on commencing your second term as the MD.
This year is special. We are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Institutions—a major milestone in the history of global economic governance. I would like to reflect on the words of the first Annual Meetings Chair of the Boards of Governors, U.S. Treasury Secretary, John W. Snyder: “In joining the Fund and Bank, our respective governments have not only invested large sums of money, but they have in a considerable measure staked their economic destinies on the success of these institutions. We must not fail our governments and, above all, the hopeful people we represent.”
These words hold true today, as they did 80 years ago. For 80 years, the IMF and World Bank have remained beacons of hope, managing global crises from wars to pandemics. Even in tough times, we find resilience. Chairing the Board of Governors in this historic meeting by a small state like mine is a sign of the inclusivity of these institutions.
Despite tighter financial conditions and rising geopolitical tensions, the global economy is showing remarkable strength. A soft landing is within reach. Inflation is moderating. Yet, we cannot become complacent. Uncertainty remains high. Ongoing conflicts and upheavals in many parts of the world cast a shadow over our progress, and further escalations would have a much larger impact on vulnerable economies, including through higher commodity prices.
It is true that significant challenges remain, and I would like to highlight three such challenges.
Firstly, climate change. Small countries like the Maldives, are on the front lines of climate change. The Maldives aims to have 33% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2028. This transition will build climate resilience and deliver significant fiscal and foreign exchange savings. Achieving the target requires around 1.3 billion dollars to upgrade power infrastructure, of which only 13% has been pledged by donors so far. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives call on international financial institutions to provide easier and affordable climate finance for adaptation and mitigation on the principles of a just energy transition. While the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Fund and the World Bank’s record 42.6 billion dollars in fiscal year 2024 in climate finance are commendable. More is needed, especially for climate vulnerable SIDS. Additionally, we must innovatively rethink and implement strategies to mobilize private sector investments.
Secondly, debt sustainability. Over two-thirds of emerging markets and developing economies are at high risk of debt distress. While the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable has encouraged collaboration, more action is needed. Debt sustainability analysis must better account for country context, and the ongoing review of the Debt Sustainability Framework for Low-Income Countries should look at the specific needs of SIDS. The IMF, World Bank, and MDBs should take bold steps to support countries in debt distress. MDBs can also create tools like debt-for-climate swaps, exchanging debt relief for climate adaptation investments.
Finally,structural reforms. We must strengthen the productive and state capacities of emerging and developing economies. The Bretton Woods Institutions should focus more on job creation, equal opportunities, economic diversification, and the impact of refugee flows. Similarly, structural reforms must be socially acceptable, ensuring benefits are widely shared.
Over the past year, the IMF and World Bank have undertaken significant initiatives to support our members. The completion of the 16th General Review of Quotas, the IDA21 Replenishment, and discussions on quota realignment and strengthening World Bank Group’s financing will help ensure that these institutions remain adequately resourced. At the same time, let us not lose sight of the importance of providing adequate access and representation to the countries which need MDB support the most, as well as ensuring evenhanded treatment across the membership.
The review of the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, Charges and Surcharge Policy together with the World Bank’s IDA21 Replenishment demonstrate support for our most vulnerable nations.
As I reflect on the discussions I have had during these Annual Meetings, one theme has emerged strongly: the critical need for multilateral cooperation. My friends, collective action is the antidote to an increasingly fragmented world. The 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Institutions provides a moment to reflect on our achievements, and plan for a better future together. Let me extend a warm welcome to Liechtenstein, which earlier this week joined the IMF as its hundred and ninety-first member, further reinforcing the importance of multilateralism. I am pleased with addition of the 25th Chair at the IMF’s Executive Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, and urge my fellow Governors to champion gender diversity and equality.
As the Bretton Woods Institutions plan for the future, they should tailor their advice and activities to meet the specific needs and capacities of each member. If we fail to do this, we fail the people we represent, as the first Annual Meetings Chair, John Snyder, wisely reminded us 80 years ago. As I conclude, let us remind ourselves of our unwavering commitment to macroeconomic stability, prosperity, and cooperation.
Thank you.
PRESS OFFICER:
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/25/sp102524-annual-meetings-plenary-chairman
Source: Government of Canada News
The federal government is investing $348,938 through the Active Transportation Fund to support nine infrastructure projects in the Outaouais region. These projects will increase the safety and accessibility of active transportation in the region, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Project Information:
|
Recipient |
Location |
Project Name |
Project Details |
Funding Stream |
Federal Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
City of Gatineau |
Awareness campaign to promote active transportation by bicycle in Gatineau |
This project aims to encourage recreational cyclists to use bicycles as a means of transportation and educate non-cyclists about the benefits of cycling. |
Active Transportation |
$50,000 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
City of Gatineau |
Plan for bicycle parking areas and “bicibornes” for the City of Gatineau |
This project aims to identify locations within the City of Gatineau territory where bicycle parking areas and bicibornes can be installed in order to provide cycling facilities that meet the needs of users and increase the use of bicycles for travel purpose. |
Active Transportation |
$49,910 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
City of Gatineau |
Development of a school transportation plan and methodology for a high school in the City of Gatineau |
This project aims to develop a methodology and a school travel plan for the Polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau in order to make walking and cycling home-to-school safer and more attractive. |
Active Transportation |
$43,183 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
Cœur-des-Vallées School Service Centre |
School travel plans for two elementary schools of the Coeur-des-Vallées School Service Centre |
This project aims to develop school travel plans for Saint-Michel (Montebello) and Adrien-Guillaume (Chénéville) elementary schools in order to make walking and cycling home-to-school safer and more attractive. |
Active Transportation |
$15,318 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais School Service Centre |
Deployment of the “Going to school on foot or by bike, I can do it!” active transportation promotion campaign for the schools of the Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais |
This campaign promotes active transportation for elementary school students aged 5 to 12. |
Active Transportation |
$49,809 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais School Service Centre |
School travel plans for five elementary schools and one high school of the Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais School Service Centre |
This project aims to develop school travel plans for Poupore (Fort-Coulonge), L’Envolée (Campbell’s Bay),Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur (Isles-aux-Allumettes), Sainte-Anne (Île-du-Grand-Calumet) and Sainte-Marie (Otter Lake) elementary schools as well as for Sieur-de-Coulonge (Mansfield-et-Pontefract) high school in order to make walking and cycling home-to-school safer and more attractive. |
Active Transportation |
$38,895 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
Municipality of Cantley |
Development of a local transportation plan for the residents and schools of the Municipality of Cantley |
This project aims to develop active transportation in Cantley by improving, modifying or adding infrastructure and facilities for safety, accessibility and the promotion of active transportation. |
Active Transportation |
$47,495 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
Municipality of Chelsea |
Development of a local transportation plan for the Municipality of Chelsea |
This project aims to develop a local transportation plan for the area around Scott Street in order to develop active transportation in Chelsea. |
Active Transportation |
$40,365 |
|
Centre de gestion des déplacements de l’Outaouais et de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
Municipality of La Pêche |
Deployment of the “Going to school on foot or by bike, I can do it!” active transportation promotion campaign for the schools in La Pêche |
This campaign promotes active transportation for elementary school students aged 5 to 12. |
Active Transportation |
$13,873 |
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)
San Diego, CA – This week, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) reminded San Diego and Orange County residents that Republicans in Congress and others proclaiming to be “pro-choice” are being disingenuous by refusing to support critical legislation like the Right to Contraception Act that would protect access to contraception across the country.
At a press conference announcing new federal changes that will allow millions of women to have greater access to over-the-counter contraceptives at no-cost, Levin gave a dose of reality to “pro-choice Republicans”:
“You cannot be ‘pro-choice’ if you’re fine with an extreme Supreme Court undermining Roe v. Wade.
“You cannot be ‘pro-choice’ when you believe all states should have the right to ban all reproductive care.
“You cannot be ‘pro-choice’ if you’re okay with 44% of women in this country having their reproductive rights stripped away.”
For Rep. Levin’s full remarks click here.
##
Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore
6. Unvaccinated individuals who are receiving COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 should receive:
Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC
|
Source: United States Department of Defense
Pentagon Spokesperson Tom Crosson provided the following readout:
The United States and Egypt held the 35th annual U.S.-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee (MCC) in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 23-24, 2024. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East Daniel B. Shapiro, and Egypt Assistant Minister of Defense for Foreign Relations Major General Walaa Bibers, co-chaired the event for the United States and Egypt, respectively.
Building on last year’s strategic forum in Cairo, the MCC reinforced the strong U.S.-Egypt defense partnership through discussions on enhancing security cooperation, shared regional concerns, and building on critical security assistance programs. The delegations exchanged perspectives on regional security challenges, including the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, Houthi threats to the free flow of global commerce in the Red Sea, and the destabilizing activities by Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. Both sides agreed on the importance of enhancing regional security integration and deepening U.S.-Egyptian military cooperation.
DASD Shapiro expressed appreciation for Egypt’s ongoing efforts to facilitate Gaza hostage release and ceasefire talks, as well as Egypt’s role in deescalating regional tensions. He reiterated that the United States seeks a diplomatic resolution along the Israel-Lebanon border that would allow civilians on both sides to return safely to their homes, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. DASD Shapiro and Major General Bibers reaffirmed the enduring U.S. and Egyptian commitment to the bilateral strategic relationship and preserving regional stability.
Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin, Central District of California, issued orders of default judgment against a company and two individuals: Regal Assets LLC, a California LLC; Regal Assets’ owner and CEO, Tyler G. Gallagher, formerly of Los Angeles; and Regal Assets’ former President Leah Donoso of Robinson, Texas.
The orders stem from the CFTC and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation complaint jointly filed Sept. 27, 2023, charging the defendants with misappropriating customer funds given to defendants to purchase precious metals from Regal Assets. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8791-23].
As alleged in the complaint, Regal Assets solicited customers to transfer funds primarily from their tax-deferred retirement accounts to purchase precious metals from Regal Assets through self-directed IRAs. Rather than using all of the customers’ funds to purchase precious metals, the defendants misappropriated more than $21 million from more than 120 customers. The defendants made knowing or reckless fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions to customers, including using forged documents to conceal their misappropriation and maintain their fraudulent scheme.
Under the terms of the orders issued Oct. 15, the defendants are required to pay, jointly and severally, over $21.9 million in restitution to defrauded customers and civil monetary penalties over $27.3 million. The orders also permanently enjoin the defendants from engaging in conduct that violates the CEA and California law, as charged, and permanently bans them from registering with the CFTC and from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. The orders resolve the CFTC’s lawsuit against all three defendants.
The CFTC thanks DFPI, its co-plaintiff in this action, for its assistance.
Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this action are Rishi Gupta, Brendan Forbes, Kara Mucha, Erica Bodin, Daniel Jordan and Rick Glaser.
CFTC’s Precious Metals Customer Fraud Advisory
The CFTC has issued several customer protection fraud advisories and articles, including the Precious Metals Fraud Advisory, which provides information about fraud involving the trading of precious metals — such as gold, silver, palladium and platinum — and how customers can detect, avoid and report these scams.
The CFTC strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC at NFA BASIC before committing funds. A customer should be wary of providing funds to any unregistered company.
Suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, can be reported to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382), file a tip or complaint online, or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the collected monetary sanctions, from the CFTC Customer Protection Fund which is financed through the sanctions paid by CEA violators.
Source: NASA
NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, achieved a key milestone this week for testing a new SLS (Space Launch System) rocket stage to fly on future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
Over a two-week period beginning Oct. 10, crews completed a safe lift and installation of the interstage simulator component needed for future testing of NASA’s exploration upper stage (EUS) in the B-2 position of the Thad Cochran Test Stand. The component will function like the SLS interstage section that helps protect the upper stage during Artemis launches.
“NASA Stennis is at the front end of the critical path for future space exploration,” said Barry Robinson, project manager for exploration upper stage Green Run testing on the Thad Cochran Test Stand. “Installing the interstage simulator is a significant step in our preparation to ensure the new, more powerful upper stage is ready to safely fly on future Artemis missions.”
The EUS unit, built by Boeing at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, which will be the upper stage for the evolved Block 1B version of SLS and will enable NASA to launch its most ambitious deep space missions. The new stage will replace the current interim cryogenic propulsion stage on the Block 1 version of SLS, which features a single engine and is capable of lifting 27 tons of crew and cargo to lunar orbit.
The new exploration upper stage will be powered by four RL10 engines, manufactured by SLS engines contractor L3Harris. It will increase payload capacity by 40%, enabling NASA to send 38 tons of cargo with a crew to the Moon or 42 tons of cargo without a crew.
[embedded content]
In the first two weeks of October 2024, crews at NASA’s Stennis Space Center completed a successful lift and installation of an interstage simulator unit on the B-2 side of the Thad Cochran test Stand. The interstage simulator is a key component for future testing of NASA’s new exploration upper stage that will fly on Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
Before the first flight of the exploration upper stage on the Artemis IV mission, the stage will undergo a series of Green Run tests of its integrated systems at NASA Stennis. The test series will culminate with a hot fire of the stage’s four RL10 engines, just as during an actual mission.
The simulator component installed on the Thad Cochran Test Stand (B-2) at NASA Stennis weighs 103 tons and measures 31 feet in diameter and 33 feet tall. It will function like the SLS interstage section to protect EUS electrical and propulsion systems during Green Run testing. The top portion of the simulator also will serve as a thrust takeout system to absorb the thrust of the EUS hot fire and transfer it back to the test stand. The four-engine EUS provides more than 97,000 pounds of thrust.
NASA Stennis crews previously lifted the interstage simulator to measure and align it relative to the test stand. It is now outfitted with all piping, tubing, and electrical systems necessary to support future Green Run testing.
Installation onto the test stand enables NASA Stennis crews to begin fabricating the mechanical and electrical systems connecting the facility to the simulator. As fabrication of the systems are completed, crews will conduct activation flows to ensure the test stand can operate to meet test requirements.
Through Artemis, NASA will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon; land the first woman, first person of color and first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface; and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.
For information about NASA’s Stennis Space Center, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/stennis
Source: US State of New York
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictments of three individuals for their roles in a gun trafficking operation that illegally trafficked and sold 184 firearms in Queens County. The 579-count indictment charges Deundre Wright, 22, Abner Sparkes, 31, and Ethan Charles, 22, all of Queens, New York with trafficking and selling numerous assault weapons, semiautomatic pistols, revolvers, high-capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recovered 184 firearms from the operation, which transported weapons from Goldsboro, North Carolina to New York City where they were sold. If convicted, the defendants face maximum sentences of 25 years in prison.
“The majority of guns used in crimes in New York City are illegally trafficked from other states with lax gun laws along the Iron Pipeline and are fueling deadly gun violence in our communities,” said Attorney General James. “This investigation shut down a major gun trafficking operation that brought a flood of dangerous weapons, including assault weapons, from North Carolina into New York City in the span of just a few months. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to keep New Yorkers safe and get illegal guns off our streets. I thank our partners in this investigation for their work to stop gun violence.”
Firearms and ammunition recovered by the investigation
The takedown was the result of a joint investigation between the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s New York Strikeforce, which includes members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)’s DEA Firearms Task Force. The investigation included the use of controlled firearms purchase operations and physical, covert video, and electronic surveillance.
The investigation revealed that from March to July 2024, Deundre Wright was responsible for sourcing firearms in North Carolina and trafficking them to Queens where they were sold. Wright would travel by bus from Chinatown in Manhattan to North Carolina and back, storing the firearms in luggage during the trips. After transporting the guns to New York, Wright stored them at friends’ homes in Jamaica, Queens, including in cars parked at the homes. Wright would set the prices for the firearms ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per gun, and provide them to Abner Sparkes, who would meet a customer for sales at 115th Road and 222nd Street in Cambria Heights, Queens. Sparkes would meet the customer in a car, conduct the sale, and then bring the cash back to Wright who was parked nearby monitoring the transactions.
On August 8, 2024, investigators detained Deundre Wright and Ethan Charles in Manhattan while they were exiting a bus carrying suitcases and other luggage. Investigators seized 41 firearms, including four shotguns and an inoperable rocket-propelled grenade launcher in their luggage.
The rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one of the assault weapons seized by the investigation
The indictment — unsealed before Queens County Supreme Court Judge Leigh Cheng — charges the three individuals with multiple crimes, including Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, among other charges, for their participation in the illegal gun trafficking operation. Each of the three individuals have been charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree, which are both class B violent felonies. If convicted of one count of either of these crimes, the defendants face a maximum of 25 years in prison.
“Often times we see drug and gun violence go hand in hand. The indictments of these three individuals are thanks to the hard work of our DEA Strikeforce, New York’s Attorney General, and our law enforcement partners, when targeting those who pose a threat to our communities through the sale of illegal firearms,” said DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “The removal of over 150 firearms, which includes numerous assault weapons and semiautomatic pistols, just made the streets of New York City and our neighborhoods safer. The DEA remains committed to protecting our communities, reducing gun violence, and enhancing public safety.”
“Today’s charges are a stark reminder that high-powered, illegal firearms continue to proliferate and circulate in our communities, and that NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners are doing the dangerous work of preventing them from getting into criminals’ hands on the streets,” said NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon. “Disrupting and dismantling gun trafficking networks is a top priority for our city. I thank everyone at Office of the Attorney General and all of our local, state, and federal partners for their hard work on this important case and for their ongoing commitment to our shared public safety mission.”
The Office of the Attorney General wishes to thank the members of the DEA New York Strikeforce and the NYPD’s DEA Firearms Task Force Officers. The Office of the Attorney General also wishes to thank the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the Goldsboro Police Department in North Carolina, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations for their valuable participation and assistance in this investigation.
The investigation was led by DEA New York Strikeforce’s Task Force Officer, NYPD Detective Ryan Foy of the NYPD’s DEA Firearms Task Force, under the supervision of NYPD Sergeant Brian O’Hanlon, Captain Jeffrey Heilig, Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz, and Assistant Chief Jason Savino, under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
For OAG, the investigation was led by OCTF Detectives Andrew Scala and Bradford Farrell, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Detective Paul Grzegorski, Assistant Chief Ismael Hernandez, and Deputy Chief Andrew Boss, with special assistance from the detective specialists from the OAG Special Operations Unit, led by Deputy Chief Sean Donovan. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.
The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Ann Lee, under the supervision of Downstate OCTF Deputy Chief Lauren Abinanti with the assistance of OCTF Legal Support Analyst Madeline Rosen. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado. Both the Investigations Division and the Division for Criminal Justice are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Source: US State of New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new real-time weather data tool to help inform New Yorkers when there is an increased risk of wildfires. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Mesonet at the University at Albany researchers are utilizing data from the University at Albany’s statewide weather network to generate daily Fire Danger Ratings to offer more reliable wildfire information and improve public safety.
“We’re seeing the effects of climate change in real time, with dangerous wildfire seasons across the continent year after year,” Governor Hochul said. “We want to make sure the state has the latest tools and information to prepare for and respond to wildfires to ensure our communities and resources are protected.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Even before wildland fires ignite, accurate data is crucial to deploy resources and advise communities of potential dangers. DEC’s partnership with New York State Mesonet will offer enhanced and reliable wildfire information to help keep communities safe by harnessing the power of the Mesonet to increase the number of stations recording observations in each of the state’s Fire Danger Rating Areas. This data will help inform a new, easier to read map that will benefit New Yorkers when wildfire dangers arise.”
New York State Mesonet Director June Wang said, “As the climate is getting warmer, the frequency and severity of fire weather is increasing across the U.S. This new collaboration will respond by taking full advantage of NYS Mesonet weather data and expertise, providing a more detailed and accurate fire danger rating scale.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Wildfires are a threat to people, animals, nature and communities. This new data tool will help get critical information to the public and firefighters faster and more accurately so that the danger created by these wildfires can be minimized.”
UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center Director and Executive Director of the NYS Mesonet Chris Thorncroft said, “Localized weather data has a critical role to play in how we adapt to the most severe impacts of climate change. We are proud to continue working with our public and private partners across the state on projects like this one that improve the resilience of New Yorkers to weather-related extremes.”
Localized Fire Weather Information
The New York State Mesonet is the nation’s most advanced and largest early-warning weather detection system. It features 127 standard weather observation stations that cover the entire state, including at least one in every county and borough. Each site measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, pressure, precipitation, solar radiation, snow depth, soil information and offers camera images. The data is collected in real-time every five minutes, feeding weather prediction models and decision-support tools for users across New York.
DEC’s Wildfire Predictive Services issues and updates a fire danger map that divides New York into multiple Fire Danger Rating Areas and then rates each on a wildfire risk scale from low to extreme.
The enhanced data collection helps identify the local variability of fire danger across the state, allowing community leaders, emergency managers and everyday New Yorkers to adapt their activities to prevent fires and reduce damage. It will be publicly available, offering year-round fire danger ratings and, in conjunction with DEC’s weather forecasts, other fire weather environmental and meteorological variables for all Fire Danger Rating Areas in New York.
Improving Wildfire Preparedness
Fire Danger maps are published simultaneously on both the DEC website and the New York State Mesonet Fire Danger Products web page.
Similar to the current RAWS system, the New York State Mesonet will provide the national Weather Information Management System, which serves as the host for the National Fire Danger Rating System, with the data necessary to publish regional fire danger rating products.
The public website available through the New York State Mesonet offers current and historic fire weather information, updated daily. The project is funded by DEC through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant.
View the New York State Mesonet Fire Danger Products page here.
The DEC Fire Danger Map will continue to host the fire danger map in addition to specific information about fire danger ratings and the fire danger rating areas.
Fire Danger is ‘High’ in Entire State
Recent dry conditions across the state are resulting in a “High” fire danger. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires. Fires may become serious and controlling them difficult unless attacked successfully while still small. The remainder of New York State is at a moderate level of fire danger. An updated fire danger map is available on the DEC website. While the statewide burn ban is no longer in effect, brush burning should only be done when absolutely necessary. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.
Open burning is prohibited in New York, with these exceptions:
For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York webpage.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Oct. 25 — China’s State Council on Friday appointed Sam Hou Fai as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
Sam was elected the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao SAR on Oct. 13.
His tenure will start from Dec. 20, 2024, according to a decision made at a State Council meeting presided over by Premier Li Qiang.
The appointment was made in accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR.
Over the past 25 years since its return to the motherland, Macao has seen full and faithful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems,” and ushered in the best development situation in history, Li said at the meeting.
He said the Central People’s Government will maintain its firm commitment to the letter and spirit of the “one country, two systems” principle, under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy.
Li pledged that the Central People’s Government would fully support the chief executive and the Macao SAR government in exercising law-based administration, breaking new ground while upholding fundamental principles, and shouldering their responsibilities.
The Central People’s Government will continue to support Macao to integrate itself into and contribute to the country’s overall development with its unique advantages, Li said.
He also vowed support for the chief executive and the Macao SAR government in maintaining national security, promoting the region’s appropriate economic diversification, improving the well-being of its residents, and building a harmonious and stable society, so as to ensure the joint development and prosperity of Macao and the mainland.
Sam was born in Zhongshan of south China’s Guangdong Province in May 1962 and later moved to Macao. He joined the first group of Macao’s judicial auditors in 1995, and was president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal before he ran for the election.
Source: City of Salford
A ‘network review’ is now underway in Salford aimed at further improving the Bee Network.
As all Greater Manchester (GM) bus services come under local control by 5 January 2025, network reviews will be an important way to help plan simple, joined up, reliable transport services across Greater Manchester.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Salford Council will be speaking to local transport committees and forums, communities, businesses and elected members so see what they think of transport in their area – and what improvements they would like to see.
Alongside Bolton and Wigan, Salford is one of the first area to have a network review – as the first areas to get Bee Network bus services.
You can see answers to most frequently asked questions about network reviews on this webpage: beenetwork.com/network-reviews
Bee Network Review now underway in Salford A ‘network review’ is now underway in Salford aimed at further improving the Bee Network.
As all GM bus services come under local control by 5 January 2025, network reviews will be an important way to help plan simple, joined up, reliable transport services across Greater Manchester.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Salford City Council will be speaking to local transport committees and forums, communities, businesses and elected members so see what they think of transport in their area – and what improvements they would like to see.
Alongside Bolton and Wigan, Salford is one of the first area to have a network review – as the first areas to get Bee Network bus services. Find out more about the network review.
Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry
25 October 2024
As the city’s world renound Halloween celebrations begin in earnest this Monday October 28th, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has appealed to the public to make safe choices to ensure a safe and happy celebration for everyone.
The Awakening the Walled City Trail in the city centre will run nightly from 6pm to 9pm from Monday October 28th to Wednesday October 30th
It is set to draw crowds of up to 25,000 people each night before the climactic carnival parade and fireworks on Thursday 31st October which traditionally attracts over 30,000 people.
Other attractions include ghastly ghost tours, creepy arts and crafts, spooky story-telling and horrific haunted houses.
With such large crowds expected, Mayor Barr appealed to everyone to follow the Carnival Care guidance and plan ahead to ensure they get to and from the event safely.
“All the necessary preparations have been made for record crowds over the coming days but we still need the cooperation of the public to ensure that this is an enjoyable festive experience for everyone,” she said.
“To cope with the huge influx of people expected in and around our city centre, a number of measures have been introduced to manage the numbers.
“I would ask people to access the trail maps and to follow all signage.
“For those travelling to and from the event by car, please familiarise yourself with the traffic and travel advice and consider public transport or active travel to help reduce congestion in and around our city centre.
“Also please co-operate fully with stewards and the PSNI who will be there to ensure your safety.
“We all have a responsibility to safeguard those around us and to make sure our behaviour doesn’t put others at risk.”
Parents are being advised to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping an eye on children and young people throughout the festival.
Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, issued some further advice to those attending.
“With such large crowds expected it is a good idea to plan ahead and arrange meeting points if you are out in a group,” she stressed. “Please ensure teenagers have transport home if out with friends, and that mobile phones are charged.
“Translink will have additional services operating over the weekend and especially on Halloween night to help reduce traffic and parking in the city centre and ensure people get home safely.
“We can’t wait to have everyone with us, so access all the information on the event website and plan an unforgettable Derry Halloween.”
Derry Halloween is funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office, with support from Ulster University and Air Coach.
Follow all the latest news at derryhalloween.com which includes traffic and travel, carnival care and accessibility advice.
Source: City of Sunderland
A new community garden has opened in Sunderland’s historic Mowbray Park.
Funded with the support of £180,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project has transformed an underused corner of Mowbray Park into a creative, active and vibrant growing space for the whole community to share and enjoy.
The Mowbray Park Community Garden was set up with the aim of creating a space where the whole community can come together to learn new skills, spend time in nature and make connections.
Since work got underway in June, a number of edible crops, including strawberries, have already been harvested after being grown from seed with the help of community volunteers and local schoolchildren.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Allison Chisnall, who cut the ribbon officially opening the garden, said: “It was wonderful to hear all about this amazing community project and how it’s flourishing, and a real treat to have the children from Hudson Road Primary School there singing their harvest festival songs.
“They played their own special role in creating the garden by donating wild flower seeds at the very beginning of the project.”
Councillor Beth Jones said: “This is all about bringing local people together at the same time as increasing pride in the city centre and a space that can support people’s health and wellbeing.
“Local people have been involved in the community garden right from the start, from helping to shape its design to having a say in the plants they wanted to see growing there.
“So it’s very much a garden which has been created for the community by the community, with the help of skilled community development workers who have worked on similar projects in the past.
There are lots of ways for people to get involved with the garden whether or not they enjoy gardening or have any experience. Regular drop-in sessions are held every Tuesday 10am to 12pm for people of all ages and abilities.
There are also activities during the school holidays and an upcoming community art programme which will create art that will be installed and displayed in the garden.
To find out more about Mowbray Park Community Garden and get involved visit: www.mysunderland.co.uk/MowbrayCommunityGarden
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Dmitry Patrushev made a working trip to Krasnodar Krai
During a working visit to Krasnodar Krai, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting dedicated to the implementation of reforms in the field of solid municipal waste management. The meeting was attended by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, Governor of Krasnodar Krai Veniamin Kondratyev, heads of Rosprirodnadzor and the Russian Ecological Operator.
Krasnodar Krai is the most important tourist center of the country, so a significant amount of waste is generated here. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev spoke about the importance of waste recycling.
“In May 2024, the President set the region and the Russian Ecological Operator the task of providing a sufficient number of facilities for handling solid municipal waste. And in the country as a whole, the head of state set the goal of creating the necessary volume of capacity for processing, recycling and landfill disposal of waste over the next six years. Accordingly, the region needs to significantly increase the pace in this area,” Dmitry Patrushev noted.
Before the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister got acquainted with the construction of the waste management complex, which will serve the city of Anapa, Slavyansky, Krasnoarmeysky, Temryuksky and Krymsky districts. After commissioning, waste will be sorted here using two lines with a total capacity of 300 thousand tons per year, and a composting section with a capacity of at least 110 thousand tons per year is envisaged.
In addition, during the flight over Krasnodar Krai, the Deputy Prime Minister inspected the Novorossiysk solid municipal waste landfill. Today, it is overflowing, but continues to accept waste. In accordance with the new “road map”, its reconstruction is planned.
Concluding the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev drew attention to the need for strict adherence to all established deadlines.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On October 25, 2024, the State University of Management held a ceremonial opening of the student expeditionary corps.
The official ceremony took place in the lobby of the Information Technology Center. All those present were able to see unique footage of the expeditions conducted by the students of the State University of Management at a photo exhibition, and also watched a video about the first trip.
The opening ceremony was attended by the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev, the acting vice-rector of the State University of Management Nikolay Mikhailov, the vice-rector of the Russian Technical University MIREA Igor Tarasov and the deputy general director of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives Evgeny Murakhveri. The event was moderated by the head of the expeditionary corps of our university Vladimir Linnik.
Vladimir Stroyev admitted that the path to opening the corps was long and difficult. The first step in this direction was the project “Beacons of Friendship. Towers of the Caucasus”, which is still being successfully implemented, but has a relatively narrow localization. The expeditionary corps will significantly expand the geography of trips and diversify the areas of activity with environmental, patriotic and charity trips. As an example, the rector cited search expeditions to Sebezh.
“These works not only contribute to personal development, but also help preserve historical knowledge, are useful for society, especially in today’s situation. On behalf of the university management, I promise the corps comprehensive support and from this moment I propose to consider it open,” said Vladimir Vitalievich.
Vice-Rector of MIREA Igor Tarasov said that the volunteer expedition movement at his university has been around for 10 years, but previously trips were organized only for its students. And six months ago, the “Arctic Team” was created – a unique in its scale and subject inter-university project based on RTU MIREA. In a relatively short period of its work, 77 expeditions have already been conducted for 1,000 people from 45 universities in Russia. Their participants have visited many regions of Russia, the North Pole and Antarctica, as well as Armenia, Hungary and Kazakhstan. Right now, the ship “Mikhail Somov” is carrying another student expedition along the Northern Sea Route. At the end of his speech, Igor Aleksandrovich thanked several students of the State University of Management by name for their active participation in the activities of the “Arctic Team”.
Acting Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Nikolay Mikhailov, as a candidate of geographical sciences, has spent more than 10 years of his life on expeditions. At the opening ceremony, he admitted that he loves the mountains most of all and noted that students make a great contribution to the work of scientists, and their participation in the search for the remains of soldiers of the Great Patriotic War is extremely important for the whole society. Nikolay Nikolaevich wished those who have already started going on expeditions to preserve their love for them for the rest of their lives. He admitted that soon the current students will become qualified specialists, managers, will start families and will have less and less time for travel, but at least occasionally it is always nice to go on trips.
At the level of vice-rectors, Igor Tarasov and Nikolai Mikhailov signed an agreement on cooperation between the student expeditionary corps of GUU and RTU MIREA.
Deputy Director General of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives Evgeny Murakhveri noted that any expedition is a combination of business with pleasure, it is teamwork, which also reveals forgotten history and lost elements of culture to society, which is fully consistent with modern state policy, the tasks set by Vladimir Putin, and the direction of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The guest said that in his youth he loved hiking, studied to be a geophysicist and spent an interesting scientific youth on expeditions. On hikes he made friends for life, became interested in rock music, acquired survival skills and worked with various tools, so he highly recommends enrolling in the student corps of the State University of Management – it will be interesting.
The head of the expedition corps Vladimir Linnik reported that before the opening, our students had managed to participate in 10 expeditions. The plans for 2025 include an archaeological expedition to the village of Khotylyovo in the Bryansk region to the sites of primitive people of the Paleolithic era, as well as to the Valdai Reserve to clean up the eco-trail. If the topic of future expeditions corresponds to the student’s field of study, then participation can be counted as practice. Nikolay Mikhailov, taking advantage of the occasion, presented Vladimir Linnik with a membership card of the Russian Geographical Society, of which he himself has been a member for 52 years.
Awarded with the Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation for her search activities, third-year student of the Institute of Search and Rescue Sciences Daria Monul briefly spoke about her four years of experience in expeditions and wished everyone to receive high awards for their favorite work.
At the end of the ceremony, the expedition participants showed a second video about the expeditions of the GUU students, after which, together with their friends from MIREA, they personally shared their emotions from the trips, talked about their travels and thanked the leadership of the two universities for the opportunities provided.
Anyone can join the GUU expeditionary corps.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/25/2024
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)
Today, U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Andy Barr (R-KY), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), and Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, issued a statement expressing concern over South Africa’s request to relocate Taiwan’s liaison office:
“South Africa’s demand that Taiwan relocate its liaison office from Pretoria raises serious concerns about the extent of the PRC’s influence in South Africa’s affairs. We urge the South African government to reconsider this decision and reconfirm its commitment to its democratic partner Taiwan.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)
Washington, October 25, 2024
U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today released the following statement on the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting that took place on October 25th, taking the lives of 18 innocent people:
“One year ago, the unthinkable happened in Lewiston when a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and restaurant — shaking the community and Maine to its core,” said the Delegation. “For days, families sheltered in their homes as law enforcement worked to track down the shooter. We are thankful for the diligence and bravery that put an end to this nightmare and allowed our state to begin working through the agony and devastation. But the seats at the kitchen table remain empty, with 18 Mainers absent from the lives of their friends and families. Others injured on that horrific day are still recovering from their wounds. As we continue to process the pain, we renew our commitment to helping one another, to remembering the victims and the lives forever changed that day, and to healing.”
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at Save the Children Hong Kong’s 15th Anniversary Dinner tonight (October 25):Paul (Chairman, Save the Children Hong Kong, Mr Paul Kennedy), Donnie (the Ambassador of Save the Children Hong Kong, Mr Donnie Yen), Cissy (spouse of Mr Donnie Yen, Ms Cissy Wang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you all to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Save the Children Hong Kong. First, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Save the Children for its sustained efforts and unwavering dedication in working with children, schools, families and different stakeholders to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world. I am truly impressed that, just last year alone, programmes of Save the Children have benefited over 26 000 Hong Kong children and adults. Save the Children’s vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. This meaningful and noble cause deserves the wholehearted support of all. The Government attaches great importance to protecting the best interests of children and firmly believes that every child has a right to protection against harm and abuse. In this regard, the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance was passed in July this year, requiring professionals in the social welfare, education and healthcare sectors to report serious child abuse case starting from January 20, 2026. During the 18-month transitional period, the Government will focus on preparing for its implementation, ensuring that the various support measures are properly put in place. The new legislation is an important milestone in child protection, as it would create a wide protection web for children and send a strong deterrent to potential perpetrators that their abuse will be easily exposed. One way to prevent child abuse is to strengthen positive parenting. I am glad to see that Save the Children has been organising the Heart-to-Heart Parent-Child Programme which promotes positive parenting and strengthens parent-child relationships, with 500 children and parents benefitting from the Programme. On the part of the Government, the 2024 Policy Address has just announced that a pilot scheme will be launched to set up four Community Parents and Children Centres, which will commence service from 2026, to promote parent-child interaction and pass on positive parenting skills to parents through play-based services. The Centres will also support the cognitive, language, social and emotional developmental needs of children and refer families or children in need to various government and community services as appropriate. To promote children’s mental health, the Government has implemented various measures, including extending and enhancing the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism in all secondary schools; launching the “Mental Health Literacy” resource packages for senior secondary and lower primary students; strengthening teachers’ capacity to early identify and support students with mental health needs; and helping parents acquire the knowledge and skills to better safeguard their children’s mental health. I am pleased that Save the Children shares the same vision with the Government, in providing various mental wellness programmes, such as the “Play to Thrive Programme” and the Integrating Social and Emotional Learning into Schools project. I trust Save the Children will continue to work hand in hand with the Government and different sectors of society to strive for children’s healthy growth and development. I sincerely hope that everyone in this room will continue to lend their support to children’s issues by actively building cross-sector partnerships. These collaborations are essential for creating a more impactful and sustainable approach to address the challenges faced by children in our community. Together, we can “nurture hearts and strengthen minds” of our children, providing an environment where they feel supported and empowered. Once again, my congratulations and gratitude to Save the Children for its 15 years of commitment and achievements. I wish Save the Children continuous success and every one of you a wonderful evening.
Source: US Geological Survey
The data collection will be conducted through the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a partnership between the USGS and state geological surveys that is revolutionizing our understanding of the nation’s geology and critical mineral resources which are vital to the U.S. economy, national security and clean energy technology.
“These Earth MRI surveys represent a next-generation approach, bringing modern geophysics to bear that will allow us to fundamentally reevaluate our state’s inventory of resources,” said Mike Timmons, New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mines director and state geologist of New Mexico.
The survey’s focus will cover the North American Alkaline Igneous Belt, a geologic feature that stretches from the eastern edge of Alaska down through the Rocky Mountains and into Mexico.
The unique alkaline igneous rocks in New Mexico’s portion of the belt contain deposits of gold, fluorine, zirconium, rare earth elements (REE), tellurium, gallium and other critical minerals and are commonly associated with ancient faults.
Tien Grauch, the lead USGS geophysicist for this survey, explained that the new high-resolution geophysical survey has the potential to reveal even deeper layers of igneous rocks and faults than what’s known.
“Combined with geologic mapping that is ongoing by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology, the new information may lead to a better understanding of critical mineral resources in the region,” said Grauch.
The survey footprint was designed in close collaboration with the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR), where officials say the geophysical data will improve their understanding of their state’s potential economic and natural resources.
While the primary benefit of this survey is to see into the region’s subsurface and map critical minerals, the data will also allow geoscientists to better understand the region’s groundwater flow, which supports NMBGMR’s Aquifer Mapping Program.
“This will be our first high-definition look at this area’s geology, and we can leverage the data across so many disciplines,” said Virginia McLemore, NMBGMR principal senior economic geologist. “Every opportunity we get to bring in new tools or data, we learn something completely new.”
These Earth MRI airborne geophysical surveys will collect a combination of magnetic and radiometric data. These data can be used to map rocks from just beneath vegetation and shallow sediment cover down to several miles underground. Magnetic data can be used to identify inactive faults, lava flows, other geologic features and potentially the signatures of mineral deposits. Radiometric data indicate the relative amounts of potassium, uranium and thorium in shallow rocks and soil.
Scientists use this information to help map rocks that may contain mineral deposits, faults that may rupture during an earthquake, areas that may be prone to increased radon, and geologic features that affect groundwater or energy resources.
This New Mexico survey complements a similar Earth MRI geophysical survey that will be flown over the alkaline igneous belt in Texas later in the year. Both these surveys adjoin an Earth MRI survey in the Trans-Pecos region that has already been completed.
The initial airborne geophysical survey may be followed by additional investments, including new geologic maps, geochemical sampling, and other techniques to better understand the region’s geologic framework.
Since 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has advanced scientific innovation through a $320 million investment for the USGS to better map the Nation’s mineral resources, both still in the ground and in mine wastes, and to preserve historical geologic data and samples. Through the end of fiscal year 2024, more than $160 million has been obligated for Earth MRI initiatives, propelling efforts to make “once-in-a-generation” advancements in the nation’s geologic and geophysical data collections and mapping.
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: FEMA Calls in North Carolina May Come from Unknown Phone Numbers
FEMA Calls in North Carolina May Come from Unknown Phone Numbers
RALEIGH, N.C. – Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who applied for FEMA disaster assistance following Helene in North Carolina should be aware that FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers or show SPAM or no caller ID.It is important to answer the call. FEMA representatives are reaching out to citizens that have applied for disaster assistance. Representatives may call for a variety of reasons such as issues with applications (missing documents, insurance settlement paperwork, etc.), follow-up on access and functional needs and/or to schedule inspections at the address where the damage was reported. Inspections are required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA’s review of the application.Take Steps to Avoid ScamsAlways be alert to these illegitimate practices:A FEMA inspector calls, and you did not submit a FEMA application.A FEMA inspector asks for your banking information. (FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.)A payment is requested from someone who says they are from FEMA. (FEMA will never request payment.) If any of these things happen to you — or if you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative, but you aren’t sure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to report the incident. The Helpline will be able to help you stop the processing of an application made in your name without your knowledge or apply for FEMA assistance if you live within a declared county.If you believe you are the victim of a scam related to Helene response, you should file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by visiting ncdoj.gov/complaint or calling toll-free at 877-566-7226.If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.
barbara.murien…
Fri, 10/25/2024 – 14:00
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers to Close in Jefferson, St. John the Baptist Parishes
Disaster Recovery Centers to Close in Jefferson, St. John the Baptist Parishes
BATON ROUGE, La. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in Gonzales and Edgard will close Saturday, Oct. 26.The Kenner center (Jefferson Parish), located at Martin Luther King Community Resource Center, 1042 31st St., Kenner, LA 70065, will close at 5 p.m.The Edgard center (St. John the Baptist Parish), located at WestBank Library, 2979 Hwy 18, Edgard, LA 70049, will close at 3 p.m.Additional locations in Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Residents in all nine parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.
alexa.brown
Fri, 10/25/2024 – 13:42
Source: NATO
On 24 October 2024, NATO kicked-off “Neptune Strike 2024.” This enhanced vigilance activity will take place across Europe, from the central Mediterranean and Adriatic up to the North and Baltic Seas and will run until 31 October 2024. During this period, NATO will take operational control of cutting-edge maritime warfare capabilities from numerous Allies, including multiple aircraft carriers and expeditionary strike groups that will be deployed across several operational domains.
In total, some 20 surface vessels and submarines, along with special operations forces and numerous aircraft, are participating, with around 15.000 supporting personnel. Participating nations to this NATO deployment include Albania, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States, a powerful demonstration of Allies’ ability to work together through NATO to deter and defend.
Read more from Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum
Read more from Naval Striking and Support Forces
Source: African Development Bank Group
Representatives of the African Development Bank, the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the government of Botswana came together in Gaborone, Botswana to develop a unified approach to addressing malnutrition in Southern Africa.
The event, held on September 10 and 11, 2024, also drew nutrition experts from 15 countries in the region to support the development of Africa’s first-ever Multisectoral Nutrition Policy Framework (MNPF). Participants also discussed high-impact interventions, the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms for nutrition programs, and financing targets. The consultation outcomes are expected to guide policy formulation and promote increased investments in nutrition across the region.
The call for the development of a multisectoral policy framework and an investment target to ensure adequate funding for nutrition initiatives emerged from the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council, which was held in July 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia.
The economic and social impacts of malnutrition took center stage in the discussions. One-third of African children under five suffer from stunting, even as obesity is an increasing challenge, with rates reaching 55 percent in some countries.
In her remarks, Dr. Mareko Ramotsababa, Secretary for Primary Health Care in Botswana, observed: “The region is still lagging behind in achieving the goals set for the Africa Agenda 2063, particularly in ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition. Although there’s been some improvement in malnutrition rates in the SADC region recently, child undernutrition remains a significant concern. Most member states have stunting rates surpassing 25 percent and wasting rates exceeding 5 percent. This calls for immediate and concerted action.”
Prof. Julio Rakotonirina, African Union Commission Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs in the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, said: “These statistics must worry us because they stand in the way of achieving our aspiration for Agenda 2063, the Africa We Want. It is clear from these statistics that investing in the nutrition of our people to create a healthy and productive society is an economic imperative and should sit at the very center of Africa’s transformation agenda. Investing in better nutrition also makes financial sense. For a typical African country, every dollar invested in reducing chronic undernutrition in children yields a return of $16.”
Mr. George Ouma, African Development Bank Coordinator of African Leaders for Nutrition, reflected on the event’s significance in the context of the Bank’s 60th anniversary, which took place on 9-10 September. “This regional consultation exemplifies the African Development Bank’s enduring commitment to advancing multisectoral nutrition strategies. As we celebrate 60 years of the Bank’s impact, we’re reminded that the mandate from the 41st Ordinary Session in Lusaka in 2022 anchors our gathering,” he said. “The urgency of a unified, multisectoral approach to combating malnutrition aligns perfectly with the Bank’s six-decade journey of fostering collaborative, cross-sector development initiatives.”
The regional consultation for Southern Africa follows one for the West Africa region held in Dakar, Senegal, in August 2024. Under the continental MNPF, regional consultations will take place in all five regions of Africa, culminating in the development of a unified policy and investment target for the entire continent.
The consultations will also help mobilize support for African countries ahead of the Nutrition for Growth Summit scheduled to be held in France in 2025. That Summit, a global event held every four years in the Olympic host country, brings governments and other key stakeholders together to accelerate progress toward ending malnutrition by 2030.
About ALN
The African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) Initiative, spearheaded by the African Development Bank and championed by African leaders, works to galvanise political will and significant investments to end nutrition. Since it was officially endorsed on January 31, 2018, by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Governments, ALN has secured critical commitments from governments across Africa, leading to impactful policy changes and cross-sector collaborations.
Source: Microsoft
Headline: Meeting the moment: Microsoft’s 2024 Impact Summary
In the past year, we’ve witnessed remarkable examples of how AI can be applied to address some of the world’s most difficult problems—problems that until recently, we accepted as unsolvable either because the scale was too enormous (monitoring the health of the Amazon rainforest) or because getting powerful technology into the hands of everyday people was too expensive (diagnostic tools to detect disease in remote areas).
But it turns out that when you enable teams of scientists and engineers to develop creative AI-driven solutions designed and implemented with the input of local communities, governments, private companies, and NGOs, the results are astonishingly effective and efficient.
At Microsoft, we know that AI is going to be the driving, transformative force in the effort to bring education, healthcare, and opportunity to everyone, everywhere. But to realize our mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more in this AI era, we need to bring AI and the infrastructure that supports it to the areas of the world that were left behind in prior industrial revolutions.
That’s why, in addition to making AI investments in the past year in places like Australia, the UK, Germany, France, and the United States, we also went to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kenya, Mexico, and Brazil. We aren’t doing this alone; we are partnering with governments, private companies, and NGOs to build infrastructure that will result in carbon-negative, water positive data centers as well as skilling courses to create meaningful employment.
None of this works without trust. Our business runs on trust, and it’s earned through an overriding commitment to security built into our products, openness to regulation, and transparency. This report details how we’re living up to our exacting standards in expanding opportunity, building trust, protecting fundamental rights, and advancing sustainability. There’s much more to do, but with AI and the collaborative power of billions of people worldwide, we will continue to tackle tough problems and solve them together.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During ‘Bat Week,’ U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.) in celebrating the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan, bicameral resolution supporting the federal designation of ‘Bat Week’ for the week of October 24 to October 31, 2024. The resolution emphasizes the importance of conserving bat species and habitats to the environment, national economies, and public health, and calls on Congress to continue working to defeat White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease that threatens bats’ key role as pollinators and pest control for agriculture. The bipartisan resolution was passed with bipartisan, unanimous support.
“In Vermont and across the country, bats have a significant impact on the health of our environment. But as a result of White-nose Syndrome, more than half of Vermont’s bat species are now endangered, threatening the benefits bats provide to our ecosystems, our farms, and our nation,” said Sen. Welch. “Encouraging national observance of ‘Bat Week’ will revive efforts to conserve and protect of bats, their habitats, and their crucial role in Vermonters’ health.”
“From pollinating plants to controlling pests on our farms, bats play an important role in supporting agriculture and our environment. But bats across the country, including the ten different species found in Maryland, are at risk due to threats from climate change and disease. This resolution recognizes the importance of our native bat species and critical conservation efforts to protect them,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“In Vermont, we rely on bats to keep forests and fields pollinated and healthy for our environment and farms. Bats play a critical role in our ecosystem,” said Rep. Balint (VT-AL). “Unfortunately, a significant amount of Vermont’s bats species are endangered, posing risk to the environmental benefits bats provide. This resolution stands to highlight the importance of bats, support the work it takes to protect them, and advance Vermont’s values of conservation and a diverse ecosystem.”
Bats are present throughout the world and are the second-largest order of mammals with over 1,400 species. Bats play an important role in pollination and pest control, with recent studies estimating that bats save more than $1 billion annually in crop damage and pesticide costs in the United States corn industry.
These benefits are threatened by the spread of WNS, which has killed millions of bats in North America, including over 5.7 million bats in the northeastern United States since 2006. The disease has affected all six of Vermont’s cave bat species, and populations of cave bats have significantly declined since the disease was first reported in the state.
Read the full text of the resolution.
Source: City of Canterbury
The cost of parking in more than 4,000 car park spaces across the district is set to be frozen.
And the cost of parking in 220 spaces in one Canterbury city centre car park is proposed to fall by a huge 37%.
In a report to Canterbury City Council’s Cabinet asking for permission to consult on the coming year’s parking charges, tariffs at the following car parks are set to stay the same:
A space at the Riverside complex will fall from £2.70 an hour to £1.70 with the resident rate or £1.90 without.
And, after concerns were raised about the increase in the cost of parking in School Lane, Herne, which was imposed last year, the report says the cost of an all-day space should fall from £15 per day to £1.60 on weekdays and £3.20 during the weekend and bank holidays.
Motorists could also benefit from:
Cllr Alex Ricketts, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Transport and Rural Champion, said: “Parking charges are never popular but the income they generate helps to pay for vital frontline services like waste collections or providing temporary accommodation for families that find themselves without a roof over their heads.
“Feedback from the public has been instrumental in the formation of this set of proposals and, if Cabinet gives its permission to consult, we’re keen to hear everyone’s views before any final decisions are taken early next year.
“I’d urge people to take a moment to feed into the process. We do listen and adjust charges where we can.
“I hope our proposal for School Lane is evidence of that.
“And it is worth noting, we’re still waiting to hear from the new Chancellor how much money she can find for local government so some our assumptions may have to change.”
The draft Off Street Parking Places Order (OSPPO), which sets council car park tariffs, also proposes:
Cllr Ricketts said: “Everyone who lives, works and studies in Canterbury knows it is impossible to drive around the city at certain times of the day and how difficult it is to find a space in our most popular car parks.
“We have to cut the queues and change people’s habits. Park and Ride is key.
“These proposals are designed to reduce the demand for city centre car parking spaces and persuade people and businesses to use low-cost and convenient alternatives like the Park and Ride scheme.
“They align with our emerging bus-led transport strategy which is aimed at making alternatives to the car far more attractive to cut congestion, boost air quality and combat climate change.
“We really do want to hear what people think especially if they have alternative ideas.”
The banding of the council’s car parks and the resident rate was introduced last year.
Car parks have been placed in bands with the most popular and convenient in Band 1 and the far less well used in Band 5.
If you’re a resident of Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable or the rural villages and you have a parking permit account, you can sign up for a resident rate permit in certain car parks.
You pay 10% less in all ANPR-camera controlled car parks in bands 2 and 3 and 20% less at all Park and Ride sites.
The Cabinet will decide whether to give permission to consult on the OSPPO at its meeting on Monday 4 November at 7pm in the Guildhall, St Peter’s Place, Canterbury.
If approved, the consultation will run from Monday 11 November 2024 to Monday 6 January 2025.
Published: 25 October 2024