NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Working together to protect Auckland’s natural environment

    Source: Auckland Council

    Aucklanders will soon be asked for their feedback on Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation.

    Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee encourages all Aucklanders to have their say.

    “We’re going to ask you how we can all work together to protect our environment. We can’t do this alone – we know this mahi takes a collaborative effort from so many community groups, volunteers and individuals, all working together with the council and other agencies.”

    “Let’s protect our environment will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders value. Like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.”

    Why are we asking for feedback?

    “Our current approach to protecting Auckland’s natural environment has us covered until 2030. So we’re in the early stages of planning what the updated approach will cover, which includes formal public consultation in 2027. As part of our preparation, we are going out early to ask Aucklanders for their views on select topics to inform and update our approach,” explains Dr Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council Head of Natural Environment Specialist Services.

    “This pre-consultation will give us some great early feedback on critical topics and new issues. We are also working closely with mana whenua to understand their aspirations for the taiao / environment, and we have planned an extensive programme of engagement on specific topics.”

    The public feedback, as well as engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will be used to draft a new plan for how we protect the natural environment from 2030-2040. When this draft plan is ready, you’ll be asked for your feedback on this, too.

    What has changed since our current plan was approved in 2020?

    “A lot has changed since our existing plan was drafted. Many new species have arrived from overseas, such as myrtle rust, exotic caulerpa seaweed, and freshwater gold clam. We need to consider how – and if– we should address these new risks in the future,” says Dr Bassett.

    Additionally, as our climate warms, and severe weather events become more frequent, we also need to adapt our approach. Species that originate from warmer climates may pose a greater risk to Tāmaki Makaurau in the future. Acting now can help us prevent those problems.

    Storms and floods, damage the resilience of our ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to damage from introduced species, while simultaneously spreading introduced species to new places.

    “Of course, all species are indigenous to somewhere in the world, and have value and whakapapa to those lands, regardless of the impacts they may have here in Aotearoa. We also know that there’s an economic impact to this work. Together, we need to work out where the balance lies to manage different species in different contexts,” says Cr Richard Hills.

    Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation opens soon (25 October to 8 December 2024). Sign up for updates on akhaveyoursay.co.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of vaping trends among adults in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health looks at vaping trends in adults who have never regularly smoked.

    Prof Peter Hajek, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Health and Lifestyle Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “Some people have genes and circumstances leading them to like nicotine products. Traditionally, they ended up smoking, but some are now discovering vaping without becoming smokers first. If vaping did not exist, they would be smoking. The study authors point this out.

    “The just-released figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK smoking prevalence is under 12%, an all-time low. If much less risky alternatives are allowed to continue to compete with cigarettes, smoking (and heart disease, lung disease and cancers that it causes) will continue to decline as well. 

    “The UK and USA, which allow vaping, have seen significantly faster declines in cigarette sales and in smoking among young and low income people than Australia, which bans vaping.  Sweden, which is the only EU country that allows use of low-risk oral tobacco, has by far the lowest smoking prevalence.  Efforts are needed to limit use of nicotine products in adolescents but if more adults (as well as adolescents) are taking up vaping instead of smoking it may in fact be good news.”

    ‘Vaping among adults in England who have never regularly smoked: a population-based study, 2016-24’ by Sarah Jackson et al. was published in The Lancet Public Health at 23.30 UK time Wednesday 2 October 2024.

    Declared interests

    Peter Hajek: no COIs

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Signed Into Law: Brown’s Bipartisan Bill To Cut Red Tape For Chips Projects Like Intel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the President signed into law his bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, a law to streamline federal reviews for microchip manufacturing facilities like the one being built by Intel in New Albany. The law prevents delays in domestic manufacturing investments made possible by the CHIPS Act while maintaining bedrock environmental protections for clean air and water.
    The legislation passed the U.S. Senate in December and the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
    “This law will help prevent delays to the semiconductor manufacturing projects the CHIPS Act made possible and will encourage future investments in American manufacturing. This is critical to Intel’s project in Licking County and to ensure that we can outcompete China,” said Brown.
    Brown has been a leader in bringing new manufacturing opportunities to Ohio and worked to pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 which boosted Intel’s $20 billion investment to build a semiconductor plant in New Albany and is expected to create 10,000 jobs.
    Following its passage, companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain have announced plans to invest billions in new domestic manufacturing projects. The Building Chips in America Act would ensure federal environmental reviews are completed in a timely manner for these microchip projects supported by the CHIPS Act by streamlining approval for projects currently under construction and others that could be delayed, and by providing the Secretary of Commerce greater tools to more effectively and efficiently carry out reviews.
    This will give the administration additional authority to more effectively implement the CHIPS Act and maximize its potential to boost domestic microchip manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, lower costs, and improve national security.
    In addition to Brown, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Ted Budd (R-NC) led the legislation in the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.02.2024 Sen. Cruz Celebrates Designation of “Ports-to-Plains” Corridor Portion to I-27 in Lubbock County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after the Texas Transportation Commission designated a segment of the state highway system in Lubbock County as Interstate 27, officially bringing another portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor into the Interstate System. Sen. Cruz led legislation to formally name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor between Laredo, Texas, and Raton, New Mexico, as the future Interstate 27, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.
    Following the announcement, Sen. Cruz said, “It has been a long and hard-fought effort to improve infrastructure for I-27, but this news is another tremendous step in boosting jobs, economic development, and better transportation for Texans in communities across the Lone Star State. The integration of this stretch of I-27 is a welcome sight for leaders and business owners along the I-27 corridor, who will greatly benefit from improved supply chains and safer highways. I was proud to author the bipartisan legislation designating I-27, which will produce thousands of high-paying jobs and billions in new investments in Texas. I will continue to advocate for more stretches of the famed “Ports-to-Plains” corridor to be swiftly incorporated into I-27 pursuant to the law I authored with my colleagues in Congress.”
    BACKGROUND
    In 2022, Sen. Cruz successfully included language in the fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations legislation to designate the portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from Laredo, Texas, to Raton, New Mexico, as a future Interstate route. This was an important step toward adding the route to the U.S. Interstate System. Though the language passed into law in 2022 will add key parts of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to the Interstate System, it did not give the route an official future Interstate route number. Sen. Cruz’s legislation, which was signed into law in March, names the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as the “future Interstate 27.”
    The I-27 Numbering Act of 2023, was co-sponsored by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), August Pfluger (R-Texas), and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) introduced identical legislation in the House.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Secures Additional Provisions for Servicemembers, Veterans in Senate’s Bipartisan National Defense Bill Final Text

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she has secured additional provisions for Nevada veterans and servicemembers in the final text of the Senate’s bipartisan national defense bill. This is in addition to the Rosen-backed bills, amendments, and provisions already included in the text of the bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The final Senate text of the legislation includes Senator Rosen’s bipartisan bill to maintain a permanent helpline to assist veterans with all services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and a Rosen-backed bipartisan bill to better inform students about military careers.
    “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I helped draft the Senate’s annual defense package to enhance our national security and deliver for our servicemembers, veterans, military families, and Nevada’s military and nuclear security installations,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud that two additional bipartisan bills I led are included in the final Senate bill to support our veterans and help inform young people about military careers. I’ll keep working across the aisle to ensure we have the resources to confront international threats and advance our state’s priorities.”
    Additional Rosen-led bipartisan bills in the final Senate version of the FY25 NDAA include:
    Bipartisan Veterans Assistance Helpline Act: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to use in order to quickly obtain information and assistance with all services from the VA.
    Bipartisan Military and Educational Data Integration Act: Requires the Department of Defense to create a data-sharing program to enable state education systems to access military enlistment data, allowing high schools to track the outcomes of students who enter military service after graduation.
    The Senate’s bipartisan national defense bill already includes many Rosen-led victories for Nevada, including preventing any funding from being authorized for storing defense nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. Other provisions will directly benefit Nevada’s servicemembers and national security installations, such as funding for Nevada’s first certified small arms training range for the Nevada National Guard at Hawthorne Army Depot, which she secured; requiring a plan for providing the VA with the documentation needed to help veterans who served near nuclear testing to submit claims for the radiation exposure benefits they deserve; increasing land in Nevada for Tribal housing; expanding health care coverage for veterans’ families; and creating programs to strengthen collaboration with Israel, Taiwan, and other allies in the areas of space, artificial intelligence, and the defense industrial base.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Pushes Administration to Maintain Funding for Stryker Vehicles, Fights for Workers at Lima’s JSMC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown called on the Biden administration to maintain funding for the Stryker Family of Vehicles, manufactured in part at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima.
    In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young, and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Brown details how critically important this combat system is to the U.S. Military and our defense industrial base. Brown lays out how the reduction in funding could threaten military readiness and hurt the JSMC’s skilled workforce, including members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2075, who support the manufacturing of the M1 Abrams tanks.
    “It’s my understanding that the Army’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2029 proposes to drastically reduce Stryker procurement funding by more than $1.6 billion, or 496 vehicles. These shortsighted cuts would impose significant costs on the U.S. Army and Stryker’s domestic industrial base, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal and replace it with one that recognizes the value of the Stryker FoV and maintains an investment in this essential technology and the manufacturing community supporting it.,” wrote Brown to the administration officials.
    Brown continued, “Cutting Stryker funding threatens both military readiness and the industrial base – both workforce and manufacturers – that ensure our continued military superiority.  Of particular concern is the impact such disinvestment could have on the JSMC’s skilled workforce – which also supports the M1 Abrams tank. Reduced funding would impose a deep workforce reduction that could only be revived with much effort and at great cost. In addition, cuts to the Stryker F0V would impact hundreds of manufacturers – and their employees – throughout the nation.  In fact, 80 suppliers in Ohio alone support the Stryker program – many of them small businesses that would likely need to shut down or shift work elsewhere if the Army maintains its plan of deep reductions.”
    Recently, Brown was able to secure $402 million for the Stryker vehicle production and $773 million for the M1 Abrams tank production in the Senate version of the bipartisan FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the country’s annual national defense bill. The bill text has been negotiated by both parties in the Senate and represents an important step forward in process of making the national defense bill law. It is expected be voted on by the Senate in the coming months.
    The full letter is HERE or below.
    Dear Secretary Austin, Director Young, and Secretary Wormuth:
    As the U.S. Army works to sustain and modernize its Stryker Family of Vehicles (FoV), I ask that you maintain funding for this critically important combat system, which is manufactured in part at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio.  It’s my understanding that the Army’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2029 proposes to drastically reduce Stryker procurement funding by more than $1.6 billion, or 496 vehicles. These shortsighted cuts would impose significant costs on the U.S. Army and Stryker’s domestic industrial base, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal and replace it with one that recognizes the value of the Stryker FoV and maintains an investment in this essential technology and the manufacturing community supporting it.
    The Stryker FoV are the Army’s workhorse – a proven combat vehicle fleet that provides highly-mobile, versatile, and essential support for U.S. servicemembers and our allies. To date, the Stryker FoV has logged over 30 million combat miles in more than 23 deployments and is currently a key deterrent force in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Despite the Stryker FoV’s proven capabilities, the Army’s FYDP for FY 2025-29 proposes a Stryker vehicle reduction of 58 percent from previous FYDPs and sends a dangerous signal that the Army intends to phase out Stryker production with no replacement in place. 
    Cutting Stryker funding threatens both military readiness and the industrial base – both workforce and manufacturers – that ensure our continued military superiority.  Of particular concern is the impact such disinvestment could have on the JSMC’s skilled workforce – which also supports the M1 Abrams tank. Reduced funding would impose a deep workforce reduction that could only be revived with much effort and at great cost. In addition, cuts to the Stryker F0V would impact hundreds of manufacturers – and their employees – throughout the nation.  In fact, 80 suppliers in Ohio alone support the Stryker program – many of them small businesses that would likely need to shut down or shift work elsewhere if the Army maintains its plan of deep reductions.
    Even without a reduction to the Stryker FoV, I am concerned the Army currently has no plan to modernize the Stryker platform beyond its current configuration. Future planning is necessary to ensure the Stryker FoV’s operational effectiveness for the envisioned, complex battlefield of the future. 
    I urge you to invest in our national security by keeping the funding at $1.6 billion over the next 4 years and reconsider plans to shift investment away from this essential line of equipment and the talented, domestic manufacturing base behind it. Additionally, I respectfully request a briefing on the Army’s plan for the Stryker platform and the plan to address the risks inherent in its current funding position.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON – First responders across local and state governments, the private sector, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and the federal family continue working to address the immediate needs of survivors and their communities.

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

    President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available for survivors in designated counties in Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.

    Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55506″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/857edeb73204d77dbc46b266f2c2e336.jpeg?itok=L9ZoNHwY” alt=”Caption: Asheville, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Volunteers distribute supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Asheville, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Volunteers distribute supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55523″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/dda6592057e439dfd4aa24c9e7690799.jpg?itok=I_98rZYb” alt=”Caption:

    Valdosta, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2024) – FEMA helps survivors of Hurricane Helene by distributing water, MREs, and tarps in Lowndes County, Georgia.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Valdosta, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2024) – FEMA helps survivors of Hurricane Helene by distributing water, MREs, and tarps in Lowndes County, Georgia.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55516″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/64ca229be08c2e8e9e6957d8554c1b59.jpg?itok=9v_5E7Gt” alt=”Caption: Steinhatchee, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help survivors of Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Steinhatchee, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help survivors of Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55497″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/ad690fcdc4cec543993db83fbbc20de4.jpg?itok=cwpj5KSr” alt=”Caption:

    Fletcher, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help Hurricane Helene survivors, including registering them for aid.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Fletcher, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help Hurricane Helene survivors, including registering them for aid.
    SWANNANOA, North Carolina – Volunteers serve hot food to survivors in downtown Swannanoa. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55553″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/c08e18a8e81aa97721e01330817a1619.jpg?itok=TLOxdx_N” alt=”Caption: Swannanoa, N.C. – (October 1, 2024) – The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina reels in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Swannanoa, N.C. – (October 1, 2024) – The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina reels in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
    GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Members of the South Carolina Army National Guard distribute meals and water to disaster survivors in Greenville. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    ASHEVILE, North Carolina – Members of the North Carolina Army National Guard work alongside volunteers at William W. Estes Elementary School to load meals and water for disaster survivors. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    STEINHATCHEE, Florida. – FEMA speaks with a Hurricane Helene survivor. Agency personnel are on the ground helping survivors register for disaster assistance. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina:  The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response deployed a National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) team to provide 24-hour emergency department surge support at Mission Hospital in Asheville. This is one of four sites in western North Carolina receiving NDMS medical support. (Source: HHS)

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages: Disaster Multimedia Toolkit. 

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Assumption Parish

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Assumption Parish

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Assumption Parish

    BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Napoleonville on Thursday, Oct. 3, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine.

    Center location:

    Assumption Parish

    Assumption High School, North Building

    4880 Hwy 308

    Napoleonville, LA 70390 

    Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: 

    Ascension Parish

    Lemann Memorial Center

    1100 Clay St.

    Donaldsonville, LA 70346

    Lafourche Parish

    Lafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center

    4876 Hwy. 1

    Raceland, LA 70394

    St. Charles Parish

    Alan Arterbury Building

    14564 River Road

    New Sarpy, LA 70078

    St. John the Baptist Parish

    Reserve Library

    1482 Hwy 44

    Reserve, LA 70084

    St. James Parish

    Convent Community Center

    5775 Hwy 44

    Convent, LA 70723

    St. Mary Parish

    Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
    728 Myrtle St.
    Morgan City, LA 70380

    Terrebonne Parish

    Terrebonne Parish Library

    151 Library Drive

    Houma, LA 70360

    The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

    Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

    The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

    You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.

    Additional options when applying include:

    • Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
    • Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
    • To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.

    alexa.brown

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on A Current Affair with Deborah Knight

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: NDIS Section 10 lists

    DEBORAH KNIGHT, HOST: The NDIS budget is blowing out big time. Courtesy in large part to roters, and spending on bizarre items: sex therapy and tarot card readings, just to name two. Finally, some common sense and a clear direction on what your money, taxpayer dollars, should be spent on the NDIS. Minister Bill Shorten is with me now. Minister, these changes are long overdue and a lot of it is common sense. Why has it taken so long to get to this point?

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNENT SERVICES: Well, they are overdue and they are common sense. You probably have to ask the seven coalition Ministers who are in charge of the portfolio before me, because I think what I’m doing is just spelling out in black and white what needs to be done, making it clear for participants what is and isn’t allowed expenditure.

    KNIGHT: Now, the banned items include tarot cards, clairvoyance and wilderness therapy, even cuddle therapy. Frankly, they should never have been funded in the first place. Why then is there a one year grace period?

    SHORTEN: Well, most of these things are not getting funded now. Let’s be clear. What this list represents is ten years of lessons. Most of this stuff is not getting funded now, but some of it is, though. Well, the reason why there is a grace period isn’t for the illegal stuff. That’s like narcotics, illicit substances, alcohol, that’s never been allowed and it shouldn’t be allowed in terms of the transition period. It’s purely, if someone makes a mistake, maybe by virtue of their disability, if the expenditure is small, under $1,500, we’ll educate them first and talk to people. The ironic thing is, you say, rightly, why is it taking so long? Other people say, I’m going too quickly, but I think this is now where we need to be.

    KNIGHT: And if people are repeat offenders, if they keep claiming the wrong things, will they potentially lose their NDIS funding altogether?

    SHORTEN: Well, it’s not going to get funded. As simple as that. Now, some of the list of what’s out is stuff which, frankly, mainstream departments of government, federal and state and hospitals should be doing. I mean, the NDIS shouldn’t be asked to pay for a child with a disability’s desk at school. That’s the obligation of the school system. If you’re on the NDIS and you go to a hospital outpatient ward, you shouldn’t be told, no, we won’t help you here because you’re on the NDIS. So, we’ll. I think this is just going to rebuild public confidence in the scheme. Most participants, by the way, nothing is going to change for them. Most participants and most service providers are doing the right thing. But it is an unfortunate fact alive that perhaps the NDIS in the past has been treated with naivety. And wherever there’s government money, opportunists will descend like flies upon a barbecue, trying to make their own profits at the expense of participants and taxpayers.

    KNIGHT: And what about the Reuters? Will you be putting a stop to all of that? Because we’ve brought you here on a current affair, story after story of people being fleeced.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, absolutely. And we’ve tripled the safeguards commission. They’re the regulator. When I came in two and a half years ago, there were 367 people trying to cover a scheme of over half a million. Now there’s over 1000 investigators and complaints officers. We’ve now got 56 people before the court, so we’re waiting for the commonwealth director of public prosecution to put them before the courts. We have over 500 active investigations. And I must always say most people are doing the right thing and this scheme is changing lives. But let’s tell the truth. And the truth is there is some proportion who’ve been having a lend to the scheme, overcharging, over servicing, ripping off, charging a fee for someone on the NDIS, which is higher than if they weren’t on the NDIS, charging for nonsense services.

    KNIGHT: And it’s because of that that the NDIS costs are skyrocketing and it’s already one of the most expensive areas of government spending. How much will these changes see taxpayers saving?

    SHORTEN: We think over the next four years through the various reforms, including these, but not just these, that we will be able to stop wasteful growth in the order of nearly $15 billion.

    KNIGHT: And can you guarantee that the money will now go to where it’s really needed?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, I actually think that we can. So, the short answer? Yes. Even last year, so financial year 23, July 23 to June 24, we’ve come in $1 billion under what we forecast, a billion dollars. That’s because we’ve got better quality staff, we’ve got. We’re investing in people and training and the whole aim of the scheme is it is changing lives. I love the idea of the NDIS giving a personal budget to a family, to a person with a disability, so that 80 year old carers drying the dishes late at night, looking over the sink into the backyard, don’t have to worry who’s going to look after their adult child. A little baby with a non standard developmental journey now has options in life, but we’ve got to eliminate expenditure, which basically is not delivering any return to participants and in some cases it’s just enriching crooks.

    KNIGHT: Yeah, well, no argument from anyone on that. But you finish up as NDIS Minister in February of next year. What do you hope your legacy will be?

    SHORTEN: That when a child has a non standard development journey and the parents work this out, they’ve got somewhere to go. That when those ageing parents in their eighties say, who’s going to love their 40 or 50 year old child, who needs quite a degree of intensive care, they know that this country will look after your child. That a person with a disability, when they finish year twelve, actually is sent somewhere other than a daycare centre. That they’re not looked at. That a person in Australia is not looked at purely through the prism of their disability, but all the things they can do, not what someone thinks they can’t do.

    KNIGHT: Well, let’s hope the money gets to where it is needed. Bill Shorten, thanks so much.

    SHORTEN: Thanks for your interest, Deb.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New powers for banks to combat fraudsters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Banks to be given new powers to protect consumers against scams.

    • New rules extend maximum delay for suspicious payments by 72 hours
    • Gives banks more time to investigate and break the spell of fraudsters

    Banks will be given new powers to delay and investigate payments that are suspected of being fraudulent, helping to protect consumers against scammers.  

    New laws proposed by the Government today will extend the time that payments can be delayed by 72 hours where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a payment is fraudulent and more time is needed for the bank to investigate.  

    This will give banks more time to break the spell woven by fraudsters over their victims and tackle the estimated £460 million lost to fraud last year alone.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq said:

    Hundreds of millions of pounds are lost to scammers each year, targeting vulnerable communities and ruining the lives of ordinary people.  

    We need to protect these people better, which is why we are giving banks more time to investigate suspicious payments and break the criminal spell that scammers weave.

    Minister of State with Responsibility for Fraud, Lord Sir David Hanson said:

    Fraud is a crime that can devastate lives, and anyone can be affected.  

    That’s why measures like this are so crucial to provide banks the investigative powers they need to better protect customers from this appalling crime.

    Fraud accounts for over a third of all crime perpetrated in England and Wales, making it the most prevalent form of crime commitment in the country. This has been driven by a growing number of purchase scams and the emergence of so-called ‘romance scams’, where victims target vulnerable people and trick them into transferring large amounts of money by pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship.  

    The new rules will help protect people against these types of scams by allowing banks up to an additional 72 hours to investigate suspicious payments. Currently banks must either process or refuse a payment by the end of the next business day.

    Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, Rocio Concha said:

    This is a positive step in the fight against fraud. While it should not affect the vast majority of everyday payments, it’s important that banks can delay a bank transfer and take action if they think a customer is being targeted by a scam. 

    These measures should be used in a careful and targeted way. Financial firms of all sizes should also ensure they share intelligence and work with the police and other authorities to shut down accounts used for fraud and pursue the criminals behind them.

    UK Finance Managing Director of Economic Crime, Ben Donaldson said:

    UK Finance has long called for firms to be allowed to delay payments in high-risk cases where fraud is suspected, and we are delighted to see proposed new laws supporting this.  

    This could allow payment service providers time to get in touch with customers and give them the advice and support they need to avoid being coerced by the criminals who want to steal their money. This could potentially limit the psychological harms that these awful crimes can cause and stop money getting into the hands of criminals.

    Banks who have reasonable grounds to suspect a payment is fraudulent will need to inform customers when a payment is being delayed. They will also need to explain what the customer needs to do in order to unblock the payment.  

    The need for evidence to trigger a delay will help protect people and businesses from unnecessary payment delays. Banks will also be required to compensate customers for any interest or late payment fees they incur as a result of delays.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity Commission restricts international aid charity’s spending amidst a statutory inquiry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    The charity regulator for England and Wales has today (3 October 2024) opened a statutory inquiry into Barnabas Fund (also known as Barnabas Aid) after identifying several serious concerns regarding its compliance with charity law and the use of charitable funds.

    The Commission is investigating issues, including allegations of unauthorised payments to some of the current and former trustees and related parties, allegations that the charity’s founders have inappropriate control or influence over how the charity operates, and possible unmanaged conflicts of interest. The inquiry will also seek to establish if the charity’s structure and relationship with Nexcus, a US-based subsidiary, is in the best interests of the charity. Some of these issues have since been reported on in the media.

    Due to concerns that the charity’s funds may have been misused in the past, and questions as to the trustees’ oversight, the Commission has used its powers to temporarily restrict any transactions the charity intends to make which are over £4,000. This is to protect the charity’s significant income and assets – Barnabas Fund reported an income of over £21m and assets of over £2.3m in its latest accounts.

    The inquiry opened on 17 September 2024, escalating from a regulatory compliance case. It will examine whether the trustees are running their charity in line with their legal duties and charity law; particularly in relation to managing finances, conflicts of interest, and preventing unauthorised trustee and third-party benefits. The investigation will also check if spending is correctly recorded, examine relationships with other organisations, and explore the influence of non-leaders on decision-making.

    The inquiry will also consider:

    • whether the charity is operating in furtherance of its objects
    • whether there has been any misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees in the administration of the charity

    The scope of the inquiry may vary if additional regulatory issues emerge. The opening of an inquiry is not a finding of wrongdoing.  

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. 

    Ends 

    Notes to editors  

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
    2. On 17 September the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/ or mismanagement in the administration of the Charity.
    3. The Charity Commission has issued an order under s76(3)(f) of the Act to the trustees restricting all transactions over £4,000.
    4. A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Mashatile’s address on South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 in SOAS University

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers a Lecture on South Africa’s Presidency of the #G20, at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyw7wlr7VDE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transport Secretary opens £200 million rail manufacturing factory in Goole

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    A new manufacturing plant will be home to hundreds of high-skilled jobs, delivering faster tube journeys and regional growth.

    • Transport Secretary celebrates opening of a new world class rail manufacturing plant in Goole, supporting 700 high-skilled jobs
    • the site will build new state-of-the-art Piccadilly Line trains to deliver more reliable, accessible and faster journeys across London
    • comes ahead of the government’s International Investment Summit, to drive forward its national mission for growth

    Hundreds of jobs, faster tube journeys and regional growth will be delivered thanks to a new rail manufacturing plant officially opened by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh today (3 October 2024).  

    The Secretary of State will attend Siemens’ Rail Village in Goole to celebrate the formal opening of its new £200 million site.  

    The plant will be home to hundreds of high-skilled jobs where almost 100 new state-of-the-art Piccadilly Line trains will be manufactured and assembled.  

    In a further boost to the region, Siemens Mobility is also announcing up to a further £40 million towards a new Bogie Assembly and Service Centre at the site which will create up to 200 extra jobs.

    The world class hub has been made possible by the government’s funding settlements with Transport for London (TfL), giving Siemens the confidence to invest in the site.

    It represents the scale of what can be achieved through joint public and private sector support – and underlines the government’s commitment to attracting international investment.

    The grand opening comes ahead of the government’s International Investment Summit on 14 October 2024, which will bring together some of the world’s most influential companies and major investors.  

    The summit will be an opportunity for the Prime Minister and Cabinet to outline how the government will provide the certainty and opportunities businesses need to make Britain the best place in the world to invest. 

    The government is focused on creating the conditions for businesses to invest, through trust partnership and stability. We will fix the foundations by investing in the jobs, industries and infrastructure of the future to rebuild Britain and make everyone, everywhere better off.

    As part of this drive, the Transport Secretary is working to end the ‘boom and bust’ approach to rail manufacturing by delivering a long-term industrial strategy for rolling stock. 

    Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said:  

    This impressive, world-class facility will be transformational to Goole and its people, providing a boost to the region’s economy and supporting hundreds of skilled jobs. 

    Its opening demonstrates the importance of high quality, long-term investment to pave the way for employment and growth.

    I know how vital rail manufacturing is to our economy, which is why we will not sit on our hands when it comes to supporting it. For too long, the cycle of boom-and-bust has held back this sector.

    That’s why I am determined to put an end to the stop-start approach to investment and provide the industry with the certainty it needs to deliver a railway that is fit for the future.

    The new Piccadilly Line trains are expected to start serving the London Underground network next year, delivering a boost to reliability, extra services for passengers and increased capacity.

    They will be fully air-conditioned and more accessible, creating more comfortable journeys for the travelling public. 

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    This train manufacturing facility in Goole is a fantastic example of the expertise we don’t have and how investment in London benefits the whole country. This factory, where the new state-of-the-art Piccadilly line trains will be built, will create up to 900 direct jobs and support another 1,700 in the supply chain, delivering great benefits to the wider UK economy, showing that where London succeeds, the whole country succeeds and vice versa.

    I’m excited to continue working together with the new government to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London, and country, for everyone.

    Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility said:

    After more than a decade of tremendous dedication and hard work, we have officially opened our state-of-the-art Rail Village in Goole, which is testament to our commitment to the North of England.

    None of this would have been possible without the brilliance, perseverance and passion of our people and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. 

    We’ll assemble 80% of London’s new Piccadilly line trains and all future Siemens trains for the UK including our Verve battery train here in Goole and I’m pleased that we are supporting the local supply chain in the process.

    Our further investment in the Bogie Assembly and Service Centre will only add to our ability to transform rail and transport for everyone, right here in Goole.

    Today’s announcement reinforces the Transport Secretary’s commitment to rebuild the railways and deliver infrastructure fit for the future and to strengthen connectivity and grow the economy.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Councils to share $3 million to push regional housing

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 3 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western New South Wales

    The Minns Labor Government is inviting regional councils to apply for a share of $3 million in funding for projects that will support the delivery of more well-located and affordable homes.

    From today, regional councils will be able to apply for between $20,000 and $250,000 for individual projects as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

    Delivering more well-located homes near transport and services has been central to the NSW Government’s planning reforms so far and we’re not done.

    As regional NSW plans for and delivers more homes to its growing communities, the Minns Government is supporting that growth by funding strategic planning projects.

    Councils can use the funds to speed up new housing strategies, prepare infrastructure and servicing plans and make local planning amendments for the delivery of more diverse and affordable housing supply.

    These projects will support regional NSW work towards its housing target of 55,000 homes during the National Housing Accord.

    The first round of the program funded 20 projects across 19 councils to support the delivery of 40,000 homes. Among them was $107,400 for Port Stephens Council’s partnership with Homes NSW on a sub-precincts masterplan to support the delivery of affordable housing in Raymond Terrace.

    The second round allocated $2.9 million to 16 councils to support the delivery of nearly 23,800 homes across regional NSW, including $230,000 to Federation Council to undertake a stormwater-servicing plan supporting 5,600 homes across the Murray region.

    All NSW councils outside Greater Sydney are eligible for funding. Round three opens today and closes at 12pm on Friday 22 November 2024.

    To learn more about the fund visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/regional-housing/regional-housing-strategic-planning-fund

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The housing crisis is hitting regional communities just as hard as it is hitting Sydney, and the Minns Government wants to make sure they have the resources to plan for and deliver more homes in all parts of the state.

    “As regional communities grow and evolve, this funding will help deliver the important planning work needed to boost housing supply, affordability, and diversity.

    “The NSW Government is working with regional councils on a coordinated planning approach to deal with regional housing challenges.”

    Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “We really encourage councils to apply and help us unlock the delivery of thousands of new regional homes sooner.

    “This funding will support more homes, which means more jobs and better communities in regional NSW.

    “Their submissions will then be assessed by an independent panel using a published criteria.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Libya: Reveal fate and whereabouts of 19 men forcibly disappeared a year ago

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The self-proclaimed Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) must reveal the fate and whereabouts of former Minister of Defence Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and 18 of his relatives and supporters who were abducted in Benghazi by armed men, said Amnesty International marking a year since their enforced disappearances.

    “For a year, families of Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and his relatives and supporters have been living in anguish, not knowing whether their loves ones are dead or alive. The injustices they suffered reveal the shocking lengths to which LAAF is prepared to go to eliminate any actual or perceived challenge to their absolute grip on power, and the near absolute impunity enjoyed by LAAF-affiliated armed groups,” said Bassam Al Kantar, Amnesty International’s Libya Researcher.

    “The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, as well as LAAF, as the de facto authorities in eastern Libya, must ensure impartial, independent and effective investigations into crimes that took place, including revealing the fate and whereabouts of those forcibly disappeared and the causes and circumstances of deaths in custody.”

    Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi, a rival of LAAF General Commander Khalifa Haftar, returned to his hometown of Benghazi on 6 October 2023 following tribal reconciliation efforts. Following his return LAAF-affiliated armed groups raided his mother’s home in the al-Salamani neighbourhood. Ensuing armed clashes between LAAF affiliated armed groups including Tariq Ben Zeyad (TBZ) and the Internal Security Agency (ISA), on the one hand, and fighters loyal to Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi, on the other, left at least 15 dead and more injured, amid an internet shutdown by LAAF.

    For a year, families of Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and his relatives and supporters have been living in anguish, not knowing whether their loves ones are dead or alive.

    Bassam Al Kantar, Amnesty International

    On 7 October, LAAF affiliates took hostage 36 women and 13 children from Al-Barghathi’s family. They were released after Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and his son were taken into LAAF custody, along with 38 other Al-Barghathi family members and supporters. The fate and whereabouts of at least 19 of them remains unknown, amid fears they may have been extrajudiciallyexecuted after being captured. Six others have been confirmed dead; at least two of them in suspicious circumstances after being captured alive. The remaining 15 are believed to be held in LAAF detention centres. 

    Amnesty International interviewed the families of eight detainees, including two men who died in custody, as well as lawyers and political activists. The organization reviewed medical and forensic reports, pictures, videos and official documents. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 2nd, 2024 N.M. Delegation Welcomes $21 Million to Tackle Crime, Keep Communities Safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $20,706,897 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help New Mexico’s law enforcement solve crimes, support survivor services, improve violence prevention, and keep communities safe.
    The grants will be distributed through the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
    “I’m proud to announce over $20 million to better equip New Mexico’s law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to keep our communities safe. This significant investment will help tackle crime, hold dangerous criminals accountable, and deliver justice and support for survivors,” said Heinrich. “A safer New Mexico depends on solving crimes and supporting survivors, and I will continue to fight for the resources we need for both.”
    “This nearly $21 million in federal funding will deliver critical resources to help law enforcement solve crimes, support victims of violent crime, and boost violence prevention across New Mexico,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome this federal funding and I will keep fighting for federal resources to keep New Mexico communities safe.”
    “1 in 4 women have been beaten by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This funding from the Department of Justice focuses on providing more services to the survivors of domestic violence  survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Leger Fernández. “To effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes, the grants also increase the resources going to law enforcement.  I’m pleased that the funding benefits communities across my district, from the Pueblos to Santa Fe to Hobbs to our state agencies. Together we keep New Mexico safe.”
    “This almost $21 million investment into our communities is crucial in making New Mexico a safer place for everyone,” said Stansbury. “Victims of crimes deserve justice, and law enforcement needs the tools to give victims that justice. This funding is pivotal in achieving that goal.”
    “I’m proud to welcome over $20 million for law enforcement organizations across our state and Tribal communities. This funding will support law enforcement’s ability to reduce crime, make our neighborhoods safer and ensure justice for victims,” said Vasquez. “Our law enforcement officers and community organizations are working tirelessly, and this investment will help them continue to protect and serve New Mexicans. I’m committed to fighting for more federal resources to keep us safe.”
     

    Recipient

    City

    Project Title

    Grant

    Award Amount

    Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply

    OVW

    $414,147

    County of Bernalillo

    Albuquerque

    Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office CAST Unit Expansion Project

    OJP

    $376,078

    Enlace Comunitario

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

    OJP

    $450,000

    New Mexico Asian Family Center

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

    OJP

    $475,000

    New Mexico Asian Family Center

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims

    OVW

    $600,000

    New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims

    OVW

    $750,000

    City of Albuquerque

    Albuquerque

    BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)

    OJP

    $490,190

    La Casa

    Las Cruces

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $500,000

    Mescalero Apache Tribe

    Mescalero

    SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program

    OJP

    $288,368

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    New Mexico FY24 NCHIP

     

    $2,224,200

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation

    OJP

    $1,633,050

    NM Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJS FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program

    OJP

    $2,224,200

    Santa Fe Dreamers Project

    Santa Fe

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims

    OVW

    $750,000

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program

    OJP

    $167,378

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)

    OJP

    $300,437

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program- Formula

    OJP

    $294,696

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    FY 2024 CTAS Purpose Area 6 Award: Pueblo of Acoma

    OJP

    $450,000

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $450,000

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $254,413

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $900,000

    Pueblo of Isleta

    Isleta

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $900,000

    Pueblo of Isleta

    Isleta

    BJA FY24 Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program

    OJP

    $300,000

    Pueblo of Jemez

    Jemez Pueblo

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $900,000

    Pueblo of San Felipe

    Algodones

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $229,973

    Pueblo of Taos

    Taos

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $229,973

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    Empowering Tribal Resilience: Enhancing Zuni Tribal Justice Systems (Tribal Youth Programs)

    OJP

    $76,000

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $76,000

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $394,498

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $282,632

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $885,691

    Santo Domingo Pueblo

    Santo Domingo

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $229,973

    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico

    Farmington

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $700,000

    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico

    Farmington

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program

    OVW

    $610,000

    Sheris House of Hope

    Hobbs

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $400,000

    Valencia Shelter Services

    Los Lunas

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $500,000

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends North Carolina Disaster  Declaration

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of North Carolina by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of North Carolina as a result of Tropical Storm Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.
    Under the President’s order today, the Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 180 days from the start of the incident period.
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with wounding following Rokeby incident

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with wounding following Rokeby incident

    Thursday, 3 October 2024 – 8:40 am.

    A 36 year old Howrah man has been arrested and charged with wounding and Assault, following an incident at Rokeby yesterday afternoon.It is alleged the man drove his vehicle through a residential fence and at two occupants of that residence, who were standing on the front lawn.The occupants were forced to jump out of the way of the vehicle. It is also alleged that the man stabbed one of the occupants in the arm when he attempted to gain entry to the vehicle.The man was detained by the occupants until police arrived shortly afterwards.He has been charged and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Army Best Squad: Day Two | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    Day two of the 2024 U.S. Army Best Squad competition! Day two assessed the mastery of some of the most basic Soldier skills such as land navigation, weapons familiarity, vehicle familiarity, and an expert physical fitness assessment.

    : AMVID

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #ArmyBestSquad

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5YR4WbaUjY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Keeping Australian Families Safe Online

    Source: Google

    At Google and YouTube we’re committed to creating a safer online experience for kids and teens. We know that while the internet is an incredible tool for learning, playing, and connecting, it also poses risks, especially for young people.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 2, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Matthew Miller, at the Department of State, on October 2, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iRn5C8jJWg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Marks One Year Since October 7, 2023, Hamas Attack

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    “The United States continues to be in a heightened threat environment, and the FBI is fully engaged to detect and stop any potential threats to the American people. As we mark one year since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East calls for vigilance by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and members of the public. 

    It is essential to be watchful for threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions and to immediately contact law enforcement to report any suspicious activity. We continue to share intelligence with our law enforcement partners here and overseas and continue discussions with faith-based organizations, the private sector, and others about their concerns.

    We must remember the hostages and the innocent lives lost throughout the Mideast over the last year. At the same time, the FBI remains focused on our mission to protect the American people and prevent acts of terrorism and hate.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/2/2024 ICYMI: Blackburn Speaks with WJHL in Flooding Aftermath

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with WJHL News Channel 11 about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in communities across East Tennessee and the federal government’s response to the crisis:
     
    Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s interview with News Channel 11 about Hurricane Helene. 
    Blackburn, Hagerty, Harshbarger tour flood damage and answer questions
    Anslee Daniel
    WJHL News Channel 11
    Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn spent the day touring damaged areas in Northeast Tennessee, speaking to those impacted and answering questions.
    Local leaders, including U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, joined them at the destroyed I-26 bridge in Unicoi County to survey the damage and hear an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts.
    Interviews with Blackburn, Hagerty and Harshbarger can be watched below:
    LINK TO SENATOR BLACKBURN INTERVIEW

    RELATED:  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Cops cotton on to crossbow in Karaka

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police located an assortment of drugs and a crossbow during a vehicle search in Karaka yesterday.

    At about 10.30am, Police conducted a vehicle stop on Harbourside Drive due to the registered owner having a warrant to arrest.

    Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Carl Alexander, says the driver was identified in relation to the warrants and an initial search located a quantity of drugs and cash.

    “Officers then searched the vehicle and located what is believed to be more drugs, including cannabis and methamphetamine, cash and crossbow was also located in the boot.

    “We will continue to work hard to disrupt the distribution of drugs in our communities.

    “This arrest is another example of the ongoing action we are taking to target this type of activity and it’s also one less dangerous weapon off the street,” he says.

    “We encourage anyone with concerns around suspicious or potentially criminal behaviour in their neighbourhood to report it to Police.”

    A 31-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession for supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Escape Custody – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have apprehended the 14-year-old male who escaped custody yesterday in Darwin.

    He was located and arrested a short time ago by Detectives from Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit in Malak.

    Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Colorado City Men in Child Sexual Abuse Conspiracy

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Today, a federal jury in Phoenix found LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr., 45, and Torrance Bistline, 36, both of Colorado City, Arizona, guilty of multiple charges related to their participation in a years-long child sexual abuse conspiracy that spanned several states and victimized at least 10 children. The defendants committed their crimes with others, including co-defendant Samuel Rappylee Bateman, the self-proclaimed leader of a religious sect based in Colorado City. Bateman and nine of his other followers pleaded guilty to charges related to the child sexual abuse conspiracy and were not part of the trial against brothers LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. and Torrance Bistline.

    “Today’s verdict is a step towards justice for the victims of LaDell and Torrance Bistline,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “The Bistlines used their positions of power and trust to sexually exploit children and to profane their community. The devastating trauma and harm they inflicted is unfathomable. But today’s guilty verdicts hold them to account – for their despicable acts, for their breach of trust, and for their complete indifference to the mental and psychological scars their victims will live with for the rest of their lives. The United States Attorney’s Office, along with its state and federal law enforcement partners and other agencies, will continue to work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable from abuse and exploitation, and to help them heal.”

    “Protecting children is one of the many noble missions of the FBI,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez. “Adults who exploit children for illicit activities are a danger and a disgrace. Today’s verdicts reflect the unwavering dedication by the FBI and its partners to ensure those who prey on children are held accountable and brought to justice.”

    LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. was convicted of one count of Receipt of Child Pornography; one count of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor; two counts of Persuading or Coercing Travel to Engage in Sexual Activity; two counts of Using a Means of Interstate Commerce to Persuade or Coerce a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity; and two counts of Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity.

    Torrance Bistline was convicted of one count of Using a Means of Interstate Commerce to Persuade or Coerce a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity; two counts of Destruction of Records in an Official Proceeding; one count of Conspiracy to Commit Destruction of Records in an Official Proceeding; one count of Tampering with an Official Proceeding; and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with an Official Proceeding.

    LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. and Torrance Bistline were followers of Bateman, who represented himself as a religious prophet. In 2020 and 2021, Bateman’s followers gave their minor daughters and wards to him as child “brides” to sexually abuse. Bateman and others transported the victims between states, including Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona to facilitate the sexual abuse. LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. delivered two of his own daughters to Bateman to become child “brides” when the girls were nine and 11 years old. LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. also participated in group sexual activity involving children, including one event he watched over a video livestream. Torrance Bistline, who financially supported Bateman’s group, sexually abused one of Bateman’s child “brides” during a group sexual activity. Torrance Bistline later tried to destroy and hide evidence to interfere with the investigation.

    LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. and Torrance Bistline each face a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sentencing for LaDell Jay Bistline, Jr. is currently scheduled for December 16, 2024, and sentencing for Torrance Bistline is currently scheduled for December 20, 2024, before United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich. Bateman is currently scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Brnovich on October 28, 2024. Several other defendants have already been sentenced, and the remaining defendants will be sentenced in the coming months.

    The Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. The United States Attorney’s Office continues to extend special gratitude to the Arizona Department of Child Safety for its work rescuing and protecting Arizona children impacted by this matter, the Colorado City Police Department, the Iron County (Utah) Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the St. George Resident Agency of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office for their assistance in this matter.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-22-8092-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-135_Bistline

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: East China’s Fujian halts ferry services due to typhoon-triggered storms

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    FUZHOU, Oct. 2 — East China’s Fujian Province has announced the suspension of most of its passenger ferry services due to storms triggered by Krathon, the 18th typhoon of this year, said local maritime authorities.

    Currently, 73 out of 74 ferry routes across the province have been halted, with only one route remaining open to evacuate tourists from Gulangyu Island. When the wind force reaches grade-6, the remaining route will be suspended.

    According to China’s National Meteorological Center, Krathon was centered northeast of the South China Sea on Wednesday morning, about 125 km southwest of Kaohsiung City in Taiwan. The maximum wind speed near its center reached 48 meters per second, equivalent to a level-15 gale.

    Krathon is expected to move northeastward at 5 to 10 km per hour and is forecasted to make landfall on the southwestern coast of Taiwan Island between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

    Additionally, 110 coastal water-related projects in Fujian have been shut down, and 246 construction vessels have sought shelters. Rescue ships, helicopters, patrol boats and harbor tugboats have been deployed as part of emergency preparations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year.

    “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as a career. It will also help us to achieve the target of increasing frontline Police numbers by 500 officers.”

    “The coalition Government is serious about improving law and order and that starts with resourcing Police so they can effectively respond to the needs of our communities,” Ms Costello says.

    “We want New Zealanders to feel safe and be safe in their communities and we value Police and their work. Police officers do a great job, and the Government is backing them.

    “The fact applications to join Police have doubled from last year, while attrition rates remain low, shows that New Zealanders feel the same way.” 

    This year’s Budget included $191 million over four years to fund the recruitment and retention of 500 more sworn Police officers and $34.6 million in capital to ensure they are properly equipped to do their jobs.

    Ms Costello said Police were also working to build stronger connections with community groups such as Māori and Pasifika wardens and Community Patrols New Zealand and support initiatives to provide a pathway to Police.

    A series of targeted recruitment events is currently underway to reach communities across New Zealand. These were held in Auckland on Sunday and Wellington yesterday and will take place in Christchurch on Saturday and Dunedin on Sunday 6 October.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Exhibition on Confucian culture shines at Beijing’s Palace Museum

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 2 — A special exhibition focusing on Confucian culture is currently underway at the Palace Museum in Beijing.

    The exhibition features 380 items (sets) from nearly 30 archaeological and cultural institutions, both domestic and international, including artifacts from the Palace Museum.

    Through archaeological evidence, preserved texts and cultural relics, the exhibition explores the development of Confucian culture, elucidates the core principles of Confucian thought and highlights its profound global influence.

    Jointly organized by the Palace Museum and the International Confucian Association, the exhibition will continue until Jan. 5, 2025.

    This year marks the 2575th birth anniversary of Confucius. An online version of the exhibition is also available on the Palace Museum’s official website.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff Holds Tax Roundtable with Tennessee Business Leaders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) held a roundtable discussion in Shelby County with the Main Street Coalition, including the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. Congressman Kustoff discussed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions that are set to expire in 2025 and heard from local business leaders about their priorities for an upcoming tax package in Congress. 

    “In 2025, the Republican tax cuts that brought relief to families and businesses across the nation are set to expire,” said Congressman Kustoff. “As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax writing committee in Congress, I am working to ensure these provisions are extended and taxes are not increased for Americans. That is why I held this roundtable today, to hear from local business leaders about their priorities for an upcoming tax package. As individuals and businesses grapple with rampant inflation, the last thing they need is Uncle Sam taking more of their hard-earned dollars out of their bank account.”

    “The vast majority of America’s independent wine and spirits wholesalers are family-owned businesses that have been in operation for generations. Since 2017, our members have been able to invest billions across the country into their employees, facilities, and communities and the business leaders who joined us today have similar stories. The importance of this conversation and Section 199A to the well-being of small and family-owned businesses across Tennessee and the rest of the country can’t be overstated,” said Dwayne Carson, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Senior Director, Federal Affairs.

    Pictures from the day:
     


    Background:
    In 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. TCJA was the first major reform to the federal tax code in over thirty years, changing the individual income rates, the corporate tax rate, rules for estate and retirement planning, and taxes for small businesses. These Republican tax cuts brought relief to working and middle-class families and led to one of the strongest economies in U.S. history. However, if Congress does not act by the end of 2025, these provisions, among others, will expire. That will mean a significant tax increase on virtually all American taxpayers and businesses.

    The House Ways and Means Committee has divided up into Tax Teams to focus on each provision. Congressman Kustoff is the Vice Chair of the Supply Chain Tax Team which has jurisdiction over the corporate rate, capital gains, and energy related tax credits. Additionally, he sits on the Rural America team, which has jurisdiction over the estate tax.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –