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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to scale growth of six manufacturers in the EV sector in southern Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    October 15, 2024

    Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a combined repayable investment of more than $12 million for six manufacturers in the EV sector to expand production capabilities and adopt new equipment. Minister Tassi was joined by Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington.

    Recipient Name Project Funding Amount

    B.S.B. Manufacturing Ltd.

    To modernize its facility and seize future growth in the industry with the addition of automated production equipment to increase its capacity to produce EV and hybrid vehicle components.

    $1.2 million

    Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc.

    To expand its aluminium parts manufacturing (extrusion) capacity to produce new components for the EV market at its Lakeshore, Ontario, facility.

    $5 million

    Clover Tool Manufacturing Ltd.

    To support enhanced manufacturing capabilities to produce intricate components for the EV sector at its Concord facility.

    $750,000

    CMP Automation Inc.

    To bring to market modified computer numerical control (CNC) machinery for high-volume production of EV parts.

    $499,532

    Electrovaya Inc.

    To expand its lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity in order to meet the demand from the EV industry for its products.

    $2 million

    Marwood International Inc.

    To increase its parts manufacturing and assembling capabilities for complex EV parts.

    $3 million

    Related Product

    News Release: Government of Canada supports six companies boosting EV growth in southern Ontario

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada supports six companies boosting EV growth in southern Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Federal investment will support the growth of six manufacturers in the electric vehicles supply chain

    October 15, 2024 – Burlington, Ontario   

    Southern Ontario has a growing and competitive electric vehicle (EV) sector. Businesses across the sector are developing advanced technologies to seize new growth opportunities. The Government of Canada is investing in these businesses so they can reach their potential and develop new possibilities for our country.

    Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) visited B.S.B. Manufacturing Ltd. (B.S.B), a Burlington-based machined components and parts manufacturer serving the automotive, agricultural and industrial product markets, to meet with employees and learn about the company’s ongoing shift to manufacture parts for electric vehicles. Minister Tassi was joined by Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington.

    To support this transition, B.S.B. is receiving $1.2 million to seize future growth in the industry with the addition of new automated production equipment and facility upgrades. This will increase the company’s capacity to produce EV and hybrid vehicle components and fulfill new contracts within the EV industry.

    This funding is part of a combined investment of more than $12 million to help six manufacturers scale up EV production: B.S.B. Manufacturing Ltd., Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc., Clover Tool Manufacturing Ltd., CMP Automation Inc., Electrovaya Inc. and Marwood International Inc. By expanding production capabilities and adopting new equipment, Ontario companies are meeting the growing demand for innovative production capabilities to feed the EV supply chain. Additional information on these projects is included in the backgrounder.

    The Government of Canada is committed to supporting businesses as they evolve to develop new opportunities in the EV sector and create good jobs for Canadians. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.

    Quotes

    “Southern Ontario has a rapidly growing EV sector and is home to many leading manufacturers across the EV supply chain that are using their expertise and talent to drive our EV sector forward. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting these companies as they help Canada to make progress towards its goal of reaching net-zero emissions and build a competitive EV sector in the region.”
    – The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 

    “The federal government is taking steps to help Canadians, businesses and communities adapt to climate change while making life more affordable on the path to net-zero. Today’s announcement highlights not only the resilience of this region, but also the strength of the manufacturing sector throughout southern Ontario.”
    – Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington

    “Today, as we embark on a new chapter with EV and hybrid solutions for our customers, we are paving the way for the future of competitive manufacturing in Canada—one that requires constant innovation. B.S.B. is built on a strong foundation of high-quality products, in-house expertise and cutting-edge solutions. Thanks to the FedDev Ontario funding, we’ve been able to invest in new machinery, tooling, automation and robotics, ensuring that we can retain direct and indirect manufacturing jobs in Canada.”
    – Narinder Bhogal, P.Eng, President, B.S.B. Manufacturing Ltd.

    Quick facts

    • Established in 1976 in Burlington, B.S.B. Manufacturing Ltd. is a Tier 1 & 2 automotive supplier to major customers such as Stellantis (Chrysler), Magna, Tesla and GM.

    • Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Brampton, Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc. has emerged as a leader in designing and producing housing units and components for EV batteries at its Lakeshore, Ontario facility, used in a significant number of EVs in North America.

    • Concord-based Clover Tool Manufacturing Ltd. was established in 1979 and is a supplier of tooling, stampings, and welded and mechanical assemblies for automotive and other industries.

    • Founded in 1988, Kitchener-based CMP Automation Inc. provides custom automated manufacturing equipment and solutions to various industries, including nylon tubing used in the automotive industry.

    • Established in 1996, Mississauga-based Electrovaya Inc. is a pioneering leader in the global energy transformation, focused on contributing to the prevention of climate change by manufacturing safe and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries for heavy-duty vehicles and battery systems.

    • Incorporated in 1990, Tillsonburg-headquartered Marwood International Inc. is an award-winning stamping and assembly company that manufactures a full range of automotive components, such as structural assemblies, rear-end components, roof and sunroof components, and more.

    • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $86.9 million in 26 EV-related projects, creating and maintaining more than 2,250 jobs.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Edward Hutchinson
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency
    for Southern Ontario
    Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

    FedDev Ontario
    Media Relations
    media@feddevontario.gc.ca

    Stay Connected

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    Subscribe to FedDev Ontario’s Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosts Enhanced Honor Cordon and Bilat for Denmark’s MoD Poulsen at the Pentagon

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN: Well, Mr. Poulsen, it’s an honor to host you at the Pentagon. And Denmark is a close and longstanding ally, and we appreciate Denmark’s many contributions to our shared national security interests. We’re grateful for your country’s continued support of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. It’s our northernmost military installation, and it performs vital space and missile defense missions.

    Now, the US and Denmark also stand united in helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s cruel war of aggression. So, Mr. Minister, thanks for everything that you’re doing to support the Ukrainian people and their military. Denmark may be a small country, but it’s one of the top financial donors to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP.

    Denmark has also led the way in finding innovative solutions to meet Ukraine’s operational requirements. And you have stepped up as a co-leader of the Air Force capability coalition of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, alongside my country and the Netherlands. So, thanks for leading the way on providing F-16s to Ukraine and training their pilots.

    Last December, the US signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark, and so I look forward to building on this momentum and deepening our bilateral defense partnership. Our countries both believe that our democratic values and our close defense cooperation are vital for peace, prosperity, and security in the North Atlantic. So, I appreciate Denmark’s increasing role in regional defense, and I applaud Denmark’s commitment to meet the pledge that all NATO members took to invest at least 2 percent of your GDP in defense this year.

    Mr. Minister, thanks again for making the trip. I look forward to a great conversation. Over to you.

    DENMARK MINISTER OF DEFENSE TROELS LUND POULSEN: Thank you very much, and thank you for the warm welcome here at the Pentagon. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, it is a great honor for me to be here, and also having the possibility to talk to you about some of the most crucial elements right now.

    And as you just mentioned, Denmark and the US have a long-lasting cooperation. And you are indeed a very warm and also strong ally for Denmark, and we very much support you in that. And I hope that we also could continue that support in the future.

    Thank you also for what you personally have been doing since 2022 at the Ramstein meetings. It is indeed a great honor for me to participate in these meetings, and also the great support from the US to Ukraine and also the very needed support for the fight for freedom for the people of Ukraine. I think you have personally done an outstanding job, and thank you so much for that.

    We are also looking into new discussions. New NATO targets will arrive next year. Denmark will be very active also to deliver on these targets. I think you’re also aware that Denmark is now being able to spend 2.4 percent of the GDP on defense. We will continue doing that also in the future.

    And I have also said to you before that I think Europe have to spend more on our own defense, and then we will also be an important player in that discussion. Denmark can do more in the future, but I also think that Europe should do more for our own security. We cannot depend on US. We should do more, Europe, in context for our own defense.

    Let me also just recognize the close cooperation that we have. You mentioned Pituffik Air Base. I think you will have also strong cooperation in the future. Also among the Kingdom of Denmark, we have the Faroe Islands and also Greenland, and then of course also Denmark. We can do even more together, and we will be happy to do that together with the US.

    And let me just conclude saying that we are also having soldiers in Latvia, 800 soldiers. I paid a visit to them last week. And we will also be active in doing even more in the future to help our friends in the Baltic area securing their security.

    So, once again, thank you so much for having us here today. It’s a great honor for us to be here.

    SECRETARY AUSTIN: Mr. Minister, welcome, and thanks for making the trip. And I look forward to a great conversation. Thanks, everybody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Appointment of Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, effective from 16th October 2024.

    Dr. Kennedy K. Mbekeani, a citizen of Malawi brings over 25 years of senior level experience in development finance, project management, policy advisory services, and knowledge generation across country and regional levels. Prior to this appointment, he served as Deputy Director General for the Bank’s Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office.

    He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Economics and Statistics) degree from the University of Malawi, an MPhil in Monetary Economics from the University of Glasgow, and both an MA and PhD in International Economics from the University of California. He has authored numerous publications focusing on trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development in Africa.

    In his previous role as Deputy Director General for the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, Dr. Mbekeani led the Bank’s business development and delivery for sovereign, non-sovereign investments and provided advisory services to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia and Mauritius. His efforts contributed to the Bank’s reputation as a trusted partner for high impact development projects in the region. He also managed relationships with key government and private sector, positioning the Bank for success.

    Dr. Mbekeani joined the Bank in 2009 as Chief Trade and Regional Integration Officer. He has held various senior roles including Lead Regional Economist at the South African Resource Centre, Officer in Charge and Acting Regional Director of the Bank’s South African Resource Centre in South Africa, and Officer in Charge of the Bank’s Ghana Country Office. When he served Country Manager for Uganda, he successfully expanded the Bank’s portfolio to over $2 billion.

    Before joining the Bank, Dr. Mbekeani worked for the United Nations Development Programme as a Trade, Debt and Globalisation Advisor for East and Southern Africa. He also served as Senior Research Fellow at the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, and Senior Economist at the National Institute for Economic Policy in South Africa.

    Commenting his appointment, Dr. Mbekeani said: “I am grateful and feel honoured by the confidence President Adesina placed in me through this appointment, as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office. I look forward to working with the President, the Board of Directors, Senior Management, our teams and stakeholders to enhance the Bank’s operational efficiency, effectiveness and drive impactful developmental outcomes across the region”.

    Commenting the appointment, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “I am delighted to appoint Dr. Kennedy Mbekeani as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office. Kennedy brings extensive experience in managing operations, policy dialogue, coupled with astute diplomacy and well-tested ability to work effectively with countries and development partners. He had previously worked in East Africa as the Country Manager for Uganda, before being promoted to the position of Deputy Director General of the Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office. His knowledge of the Eastern Africa region and well-proven experience in delivering robust operations for the public and private sectors will strongly benefit the work and operations of the African Development Bank Group in East Africa and all countries in the region”.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Associated with “Everybody Shines Together” Street Gang Sentenced in Federal Drug and Gun Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Louisville, KY – This week the last of ten defendants, each of whom were associated with the “Everybody Shines Together” street gang (also knowns as “EST”), was sentenced as part of a conspiracy involving federal drug and firearms offenses. 

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    “I commend the outstanding work of our prosecutors, federal law enforcement agents, and our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful prosecution of the defendants in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “These are significant federal prison sentences for serious violations of the law. Together, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to flood our streets and neighborhoods with drugs while illegally using and possessing firearms.” 

    “With the sentencing of Mr. Mosley comes the conclusion of a years-long collaborative effort across all levels of law enforcement to put some of Louisville’s most hardened criminals behind bars and disrupt one of the area’s most consequential street gangs,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury. “With multiple significant federal prison sentences, we hope this case serves as a warning sign. As long as you continue to exploit the young and vulnerable and fill our neighborhoods with senseless gun violence and harmful drug operations, the FBI will use every available resource to identify and dismantle your operation.”

    “This sentencing highlights the result of countless hours of dedicated effort from officers and investigators from LMPD and our partner agencies,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey. Each day they place their life on the line to remove criminals such as these from the streets, making Louisville a safer, better place.  The men and women of LMPD will not stop fighting against the scourge of violence and gang activity in our city. There is more work to do, but this particular group of criminals being sentenced and removed from our community is a move in the right direction.”

    According to court documents, Eric D. Mosley, 33, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Mosley was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On December 1, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, enhanced possession of drug paraphernalia, enhanced possession of marijuana, and enhanced possession of heroin.

    On December 1, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, less than 4 grams of cocaine, receiving stolen property (firearm), enhanced possession of marijuana, and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense (less than 2 grams of heroin).

    Zaman Taylor, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    Darrian Toogood, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 6 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Devonzo Summers, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 21, 2024, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    Barry Reed, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

    Dazaray Rice, 30, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 3 years of probation, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Aerion Cook, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Khasi Jones, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and six counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Cedric Palmer, 28, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 12, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and distribution of methamphetamine.

    Ricos Mosley, 36, of Louisville,was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the ATF, IRS-CI, DEA, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from Paralegal Aaron Cooper.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    ####

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: The Department of the Navy Launches Civilian Career Development Software

    Source: United States Navy

    This milestone reflects the collective efforts across multiple commands and marks a significant shift toward a more streamlined, flexible, and accessible learning experience. The Waypoints system bolsters the DON’s mission to foster a stronger, more capable force and promotes the mission readiness and innovation needed to support the warfighter.

    The program will establish the civilian learning management system, eliminating the use of multiple platforms for learning and talent management. The functions of this system empower supervisors to track employee training, administrators to support and grow the command, and provide the users career development resources.

    Waypoints will help advance the operational excellence of the DON workforce and integrate civilian employees into the unified call of maritime service.

    For questions related to this release, contact the U.S. Navy Office of Information at CHINFONewsDesk@us.navy.mil or 703-697-5342.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Highway 101 — RCMP investigates two fatal collisions on Highway 101

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP responded to two fatal collisions on Highway 101 over the weekend.

    On October 12 at approximately 8:26 a.m., Kings District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a five-vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Wolfville. RCMP officers learned that a transport truck travelling eastbound struck four vehicles that were stopped for construction on the highway. Two occupants of a black GMC Acadia, a 62-year old woman and a child, both of East Kingston, were located deceased at the scene. A third occupant of that same vehicle, a 40-year-old woman, was transported via EHS LifeFlight with life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported to police.

    On October 14 at approximately 3:50 p.m., Kings District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Berwick. The initial investigation indicates a Dodge Journey was travelling westbound and a Ford F150 was travelling eastbound when they collided. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Journey, a 38-year-old man of Middleton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 49-year-old driver and 19-year-old passenger of the F150, both of Greenwood, were transported to hospital by EHS with non-life threatening injuries.

    Highway 101 was closed for several hours during both incidents while an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended the scenes. Both investigations are ongoing.

    Our thoughts are with the victims’ families at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendants prosecuted on federal firearms, drug charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. 

    “Illegally possessed guns, particularly those converted to automatic fire, are a persistent threat to public safety,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to eliminating these sources of violence in our communities.” 

    The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

    Those indicted in October include:

    • Javon Edwards, 30, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Machine Gun, referring to a pistol converted to automatic fire with a “Glock switch”; and,
    • Travis Sanders, 44, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

    All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

    • Laron Thompson, a/k/a “Hollywood,” 38, of Savannah, was sentenced to 115 months in prison after pleading guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Thompson is one of 10 defendants, including Tyquian Bowman, a/k/a “Quando Rondo,” 24, of Savannah, indicted in 2023 in a Savannah-area drug trafficking conspiracy.
    • Jacqueline Christmas, 50, of Statesboro, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm. An ATF investigation determined that Christmas purchased multiple handguns from a Bulloch County gun store, falsely claiming a legal owner was the buyer of the guns when they were actually purchased by and delivered in New York to Christmas’ brother-in-law, who since has pled guilty to related federal firearms charges.
    • Jakobian Sentell Jones, 25, of Warrenton, Ga., was sentenced to 60 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine. Georgia State Patrol troopers found Jones in possession of a revolver during a traffic stop, and in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine during a subsequent search.
    • Othnell Christian Ferguson, 27, of Pembroke, Ga., was sentenced to 70 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Statesboro police officers determined Ferguson possessed a pistol during a foot chase following a February 2023 traffic stop.
    • Kenyatta Dunn Nero, 40, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found a pistol in Nero’s vehicle during a July 2023 traffic stop. Nero has multiple previous criminal convictions on state charges that include illegal gun possession.
    • Jamal Brashad Hawkins, 22, of Swainsboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Emanuel County deputies found Hawkins in possession of a pistol after a traffic stop in June 2023.
    • Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police in January found Miller in possession of a pistol while investigating a domestic disturbance.
    • Nathan Sparks, 27, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol in Sparks’ waistband during a traffic stop. 
    • Anthony McQuarters, 31, of Hardeeville, S.C., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. A Georgia State Patrol trooper arrested McQuarters on state charges following a chase on I-16 by multiple law enforcement agencies through Laurens, Treutlen, Emanuel, and Candler counties, and found pistols in his possession.
    • Christopher Jeramy Blair, 44, of Pembroke, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon. Acting on a tip, investigators from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives seized 11 handguns, rifles, and shotguns during a search of Blair’s residence.

    The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. 

    For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nain — Nain RCMP arrests unruly airline passenger, charges laid

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following the report of an unruly airline passenger on an October 13, Air Borealis flight, Nain RCMP arrested 32-year-old Monique Penashue of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for assault and other offences.

    At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nain RCMP received the report of the unruly passenger from Air Borealis. Penashue was allegedly intoxicated and had assaulted two individuals, including a pilot, during the flight. Upon arrival in Nain, airline passengers were removed from the aircraft and Penashue, who was found in possession of alcohol, was arrested without further incident.

    She is charged under the Criminal Code for the following offences:

    • Endangering the safety of an aircraft
    • Assault – two counts
    • Breach of probation

    She is charged under the Aeronautics Act for the following offences:

    • Endangering the safety or security of an aircraft by interfering with the duties of a crew member
    • Endangering the safety or security of an aircraft by lessening the ability of a crew member to perform their duties

    Penashue was remanded in custody over the weekend and attends court today.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Horry County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Machine Gun and Machine Gun Conversion Devices

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    FLORENCE, S.C. —Orlanier Colon Menendez, 21, of Conway has pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun and multiple machine gun conversion devices.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Conway Police Department officers responded to a vehicle crash within the city limits involving Menendez. While investigating the crash, the responding officer found a .45 caliber handgun that had a machine gun conversion device installed on the firearm. During a search, officers found a backpack that contained an additional 12 machinegun conversion devices, also known as Glock conversion switches, and a rotary tool with accessories commonly used to install the devices.

    Menendez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Menendez after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Conway Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Federal FEMA Grant Award to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for Emergency Protective Measures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    CategoriesMIL OSI

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    CategoriesMIL OSI

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $7,047,053.82 in federal funding to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This grant is part of FEMA’s ongoing support following FEMA-DR-4697-MS, which was declared on March 26, 2023, due to severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

    This federal funding, authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, will assist MEMA in covering emergency protective measures necessary to safeguard public health and safety during these disasters. With a total project cost of $9,396,071.75, the federal government will cover 75% of the expenses.

    “I am grateful to FEMA for their continued support in helping our communities recover from these devastating storms. This grant will provide crucial funding to MEMA, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their critical work in protecting the people of Mississippi during emergencies,” said Congressman Thompson. “We remain committed to rebuilding stronger and ensuring the safety of all Mississippians in the face of future disasters.”

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $7,047,053.82 in federal funding to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This grant is part of FEMA’s ongoing support following FEMA-DR-4697-MS, which was declared on March 26, 2023, due to severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

    This federal funding, authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, will assist MEMA in covering emergency protective measures necessary to safeguard public health and safety during these disasters. With a total project cost of $9,396,071.75, the federal government will cover 75% of the expenses.

    “I am grateful to FEMA for their continued support in helping our communities recover from these devastating storms. This grant will provide crucial funding to MEMA, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their critical work in protecting the people of Mississippi during emergencies,” said Congressman Thompson. “We remain committed to rebuilding stronger and ensuring the safety of all Mississippians in the face of future disasters.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Portage County, Ohio

    Source: US State of Vermont

    The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio, during the early voting period and on Election Day.

    The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.

    Voters in Portage County have raised concerns about intimidation resulting from the surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats concerning the electoral process. Attempted or actual intimidation, threats or coercion directed toward any person for voting and related activities or urging or aiding others in voting is prohibited by Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    Reports related to voter intimidation in Portage County and complaints about any other possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at http://www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at http://www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at http://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Gets Stuff Done: Governor Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Carroll Highlight Pennsylvania’s Successful Work to Repair More Poor-Condition Bridges than Any Other State in the Country

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 14, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA

    Shapiro Administration Gets Stuff Done: Governor Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Carroll Highlight Pennsylvania’s Successful Work to Repair More Poor-Condition Bridges than Any Other State in the Country

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll joined local officials and community leaders at the Neville Island Bridge in Allegheny County to celebrate the completion of critical repairs on the I-79 bridge that tens of thousands of drivers rely on every day. This project is part of Pennsylvania’s historic progress in maintaining and improving critical infrastructure across the Commonwealth, with Pennsylvania leading the nation last year in the repair of poor-condition bridges.

    According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in 2023, Pennsylvania – including PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and other bridge owners – repaired or replaced more than 200 bridges of at least 20 feet in length, resulting in 90 fewer bridges rated in poor-condition – the largest improvement of any state in the country.

    Last year in 2023, PennDOT had its most productive year in nearly a decade, improving 500 more miles of roadway and repairing 150 more bridges than the previous year. The momentum continues into 2024, with over 4,100 miles of roads improved and work advancing on more than 360 state and local bridges. Governor Shapiro and his Administration understand the vital role infrastructure plays in the daily lives of millions of Pennsylvanians, which is why PennDOT works quickly and safely to ensure roads and bridges are ready for the people who rely on them every day.

    Speakers Include:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Sec. Mike Carroll
    Congressman Chris Deluzio
    Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
    Senator Wayne Fontana
    Representative Anita Kulik
    Matt Smith, Chief Growth Officer, Allegheny Conference on Community Development
    Joe Slezak, Company Labor Foreman, Trumbull

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Auditor General DeFoor Concludes Statewide Community College Tour at Community College of Philadelphia, Highlights Expanded Job Opportunities for Pennsylvania Students

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 15, 2024 – PHILADELPHIA, PA

    Auditor General DeFoor Concludes Statewide Community College Tour at Community College of Philadelphia, Highlights Expanded Job Opportunities for Pennsylvania Students

    Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today wrapped-up a statewide tour of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges at Community College of Philadelphia, where he highlighted his department’s expanded career pathways for graduates of accredited associate degree programs and commended the work that these institutions do to prepare their students for the future.

    “As a community college graduate myself, I can tell you firsthand that associate degree programs offer practical, hands-on training that prepares students for high-demand careers like auditing,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “Community college taught me so many life skills that I still use to this day. That is why I am so excited to be at Community College of Philadelphia to recruit the next generation of our workforce and commend them for the work they do to ensure their students have the tools they need to succeed.”
    “Students and graduates of Community College of Philadelphia make up a major part of our community’s workforce,” said Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia. “I am grateful to the Auditor General for visiting our institution and sharing information on some of the high-demand, family-supporting career opportunities available to our students.”

    Previously, to be considered for a position at the Department of the Auditor General, candidates needed to hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and complete 12 credits of accounting as part of their coursework.

    List of Speakers:
    Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor
    Frank Santos, Workforce Development Recruitment Program Coordinator, Pennsylvania Auditor General
    Dr. Alycia Marshall, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Success/Aspen Rising Presidential Fellow at Community College of Philadelphia

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassini Mission: 5 Things to Know About NASA Lewis’ Last Launch

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s ambitious Cassini mission to Saturn in the late 1990s was one of the agency’s greatest accomplishments, providing unprecedented revelations about the esoteric outer planet and its moons. The complex undertaking was also a tremendous, yet bittersweet, achievement for the Lewis Research Center (today, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland), which oversaw the rockets that propelled Cassini to Saturn. Cassini brought a close to over 35 years of Lewis’ management of NASA’s launch vehicles.

    1. NASA Lewis Launched the Largest and Most Complex Deep-Space Mission to Date
    In the early 1980s, NASA began planning the first-ever in-depth study of the planet Saturn. The mission would use the Cassini orbiter designed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the European Space Agency’s Huygens lander. It was one of the heaviest and most complex interplanetary spacecraft ever assembled. Cassini’s plutonium power system and intricate flight path further complicated the mission.
    NASA Lewis was responsible for managing the launches of government missions involving the Centaur upper stage and the Atlas and Titan boosters. Cassini’s 6-ton payload forced Lewis to use the U.S. Air Force’s three-stage Titan IV, the most powerful vehicle available, and pair it with the most advanced version of the Centaur, referred to as G-prime.

    2. Lewis Performed Hardware Testing for the Cassini Launch
    One of NASA Lewis’ primary launch responsibilities was integrating the payload and upper stages with the booster. This involved balancing weight requirements, providing adequate insulation for Centaur’s cryogenic propellants, determining correct firing times for the stages, and ensuring that that the large shroud, which encapsulated both the upper stage and payload, jettisoned cleanly after launch.
    By the time of Cassini, the center had been testing shrouds (including the Titan III fairing) in simulated space conditions for over 25 years. NASA’s Space Power Facility possesses the world’s largest vacuum chamber and was large enough to accommodate the Titan IV’s 86-foot-tall, 16-foot-diameter fairing. In the fall of 1990, the shroud was installed in the chamber, loaded with weights that simulated the payload, and subjected to atmospheric pressures found at an altitude of 72 miles.
    The system was successfully separated in less than half a second. Using simulated Cassini and Centaur vehicles, NASA engineers also redesigned a thicker thermal blanket that would protect Cassini’s power system from acoustic vibrations during liftoff.

    3. Lewis Personnel Assisted with the Launch
    In late August 1997, a group of NASA Lewis engineers traveled to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to make final preparations for the Cassini launch, working with Air Force range safety personnel at Patrick Air Force Base to ensure a safe launch under all circumstances.
    After an aborted launch two days earlier, the vehicle was readied for another attempt in the evening of October 14. Lewis personnel took stations in the Launch Vehicle Data Center inside Hangar AE to monitor the launch vehicle’s temperature, pressure, speed, trajectory, and vibration during the launch. The weather was mild, and the countdown proceeded into the morning hours of October 15 without any major issues.
    At 4:43 a.m. EDT, Titan’s first stage and the two massive solid rocket motors roared to life, and the vehicle rose into the dark skies over Florida. The Lewis launch team monitored the flight as the vehicle exited Earth’s atmosphere, Titan burned through its stages, and Centaur sent Cassini out of Earth orbit and on its 2-billion-mile journey to Saturn. After a successful spacecraft separation, Lewis’ responsibilities were complete. The launch had gone exceedingly well. 

    4. Cassini-Huygens Brought a Close to Decades of Lewis Launch Operations
    Cassini-Huygens was NASA Lewis’ 119th and final launch, and it brought to a close the center’s decades of launch operations. The center had been responsible for NASA’s upper-stage vehicles since the fall of 1962. The primary stages were the Agena, which had 28 successful launches, and Centaur, which has an even more impressive track record and remains in service today.
    While Lewis continued to handle vehicle integration and other technical issues for launches of NASA payloads, in the 1980s, NASA began transferring launch responsibilities to commercial entities. In the mid-1990s, NASA underwent a major realignment that consolidated all launch vehicle responsibilities at NASA Kennedy.
    So it was with mixed emotions that around 20 Lewis employees and retirees gathered at the Cleveland center in the early morning hours of Oct. 15, 1997, to watch the Cassini launch. The group held its cheers for 40 minutes after liftoff until Lewis’ responsibilities concluded for the last time with the safe separation of Cassini from Centaur. “In many ways, this is the end of an era, across the agency and, in particular, here at Lewis,” noted one engineer from the Launch Vehicle and Transportation Office.

    5. Cassini Made Groundbreaking Discoveries That Inform Today’s NASA Missions
    Cassini’s seven-year voyage to Saturn included flybys of Venus (twice), Earth, and Jupiter so that the planets’ gravitational forces could accelerate the spacecraft. Cassini entered Saturn’s orbit in June 2004 and began relaying data and nearly half a million images back to Earth. Huygens separated from the spacecraft and descended to the surface of the Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, in January 2005. It was the first time a vehicle ever landed on a celestial body in the outer solar system.
    Cassini went on to make plunges into the planet’s upper atmosphere and through Saturn’s rings.  Scientific information on the mysterious planet, its moons, and rings led to the publication of nearly 4,000 technical papers. After over 13 years and nearly 300 orbits, on Sept. 15, 2017, NASA intentionally sent Cassini plummeting into the atmosphere where it burned up, ending its remarkable mission.
    NASA engineers used their experiences from the Cassini mission to help design the Europa Clipper, which is intended to perform flybys of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Europa Clipper launched on Oct. 14.
    Keep Exploring

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The DUP must act to remove O’Neill after yet another Sinn Fein scandal

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV deputy leader Councillor Ron McDowell:
    “The last few weeks have seen Sinn Fein flounder around as their story changed repeatedly in relation to the Michael McMonagle scandal. It is clear that both powerful elements in the media and the Stormont establishment are keen to shut down the matter. I am proud to be a member of the only party represented in Stormont who remain intent on keeping the spotlight on the issue as demonstrated by colleague Timothy Gaston’s Members’ Statement on the floor of the house this morning.
    “But not even the Stormont establishment can ignore the Niall Ó Donnghaile scandal coming hard on the heels of that of Michael McMonagle. Again, the Sinn Fein top brass are implicated given the gushing praise they heaped on Ó Donnghaile when he left public life, including Michelle O’Neill. They did this presumably knowing the real reason for his hasty exit from public life.

    “Huffing and puffing is no longer good enough. If the DUP are serious about demanding any standards at all from Sinn Fein in order for them to be in government it is incumbent on them to demand the immediate resignation of the First Minister. If she does not resign then they are obliged to remove her from office by Emma Little-Pengelly tendering her resignation as deputy First Minister, a move which would trigger the removal of Ms O’Neill in a fashion not dissimilar to how Martin McGuinness removed Arlene now Baroness Foster.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni addresses Parliament ahead of European Council meeting on 17-18 October

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, this morning provided the Senate with the official communications regarding the European Council meeting to be held on 17 and 18 October, and responded to the points raised during the general discussion.

    In the afternoon, President Meloni responded to the points raised during the general discussion at the Chamber of Deputies.

    [President Meloni responds to the points raised by the Chamber of Deputies – Video available in Italian only]

    [President Meloni responds to the points raised by the Senate – Video available in Italian only]

    [President Meloni addresses the Senate – Video available in Italian only]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manchin Statement On Death Of Hall Of Fame Broadcaster Jack Kane

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

    October 15, 2024

    Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released the following statement on the passing of West Virginia’s legendary news anchor, Jack Kane.

    “Gayle and I are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and broadcasting legend, Jack Kane. Jack was an institution in West Virginia journalism. With over 20 years of reporting across the Mountain State, Jack’s work was always insightful, creative and informative. It was no surprise when he was inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2013. He was such a bright light for our state and inspired so many young journalists to follow in his footsteps. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to Jack’s wife, Sherrie, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Portage County, Ohio

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio, during the early voting period and on Election Day.

    The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.

    Voters in Portage County have raised concerns about intimidation resulting from the surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats concerning the electoral process. Attempted or actual intimidation, threats or coercion directed toward any person for voting and related activities or urging or aiding others in voting is prohibited by Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    Reports related to voter intimidation in Portage County and complaints about any other possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at http://www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at http://www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at http://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cardin, Van Hollen, Ivey Highlight $1.15 Million in Direct Federal Investments for Youth Services and Restoration Projects in Prince George’s County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

    WASHINGTON – Recently, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) were in Prince George’s County to highlight $1,150,000 in direct federal investments they secured for youth services and environmental restoration projects in the community. The lawmakers fought for these investments in the federal funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2024.

    “The dam ruins at Laurel’s Riverfront Park and the Laurel Boys and Girls Club are at the heart of the community and tell the city’s origin story. These are stories that need to be told,” said Senator Cardin. “Investment in these historic places preserves our history and culture while creating economic and educational opportunities for Laurel’s residents.”

    “We fought for these direct investments in Prince George’s County with key goals in mind: building stronger communities and empowering our future leaders. Funding for the Laurel Boys & Girls Clubs will enable them to maintain safe spaces for after-school activities, and resources for restoring the Laurel Dam ruins will preserve the historic landmark that this City was built around while enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. These are investments in the preservation of our local history and the wellbeing of Marylanders today and for generations to come,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “Investing in our communities begins with raising the quality of life for residents.  Creating a beautiful, safe and environmentally friendly park space in the ruins of a dam along the Patuxent River gives people of Laurel and beyond a look into it’s storied history as a mill town and its future with the walkable Riverfront Park.  Keeping kids safe and promoting their wellbeing is a down payment on our leaders of tomorrow.  Keeping one of the oldest boys and girls clubs in the region thriving gives a glimpse of that future.  With the leadership of Maryland’s federal delegation bringing these grant monies, Laurel’s future is as bright as ever,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04). 

    Senators Van Hollen, Senator Cardin and Congressman Ivey were joined by Laurel Council President James Kole to celebrate $850,000 in direct federal funding they secured to stabilize, protect, and restore the Dam Ruins at the City’s Riverfront Park. The project involves renovating the observation deck, improving drainage to control erosion, and repairing signage around the dam.

    “I am thankful and  thrilled to receive this funding, which will help us preserve and enhance the Laurel Dam Ruins, an important piece of our town’s history. This investment ensures that future generations can appreciate its significance while improving safety and access for our community. Our goal is to make the Ruins a destination place  for all to enjoy,” said City of Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor.

    The lawmakers then visited the Boys and Girls Club of Laurel to highlight $300,000 for renovations at the clubhouse. The funds will allow the Boys and Girls Club to continue providing after-school activities and a positive, safe learning environment for middle and high school students.

    “We are so thankful for the continued support and leadership by Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Ivey. This federal funding will enable us to make some of the critical renovations to our center and continue providing the care and services that impact the lives of our community’s children every day,” said Adrian Rousseau, President of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Honors Local Law Enforcement at Hometown Heroes Event

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (October 15, 2024) BERNARDSVILLE, NJ – Last Friday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his inaugural Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes event at the Bernardsville Library to recognize and honor outstanding law enforcement officers in the community. In attendance were Bernardsville Council President Al Ribeiro, Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay, the Hometown Heroes, along with their families, friends, and supervisors. 

    Congressman Kean honored 22 Hometown Heroes, who represent all six counties in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Each Hometown Hero was nominated by their chiefs and supervisors for the outstanding work they do every day. 

    “First responders and law enforcement are the backbone of our communities’ safety,” said Congressman Kean. “I am fortunate to represent a district filled with some of the most selfless and hard-working people, including those we recognized as Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes. I am grateful to play a small role in recognizing their efforts as a token of appreciation for the difficult responsibilities these men and women have keeping our communities safe.” 

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Kean for choosing to recognize our law enforcement professionals,” said Sergeant Daniel Kern, 2024 Law Enforcement Hometown Hero. “Law enforcement officers are some of the most misunderstood professionals. The vast majority of officers sacrifice a great deal for their communities and do so without the expectation or desire of any recognition. My department is full of officers that could easily be here in my place.”  

    “I am grateful to have been nominated and recognized as part of Congressman Kean’s Hometown Heroes Initiative,” said Sergeant Tracy Baldassare, 2024 Law Enforcement Hometown Hero. “I am proud to represent and serve alongside all of the honorable women and men of the Bernards Township Police Department. Being able to do so in my hometown has been an added privilege, for which I will always be thankful.” 

    Photos of the event can be found HERE.  
     

    The Honorees are:

     Honorees That Attended:

    Captain Miguel Acabou – Clark Police Department

    Sergeant Tracy Baldassare-Bernards Township Police Department

    Lieutenant Douglas Baylor- Phillipsburg Police Department

    Officer Alyse Brown- Sparta Township Police Department

    Staff Sargeant Brent Hawkswell – NJ State Police

    Sergeant Daniel Kern-Hopatcong Police Department

    Captain Michael Jackson- Mountainside Police Department

    Corporal Gretchen L. Malone -Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office

    Officer Jarren Mann -Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office

    Lieutenant Thomas Polito- Bedminster Township Police Department

    Detective Elizabeth Savnik – Westfield Police Department

    Officer John M. Simonetti Jr.- Mount Olive Police Department

    Lieutenant Donald Sretenovic -New Providence Police Department

    Patrolman Peter Zabita-Hopatcong Police Department

     

    Honorees That Did Not Attend:

    Officer Vincent Conti- Scotch Plains Police Department

    Officer Jessica Gutsick- High Bridge Police Department

    Corporal Ryan Kamieniecki- Far Hills Police Department

    Captain Jonathan Rachel – Springfield Police Department

    Captain Scott Rayack – Rahway Police Department

    Sergeant Timothy Richard-Bernardsville Police Department

    Officer Connor Strohm- Readington Township Police Department

    Officer Nicholas J. Villa- Raritan Township Police Department

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Leads 232 House Members to Address Doc Cuts Before 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    DAVENPORT – U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks led 232 bipartisan House members in urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to address the scheduled 2.8% cut in reimbursement for physicians who participate in Medicare before the end of the 118th Congress. With rising provider costs, the proposed 2025 Medicare physician payment schedule would threaten to impact patient care, especially for rural Americans, and contribute to provider burnout, which is already straining the healthcare workforce. 

    “As a Physician, I am thrilled to lead more than 200 bipartisan House members in urging leadership on both sides to address the proposed doc reimbursement cuts,” said Miller-Meeks. “The overwhelming, bipartisan support is a testament to the importance of fixing this issue to preserve patient access to quality care. Long-term payment reform is still desperately needed, but a temporary fix is also critical. In Congress, I will continue to lead the charge for better health access and outcomes for Americans.”

    “As physicians face yet another year of pending cuts stemming from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, the AMA appreciates that a majority of House members cosigned a letter urging Congress to stop this harmful cycle,” said American Medical Association President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “This unsustainable onslaught of annual cuts must cease, and physicians must receive a long-overdue and desperately needed payment increase. We applaud Reps. Miller-Meeks and Panetta for their leadership and thank the more than 218 bipartisan members of Congress who recognized that the status quo is not an option. We need Congress to Fix Medicare STAT!”

    “We applaud the work done by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (IA-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ami Bera, MD (CA-06), Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Greg Murphy, MD (NC-3), John Joyce, MD (PA-13), and Raul Ruiz, MD (CA-25) to gain support from more than 200 House members to prevent the upcoming cuts to Medicare part B payments in January,” said American Medical Group Association (AMGA) President and CEO Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A.  “We are thankful for this strong showing by House members and encourage Congress to prevent these cuts so that AMGA members can continue to put the health of their communities, and not cost reductions, first.”

    The full text of the letter is below

    Dear Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries:

    The undersigned bipartisan members of Congress write to urge you to expeditiously pass legislative fixes that not only stop another damaging round of cuts to Medicare payments, but also provide greater certainty and stability for clinicians serving Medicare beneficiaries. On July 10, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule, which includes provisions subjecting all physicians and other clinicians treating Medicare patients to a 2.8 percent payment cut. In lieu of these harmful cuts, which, absent federal legislation, will take effect on January 1, 2025, Congress must pass a bill providing physicians and other clinicians with a payment update that takes into account the cost of delivering care to patients.

    The scheduled 2.8 percent reduction represents the fifth consecutive year that CMS issued a fee schedule regulation lowering payments to physicians and other clinicians. While Congress has intervened in the past four years to mitigate portions of these cuts, the fact remains that the MPFS is inherently broken. Continued payment cuts undermine the ability of independent clinical practices—especially in rural and underserved areas—to care for their community, which reduces patient access to care. These ongoing cuts have forced medical groups and integrated systems of care to make difficult choices, such as imposing hiring freezes, delaying system improvements, postponing transitions to value-based care models, and potentially eliminating services. Because healthcare often comprises a large percentage of employment in rural areas, the closure of independent practices not only lessens patient access to care but also jeopardizes the livelihood of rural Americans.

    Over the last two decades, Medicare payment rates have fallen by 29 percent when adjusted for the costs of running a practice. Additionally, compliance with the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is both expensive and a flawed method of measuring quality and costs of care, resulting in steep and unfair penalties. These payment cuts and MIPS compliance costs also come on the heels of the extremely disruptive COVID-19 public health emergency and the Change Healthcare cyberattack.

    The CY 2025 MPFS Proposed Rule highlights that the estimated cost of running a practice—covering expenses like rent, staff compensation, and purchasing supplies and equipment—is expected to increase substantially next year. This widening gap between what Medicare pays and the cost of delivering quality care to patients demands Congressional intervention.

    Thankfully, bipartisan lawmakers have come together to propose several legislative solutions aimed at providing permanent relief from the long-term problems plaguing the Medicare payment system. We urge Congressional Leadership to move legislation that provides physicians and other clinicians with a permanent, annual inflationary update in Medicare equivalent to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). We also request targeted reforms to statutory MPFS budget neutrality requirements, raising the current MPFS budget neutrality threshold to reflect 2024 dollars, requiring CMS to cross-check utilization assumptions associated with newly unbundled codes that trigger budget neutrality cuts, mandating CMS to review key elements of practice expense costs every five years, and limiting changes to the MPFS conversion factor to no more than 2.5 percent in a given year. Some of these legislative solutions have already passed the Energy and Commerce Committee in 2023 with strong bipartisan support. Moreover, we urge Congressional Leadership to utilize bipartisan offsets as we address all issues pertaining to Medicare payments to physicians and other clinicians.

    Increased instability in the healthcare sector due to looming cost hikes impacts the ability of physicians and clinicians to provide the highest quality of care and threatens patient access to affordable healthcare. Rural physicians and other clinicians, along with those treating underserved populations, are facing the most daunting challenge of trying to provide care in the wake of devastating reimbursement cuts. To prevent the very real scenario of insufficient access to physicians and other clinicians treating Medicare patients, Congress must stop the 2.8 percent payment cut from occurring in 2025, enact targeted reforms to statutory budget neutrality requirements, and provide physicians with a payment update reflective of inflationary pressures. We stand ready to work with you to pass crucial bipartisan legislative initiatives before the conclusion of the 118th Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland schoolchildren give rugby a try

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Schoolchildren have been tackling some new skills as the city gets ready to host the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2025.

    A total of 240 participants from 20 primary schools and 10 secondary schools across the city took part in a special rugby skills event at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre on Tuesday 15 October.

    The children all took part in skill-based games and activities focusing on skills like agility and throwing and catching, as Active Sunderland is working to encourage more schools, clubs and communities to take up the sport ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to the city next year.

    Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Beth Jones, said: “I’m delighted to see so many children getting active and learning physical skills as well as valuable communication and teamwork. As the city is getting ready to host England’s Red Roses for the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light, it’s wonderful to see so many young people taking an interest in the sport.

    “I hope that more people will be inspired to give it a go as we look forward to the tournament, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The city council is working alongside community rugby clubs to offer something for everyone, from girls’ rugby to walking rugby and a variety of fitness sessions, so there’s never been a better time to give rugby a try.”

    The Active Sunderland Rugby Skills Event was supported by The Newcastle Falcons, who brought touch rugby activities for the schoolchildren to try. The focus of the day was learning new skills and taking part in physical activity, but children who demonstrated skills like teamwork and leadership received awards for their efforts.

    A legacy programme taking place around the World Cup is designed to get more people playing rugby and encourage more women and girls to take up the sport. Active Sunderland is creating new opportunities for communities to take part in recreational rugby activities and recently five sets of junior rugby posts have popped up located at Commercial Road, Barnes Park, Success Road, Princess Anne Park and Shipwrights Playing Fields with exciting programmes to be announced.

    The draw for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will take place on Thursday, 17 October, with the match schedule set to be released on Tuesday 22 October.

    The draw will be broadcast live on BBC’s The One Show, one of the UK’s most-watched primetime programmes, airing from 19:00 (GMT +1). This marks a key milestone for the tournament, set to be the largest sporting event in England in 2025.

    To find out more or see opportunities to get into rugby, visit https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/rugby

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man arrested following murder in Tottenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested following the murder of a man aged in his 40s in Tottenham.

    On Tuesday, 15 October, police were called to Waltheof Gardens, N17 at 09:00hrs following reports of a shooting.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a man with a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

    A 56-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

    Although police believe this was an isolated incident and do not believe the wider public is at risk, detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

    Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are yet to formally identify the victim of this tragic incident. We will continue to carry out efforts to ensure his family are informed and supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will also be scheduled in due course.

    “We are appealing for anyone who was present in the area who may have seen or heard anything relating to this incident to please get in touch.

    “You can submit any footage or information via the following link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24X05-PO1 Finally, we want to thank the local community for their patience whilst we conduct our enquiries in the area in the coming days.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 1613/15OCT. You can upload information and material online.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Comedian Emma Doran bring her unique ‘Dilemma’ to the Alley

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Comedian Emma Doran bring her unique ‘Dilemma’ to the Alley

    15 October 2024

    Irish comedian Emma Doran has quite a ‘Dilemma’… and it’s one to make you laugh when she comes to the Alley Theatre as part of her UK and Ireland tour on Friday, 8th November.
    ‘Dilemma’ is set in the post-apocalyptic world where Emma finds herself facing a quandary – there’s only one contraceptive pill left, should she give it to her 19-year-old daughter or keep it for herself? Is it better to be a 40-year-old grandmother or a 40-year-old new Mum. These are the dilemmas facing Emma Doran aged 39 and 7/8, even though the most obvious outcome is neither. If turning 40 is the start of something new, what is it the end of?
    In 2022 Emma made her debut nationwide stand-up tour, ‘Mad Isn’t it?’, which enjoyed a sell-out run with multiple dates at Vicar Street. In the same year Emma co-wrote and starred in sketch show No Worries if Not on RTÉ. Other TV credits include: Modern Love on Amazon Prime alongside Kit Harington; Deirdre O’Kane’s stand up show (SKY); Bridget and Eamon (RTÉ); Callan Kicks (RTÉ), Republic of Telly (RTÉ); and Ireland’s Fittest Family (RTÉ). Her podcast credits include: You’re Grounded with daughter Ella; And Another Thing! with Muireann O’ Connell; and the four-part series Mischief Makers. Emma currently co-hosts the podcast Keep It Tight alongside fellow stand-up and LOL: Last One Laughing contestant Deirdre O’Kane.
    With the help of her cracked Samsung phone, Emma has garnered over 250K followers across social channels and surpassed over 1.3M likes on TikTok for her comedy sketches, with one TikTok of her stand-up reaching over 1.8 million views.
    The past year has seen Emma star in Prime Video’s first original series in Ireland, LOL: Last One Laughing hosted by Graham Norton, appear on popular TV shows Celebrity Gogglebox and RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show. She has amassed millions of views for her comedy sketches on social media and played to sold-out venues across Ireland, quickly establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most sought-after comedians.
    Emma recently released her debut book, ‘Mad, Isn’t It?’ published by Gill Books – a hilarious and moving memoir about family, friendship, (young) motherhood and taking risks.
    Tickets for her Strabane show are now on sale, priced £15, available from the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online http://www.alley-theatre.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW $750 MILLION PRELIMINARY INVESTMENT FOR WOLFSPEED FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW; SENATOR SAYS NEW $$$ WILL HELP ACCELERATE ONGOING MOHAWK VALLEY EXPANSION & SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Includes $750M Agreement For Funding From Schumer’s CHIPS Act & $750M Private Investment, Boosting Wolfspeed’s Ongoing Expansion In Upstate NY And Building A New North Carolina Facility Which Sends Wafers To Oneida County’s Marcy Nanocenter To Be Finished, Providing Long Term Work For Mohawk Valley

    Wolfspeed Says It Also Plans To Tap Up To Nearly $1 Billion From The CHIPS ITC That Schumer Created To Help Fund Completion Of Mohawk Valley Plant

    Schumer: My CHIPS & Science Law Is Bringing Wolfspeed To Front Of The Pack & Helping Mohawk Valley Lead America’s Semiconductor Renaissance

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Wolfspeed has reached a $750 million preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement under the CHIPS & Science Law he led in writing and passing into law, helping them unlock an additional $750 million in private investment. Wolfspeed also said it plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create to fund much of the state-of-the-art equipment being installed to complete the expansion their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County.

    Wolfspeed said this massive collective investment will help accelerate their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. This CHIPS investment will also support Wolfspeed’s new North Carolina Siler City facility which is integral to the Mohawk Valley’s future as it will send wafers to be finished in NY, creating long term work and future growth opportunities for the Marcy operation.

    “Wolfspeed is leading the pack in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America. This major multibillion investment powered by my CHIPS & Science Law will accelerate the ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley, helping boost hundreds of good paying jobs and providing long term work for the Marcy fab to succeed well into the future,” said Senator Schumer. “From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, so much critical technology relies on the silicon carbide chips that Wolfspeed will manufacture and perfect in the Mohawk Valley. Today’s massive investment will make America’s economy and our national security stronger as Wolfspeed helps us write the next chapter of America’s resurgence as the leader in the semiconductor industry, with the Mohawk Valley as the beating heart.”

    Schumer explained that Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab is the largest and one of the only 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facilities in the world. Wolfspeed officially opened their new fab in 2022 and is actively expanding with approximately $790 million in additional capital planned investment in the Mohawk Valley which will help support new good paying manufacturing and construction jobs to the region. The proposed CHIPS investment would also support the construction of Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Nearly all of the wafers from Wolfspeed’s new facility in Siler City, NC are needed and sent to the Mohawk Valley Fab to be finished and this investment is essential to ramp up chip production in New York. The proposed CHIPS funding will support the Mohawk Valley fab to increase its production capacity by approximately 30%.

    To achieve this increase in capacity in the Mohawk Valley, Wolfspeed will purchase and install additional tools & equipment in the Mohawk Valley, such as photolithography tools, ion implanters, metal deposition tools, etch systems, automation equipment and more that will be support by the Investment Tax Credit from the CHIPS & Science Law.

    The proposed $750 million in CHIPS funding will also help catalyze private capital investment of at least $750 million to support the company’s expansion plans. This injection of private capital would not have occurred were it not for the CHIPS and Science Act. Wolfspeed is the world’s leading manufacturer of wafers and devices made from silicon carbide, a compound which has favorable chemical and material properties compared to traditional silicon, enabling Wolfspeed’s semiconductors to be highly energy-efficient and durable. The silicon carbide devices manufactured by Wolfspeed power electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, enabling extended driving range-per-charge, faster charging times, and lower overall systems costs, they also are vital for artificial intelligence and in military applications critical for national security.

    Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “We thank Senator Schumer for securing $750 million in funding for Wolfspeed from his historic CHIPS & Science Law. This transformative investment will accelerate hundreds of good-paying jobs in Oneida County and further elevate our region as a leader in semiconductor production. As Wolfspeed enhances its capabilities, we look forward to the opportunities this brings for our workforce and our future in the Mohawk Valley.”

    Acting President of Mohawk Valley EDGE Shawna Papale said, “On behalf of Mohawk Valley EDGE, we commend the Department of Commerce for reaching a preliminary agreement with Wolfspeed to leverage more than $2.5 billion of investment including over $750 million in CHIPS Act grant funding. The growth of the Mohawk Valley Fab is hinged on the ability of Siler City to produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers to supply Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab. Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, this CHIPs announcement accelerates hiring towards Wolfspeed’s job target of over 600 employees and increases production capacity at the Marcy Nanocenter. This was a true collaboration across local, county, State, and Federal officials along with the leadership of Wolfspeed to make the dream of recreating American made manufacturing a reality right here in Oneida County.”

    Last week, Schumer announced Edwards Vacuum reached a $18 million CHIPS PMT to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind for America, in Western NY. Earlier this year, Schumer also announced that Micron, which plans to invest $100 billion over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’ s history – reached a $6.1 billion CHIPS PMT funding agreement. In addition, GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region also reached an agreement for $1.5 billion in direct grant funding under his CHIPS & Science Law to support a $12.5 billion public-private investment over the next ten plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in Malta, NY. 

    Schumer added, “The CHIPS & Science Law keeps helping grow the booming semiconductor industry in Upstate NY. We are seeing more targeted federal investment than ever before to bring back manufacturing, and awards like this show how the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Syracuse to Utica to Albany truly is becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway.”

    Schumer has long worked to position the Mohawk Valley for semiconductor investment. In addition to his efforts on further recruiting chip suppliers to Marcy Nanocenter, Schumer secured $2 million in U.S. DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to boost technical training to support the expansion and attraction of the semiconductor industry. Schumer also secured $2 million for MVCC to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training center.

    Schumer is also actively working with Mohawk Valley EDGE to help lure additional semiconductor and supply chain companies to Marcy Nanocenter which will get a further boost from Wolfspeed and Micron’s expansions in the region.

    Schumer said, “Marcy Nanocenter is one of the most shovel-ready sites in the whole country and with this investment helping to strengthen Wolfspeed and with Micron rapidly establishing itself in the broader region, I am going all out to land more companies to make the Mohawk Valley a central component of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America.”

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Edwards Vacuum is also moving forward with a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York and across the nation.

    The PMT outlines key terms for Wolfspeed’s CHIPS agreement. To finalize the federal CHIPS agreement, the Commerce Department will now begin a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed project and other information contained in the application. After satisfactory completion of the due diligence phase, the Commerce Department will finalize the PMT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet to consider future arrangements for Public Health 15 October 2024 Cabinet to consider future arrangements for Public Health on the Isle of Wight

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Recommendations for the future of the current Public Health Strategic Partnership between the Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire County Council will be considered by both local authorities’ Cabinets in November.

    The strategic partnership was signed in July 2019 to provide Public Health leadership to the Island for a period of up to six years.

    The partnership is due to come to an end in August 2025 and both authorities will be presenting reports summarising its successes and requesting formal approval to allow the partnership to conclude in line with the current contract end date.

    As a result of the partnership, the Isle of Wight Council is now effectively delivering its public health duties and has safe and high quality public health services in place for residents.

    For example, there is a 25 per cent increase in the number of people accessing drug and alcohol treatment, as well as improvements in managing and responding to health protection matters.

    Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for Public Health, said: “With the Island in a stronger position in relation to Public Health services, now is a sensible time to consider the future of the current arrangements.

    “It is important to highlight how proud both organisations are of the positive work undertaken together over the past few years, especially during the COVID pandemic.

    “We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Hampshire to effectively manage any transition, maintain our progress, and strengthen our provision moving forward for the benefit of all Island residents.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Parks Canada launches Indigenous Stewardship Policy, strengthening Indigenous connections to protected lands, waters and ice

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Parks Canada launches Indigenous Stewardship Policy, strengthening Indigenous connections to protected lands, waters and ice.

    October 15, 2024              Mallorytown Landing, Ontario           Parks Canada

    Today, The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced his support of the Indigenous Stewardship Policy—prior to participating in a Ceremony at Thousand Islands National Park to honour and enact the policy with members of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and members of the Parks Canada Indigenous Stewardship Circle.

    This policy, which recognizes and supports Indigenous stewardship in all places Parks Canada plays a role in administering, will strengthen the connections between Indigenous Peoples and the protected lands, waters and ice located within their traditional territories, treaty lands and ancestral homelands—and advance measures identified in the Government of Canada United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.

    Co-developed in close collaboration with the Indigenous Stewardship Circle, a diverse group of Indigenous leaders, the Indigenous Stewardship Policy will guide the implementation of the Indigenous Stewardship Framework and create conditions that support cultural continuity, cultural safety, and healing for Indigenous Peoples.

    The new policy is grounded in four key principles:

    1.      Respect for Indigenous Rights, duties, and responsibilities: Acknowledging and respecting Indigenous rights and titles as recognized by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, both historic and modern treaties, and by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This includes supporting Indigenous-led conservation and ensuring Indigenous voices are at the forefront of decision-making.

    2.      Fostering ethical spaces: Establishing and maintaining respectful relationships, grounded in truth-telling and culturally safe spaces. This also means that Parks Canada will work with Indigenous Peoples to support stewardship that is informed by Indigenous knowledge and worldviews.

    3.      Nurturing healthy, respectful relationships:  Supporting co-management arrangements where Indigenous governments and communities and Parks Canada work together as equals and in ways that respect Indigenous laws and protocols.

    4.      Ensure continuity of Indigenous culture and language: Indigenous stewardship of lands, waters and ice is place-based and distinct. This means that approaches will be shaped by the local context and will foster the safeguarding of cultural practices, languages, and ways of life.

    This policy will apply to all places Parks Canada plays a role in administering, including national historic sites, national parks, national marine conservation areas, and other protected heritage areas. It furthers Parks Canada efforts to pursue a respectful approach to the management and governance of protected areas that aligns with Indigenous ways of stewarding lands, water, and ice. This renewed approach is based what Parks Canada has heard for years from Indigenous partners, the evolution of Parks Canada’s relationships with Indigenous Peoples and the legal landscape of Indigenous rights. 

                                                                                                             -30-

    Hermine Landry
    Press Secretary  
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    873-455-3714
    Hermine Landry@ec.gc.ca  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Veolia Orchard is branching out to new schools in St Albans District

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Veolia Orchard is open for applications once again.

    This scheme invites schools to increase biodiversity and become part of Veolia’s family tree by growing their onw strawberries or nurturing their own orchard of fruit trees.

    Since 2022, Veolia Orchard has delivered 25 fruit trees and 10 strawberry plants to 6 schools across the borough. This local network is just a small part of a whole family of 1,085 trees and 780 strawberry plants steadily growing at 291 schools across the UK.

    This initiative launched in 2022, with fruit trees donated to schools in order to give young people a chance to experience the benefits of engaging with nature as well as improving local biodiversity. Building on its initial success, in 2023 the scheme expanded to include strawberry plants, ensuring that urban schools with limited outdoor green space could participate.

    Each orchard comprises either five trees or ten strawberry plants per school, an individual component of a much wider network. Schools can apply online until 8 November 2024  using the following link: https://www.veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard

    Successful candidates will then hear back from 25 November with deliveries taking place in spring 2025. Schools can opt for an interactive planting event where Veolia’s experts guide students through their planting whilst educating them on the orchard’s long-term benefits to the community and environment.

    Pascal Hauret, Municipal Managing Director at Veolia said: 

    The Veolia Orchard scheme is about growing more than just fruit; it’s about cultivating a love of nature in our future environmental ambassadors. I am especially happy to see this initiative continue to flourish in urban schools where there are typically fewer opportunities to interact with the environment. Not only are we boosting biodiversity by introducing new fruit tree species, creating habitats for pollinators, and enhancing the genetic diversity of cities with urban farming, we’re planting the seeds for a more sustainable future.

    Chris Traill, Strategic Director for Community and Place Delivery for St Albans City and District Council,  said:

    This is a fantastic initiative by our waste and recycling contractor Veolia which we have been supporting for a few years now.

    I urge the District’s schools to apply as it is a fun way to increase awareness of environmental issues among their young pupils as well as give them the rewarding experience of planting trees, creating habitats and improving biodiversity.

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    ABOUT VEOLIA 

    Veolia’s ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of €45.3 billion in 2023. http://www.veolia.com

    ▁▁▁

    Millie Brooke, Digital & PR Officer

    Tel. 07944 886 293

    emailmillicent.brooke@gmail.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Europa Clipper Begins Journey to Jupiter’s Icy Moon

    Source: NASA

    A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket carrying NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.
    Europa Clipper is the first mission designed to conduct a detailed study of Jupiter’s moon Europa to determine if it currently has habitable conditions. The spacecraft will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion km) to reach Jupiter in April 2030. It will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 close flybys of Europa.
    Follow Europa Clipper’s journey in NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System app.
    Image credit: SpaceX

    MIL OSI USA News –