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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo.  The Secretary-General and the President discussed the political and security situation in West Africa and the Sahel.  They also exchanged on the country’s ongoing efforts to further advance the Sustainable Development Goals.  The Secretary-General reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to accompany and support Togo in its efforts to promote peace, security and sustainable development.

    ***

     

    Le Secrétaire général a rencontré S.E. M. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Président de la République du Togo. Le Secrétaire général et le Président ont discuté de la situation politique et sécuritaire en Afrique de l’Ouest et au Sahel. Ils ont également discuté des efforts continus du pays pour faire progresser les objectifs de développement durable. Le Secrétaire général a réitéré l’engagement des Nations Unies à accompagner et à soutenir le Togo dans ses efforts visant à promouvoir la paix, la sécurité et le développement durable.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington launches FundHubWA to help people and organizations find climate and clean energy funding

    Source: Washington State News

    New portal offers easy-to-use way for people and organizations to apply for historic state and federal funding opportunities

    There’s more funding than ever for projects relating to energy efficiency, clean energy and climate resiliency. But for people and organizations to use it, they first need to know it exists. That’s the goal of the state’s new online funding portal called FundHubWA. FundHubWA connects everyone in Washington with federal and state grants, tax incentives and rebates that advance clean air, clean energy, and clean technology.

    The new website, located at FundHub.WA.gov, features an easy-to-use database for local governments, individuals, businesses, nonprofits, tribal governments and public agencies.

    The hub tracks once-in-a-generation federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS for America, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which is funding climate-resiliency programs, clean transportation, consumer rebates and incentives, clean air programs, and more.

    “These historic investments are supercharging Washington’s efforts to fight climate change by making it more affordable for people and organizations to switch away from fossil fuels and confront the damage caused by climate pollution,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on an opportunity simply because they don’t know about it. This portal offers everyone an easy way to browse for funding that could help them improve their home, business or community.”

    FundHubWA’s database covers a range of opportunities including electric vehicle rebates for lower income households, clean energy incentives for businesses, and planning and infrastructure grants for cities, counties and tribal governments.

    “With the launch of FundHubWA, there has never been a better time to contribute to a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous Washington,” said Washington State Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong. “We know that everyone who lives in our state wants to do everything they can to improve their lives and improve their communities. Our goal is to help them find and secure the funding to do that.”

    FundHubWA was approved by the Washington State Legislature in 2024 and is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. FundHubWA is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting His Partner with a Knife and Attempting to Suffocate Her

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

    Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Marvin Samson Butterfly, age 40, to 70 months in federal prison on charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Suffocating and Attempting to Suffocate in Indian Country, and Attempted Witness Tampering (70 months on each count to be served concurrently). Butterfly was convicted of those crimes on April 9, 2024, following a jury trial. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of federal supervision after Butterfly is released from prison.

    According to court documents and information introduced at trial and sentencing, on September 16, 2023, officers with the Spokane Tribal Police Department were called to a home in Ford, Washington, for a reported domestic assault. The victim, who is an enrolled member of the Spokane Tribe told officers that Butterfly assaulted her. Butterfly was upset with the victim because she had let another woman shelter in her home during a spell of cold weather. Butterfly began shouting, took out a long knife, and stabbed the floors, doors, and furniture. Butterfly assaulted the victim by holding the knife against her throat. Butterfly then pushed the victim down on the couch, placed his hand over her mouth and attempted to suffocate her. After the victim was able to pry Butterfly’s fingers off her face, Butterfly left the home in the victim’s car. Officers found Butterfly the next morning asleep in the victim’s car.

    On November 2, 2023, while in jail, Butterfly placed a recorded telephone call to his neighbor. During the call, Butterfly made several statements indicating he did not want the victim to testify. Butterfly encouraged his neighbor to stress to the victim that he would be coming home – i.e., getting out of jail – so long as the victim did not cooperate with investigators.

    “The victim in this case suffered terrifying acts of abuse and intimidation, stated Vanessa Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “Domestic violence is one of the root causes underlying the MMIP crisis. My office is committed to working with our partners in Tribal and Federal law enforcement to secure justice for the victims and to build safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington. I am grateful that the victim in his case was undeterred and that my office has built a strong support mechanism to protect the brave victims, that seek to end the abusive cycle of violence.”

    “Terrifying is the word that best describes the ordeal Mr. Butterfly inflicted upon the victim in this case.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “I’m thankful the victim was courageous and advocated for herself to help put Mr. Butterfly in custody where he belongs. Curbing violent crime on our state’s reservations remains a priority for the FBI and our partners here in Washington.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Spokane Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Work Nearly Complete at John Paul II Collegiate

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    Major renovations and additions at North Battleford’s historic John Paul II Collegiate are nearing completion. This expansive project includes an addition to the school’s cafeteria kitchen and industrial arts learning spaces along with upgrades to common areas, washrooms and more.

    “The major renovations at John Paul II Collegiate not only support the safety and wellbeing of students and school staff, but also guarantees this historic school is built to enjoy for many years to come,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our government continues to invest in major capital projects to meet the needs of our students, families and communities.”

    “The renovation and upgrades of the John Paul II Collegiate is not only an investment in educational infrastructure, but an investment into the younger generations of our province,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jenson said. “This school renovation project provides another example of our commitment to building a brighter future for Saskatchewan.”

    “This project was at the top of our Board’s priority list for capital funding,” Light of Christ Catholic School Board Chair Glen Gantefoer said. “The government’s decision to approve our request in 2020 was truly exciting. We are grateful for the government’s commitment to renovate this historic building which allows us to offer exciting new learning opportunities to our students. This project is good for our school division and good for the community.”

    Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $2.6 billion toward school infrastructure projects, including 69 new schools and 32 major renovation projects with an additional seven projects approved through the Minor Capital Renewal Program.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Hate Crime Charges Brought for Assault on Stranger Wearing a Yarmulke in Foggy Bottom

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)

                WASHINGTON — A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Walter James, 38, with one count of causing bodily harm to an individual due to his actual or perceived religion.

                U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg for the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

                The indictment alleges that on the morning of July 10, 2024, James assaulted a man, who was walking through Foggy Bottom and wearing a yarmulke, without any provocation or warning. James repeatedly punched the individual in his face and head. While he was assaulting the individual and immediately afterward, James yelled antisemitic slurs, such as: (1) “You are murdering innocent men, women, and children in Gaza.” (2) “They’re the cause of all our wars – killing the children of Palestine.” (3) “You control us with money.” (4) “You are not the real Jewish [sic].” And (5) “You guys kill people in Gaza.” As a result of the assault, the individual suffered cuts and abrasions to his face and right elbow and cephalic swelling.

                James faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted. James was previously charged in D.C. Superior Court with assault with significant injury with a hate crimes enhancement.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crabb Jr.

                For more information and resources about the Justice Department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

                An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

                Prosecuting bias-related crimes is critical to keeping our community safe. When one member of a group in the community is the victim of a bias-related crime, all members carry with them a fear that they, too, may be targeted because of who they are. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) is committed to enforcing both federal and local hate and bias-related crime laws. For more information: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/hatebias-related-crimes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Melrose  — Man and woman die following two-vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two individuals, a 43-year-old man from Charlottetown, P.E.I., and a 37-year-old woman from Charlottetown, P.E.I., have died following a two-vehicle collision in Melrose, N.B.

    On September 22, 2024, at approximately 3:47 p.m., members of the Sackville RCMP responded to a report of a head-on collision between a minivan and a pick-up truck hauling a trailer on Route 16 in Melrose. The driver, a 43-year-old man, and the passenger, a 37-year-old woman of the minivan both died at the scene as a result of their injuries. The driver and sole occupant of the pick-up truck was transported to hospital with what is believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

    The collision is believed to have occurred when the minivan, travelling eastbound, crossed the center line and collided head-on with the pick-up truck.

    Members of the Port Elgin Fire Department, Ambulance New Brunswick, and the Department of Justice and Public Safety also attended the scene. RCMP Collision Reconstructionist, and a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office, attended the scene. Autopsies will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death for the two individuals.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Arrested and Charged with Making Threats to Kill Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)

    NASHVILLE –A federal criminal complaint filed today charges David Aaron Bloyed, 59, of Frost, Texas, with threatening to lynch and kill Glenn Funk, the elected District Attorney General (“DA”) for Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, announced United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry C. Leventis.

    According to the complaint, on July 14, 2024, members of the Goyim Defense League (“GDL”) – an antisemitic Neo-Nazi group – were protesting in downtown Nashville when they encountered an employee of a local bar. A fight broke out and a GDL member was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for hitting the bar employee repeatedly using a metal flagpole with a swastika flag affixed to the top.

    While in Nashville, GDL members routinely posted about their activities on various social media platforms, including Telegram. Following the arrest of the GDL member, a Telegram user associated with GDL posted threats against DA Funk that included a photograph of DA Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji finger pointed towards Funk’s image. The posts also included a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrases, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?” Law enforcement subsequently identified another social media account with an almost identical username, belonging to Bloyed and containing threats nearly identical to those posted on the Telegram account.

    “In a functioning democracy, we simply cannot tolerate threats of violence against elected officials,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “The charges announced today are just the latest illustration of the Department’s commitment to protecting public servants and upholding the rule of law.”  

    If convicted, Bloyed faces up to five years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Resident Agency, Memphis Field Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

    A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Releases 2023 Crime in the Nation Statistics | Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)

    The FBI released detailed data on over 14 million criminal offenses for 2023 reported to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program by participating law enforcement agencies. More than 16,000 state, county, city, university and college, and tribal agencies, covering a combined population of 94.3% inhabitants, submitted data to the UCR Program through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the Summary Reporting System.

    The FBI’s crime statistics estimates, based on reported data for 2023, show that national violent crime decreased an estimated 3.0% in 2023 compared to 2022 estimates:  

    • Murder and non-negligent manslaughter recorded a 2023 estimated nationwide decrease of 11.6% compared to the previous year.  
    • In 2023, the estimated number of offenses in the revised rape category saw an estimated 9.4% decrease.  
    • Aggravated assault figures decreased an estimated 2.8% in 2023. 
    • Robbery showed an estimated decrease of 0.3% nationally.  

    In 2023, 16,009 agencies participated in the hate crime collection, with a population coverage of 95.2%. Law enforcement agencies submitted incident reports involving 11,862 criminal incidents and 13,829 related offenses as being motivated by bias toward race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity.  

    To publish a national trend, the FBI’s UCR Program used a dataset of reported hate crime incidents and zero reports submitted by agencies reporting six or more common months or two or more common quarters (six months) of hate crime data to the FBI’s UCR Program for both 2022 and 2023. According to this dataset, reported hate crime incidents decreased 0.6% from 10,687 in 2022 to 10,627 in 2023.  

    The complete analysis is located on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Several Facility Improvement Projects Completed as Fall Camping Begins in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    Saskatchewan residents looking for a fall getaway can book their camping spot online in select provincial parks throughout October and take advantage of the quiet atmosphere and scenery. As visitors head to the parks, they can also enjoy various facility improvement projects completed this year, from new campgrounds and visitor centres to improved accessibility features.

    “Fall is one of the best times to go camping, and we are pleased to offer another great season in parks across the province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Parks are quieter, the leaves are changing colours and the crisp weather at night makes for a cozy evening by a campfire. It’s the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a relaxing getaway, and with all the projects completed throughout the year, what better time to explore the parks to their full potential?”

    Fall Camping (October 1 to 31)

    Until October 31, campsites at 11 provincial parks can still be reserved online: Blackstrap, Buffalo Pound, Cypress Hills, Douglas, Echo Valley, Good Spirit Lake, Great Blue Heron (until Oct. 7), Greenwater Lake, Moose Mountain, Rowan’s Ravine and Saskatchewan Landing. Three additional parks will offer walk-in camping in October, with no reservations necessary: Danielson, Duck Mountain and Narrow Hills.

    Services in the park will be limited in October, and camping rates will be reduced by $4 per night for electric and non-electric sites. Each campsite’s available amenities, like electricity, sewer or toilets, will be indicated during reservation. 

    Winter camping will return to select provincial parks from November to March. More details to be announced in early November.

    Facility Improvements in Provincial Parks

    Multiple facility improvement projects were completed throughout Saskatchewan’s Provincial Parks this year.

    Completed projects include:

    • Meadow Lake Provincial Park: A new campground loop with 40 electrified campsites, service centre, additional flush washroom facilities and water treatment system within Waterhen Lake Campground.
    • Makwa Lake Provincial Park: A new accessible service centre at Stabler Point Campground.
    • Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park: A new, accessible day-use pavilion with a wood-burning firepit, food preparation area, barbecue, a serving table and accessible pathways leading to the space.
    • Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: A new play-structure at Pine Hill Campground.
    • Katepwa Point Provincial Park: A new accessible floating dock that features a gently sloping ramp, non-slip surfaces and a specialized transfer system that allows for seamless access from a wheelchair to a paddle boat, kayak or canoe.
    • Blackstrap Provincial Park: A new service centre at Kevin Misfeldt Campground.
    • Crooked Lake Provincial Park: A new Visitor Reception Centre.

    A number of other projects started construction this year:

    • A new service centre at Nut Point Campground in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park;
    • Major road improvements and resurfacing at Pike Lake Provincial Park; 
    • Water system upgrades at Narrow Hills Provincial Park and Moose Mountain Provincial Park;
    • A new trailer sewage dump at Lower Fishing Lake in Narrow Hills Provincial Park; and
    • New backcountry camping structures, including shelters, bear boxes, and waste-diverting toilets, at Moose Mountain Provincial Park.

    These investments are part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s investment of $13.3 million for capital projects and an additional $1.7 million for preventative maintenance in 2024-25.

    To learn more about fall in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks and plan your trip, visit Sask Parks fall camping page at https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks/guides/fall-camping.

    Learn more about Saskatchewan’s Provincial Parks at saskparks.com.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Valley National Bank Resolves Civil Liability Relating To Self-Disclosure Of Its Role In The Impermissible Use Of PPP Loan Proceeds By Bank Customer

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, FL – Valley National Bank (VNB), a national bank and member of the Federal Reserve System, has agreed to pay $216,784.50 to resolve its civil liability under the False Claims Act for its self-disclosed role in the administration of two loans to a bank customer made under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act).

    Congress created the PPP in March 2020 as part of the CARES Act to provide emergency loans to small businesses suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized these businesses to seek forgiveness of the loans if they spent the loan funds on eligible expenses. The PPP was administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

    This settlement resolves VNB’s civil liability related to a bank customer who had applied for two PPP loans with VNB. VNB, through a bank relationship manager, assisted the customer in the impermissible use of a portion of the PPP loan proceeds from its first PPP loan to repay an outstanding loan to a third party. After learning of this conduct, VNB conducted an independent investigation and review of those issues and provided the United States with a detailed and thorough written self-disclosure. VNB cooperated fully with the government’s investigation of the conduct, disclosing relevant documents, facts, and information gathered during its investigation. Although PPP lending has ended, VNB took steps to remediate and improve the issues with its PPP lending policies and practices, including requiring PPP borrowers to open a deposit account to undergo depositor screening, retaining an accounting firm to serve as a PPP loan help desk, and utilizing a company to interface with the SBA E-Tran platform.

    “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and holding responsible those who failed to follow the rules of the PPP program,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to seek civil redress and, where appropriate, federally prosecute those individuals and entities that engage in improper uses of PPP loan proceeds.”

    SBA’s General Counsel Therese Meers stated, “The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, other federal law enforcement agencies, as well as financial institutions or private individuals who uncover borrower misconduct to recover the lending program’s damages.”

    The resolution obtained in this case was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Small Business Administration. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen, with assistance from the Small Business Administration – Office of General Counsel. 

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability by VNB.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative – Sept. 2024 update

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative – Sept. 2024 update

    In November 2023, we introduced the Secure Future Initiative (SFI) to advance cybersecurity protection for Microsoft, our customers, and the industry. In May 2024, we expanded the initiative to focus on six key security pillars, incorporating industry feedback and our own insights. Since the initiative began, we’ve dedicated the equivalent of 34,000 full-time engineers to SFI—making it the largest cybersecurity engineering effort in history. And now, we’re sharing key updates and milestones from the first SFI Progress Report.  

    Read the full SFI Progress Report

    A focus on security above all else 

    At Microsoft, we recognize our unique responsibility in safeguarding the future for our customers and community. As a result, every individual at Microsoft plays a pivotal role to “prioritize security above all else.” We’ve made significant progress in fostering a security-first culture. Some of the main updates include:  

    • To improve governance, we announced the creation of a new Cybersecurity Governance Council and the appointment of Deputy Chief Information Security Officers (Deputy CISOs) for key security functions and all engineering divisions. Led by our CISO Igor Tsyganskiy, the Deputy CISOs form the Cybersecurity Governance Council, and are responsible for the company’s overall cyber risk, defense, and compliance.  
    • Security is now a core priority for all employees at Microsoft and will be included in their performance reviews. This will empower every employee and manager to commit to—and be accountable for—prioritizing security, and a way for us to codify an employee’s contributions to SFI and celebrate impact.  
    • We launched the Security Skilling Academy, a personalized learning experience of security-specific, curated trainings for all employees worldwide. The academy ensures that no matter the role, employees are equipped to prioritize security in their daily work and identify the direct part they have in securing Microsoft.  
    • To ensure accountability and transparency at the highest levels, Microsoft’s senior leadership team reviews SFI progress weekly and updates are provided to Microsoft’s Board of Directors quarterly. Additionally, Microsoft’s senior leadership team now has security performance directly linked to compensation.  
    Explore more details on culture and governance updates in the full report

    Pillar highlights: A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity 

    We’ve also made progress across our six key pillars, each representing a critical area of cybersecurity focus. These pillars guide our ongoing work to raise the bar for security across Microsoft and help us meet the evolving demands of the security landscape. These are the most recent updates across these areas:

    1. Protect identities and secrets: We completed updates to Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Account (MSA) for our public and United States government clouds to generate, store, and automatically rotate access token signing keys using the Azure Managed Hardware Security Module (HSM) service. We have continued to drive broad adoption of our standard identity SDKs, which provide consistent validation of security tokens. This standardized validation now covers more than 73% of tokens issued by Microsoft Entra ID for Microsoft owned applications. We have extended standardized security token logging in our standard identity SDKs to support threat hunting and detections and enabled those in several critical services ahead of broad adoption. We completed enforcement of the use of phishing-resistant credentials in our production environments and implemented video-based user verification for 95% of Microsoft internal users in our productivity environments to eliminate password sharing during setup and recovery.  
    1. Protect tenants and isolate production systems: We completed a full iteration of app lifecycle management for all of our production and productivity tenants, eliminating 730,000 unused apps. We eliminated 5.75 million inactive tenants, drastically reducing the potential cyberattack surface. We implemented a new system to streamline the creation of testing and experimentation tenants with secure defaults and strict lifetime management enforced. We have deployed more than 15,000 new production-ready locked-down devices in the last three months.  
    1. Protect networks: More than 99% of physical assets on the production network are recorded in a central inventory system, which enriches asset inventory with ownership and firmware compliance tracking. Virtual networks with backend connectivity are isolated from the Microsoft corporate network and subject to complete security reviews to reduce lateral movement. To help customers secure their own deployments, we have expanded platform capabilities such as Admin Rules to ease the network isolation of Platform as a Service (PaaS) resources such as Azure Storage, SQL, Cosmos DB, and Key Vault. 
    1. Protect engineering systems: 85% of our production build pipelines for the commercial cloud are now using centrally governed pipeline templates, making deployments more consistent, efficient, and trustworthy. We have slimmed down the lifespan of Personal Access Tokens to seven days, disabled Secure Shell (SSH) protocol access for all Microsoft internal engineering repos, and significantly reduced the number for elevated roles with access to engineering systems. We also implemented proof of presence checks for critical chokepoints in our software development code flow. 
    1. Monitor and detect threats: We have made significant progress enforcing that all Microsoft production infrastructure and services adopt standard libraries for security audit logs, to ensure relevant telemetry is emitted, and retain logs for a minimum of two years. For instance, we have established central management and a two-year retention period for identity infrastructure security audit logs, encompassing all security audit events throughout the lifecycle of current signing keys. Similarly, more than 99% of network devices are now enabled with centralized security log collection and retention. 
    1. Accelerate response and remediation: We updated processes across Microsoft to improve Time to Mitigate for critical cloud vulnerabilities. We began publishing critical cloud vulnerabilities as common vulnerability and exposures (CVEs), even if no customer action is required, to improve transparency. We established the Customer Security Management Office (CSMO) to improve public messaging and customer engagement for security incidents.  
    Read more details on the six pillars in the full report

    Reaffirming our security commitment 

    In security, consistent progress is more important than “perfection” and this is reflected in the scale of resources mobilized to achieve our SFI objectives. The collective work we are doing to continually increase protection, eliminate legacy or noncompliant assets, and identify remaining systems for monitoring conclusively measures our success. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ongoing improvement. SFI will continue to evolve, adapting to new cyberthreats and refining our security practices. Our commitment to transparency and industry collaboration remains unwavering. Earlier in 2024, Microsoft became a major supporter of the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure by Design pledge, reinforcing our dedication to embedding security into every aspect of our products and services. Additionally, we continue to integrate recommendations from the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) to strengthen our cybersecurity approach and enhance resilience. 

    The work we’ve done so far is only the beginning. We know that cyberthreats will continue to evolve, and we must evolve with them. By fostering this culture of continuous learning and improvement, we are building a future where security is not just a feature, but a foundation. 

    SFI Progress Report

    Discover the key updates and milestones from the first SFI Progress Report.  

    ​​Learn more

    To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions and Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    September 23, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev launched the energy center in Chukotka

    A ceremonial launch of the energy center was held in the city of Bilibino in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. The new facility was launched by Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev. The Governor of the region Vladislav Kuznetsov took part in the launch of the new facility at the energy center site.

    “I congratulate everyone on the launch of the energy center in the city of Bilibino! First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated in the construction: those whose work created the facility, which, together with the floating nuclear power plant, creates the contours of the new energy system, replacing the decommissioned Bilibino NPP. Chukotka is one of the regions of Russia with extreme climatic conditions. Energy is of particular importance for the region with its low temperatures. The entire energy system must operate reliably and without interruptions. Not only the quality of life here, but also the very life of people directly depends on this. Therefore, thank you to the builders, thank you to everyone who took part in the creation of the energy center. Let’s launch it,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    The energy center will gradually replace the Bilibino NPP, which provides heat and electricity to the city of Bilibino with a population of about 5.5 thousand people, as well as large mining and gold mining enterprises in Chukotka. During the implementation of the project, about 300 new jobs will be created.

    “This is a major event for our Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. From 2025, the energy center will be the main heat source for the residents of Bilibin, which will ensure the functioning of the entire Chaun-Bilibinsky energy hub. The work has been underway since 2019 in the difficult conditions of the Arctic zone. During construction, we took into account the permafrost factor, low temperatures, increased wind and snow loads. During the work, we managed to successfully resolve the issue of import substitution of components. I would like to thank the federal government for your support, you, Yuri Petrovich, everyone who provided assistance to the region at the federal level. I thank everyone who was involved in the construction of the energy center,” Vladislav Kuznetsov addressed the ceremony participants and asked Yuri Trutnev to give the order to launch the facility.

    Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Vladislav Kuznetsov, head of the Bilibinsky District Evgeny Safonov, deputy director of JSC Chukotka Trading Company Dmitry Ivanov together pressed the “start” button, after which the energy center equipment was put into operation. The total installed thermal capacity of the facility will be 66 MW, and the total installed electrical capacity will be 25 MW.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52776/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth, Quigley, Announce More Than $300 Million In Federal Funding For Transportation Infrastructure Improvements In Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    09.20.24
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Quigley (D-IL-05) today announced $305,467,517 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Mega Program. With this federal funding, the Illinois Department of Transportation will receive $209,877,984 for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program and $95,589,533 for the I-290/IL171 (1st Avenue) Interchange Project. These projects will aim to reduce traffic delays, increase rail junction safety, and improve mobility throughout Chicago.
    DOT’s Mega Grant Program provides federal funding for large projects of regional significance and is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that the lawmakers worked to pass.
    “Today’s funding is a major investment in the future of our transportation infrastructure.  Chicagoans will be better connected because of these two infrastructure projects, which will improve the safety and quality of our rail system and roadways,” said Durbin. “Senator Duckworth, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and I have long supported these investments, and I’m glad to see these federal dollars go toward improving safety and alleviating congestion in a region that desperately needs it.”
    “Investing in our transportation infrastructure is about more than just improving our roads, bridges and rail lines, it’s about growing our economy and making getting to work, school and throughout our communities faster, safer and more efficient,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to see this federal funding coming to our state today for two critically important projects Senator Durbin and I have been championing for years and with it improvements in these local communities, and an increase in good-paying jobs in our region and more.”
    “This funding announcement is critical to helping CREATE in their mission to improve rail operations in Chicago for both passengers and freight.  As the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I have an in-depth understanding of the needs facing our freight, commuter, and intercity passenger rail,”said Quigley. “Luckily, the CREATE Program has stepped up to the task and broken ground on numerous rail improvement projects throughout the region. In May, I visited their Forest Hill Flyover site, where I witnessed firsthand the efficiency and safety improvements CREATE is making. From adjacent neighborhoods to the nation’s supply chain, I know that the benefits of this funding will extend far beyond Chicago’s city limits.”
    The CREATE Program brings together the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Metra, Amtrak, and the nation’s freight railroads in a partnership to eliminate transit bottlenecks, boost the economy, and improve overall safety of the Chicagoland area.
    Today’s announced funding will advance the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project, a three-mile elevated rail corridor on Chicago’s South Side, which approximately 90 freight trains and 30 Metra commuter trains use daily. The project will reconfigure track segments and signals at Belt Junction, add a third track to the Norfolk Southern line, replace and restore 14 aging bridge and viaduct structures, and implement mobility improvements on surface streets throughout the corridor. Durbin and Duckworth have long championed rail improvements, having helped secure $132 million in federal funding to begin this project in 2018.
    The I-290/IL 171 (1st Avenue) Interchange Project will reconstruct portions of I-290, reconstruct and upgrade the 1st Avenue interchange, and implement signalized interchanges at Van Buren Street and Maybrook Drive. It also will install a supplemental trunk sewer along I-290 and a frontage road sewer along Bataan Drive. This work aims to alleviate congestion and address flooding issues.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Devolved Ministers attend New York Climate Week

    Source: Scottish Government

    Ministers met ahead of opening of Climate Week New York City. 

    Climate Week NYC’s overall message this year is “It’s Time”: celebrating those driving climate action, challenging everyone to do more and exploring ways to increase ambition.

    Climate Week NYC inspires, amplifies and scrutinises the commitments, policies and actions of those with the power to make change happen, while pushing the transition into the mainstream of business and government, showing what can be achieved. 

    Ministers discussed the need to deliver urgent action on climate change in the three nations, the importance of ensuring a just transition to net zero, and the criticality importance of working together towards our shared UK wide goals. 

    While each nation faces different challenges and will have its their own priorities, the twin imperatives to act now and to act fairly means embracing the benefits of collective action.  

    Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to share knowledge and experience to help each other make progress on reducing emissions reductions, creating climate resilience and working together to create the conditions for real, lasting and fair change across the three nations. 

    Ministers are looking forward to working with the new UK Government Ministerial team to further drive climate action across the UK. 

    Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin said:

    “It is time to move from ambition to action and I am honoured to be here to further build influence of devolved states and regional governments within the international climate debate all whilst having a strong focus on capacity building. I believe Devolved Administrations can learn from each other as we accelerate a just transition to net zero. There was a real impetus amongst us all today to continue these conversations ahead of COP29. Scotland has a unique opportunity as Under 2 European co-chair and Regions4 president to continue championing other subnational governments.” 

    Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government, Huw Irranca-Davies said: 

    “This needs to be the decade of action. We are showing leadership and commitment by setting our ambitious targets, but it’s time to focus on action and the wider benefits of taking action such as clean air, better homes and places to live and work. I am pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Wales’s success stories, and to connect with colleagues in Governments across the world to share solutions and work together towards this most important goal.” 

    Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland Executive, said: 

    “I am delighted to be able to join my Scottish and Welsh Ministerial colleagues this year to attend New York Climate Week as a member of the Under 2 Coalition. Climate change is one of my top priorities. Attending this key event enables us to put Northern Ireland on the global stage and engage with others about ways to both tackle and grasp the opportunities arising from climate change.”

    During their visit to New York, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be attending a range of events and engagements which will include meeting with Ministers, Heads of States, Governors and business leaders.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Avole Inc. Emite Aviso de Retiro del Mercado su Producto Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para Freír Bacalao por Falta de Declaración del Nombre Común Pescado (Pollock)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Avole Inc., localizado en San Sebastián, Puerto Rico está retirando del mercado fundas de 7 onzas de Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para freír Bacalao, porque pueden contener falta de declaración del nombre común Pescado (Pollock) en la declaración de ingredientes o contenido. Las personas que tienen al

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Data Spotlight: Riparian Climate Refugia

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Working collaboratively with state agencies, CASC supported researchers sought to identify riparian areas in the central and western U.S. that are projected to be more resilient against climate change and to allow for better integration of climate adaptation strategies into SWAPs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    WASHINGTON – As extreme weather events caused by climate change continue to increase across the nation, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, and FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington will attend Climate Week NYC and lead FEMA’s largest contingent of FEMA officials to ever attend the annual gathering. During the week, FEMA officials will highlight FEMA’s Year of Resilience, host several engagements, and participate in Climate Week NYC Events. 

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will attend several events and address topics including extreme heat, climate risk, resilience, and how climate change is impacting the insurance market. Administrator Criswell will be a keynote speaker at the WSJ House, Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum, AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk, and Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat – Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level.

    As New York City hosts the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in addition to Climate Week NYC, FEMA is proudly supporting efforts to ensure a safe event each year and is dedicated to ensuring a unified coordinated effort between Local, State, and Federal agencies throughout the greater New York City area throughout the week. 

    Kicking off Climate Week NYC this year, the U.S. Fire Administration will host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective  to bring together officials to discuss the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

    FEMA will also host a Risk Communications Webinar, where presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. 

    FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy, and sustainable disaster debris management. 

    The following events are open to the media: 

    Monday, September 23

    10:00 AM: U.S. Fire Administration to Host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective (Virtual; In-Person Registration is Closed)

    What: The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) will host an interactive roundtable discussion on climate change driven risks, response and resilience during Climate Week NYC. This interactive roundtable brings together fire chiefs and their government counterparts including U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Associate Administrator for External Affairs Justin Ángel Knighten, FEMA Associate Deputy Administrator for Resilience Robin Keegan, FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington, Fire Chief Orange County Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief Los Angeles County Tony Marrone, Fire Chief Fairfax County John Butler, Fire and EMS Chief Washington, D.C. John Donnelly and acting Fire Chief New York City John Esposito. Discussion topics will include the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. FEMA Region 2 will host the roundtable discussion including stakeholders from academia, nongovernmental organizations, U.S. and international government representatives and fire service leaders. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

    2:30 PM: FEMA to Host National Webinar – Risk Communications (Virtual)

    What: Presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. This event is a valuable opportunity for risk and crisis communicators, community leaders, emergency management professionals and stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness. Participants will learn strategies for creating awareness and activities that help communities plan for disasters and build resilience amid the climate crisis. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to support communications best practices related to developing and sharing critical preparedness messaging.

    Tuesday, September 24

    9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: FEMA and EPA to Host Event: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future (Virtual and In-Person Registration Required)

    What: FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy and sustainable disaster debris management. Attendees will get to hear from FEMA and our public, private and academic partners on several topics including nature-based solutions, net-zero energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, the use of salvaged materials and how each of these fit into nationwide resilience strategy.

    Where:  Climate Week NYC: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future.

    Register: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future Tickets, Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

    2:45 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to Speak at WSJ House 

    What: FEMA Administrator Speaks at Wall Street Journal Live on resilience.

    Where: Bryant Park Grill, 25 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018. 

    To register for this event, please contact WSJ Live.

    Wednesday, September 25

    9:20-10:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk

    What:  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion on how the unprecedented risk environment has upended the traditional balance where insurance was the dependable safeguard enabling the flow of capital across the economy. Severe weather and a changing climate are rendering historically safe investments uninsurable, sending shockwaves through the financial systems and threatening the livelihoods and progress of institutions and individuals alike. This high-level dialogue will touch on the major challenges a lack of insurance access creates for the public and private sectors, what needs to be done and the potential for new paradigms to bring the system back into balance. 

    Where: Aon Corporate Headquarters, One Liberty Plaza (165 Broadway), New York, NY 10006.

    To register for this event, please contact Aon. 

    11:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat – Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level 

    What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion to discuss extreme heat. 

    Where: Guastavino’s located at 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022.

    To register for this event, please contact Global Citizen.

    Thursday, September 26

    1:30 PM-2:00 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will speak at Bloomberg’s Sustainable Finance Forum

    What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will headline the Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum at Bloomberg Headquarters for a fireside chat with Bloomberg Intelligence Director of ESG Research Eric Kane. 

    Where: 731 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022.

    To register for this event, please contact Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum.

    3:00 PM-4:00 PM: Climate Resiliency Fireside Chat with FEMA, NASA and NOAA (Virtual Registration Required)

    What: FEMA, NASA and NOAA will be discussing climate resiliency and the importance of forward-thinking programs that equip communities for the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. Panelists include FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Kate Calvin and NOAA Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator Jainey Bavishi. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders and members from federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofits, the private sector and academia to connect with subject matter experts, share knowledge and deepen understanding of how to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania [scroll down for French]

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    he Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The Secretary-General and the President discussed regional peace and security issues, including the Independent High Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel. They welcomed the Pact for the Future, including the proposed reforms in the international financial architecture. They further discussed the importance of focusing on youth and ensuring opportunities for young people. 

    ***

    Le Secrétaire général s’est entretenu avec S.E. M. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Président de la République islamique de Mauritanie. Le Secrétaire général et le Président ont discuté de questions relatives à la paix et à la sécurité régionales, y compris le Panel indépendant de haut niveau sur la sécurité et le développement au Sahel. Ils ont salué l’adoption du Pacte pour l’avenir, ainsi que les réformes proposées pour l’architecture financière internationale. Ils ont en outre discuté de l’importance de se concentrer sur la jeunesse et d’assurer des opportunités aux jeunes.

    New York, le 22 septembre 2024

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gilead Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Veklury (Remdesivir) for Injection 100 mg/vial Due to the Presence of a Glass Particle

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Foster City, Calif., September 20, 2024 – Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced it is issuing a voluntary recall of one lot of Veklury® (remdesivir) for Injection 100 mg/vial, to the consumer level. Gilead received a customer complaint and confirmed the presence of a glass particle in

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Energy Portal: Updated Analyses and Quick Facts

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    Petroleum & Other Liquids

    Crude oil, gasoline, heating oil, diesel, propane, and other liquids including biofuels and natural gas liquids.

    Natural Gas

    Exploration and reserves, storage, imports and exports, production, prices, sales.

    Electricity

    Sales, revenue and prices, power plants, fuel use, stocks, generation, trade, demand & emissions.

    Coal

    Reserves, production, prices, employment and productivity, distribution, stocks, imports and exports.

    Total Energy

    Comprehensive data summaries, comparisons, analysis, and projections integrated across all energy sources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: InfraGard

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Security is a shared responsibility between the American business community and law enforcement. InfraGard members discuss how the program strengthens the protection of critical infrastructure through partnership.

    To join, visit: https://www.infragard.org/Application/General/NewApplication

    —————————————————
    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/FBI
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbi
    YouTube: youtube.com/user/fbi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBrk1QR3yB8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Creating Jobs In A Clean, Equitable, Resilient Economy

    Source: US State of New York

    September 23, 2024

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s participation in the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices across the Alliance’s states and territories by 2035. Governor Hochul made the announcement today at a Climate Week NYC event, which also featured her Alliance Co-Chair New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, founding Alliance member Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

    “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” Governor Hochul said. “As a co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education and community organizations to create the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will drive innovation, create new businesses, and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for our country.”

    “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers — to meet our carbon reduction goals,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “The Executive Order I’m issuing today in conjunction with the Alliance’s new Workforce Initiative will help ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to the skills and training needed for high-quality, climate-ready jobs across New Mexico.”

    “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs that serve our communities and strengthen our economies,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “These are economy-wide jobs, not just in clean energy but building trades, land management, clean technology and more. Climate Alliance states have a track record of meeting our ambitious goals and that momentum continues today.”

    [embedded content]

    [embedded content]

    Through the initiative, Governor Hochul and the bipartisan coalition of 23 other governors, representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, will partner to strengthen and expand pathways into a wide variety of climate-ready professions that are critical to building a clean, equitable, and resilient net-zero future.

    The initiative goals are to:

    • Advance strategies to ensure climate-ready employment pathways lead to good-paying, high-quality jobs.
    • Prioritize equity in climate-ready workforce policies and programs to expand opportunities for all workers, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
    • Foster meaningful and inclusive collaboration across government, tribal nations and communities, workforce systems, labor unions, industry, community-based organizations and educational institutions.
    • Support innovative and evidence-based approaches to help workers enter and advance in climate-ready careers through a range of supportive services.
    • Promote the development and use of stackable, portable, and industry-recognized credentials in climate-ready fields to build transferable skills, support reskilling and upskilling, and strengthen workers’ economic mobility.
    • Encourage climate-focused workforce planning that is rooted in evidence and aligns with states’ existing workforce development and education systems.

    The initiative’s launch comes as historic federal investments, combined with ambitious state climate action, have unleashed a significant expansion of good-paying and union jobs in clean energy and clean technology fields—such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and batteries—with millions more anticipated in the coming years under the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    Governor Hochul Announces $2.3 million to Support Job Training for Offshore Wind Projects

    Building on the workforce initiative, Governor Hochul announced a $2.3 million award to support training for careers in offshore wind through the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 has been selected to develop and deliver training for offshore wind-related skills to 100 pre-apprentices and 430 journeypersons in New York City.

    This funding award, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will support offshore wind career awareness training as part of IBEW Local 3’s pre-apprenticeship and journeypersons training departments. Eighty of the 100 pre-apprentices will be placed in offshore wind related apprenticeship programs, and all 430 journeypersons will receive offshore wind-specific technical training, with six to be trained as instructors in offshore wind technical training.

    The training program will identify and include the knowledge and skills that are needed for electricians in all stages of offshore wind development, from preassembly through operation and maintenance.

    The funding builds on the nearly $11 million previously awarded through OWTI to other organizations supporting offshore wind related trainings. Programs supported included those at the New York City Union Iron Workers Locals 40 and 361, Capital Region BOCES, and eight different SUNY schools. The OWTI, along with NYSERDA, has built a network of academic, community, industry and labor alliances that will prepare up to 2,500 New Yorkers for careers in renewable-energy fields. OWTI is collaborating with the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center at Farmingdale State College and the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium at Stony Brook University that is supported by NYSERDA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Additionally, as part of the New York Power Authority’s commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget to support the efforts of the Office of Just Energy Transition in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and invest annually in workforce training efforts, the Power Authority has thus far committed more than $12 million to support clean energy industry workforce development initiatives around the state.

    In July, NYPA issued a Clean Energy Workforce Training (CEWT) RFP for qualified based training providers (such as technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, manufacturers, and others) who can collaborate to develop technical training opportunities, hands-on experience, paid internships and full-time jobs for people entering the clean energy workforce. At its upcoming Oct. 8 meeting, NYPA’s Board of Trustees will vote on awarding roughly $2 million to a number of projects that would create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent for the clean energy labor market with a focus on pathways for employment in the clean energy field for residents of disadvantaged communities in the vicinity of NYPA’s facilities across New York State.

    Read more information on the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative.

    White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said, “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and catalyzing a renaissance of American-made manufacturing that is creating jobs across America. In fact, just last year, we added over 250,000 new American energy jobs — with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector. Governors across America are at the forefront of our efforts to spur growth in union jobs, expand American energy production, and invest in the economic success of our communities. Today’s announcement will help capitalize on our momentum to create a climate-ready workforce that is rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, communities, and industrial strength.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Building a clean energy economy is no small feat, and that is why this newly announced Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative is so critical. To succeed, our national and state workforces, need to be filled with expert technicians trained in the latest technologies. NYSERDA looks forward to continuing our support for workforce development and training programs through national partnerships like those being fostered by the U.S. Climate Alliance, and regional partnerships like the Offshore Wind Training Institute, as we grow New York’s industry in collaboration with other states.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “In alignment with the leadership of Governor Hochul’s and the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, the New York Power Authority’s workforce development programs are connecting New Yorkers with the skills and job training needed to power the state’s, and in turn the nation’s, clean energy future. NYPA’s investments in our own workforce, public-private workforce partnerships, and partnership with the Department of Labor are part our holistic approach to support the essential clean energy workforce and engage more New Yorkers in the clean energy economy.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s participation in the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative will further strengthen our efforts to train New Yorkers for high-quality jobs in green energy industries. Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change, with support from our federal and state agency partners, will grow the economy while creating a sustainable future.”

    New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Pairing registered apprenticeship opportunities with our environmental sustainability efforts is a win-win for workers and employers. By developing registered apprenticeships in line with clean energy goals, New York State continues to strengthen local economies in the on-going transition to a low-carbon economy. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, allowing our combined efforts to reach beyond state borders to ensure a sustainable, enduring future for our country’s workforce.”

    BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh said, “We’re excited to see governors stepping up to make sure we have the workforce needed to fill the good jobs that are being created by the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act. There is a tremendous opportunity from those federal investments to rebuild our blue-collar middle class by creating pathways into skilled, long-term careers in sectors like construction and manufacturing. This commitment from governors across the country is good for workers, good for employers, and good for the high-road clean energy economy we’re building together.”

    National Skills Coalition Managing Director of State Strategies Melissa Johnson said, “State governments have a crucial role to play in leveraging historic federal investments to create unprecedented jobs and training opportunities for the workforce while fighting climate change. It is incredible that this coalition of governors is stepping up to prioritize the diversity and economic security of the climate workforce because our climate readiness hinges on a new generation of workers having access to the education, skills training, and economic supports they need to access good jobs and careers in this booming sector.”

    International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said, “Today’s announcement on the “Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative” is a great step forward in continuing to prepare future members of the IBEW and unionized Building Trades for the green energy jobs of today and beyond. We welcome tomorrow’s apprentices from all walks of life into our ranks with open arms, ready to deliver world-class training and to prepare them for union careers with family-supporting wages and benefits. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Biden-Harris administration, US Climate Alliance, and NYSERDA for addressing the climate crisis head-on and supporting the unionized green workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sorensen Announces $2.6 Million for Winnebago County Law Enforcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    ROCKFORD, IL – As we approach the start of National Crime Prevention Month, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $2,600,000 in resources for Winnebago County law enforcement to investigate domestic violence crimes and help families impacted by domestic violence. 

    “Just last month I met with local police officers in Northern Illinois, where they told me they needed more help from Washington to solve crimes and protect our neighbors,” said Sorensen.“This important funding will do just that, by providing our law enforcement agencies in Winnebago County with tools to properly investigate domestic violence crimes and support survivors when they need it most. I will always work to bring tax dollars back home to make sure Northern Illinois communities are safe for our neighbors.”   

    “Our office is thrilled to be a part of these grants,” said State’s Attorney J. Hanley. “It will allow us to expand upon the success we have had in holding abusers accountable and earning the trust of survivors.”  

    $1,500,000 will go to the Electronic Service Protection Order Court Pilot, which supports efforts to develop programs for serving protection orders through electronic communication methods. Moving to this method allows law enforcement to modernize the service process and make the process more efficient, provide for improved safety for survivors, and make protection orders enforceable as quickly as possible.  

    $600,000 will go to the Justice for Families Program to improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to families with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or in cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse. Projects supported by the Justice for Families Program are those that focus on keeping survivors and their children safe from further abuse and holding offenders accountable. 

    $500,000 will go to The Enhancing Investigations and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program, which encourages law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to expand and improve their capacity to investigate and prosecute domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and in so doing, support survivor safety and autonomy, hold offenders accountable, and promote trust within the surrounding community. 

    Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada Army Run: Another successful edition draws thousands to downtown Ottawa

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    September 23, 2024 – Ottawa, National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces The 17th edition of the Canada Army Run, presented by BMO, took place in Ottawa, where more than 14,000 participants took part in various runs alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    September 23, 2024 – Ottawa, National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    The 17th edition of Canada Army Run, presented by BMO, took place in Ottawa, where more than 14,000 participants took part in a variety of runs alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Runners, rollers and walkers took part in events including 5K and 10K runs, a half marathon, the Sergeant Major’s Challenge and the Commander’s Challenge. The runs were kicked off by Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Robin, Army Sergeant Major. Virtual participation continues until September 27.

    In addition to being an opportunity for Canadians to thank members of the Canadian Armed Forces who serve at home and abroad, Canada Army Run provides direct support to active military personnel, veterans and their families through funds raised by participants and donations to Support Our Troops and Soldier On.

    The theme of Canada Army Run 2024, “Introducing the New Canadian Multi-Terrain Camouflage Pattern (CCAMP),” highlights the latest camouflage pattern adopted by the Canadian Army. This advanced design provides exceptional performance in a wide variety of environments where Canadian soldiers may operate, improving their ability to avoid enemy detection and increasing their operational effectiveness.

    Among the winners this year, we find:

    5K

    Charlie Mortimer 15:53 Noah Mansouri 16:00 Ben Pascali 16:08

    10K

    Martin Harding 34:00 Emily Setlack 34:34 N Frost Corinaldi 35:19

    Half marathon:

    Daniel Ribi 1:14:07 Stuart Macpherson 1:15:40 D Massicotte-Azarniouch 1:16:24

    Sergeant Major’s Challenge:

    Gavin Westbrook 57:56 Mark Wanzel 59:12 Blaise Belanger 1:00:26

    Commander’s Challenge:

    Clayton Holteen 1:38:05 Jonathan Martin 1:39:42 Mikel Fortier 1:41:16

    The Canada Army Run is not just any run; it is “an extraordinary run.” It is a symbol of support for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who defend Canada, Canadian families and our interests.

    “By participating in the Canada Army Run, you have challenged yourself and made a real difference in people’s lives. The funds raised through the Run, as well as your fundraising efforts, will greatly benefit Support Our Troops and Soldier On – two programs that provide direct support to ill and injured soldiers, Veterans and their families.”

    Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army

    Lindsay ChungCanada Army Run CommunicationsPhone: 1-250-510-5508Email: comms@armyrun.ca

    Emilie TremblayEvents, Outreach and Branding Manager – Army Public Affairs DirectorateEmail: emilie.tremblay3@forces.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Rectify Biden-Harris Admin’s FAFSA Fiasco

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a resolution yesterday along with 17 of their Senate GOP colleagues slamming the Biden-Harris Administration’s botched rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year. The resolution condemns the continued problematic rollout, calls for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to identify and fix any issues for this year, and asks leaders to testify before congressional committees regarding the disastrous rollout.

    Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.

    “Whereas the FAFSA Simplification Act was intended to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid simpler and easier to complete for the 2024–2025 academic year;

    Whereas the Department of Education reported on May 24, 2024, that it had processed more than 10,000,000 FAFSA applications for the 2024–2025 academic year;

    Whereas, in previous years, the FAFSA application for an academic year opened on October 1st of the preceding year;

    Whereas the 2024–2025 FAFSA launched on December 31, 2023;

    Whereas, in previous years, the Department sent out student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education just days after the student filed their FAFSA application;

    Whereas, for the 2024–2025 school year, the Department did not start sending student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education until the beginning of March;

    Whereas many students did not receive financial aid awards until after National College Decision Day on May 1, 2024;

    Whereas Department officials were aware of implementation challenges associated with the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act as early as December 2020;

    Whereas students in pursuit of attending institutions of higher education across the United States depend on the resources made available by FAFSA;

    Whereas the FAFSA delays have been particularly burdensome for students in foster care and youth experiencing homelessness;

    Whereas the delay in the 2024–2025 FAFSA application timeline cut down the time students had to weigh options when considering financial components for attending institutions of higher education; and

    Whereas many offices of financial aid in institutions of higher education fear that this delay will discourage students from attending a college or university in the fall of 2024: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate—

    (1) strongly condemns the delayed and problematic rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116-260);

    (2) calls for the Department of Education to take the necessary actions to identify the issues that

    led to the botched rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act and fix them for the 2025–2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid cycle; and

    (3) urges the Secretary of Education to testify before the relevant congressional committees regarding the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act.”

    The resolution was led by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and is cosponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN.), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). 

    Background:

    FAFSA historically has opened applications on October 1 of the year prior to the start of the academic school year. For the academic year of 2024-2025, the applications opened 3 months later in December. ED subsequently did not start sending FAFSA data to universities until March. Because of this delay, many students did not receive their financial aid awards until after May 1, 2024, the date that many institutions require students to commit to attending for the fall semester.

    For the academic year of 2025-2026, ED has already announced that the applications will again be delayed until December of this year.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Climate Week, Markey, Badum, Merkley, Barragán Lead Over 100 International Lawmakers in Urging Biden Administration to Reject New LNG Exports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (September 23, 2024) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, today partnered with Representative Lisa Badum, group coordinator in the German Bundestag’s Climate and Energy Committee and chairwoman of the Subcommittee on International Climate and Energy Policy, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Senate and House colleagues, and leaders from around the world in sending a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, urging the administration to reject new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports amidst the global climate crisis.

    The United States is already the world’s largest exporter of LNG and is on track to exponentially increase export capacity – a full build-out that could yield hundreds of million metric tons of additional greenhouse gases at home and abroad. Pushing back on arguments that United States’ international allies need the country’s LNG, members of the U.S. Congress and Parliaments around the world are requesting that the administration reject these applications. 

    In their letter to the administration, the lawmakers wrote, “Far from being a clean ‘bridge’ fuel, LNG causes significant environmental harm. In addition to the greenhouse gas released when LNG is burned, the potent greenhouse gas effects of pervasive methane leaks throughout the LNG supply chain — which extends from initial exploration all the way through gas production, pipeline transportation, liquefaction, vessel transportation, regasification, distribution, and end-use consumption — likely eliminate any climate advantage of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

    The lawmakers continued, “In addition to the environmental and health benefits, limiting U.S. LNG exports will actually support global energy security, not jeopardize it. In both emerging and developed markets, overinvestment in LNG diverts resources away from cheaper, more stable, and less trade-dependent clean energy investments.”

    In Europe:

    “While Europe’s energy system was strained in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, it has since recovered. Europeans united to slash overall gas demand by 20 percent over the past two years. Gas prices are lower than before the start of the war, despite drastically lower supply from Russia.”

    In Asia:

    “China, the world’s largest LNG importer, has emerged as a major re-exporter within the region and globally, cashing in on lucrative price differentials that are facilitated by long-term agreements with the United States. Similarly, Japan, facing declining domestic demand and oversupply, is redirecting LNG trade volumes to emerging markets in South and Southeast Asia, bolstering profitable re-trading ventures.” Additionally, “South Korea, despite existing low terminal utilization and climate commitments, has invested significantly in expanding LNG infrastructure, highlighting a mismatch between capacity expansions and actual demand.”

    In Africa:

    “The expansion of LNG export infrastructure has sparked displacement, conflict, and environmental degradation, with many projects facing the risk of becoming stranded assets amid declining global demand. The African LNG export market parallels the United States in prioritizing foreign market interests over local needs amidst declining demand. U.S. participation in the LNG export market fuels this exploitative industry, undermining claims of leadership in a just global energy transition.”

    In the Americas:

    “Investments in new re-exporting infrastructure in Mexico will soon become stranded assets with poor financial viability, threatening the economic stability of the country for the benefit of short-term U.S. interests. Moreover, the export of U.S. LNG through Mexico also transfers environmental and climate justice burdens associated with LNG infrastructure, expanding the footprint of the industry’s harm to the country’s unique biodiversity and frontline communities in Mexico.”

    Cosigners in the U.S. include Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC). Cosigners internationally include 30 Members of the Thailand Parliament, 15 Members of the European Parliament, 10 Members of the German Parliament, 3 Members of the United Kingdom Parliament, 2 Members of the Flemish Parliament, 2 Members of the National Assembly of the Gambia, 2 Members of the South Sudan Parliament, 2 Members of the Tanzanian Parliament the Australian Senator for Victoria, Brazilian State Deputy for Para, Canadian Senator for Quebec, the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, 1 former Member of the Sierra Leone Parliament, 1 former Member of the Catalan Parliament, 1 former Member of the Flemish Parliament, 1 Member of the Timor-Leste Parliament, Member of Parliament and Special Envoy on Climate Change and Environment from the Republic of Vanuatu, 1 Member of the Sierra Leone Parliament, 1 Member of Tasmania’s Legislative Council, 1 Member of the Australian Parliament, 1 Member of the Austrian Parliament, 1 Member of the Cambodian Parliament, 1 Member of the Cameroon National Assembly, 1 Member of the Colombian Congress, 1 Member of the Gambian Parliament, 1 Member of the Ghanaian Parliament, 1 Member of the Liberian House of Representatives, 1 Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, 1 Member of the Scottish Parliament, 1 Member of the Swedish Parliament, 1 Member of the Swiss Parliament (National Council), 1 Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, 1 Member of the Ugandan Parliament, 1 Member of the UK House of Lords, and 1 Member of the Victorian Parliament in Australia on behalf of the Victorian Greens Members of Parliament.

    In July 2023, Senator Markey and several New England Senators sent a letter to the Department of Energy urging it to consider the disproportionate negative impacts of LNG on New England as the department considers updates to its underlying environmental and economic analyses to improve export authorization decisions for LNG. 

    In May 2024, Senator Markey and Representative Yvette Clarke (NY-09) announced the reintroduction of the Block All New (BAN) Fossil Fuel Exports Act, legislation that would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and ban the export of American crude oil and natural gas abroad to protect frontline communities from dangerous export infrastructure, prioritize U.S. consumers against fossil fuel profiteering, and help ensure the United States meets its climate and clean energy commitments on the world stage.

    In March 2023, Senator Markey and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) reintroduced the Fossil Free Finance Act, legislation that would direct the Federal Reserve to require major banks and other Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIs) to stop financing projects and activities linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions and submit a plan on how they would meet these requirements. In October 2022, Senator Markey reintroduced the OPEC Accountability Act, legislation to require the U.S. President to initiate consultations with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC countries to reduce crude oil production.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Sexually Entice a Minor

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    OCALA, Fla. — A Florida man pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity following a joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando investigation.

    Devin Joseph Rivera, 24, of Ocala, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, on July 24, Rivera communicated online within someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover HSI Orlando special agent. Rivera engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent and, ultimately, was arrested when he traveled to a predetermined meeting location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity with the child. Rivera brought a blanket and condom with him.

    This case was investigated by HSI Orlando, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Chiefland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or the trafficking in child sexual abuse material contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on the Continued Need for Disaster Recovery Funding 

    US Senate News:

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

    Welch:  This Continuing Resolution will not meet the needs of Vermont, or any state recovering from a disaster.   
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement in response to both Chambers of Congress reaching a bipartisan agreement on a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR), which would fund the government through December 20th but excludes additional disaster recovery funding for FEMA or other disaster recovery programs:  
    “For months, bipartisan members of Congress from states devastated by floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and other climate disasters have asked their colleagues to step up and help in their time of need. I have come to the Senate Floor to advocate for Vermont’s flood victims, met with my colleagues, and asked Congressional leadership and the Administration for the assistance needed.  
    “I’ll often say, ‘There but for the grace of God go I’, because climate disasters do not discriminate based on state boundaries or political preferences. Climate change-related weather disasters have hurt blue states and red states alike. All of our constituents face the same threats. 
    “Vermont’s homeowners, farms, businesses and communities need FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Fund to be fully replenished, and they need they need the additional flexible funding that only Congress can provide. We are recovering from three catastrophic floods in 14 months, and we cannot recover alone. This Continuing Resolution will not meet the needs of Vermont, or any state recovering from a disaster.   
    “Though I’m glad a deal has been reached to keep the government open, we cannot keep pushing disaster aid off. There is bipartisan need for this funding, and there is bipartisan support to get it passed.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Markey, Healey, Wu, Massachusetts Leaders Secure $472 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Draw One Bridge, Renovate North Station T Stop

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    September 23, 2024

    Largest federal award MBTA has won to date

    Funding will increase ridership, streamline operations, and improve resiliency along Amtrak’s Downeaster route and regional rail lines

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Katherine Clark (D-MA-05), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng announced a grant of $472 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to fully replace the North Station Draw One Bridge and renovate Platform F at North Station. The grant is the largest federal award the MBTA has won to date.

    The nearly half a billion dollar grant will provide critical support for one of MBTA’s top priority projects and a vital transportation asset to MBTA’s north-side operations. It will also support more than 14,500 jobs, make the bridge more climate resilient by bringing it above projected sea-level rise, and lower emissions. In April 2024, Senator Warren led a letter of support for the MBTA’s funding request to the Department of Transportation.

    Specifically, the new funding for MBTA’s North Station Renovation and the Draw One Bridge Replacement Project will support the full replacement of the existing drawbridge, the extension and activation of a platform with two tracks at North Station, and the replacement of track, signals, and switches to modernize and improve station infrastructure.

    “This $472 million investment is a game-changer for the thousands of passengers who pass through North Station every day — and will build a safer, more reliable public transit system for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts leaders worked together to secure the largest ever federal award for the T, and I won’t stop fighting to bring home even more investment to improve transit across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Warren.

    “With $472 million to replace the North Station drawbridge, we’re drawing up a new future for rail transit north of Boston. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, Governor Healey, General Manager Eng, Senator Warren, and our whole federal delegation for securing this funding. Together, we are delivering critical federal dollars to the T and building a modern, safe, and reliable public transit system for all,” said Senator Markey.

    “We know that improving our transportation infrastructure is critical for improving quality of life and making sure Massachusetts remains the best place to live, work, raise a family and build a future,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why our administration is competing so aggressively to win federal funding that can be put toward our roads, bridges and public transportation. Congratulations to General Manager Eng and the MBTA team for this award that will improve train service for millions of riders. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation for their continued investment in Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure.” 

    The Draw One railbridge carries the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains, serving approximately 11,250,000 passengers per year. It is particularly critical for Amtrak’s Downeaster, an intercity passenger rail service that travels from Maine and New Hampshire into Boston, which is projected to have some of the highest ridership in New England. Draw One is also a vital connection for all of MBTA’s north-side regional rail lines, including Fitchburg, Lowell, Haverhill, and Newburyport/Rockport. The new federal investment will improve service reliability and operations, reduce congestion along a known bottleneck, and increase capacity across the bridge. Additionally, the funding will allow for upgraded signaling and expanded track capabilities, further improving traffic flow.

    “I am pleased to join my colleagues in government to announce the State of Massachusetts was awarded over $472 million in federal funding that will help improve MBTA and Amtrak services,” said Rep. Lynch. “This funding is the result of our hard work and partnership with the Biden-Harris administration to ensure we invest into our nation’s transportation and infrastructure. People all over the Commonwealth rely on public transportation every day, and this DOT grant is critical to make the necessary repairs and replacements that will make train service more safe and reliable.”

    “This bridge is a critical connection point for the communities north of Boston. This federal investment will improve the quality of life for commuters, reduce traffic for everyone, and bring opportunity to the Commonwealth. We will have a faster, more modern, and more user-friendly public transportation system, and that’s exactly the direction we need to move in,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark.

    “Transit justice is a racial and economic justice issue, and a matter of public safety – and this massive federal investment helps make the Commonwealth more connected and our transportation system safer and more reliable for commuters,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m glad that families in the Massachusetts 7th who depend on the commuter rail will be better able to access jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services in other parts of the state, and we won’t stop fighting to build the more just, equitable, and accessible transit system our communities deserve. I thank my delegation colleagues and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership, and the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to invest in Massachusetts.”

    “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver unprecedented federal investments to make our transit systems safer and more efficient,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This massive award is proof that, thanks to the strong partnership between our federal delegation and the Healey-Driscoll administration, Massachusetts continues to punch above our weight when competing for federal funding.”

    “North Station Draw One is a connection point between Boston and Cambridge, and the many cities and towns north who rely on this train bridge to visit and work in our city. Thanks to the leadership of the MA federal delegation and the Healey-Driscoll administration in securing this funding, the Greater Boston area will see benefits from updated infrastructure and more reliable transportation. This funding for a bridge replacement represents our region’s commitment to our local economy and green transit,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

    “I’m proud of the MBTA team that worked diligently to put this project in a strong position to win this highly competitive federal award. I thank the USDOT Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, FTA Region 1 Administrator Pete Butler, and their entire team, for this incredible award allowing us to deliver the North Station Draw 1 project, freeing up state capital dollars for other essential needs,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “This award continues to demonstrate our aggressive approach to pursuing all funding opportunities under the lead of the Healey-Driscoll Administration as we pursue every available federal grant. Our Grants and North Station Drawbridge teams deserve all the credit for their exceptional work to secure this funding which allows us to ensure the efficient and reliable movement of all North Station train lines while greatly improving our ability to provide more frequent, regional rail-style service across the entire northside corridor to serve future generations to come.”

    Senator Warren has worked hard to secure federal funding for Massachusetts transportation projects, including $1.7 billion to replace the Cape Cod Bridges, $335 million to reconnect communities and increase mobility through the Allston I-90 Multimodal Project, $108 million for West-East Rail, $75 million for schools to electrify their bus fleets, $60 million for transit agencies to acquire zero- and low-emission buses, and $24 million to rehabilitate Leonard’s Wharf in New Bedford. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Ms. Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry of Sweden

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry of Sweden.

    The Secretary-General and the Deputy Prime Minister exchanged views on the follow-up to the Summit of the Future, including the Global Digital Compact, as well as on climate transition.  They also discussed the war in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –