NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: November 2024 General Election

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal, Southern District of Iowa, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Amy Licht will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Licht has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Iowa, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    United States Attorney Westphal said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    United States Attorney Westphal stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Licht will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 515-473-9300.”

     In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 515-223-4278.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

     United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Alliance Memory to Showcase Expanded Portfolio at electronica 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KIRKLAND, Wash., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alliance Memory will showcase its expanded product portfolio at electronica 2024 from November 12 to 15 in Hall B5, Stand 300 at the Trade Fair Centre Messe München in Munich, Germany. The company will highlight its new DDR4 and LPDDR4X SDRAMs, as well as high-density Serial NOR Flash devices, providing higher density, low power consumption, and fast data transfer rates for a wide range of applications.

    “We’re excited to introduce our latest memory solutions that cater to growing market demands,” said David Bagby, President and CEO of Alliance Memory. “Our new DDR4 SDRAMs, LPDDR4X devices, and Serial NOR Flash products offer the performance, reliability, and flexibility our customers require in today’s evolving technology landscape.”

    FEATURED PRODUCTS

    DDR4 SDRAMs: Alliance Memory has expanded its CMOS DDR4 SDRAM offerings with new 8Gb, 16Gb, and 32Gb devices. These products combine low power consumption with fast clock speeds of up to 1600 MHz and transfer rates up to 3200 MT/s. They are available in 78-ball FBGA and 96-ball FBGA packages, offering enhanced performance for a variety of applications.

    LPDDR4X SDRAM: The company’s 16Gb and 32Gb LPDDR4X devices deliver increased clock speeds of up to 2133 MHz and data rates of up to 4266 Mbps, designed for mobile and high-speed applications. Available in the 200-ball FBGA package, the LPDDR4X SDRAMs feature low power ratings, ideal for battery-operated systems.

    High-Density Serial NOR Flash Devices: Alliance Memory has introduced new 3.3 V Serial NOR Flash families with densities of 128Mb, 256Mb, and 512Mb. These devices are suited for use in mobile PCs, servers, laptops, digital TVs, printers, and connectivity modules, offering high performance and flexible I/O options.

    To schedule an appointment at electronica 2024 or for more information about the new products, please contact Bob Decker at bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com.

    About Alliance Memory

    Alliance Memory is a worldwide provider of critical and hard-to-find memory ICs for the communications, computing, consumer electronics, medical, automotive, and industrial markets. The company’s product range includes flash, DRAM, and SRAM memory ICs with commercial, industrial, and automotive operating temperature ranges and densities from 64Kb to 128GB. Privately held, Alliance Memory maintains headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, and regional offices in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. More information about Alliance Memory is available online at www.alliancememory.com.

    Agency Contact:
    Bob Decker
    Redpines
    +1 415 409 0233
    bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mimecast fuels leading Human Risk Management strategy in first half of fiscal year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEXINGTON, Mass., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mimecast, a leading global Human Risk Management (HRM) platform, closed the first half of its fiscal year reaching new revenue heights and citing significant steps toward its vision to transform how organizations manage and mitigate risk. The company started strong with the unveiling of its comprehensive HRM platform; and followed up in the second quarter with two strategic acquisitions, new geographical expansions and a record number of advancements in its technology alliances and partner integrations. 

    The Mimecast platform secures 27 million end users around the globe across their 42,000+ customers. Customers span more than 100 countries, and on average, each organization uses 4.9 Mimecast services. Mimecast has cemented its standing as an industry-leading security partner trusted by major organizations across the globe.  

    The value Mimecast delivers for companies was highlighted in the recent Total Economic Impact™ study conducted by Forrester Consulting. Based on Forrester’s interviews and financial analysis, a composite organization experienced benefits of $2.13 million over three years, with $1.53 million in net value and 255% ROI. The news was followed by the announcement that Mimecast was recognized as a strong performer in The Forrester Wave™: Human Risk Management Solutions, Q3 2024 report. 

    Forging the future of HRM – the next generation of cybersecurity  

    Early in its fiscal half, Mimecast unveiled its AI-powered, API-enabled Human Risk Management platform. In response to customer and market demand for a more effective way to mitigate risk brought on by employee mistakes and user errors, this new platform provides unprecedented visibility into an organization’s risk profile, scoring users by risk and allowing security teams to educate and protect the riskiest part of their employee base.   

    A key pillar to the platform is the company’s new human risk awareness training offering, Mimecast Engage™, which is built to redefine how security leaders can manage human risk. Mimecast Engage, the result of the integration of Elevate Security technology acquired in December 2023 with Mimecast’s awareness training product, will soon be available to organizations across the globe.  

    In an effort to bolster the platform and further protect customers from risks associated with human activity, Mimecast closed two industry-shaping acquisitions in Q2: Code42 and Aware.

    “Our momentum over these six months is a testament to our commitment and progress toward charting the future of human risk management,” said Marc van Zadelhoff, Chief Executive Officer of Mimecast, “Our acquisitions and solution enhancements continue to elevate our platform and support our aim of helping businesses of all sizes manage and mitigate human risk. I am also incredibly proud to see the significant progress we’ve made in expanding our tech integrations and channel partners, recognizing the demands of a complex threat landscape and the importance of collaboration on a global level. As the attack surface grows and evolves, so too will Mimecast, remaining one step ahead for our customers.” 

    Thousands of organizations tapping into Mimecast’s powerful integrations  

    In Q2, Mimecast further strengthened its partnership with CrowdStrike by integrating Mimecast Advanced Email Security and CrowdStrike Falcon Next-Gen SIEM. Building on the existing integrations of CrowdStrike Falcon® Insight XDR, CrowdStrike Falcon® LogScale and CrowdStrike Falcon® Fusion SOAR, this development provides a robust multifaceted defense strategy for Mimecast customers.  

    The combination of Mimecast and CrowdStrike Falcon Next-Gen SIEM will empower thousands of organizations to understand a bad actor’s complete attack path, improving their ability to rapidly investigate, detect, and mitigate accurately, and demonstrating the power of combining two leading solutions can effectively tackle the intricate challenges of today’s threat landscape.  

    Almost one third of Mimecast’s addressable customer base is connected to at least one of Mimecast’s technology alliance partners. In total, Mimecast’s technology integrates into over 300 security products. 

    Mimecast expands channel partnerships into Mexico  

    Following successful expansions in France, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, Mimecast furthered their geographic reach in Q2 by making its industry-leading AI-powered email security solutions available Mexico-wide, including the new Human Risk Management platform.    

    With an expanded product portfolio, new revenue opportunities and enhanced credibility, Mimecast’s channel partners can now offer end-to-end protection for their clients in more regions around the world.  

    Additional expansion on the horizon includes the launch of the Partner ONE MSP Program. Building mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations, this new program extends Mimecast’s market presence to new audiences and provides partners with a range of resources, including enhanced training, ongoing support and market resources.  

    Innovation underpinned by research 

    Mimecast continues to conduct leading research into the state of the cybersecurity environment, offering critical insights and guidance on how businesses can prepare for the future.   

    In August 2024, Mimecast published its most recent Threat Intelligence report. Based on an analysis of more than 1.7 billion messages daily over a six-month period, the report offers unparalleled insight into the current threat landscape as well as new and emerging attack methods and vulnerabilities. 

    About Mimecast 
    Mimecast is a leading AI-powered, API-enabled connected Human Risk Management platform, purpose-built to protect organizations from the spectrum of cyber threats. Integrating cutting-edge technology with human-centric pathways, our platform is engineered to enhance visibility. It provides strategic insight that enables decisive action and empowers businesses to protect their collaborative environments, safeguard their critical data and actively engage employees in reducing risk and enhancing productivity. More than 42,000 businesses worldwide trust Mimecast to help them keep ahead of the ever-evolving threat landscape. From insider risk to external threats, with Mimecast customers get more. More visibility. More insight. More agility. More security.  

    Mimecast and the Mimecast logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Mimecast Services Limited in the United States and/or other countries. All other third-party trademarks and logos contained in this press release are the property of their respective owners.   

    Press Contacts
    Tim Hamilton
    Principal Public Relations Manager
    +1 603-918-6757
    thamilton@mimecast.com

    General inquiries
    press@mimecast.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/HAITI – Celebration in Pourcine for access to drinking water and the launch of the Scout movement of the Catholic Church

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 28 October 2024

    Pourcine (Agenzia Fides) – While Haiti remains immersed in a deep crisis, the small mountain town of Pourcine has found reasons to celebrate: the arrival of drinking water and the launch of its first group of Scouts of the Catholic Church.“In the parish of Our Lady of Help, 70 children, young people and adults have participated in the inauguration of the KIRO movement, a Catholic branch of Scouts. It was a weekend of training, games and songs,” said Father Massimo Miraglio, Camillian missionary and parish priest of this community in the mountainous hinterland of Jérémie, to Fides.Meanwhile, the construction of the aqueduct continues with the help of the local population, who transport materials, often on foot and barefoot, despite the climatic difficulties. “Although the bad weather has slowed down the work, we have reached the water tanks,” reports Father Miraglio. “While the connection of the reservoirs and the main pipeline to the springs of Pourcine is being completed, residents have begun to drink water from a temporary pipeline, a moment of celebration for the community that can now access clean water close to their homes.”“All this always with hope and with the aim of building an increasingly united, supportive and willing to work together Christian community,” concludes the Camillian.Returning to the social context of the entire Caribbean country, local agencies report that after a period of relative calm, the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition has intensified its attacks in the suburbs of the capital in recent days, where they now control up to 80% of the capital. This violence has aggravated food insecurity, with transport routes blocked and the countryside taken over by gangs. Despite the approval of the UN Security Council to deploy a multinational force to support the Haitian police, the operation lacks the resources and personnel necessary to deal with the crisis. The Haitian transitional government has asked that this force be transformed into a UN Blue Helmets peacekeeping mission, but this initiative has not gone ahead. In addition, gangs that previously mainly attacked Haitian police, militias and government infrastructure now appear to be targeting foreign mission vehicles.Amid this chaos, forced displacement has also increased. More than 10,000 Haitians left their homes in the last week alone, and last September the number of displaced is estimated to have exceeded 700,000, almost doubling in just six months. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 28/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sarbanes Statement on Oxi Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Sarbanes (3rd District of Maryland)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on Oxi Day, Congressional Hellenic Caucus Member Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03) released the following statement in honor of the Greek people’s heroism in resisting the Axis invasion of Greece in World War II:

    “On this day in 1940, the people of Greece stood united in patriotism, declaring a resolute ‘Oxi!’ – ‘No!’ – to the invading Axis powers. Their extraordinary bravery and strength fortified a surge of resistance that altered the course of history and showcased the mighty spirit of a free people who did not waver in defending themselves against oppression and authoritarianism. As a proud Greek-American, I am deeply inspired by the legacy of Oxi Day and its powerful reminder of the importance of standing together to safeguard freedom and democracy, both at home and abroad.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Representatives Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Gregory Meeks (NY-5) Announce Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Now Accepts Mortgage Collateral Using VantageScore 4.0

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United States Representatives Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Gregory Meeks (NY-5) announced today that members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) can now pledge mortgage collateral using VantageScore 4.0 credit scores, which considers rental payments and other data points that are not included in traditional scoring models – expanding the number of diverse and creditworthy mortgage applicants and creating more opportunities across the region to help narrow the racial homeownership gap.

    In August 2024, Reps. Torres and Meeks formally requested that the FHLBNY consider accepting mortgage collateral originated using alternative credit scores such as VantageScore to expand homeownership opportunities across the FHLBNY’s District. In response, the FHLBNY initiated a review of its ability to incorporate VantageScore 4.0 into its collateral processes, and today’s announcement marks the culmination of this effort to offer this option to its membership of more than 330 local lenders.

    “In partnership with Congressman Meeks, I worked with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to implement Vantage Score 4.0, which will provide liquidity for mortgages that had originated on the basis of a credit score that includes alternative data like rent payments. The decision by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to recognize Vantage Score 4.0 lays a critical foundation for broad base wealth creation in America,” said Congressman Ritchie Torres. “I have constituents who have reliably paid their rent in full and on time for decades, and yet none of their rental history is taken into account by conventional credit scoring. The inclusion of alternative data like rent payments in credit scoring is a simple, sensible policy change that will revolutionize access to credit for the lowest income families.”

    “I remain committed to creating more wealth building opportunities for the people of Southeast Queens, and homeownership is the best route to do so,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “My family’s own experience is a personal attestation to the importance of home ownership. By allowing for the use of VantageScore 4.0 credit scores, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is broadening opportunity and ensuring that people who have been traditionally left out will have the ability to begin their homeownership journeys. Addressing racial homeownership disparities is a key step in bridging the wealth gap and I commend the FHLBNY for taking this important step.”

    “The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is grateful to Representatives Ritchie Torres and Gregory Meeks for their continued efforts to address housing affordability across New York and throughout our District, and for their focus on ensuring that the FHLBNY remains best-positioned to meet the needs of the communities we all serve,” said José R. González, president and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. “We are excited to incorporate VantageScore 4.0 into our collateral practices, providing another tool for our cooperative to support inclusive housing and community development efforts throughout our region.”

    The FHLBNY joins the Federal Home Loan Banks of Chicago and San Francisco in accepting mortgage collateral originated using VantageScore 4.0. In October 2022, the Federal Housing Finance Agency – the regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System – announced its approval of VantageScore 4.0 for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. VantageScore estimates that using the VantageScore 4.0 credit model will result in approximately 33 million more consumers nationwide having access to a credit score that may aid them in obtaining a mortgage. This includes an estimated 3.1 million consumers within the FHLBNY’s District, which comprises New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    “The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s decision to accept mortgage collateral backed by VantageScore is a significant step forward in expanding access to homeownership for creditworthy individuals, particularly in underserved communities,” said Anthony Hutchinson, SVP of Government and Industry Relations, VantageScore. “By addressing the long-standing disparities in mortgage lending, this initiative supports our shared goal of narrowing the homeownership gap in communities of color while ensuring financial stability and inclusion for all.”

    Broad Community Support

    Through the first 10 months of 2024, the FHLBNY has made $135 million in affordable housing and community support available through multiple programs:

    • $70.8 million in grant funding through its 2024 Affordable Housing Program Round
    • $28.9 million in grant funding through its 2024 Homebuyer Dream Program® (“HDP®”) Round
    • $10.3 million in grant funding through inaugural HDP Plus Round
    • $15 million in interest rate credits through its 2024 0% Development Advance Program
    • $5 million in supplemental credits for low-to-moderate income mortgages sold into its Mortgage Asset Program
    • $5 million in grant funding through its 2024 Small Business Recovery Grant Program Round

    These programs are funded directly by the FHLBNY’s earnings and are incorporated into its strategy, reflecting the FHLBNY’s continuing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. The FHLBNY makes its broadest impact through the execution of its foundational liquidity mission, through which it provides its members with a stable source of liquidity to facilitate the extension of credit to consumers, communities, and small businesses across its region.

    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
    The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is a Congressionally chartered, wholesale Bank. It is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a national wholesale banking network of 11 regional, stockholder-owned banks. As of September 30, 2024, the FHLBNY serves 338 financial institutions and housing associates in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The mission of the FHLBNY is to provide members with reliable liquidity in support of housing and local community development.

    Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
    This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. These statements may use forward-looking terms, such as “projected,” “expects,” “may,” or their negatives or other variations on these terms. The Bank cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, as well as regulatory and accounting rule adjustments or requirements, changes in interest rates, changes in projected business volumes, changes in prepayment speeds on mortgage assets, the cost of our funding, changes in our membership profile, the withdrawal of one or more large members, competitive pressures, shifts in demand for our products, and general economic conditions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    CONTACT:   Brian Finnegan
    (212) 441-6877
    brian.finnegan@fhlbny.com       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Rogers Announces Approval of Letcher Prison Construction

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Harold Hal Rogers (KY-05)

    ROXANA, Ky. – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) next federal prison facility has been approved for construction in Letcher County. Colette Peters, BOP Director, published her official Record of Decision in the Federal Register on Monday, approving the medium-security prison facility and camp for construction in Roxana. Director Peters called Congressman Rogers on Friday to share the good news. 
     
    “I’m thrilled that the many years of hard work by local leaders in Letcher County have paid off. They have improved broadband and strengthened local infrastructure, in effort to show the BOP that they were committed to supporting a new prison and the hundreds of jobs it will bring to the region,” said Congressman Rogers. “Director Peters said the BOP is going to build a new modern, state-of-the-art facility in Letcher County that focuses on safety and wellness.”
     
    According to the Record of Decision, the BOP will acquire approximately 500 acres of land in Roxana, Kentucky to construct and operate a new Federal Correctional Institution and Federal Prison Camp. It will be designed to house a population of 1,408 adults in custody.  
     
    The decision sites the need for a new modern facility in light of the BOP’s “growing number of aged and obsolete federal correctional facilities, which are no longer cost-effective or sustainable to operate and maintain.” 
     
    In August, Congressman Rogers and the Letcher County Planning Commission hosted BOP Director Peters and her staff in Letcher County for a regional meeting, including leaders from seven neighboring counties, to discuss ongoing economic development to prepare for the prison, including the region’s workforce. 
     
    “We have worked for nearly 20 years to bring these much-needed jobs to Letcher County. Regardless of the decision, our county has benefitted from all the improvements that have been made to prepare for this prison. I can’t thank Congressman Rogers enough for believing in us and being our champion along the way,” said Elwood Cornett, cofounder of the Letcher County Planning Commission. 
     
    As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Rogers has secured and protected more than $500 million for construction of the Letcher County FCI and Camp.
     
    Congressman Rogers said the BOP estimated it will take about one year for design work and property acquisitions before construction can begin for the facility in Roxana.  
     
    The Federal Bureau of Prisons currently employs more than 1,300 people in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, investing more than $83.7 million each year in wages in our region.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri Schools Receive State-Funded “Grow Your Own” Grants to Recruit Local Educators

    Source: US State of Missouri

    For the second year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) was able to award Grow Your Own (GYO) grants to 125 local education agencies (LEAs). Review the list of LEA grant recipients here. DESE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes $2.5 million to support one-time grants of $10,000 to LEAs to create or strengthen their local Grow Your Own program, designed to increase recruitment of quality teachers in LEAs across the state.

    “Investing in Missouri students and their achievement means investing in our educator workforce — both the teachers serving classrooms today and those that will join the profession in the coming years,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “Grow Your Own programs are an important part of continuing to address the statewide teacher shortage, so we are thrilled to be able to provide a second round of funding to support this work at the local level.”

    Grow Your Own programs work to attract local students as well as non-certified school staff, such as paraprofessionals and substitute teachers, to the teaching profession. Many programs also support those future teachers through their post-secondary education and path to certification. Funding is used to support a variety of activities, including dual credit courses, scholarships for high school students, student internships, and opportunities for other non-teaching adults to pursue programs that will allow them to become certified teachers.

    “Our Grow Your Own program demonstrates sustainability through our Spark! Teaching and Learning Program that began in 2016,” Dr. Keith Marty, Superintendent at the Parkway C-2 School District, wrote in the LEA’s application. “We served 58 students from 2016-2021. By the close of the 2024-25 school year, Spark! Teaching and Learning will have served 120 students since 2021. This grant will help continue to strengthen our GYO Program!”

    “Students in our GYO program benefit from real-world education settings both within and outside of our school boundaries,” wrote Northwest R-I School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hecktor. “This exposure helps them understand the diversity within their learning environment and prepares them for future roles in education. We are committed to promoting the field of education to our students and the broader stakeholder community.”

    LEAs applied to DESE through a competitive grant application process. Grant funds must be obligated and reimbursement requested by May 31, 2025.

    Funding was also provided to award Grow Your Own grants to 15 educator preparation programs and five community colleges. Review the list of educator preparation program and community college grant recipients here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Murphy Announces Departure of Chief Counsel Parimal Garg

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that his longtime Chief Counsel Parimal Garg will depart the administration next month to work in private practice.

    “Parimal Garg has been by my side for the last eight years, from the early days of my first campaign through nearly seven years in the Governor’s Office,” said Governor Murphy. “I relied heavily on Parimal’s advice and counsel on issues from managing a once-in-a-century pandemic to selecting four Supreme Court Justices, and everything in between. No matter the complexity of the challenge, Parimal always thought through every angle of the issue, identified goals, and formulated strategies for achieving them. I am grateful for Parimal’s many years of service and his unwavering friendship, and I know he will excel in this next chapter of his legal career.”

    “When I decided to work for Phil Murphy in 2016, I did it with a belief that regardless of his political odds, he was the right person to put New Jersey back on track,” said outgoing Chief Counsel Parimal Garg. “Over the last eight years, he rose to every challenge, whether that meant repairing New Jersey’s finances, taking decisive action to protect public health, or skillfully navigating different federal administrations to advance New Jersey’s interests. I am forever grateful to Governor Murphy for the opportunity to help lead his team, and for his trust and confidence during my four years as Chief Counsel. I know that the Governor, the First Lady, and the entire Murphy administration will spend the next year cementing a record of achievement that is unparalleled in our state’s history.”

    Having served as Chief Counsel since October 2020, Garg is the longest serving Chief Counsel to the Governor in New Jersey history. From January 2018 to October 2020, Garg served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Governor, after having worked as a senior policy advisor on Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign beginning in the summer of 2016.

    Previously, Garg served as a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in Washington, D.C., and as a law clerk to New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. He received his B.A. from Georgetown University, magna cum laude, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude.

    Originally from Lawrenceville, Garg now resides in Montclair.

    Garg will depart the Governor’s Office in mid-November. An announcement on his successor will be made prior to his departure.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sully Creek State Park Renamed Rough Rider State Park with Major Campground Expansion

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce a bold transformation for Sully Creek State Park. In a proud tribute to the indomitable spirit of Theodore Roosevelt and the legendary Rough Riders, the park will officially become Rough Rider State Park. This renaming celebrates Roosevelt and his Rough Riders’ enduring legacy and our dedication to honoring the rugged beauty and cultural heritage of the West.

    This announcement is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 166th birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, a towering figure in American history who inspired generations to embrace the wild, conserve our landscapes, and embody the pioneering spirit. Roosevelt’s commitment to the land and the Rough Riders’ legacy inspires us to embrace this proud heritage in a park that invites everyone to explore, connect, and create their own outdoor stories.

    Among the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry “Rough Riders” organized by Roosevelt and Leonard Wood to fight in the Spanish-American War were several North Dakotans, including Jesse Langdon, who was the oldest surviving Rough Rider when he died at age 94 in 1975. “The Rough Rider State” also has been one of North Dakota’s unofficial nicknames for more than 50 years.

    Nestled along the scenic banks of the Little Missouri River, just two miles south of Medora, Rough Rider State Park is a premier destination for horse enthusiasts, offering a unique and immersive experience that highlights North Dakota’s stunning vistas. With a trailhead connection to the Maah Daah Hey Trail and facilities designed for horseback riding, it’s the perfect spot to connect with nature in true Western style.

    With an ambitious $4 million investment, Rough Rider State Park is set to nearly double its camping capacity, bringing the total to 70 campsites, along with additional amenities. Visitors can look forward to more modern facilities that will enhance the experience of camping under the wide-open North Dakota skies, with improved access to the park’s beautiful surroundings. The investment is part of a larger funding package for statewide park improvements proposed by Governor Doug Burgum and approved by the legislature.

    “This transformation is a tribute to Theodore Roosevelt’s spirit of adventure and love for the American wilderness. We’re beyond excited to bring these changes to life as part of our commitment to enriching recreational opportunities for everyone,” said Cody Schulz, Director of the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department. “We are so incredibly grateful to the legislature for making this investment possible, as it will be the most significant infrastructure upgrade in the over 50-year history of the park. And we are proud to work with great partners like the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Billings County, Medora, and many others – who all embody a great love of the outdoors and western culture.”

    Rough Rider State Park will continue to be a cherished destination for families, outdoor adventurers, history enthusiasts, and horse lovers from across the world. Physical, printed, and electronic signage updates will be completed throughout the winter and spring and the campground expansion is slated to begin in the late summer of 2025. We can’t wait to welcome you to Rough Rider State Park, where adventure, history, and nature await.

    The mission of the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kelly Announces Administration Appointments – Governor of the State of Kansas

    Source: US State of Kansas

    TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced 11 appointments to the following council, commissions, and boards.

    Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
     Purpose: Advocates for and facilitates equal access to quality, coordinated, and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.

    • Matt Gwynn, Olathe
    • Janna Wiesner, Bonner Springs
    • Kim Hendricks, Garden City (reappointment)

    911 Coordinating Council
     Purpose: To monitor the delivery of 911 services, develop strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system, and distribute available grant funds to Public Safety Answering Points.

    • Darin Miller, Andover

    State Building Advisory Commission
     Purpose: Evaluate and select a short list of firms to be interviewed by user agencies for capital improvement projects.

    •  Mike Thomas, Topeka

    State Historic Sites Board of Review
     Purpose: The Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review is a group of professionals from various fields who meet to review and recommend nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places. It also awards preservation planning and rehabilitation grants.

    • Ryan McDonald, Council Grove
    • Sarah Holder, Olathe

    Fire Service Training Commission
     Purpose: Provide for a traveling instruction service to train firefighters in the jurisdictions of this state requesting such instruction.

    • Darin Myers, Hays (reappointment)
    • Bonnie Johnson, Lawrence
    • Bill Waln, Hutchinson

    Kansas Children’s Cabinet
     Purpose: Assists the governor in developing and implementing a coordinated, comprehensive service delivery system to serve the children and families of Kansas.

    • Tara Wallace, Topeka

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kelly Celebrates Grand Opening of State Corrections System’s First Substance Use Recovery Unit – Governor of the State of Kansas

    Source: US State of Kansas

    East Campus at LCF to receive residents the week of Oct. 28, 2024

    LANSING – Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) leaders on Friday to celebrate the opening of the state’s first substance use recovery/work release unit within Kansas prisons. The East Campus at Lansing is a 200-bed minimum-security unit providing a comprehensive re-entry program. It is aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction through cognitive behavioral instruction while preparing residents to re-enter society with work goals and life skills.

    “Effective rehabilitation and recovery services are key to breaking the cycle of addiction and crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This campus customizes residents’ re-entry programming based on their risks and needs to provide a smooth transition as they return back into society.”

    East Campus at Lansing is designed to go beyond the traditional 28-day substance use program, providing residents with at least six months of classes that teach and promote pro-social behavior and work up to 300 hours of advanced practice sessions to develop cognitive behavior and positive habits.

    Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda says the campus design will facilitate the department’s goal of preparing residents for re-entry.

    “The relatively small population here will allow us to customize residents’ re-entry programming based on their skills and needs while facilitating a Pathway for Success for our residents through purposeful, individualized programming,” Secretary of Corrections Zmuda said.

    Pathway for Success is the KDOC’s strategic plan, providing residents with opportunities to be successful upon re-entry into their communities.

    Along with classes for substance recovery, the residents will participate in classes to develop and foster better family relationships, as well as parenting classes for fathers. Residents will also participate in additional programs, support groups, and activities led by residents or volunteers. They can also be part of the work release or private industry programs and can meet with various parts of the re-entry team to create solid, sustainable release plans and goals.

    East Campus at Lansing is also unique because of its living arrangements, which are considered more open compared to traditional prison environments and instead promote an environment of recovery and learning.

    To be eligible for this program, a resident must be at a minimum custody level, have less than five years remaining to serve out his time, not managed as a sex offender, have moderate or high risk in substance use, a strong desire to overcome his addiction, and a willingness to participate in programming or work as assigned.

    The first residents to occupy the East Campus at Lansing are expected to arrive the week of Oct. 28, 2024.

    Photos from today’s ceremony are available for media use below.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions Putin’s interference actors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has sanctioned three Russian agencies and three senior figures who are attempting to undermine and destabilise Ukraine and its democracy.

    • UK sanctions Russian disinformation agencies seeking to undermine Ukraine.   

    • Kremlin tasked Social Design Agency (SDA) is exposed for trying to incite anti-Ukraine protests across Europe.    

    • New sanctions also hit three leaders directing the firm’s operations.

    Three Russian agencies and three senior figures who are attempting to undermine and destabilise Ukraine and its democracy have been sanctioned today by the UK.  

    The Social Design Agency (SDA) is tasked and funded directly by the Russian State, and along with its partner company Structura, has attempted to deliver a series of interference operations designed to undermine democracy and weaken international support for Ukraine.    

    This year, the SDA also attempted to incite protests in half a dozen European countries. However, despite Russian pouring money into these malign organisations’ interference activities, their lies have consistently struggled online, with bots and fake sites getting limited interaction. This has forced the SDA to consider buying social media views.  

    The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:   

    Putin is so desperate to undermine European support for Ukraine he is now resorting to clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest.   

    Today’s sanctions send a clear message; we will not tolerate your lies and interference, and we are coming after you.  

    Putin’s desperate attempts to divide us will fail. We will constrain the Kremlin, and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. 

    These firms and their leadership are responsible for a vast malign online network, also commonly known as Doppelganger, which plagues social media with fake posts, counterfeit documents and deepfake material. These deceitful tactics are designed to mask the truth around Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and distract from the true nature of the war. Their murky actions are part of a co-ordinated attempt to use deceptive information operations to undermine democracy in pursuit of their aims.    

    These new sanctions demonstrate that no matter how desperate the Russian interference activity has become, the UK is committed to taking action against Russian information manipulation. We will continue to bear down on anyone conducting such activities on behalf of SDA.    

    The US, Canada, France, European External Action Service (EEAS), Germany and Australia join us in calling out the SDA’s underhand activity globally. 

    Background:    

    The full list of those sanctioned today is:   

    • PR agency Social Design Agency (SDA).   

    • PR agency Structura National Technologies.    

    • PR agency ANO DIALOG.    

    • Ilya Andreevich GAMBASHIDZE, the founder of SDA.    

    • Nikolay Aleksandrovich TUPIKIN, the CEO of SDA and owner of Structura.    

    • Andrey Naumovich PERLA, SDA Project Director.    

    These firms are responsible for a vast malign online network, commonly known as Doppelganger. Content including fake posts, counterfeit documents and deepfake material has been pushed out to audiences in English, German and French through a complex online network. The SDA has crafted a web of at least 120 sites spoofing existing news and government websites, towards which it deceptively redirects unsuspecting social media users. Tactics included avoiding common trigger words to circumvent content moderation tools and evade account takedowns. We are working with social media platforms to ensure they are aware of this activity.    

    Our international partners have also previously exposed Doppelganger’s malign interference networks, including France and the EEAS. As part of the monitoring and analysis for the 2024 European Parliament Elections. The European External Action Service has detected that an Doppelganger / RRN Media operation actively promoted Russian narratives to disrupt and interfere with the electoral process. This network was previously attributed by META to the SDA and revealed to be running global information operations aimed at weakening support for Ukraine. France has exposed these Russian actors in June 2023 through the publication of a report by its agency, Viginum.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada announces an investment of $12.5 million to support official language minority community media

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Government of Canada supports community media in official language minority communities, enabling them to participate more fully in civic life and raise awareness of local and national issues

    OTTAWA, October 28, 2024

    Community media enable minority communities to preserve their language, culture and traditions. These media play an essential role in disseminating local information that reflects the reality and specific needs of these communities, helping to strengthen their sense of belonging.

    Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced an investment of $12.5 million as part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. This major investment is designed to support official language minority community media across Canada and strengthen their ability to effectively serve their communities.

    Of this amount, $7.6 million will be allocated to 89 new projects over the next four years, contributing to the vitality of community media in minority communities across the country. This investment will help identify and implement the measures needed to strategically strengthen community media and increase their capacity to serve Canada’s official language minority populations.

    In addition, $5 million will be used to train the next generation of community media professionals and address labour shortages in the sector. Thanks to this measure, 125 paid internships will be created at 98 community media organizations across Canada, enabling interns to acquire skills and media to benefit from additional human resources.

    Thanks to this new federal investment, minority community radio stations and newspapers will be better supported in their efforts to become viable businesses, while members of the communities they serve will have access to content in their own language and in their own environment.

    “Community media are at the heart of minority communities across Canada. They tell local stories, help maintain and develop our local and national identities, and ensure that Canadians from coast to coast to coast have access to quality information. That’s why we are investing $12.5 million to support community media in minority communities across the country.”

    —The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

    • The Consortium of Official Language Minority Community Media represents 105 minority newspapers and radio stations in 10 provinces and 3 territories.

    • Created in 2016, the Consortium is made up of Réseau.Presse, the Quebec Community Newspapers Association (QCNA), the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (ARC du Canada) and the English-Language Arts Network (ELAN). Consortium members speak with one voice to defend the interests of official language minority media in Canada.

    • Since its inception in 2018–2019, the Consortium’s media internship program has proven to be a talent incubator and an important human resources development tool for official language minority community media. More than half of the interns have gone on to become permanent staff at official language minority newspapers and radio stations.

    • As part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, the Community Media Strategic Support Fund has supported over 175 strategic projects, contributing to the vitality of official language minority community media.

    • The Action Plan provides for a total investment of $4.1 billion to support seven departments and 33 new or enhanced measures aimed at protecting and promoting the country’s official languages.

    • This is the fifth five-year official languages plan in 20 years. The 33 new measures added to the existing ones have been grouped under four pillars. In addition, they are inspired by government priorities and issues expressed by communities across the country during the cross-Canada consultations conducted in 2022, which resulted in the Report on the consultations – Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations 2022.

    • On 20 June 2023, Bill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages, received royal assent. The Act aims to address the decline of French in the country and to clarify and strengthen the promotion of official languages, while supporting official language minority communities.

    • Every province and territory has official language minority communities, each with its own unique reality and needs. The Action Plan aims to respond to the unique challenges facing Francophone communities outside Quebec and English-speaking communities in Quebec.

    John Fragos
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
    john.fragos@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: One Month Following Hurricane Helene, Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Spearheads Ongoing Recovery Efforts and Support for  Survivors

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Since Hurricane Helene’s destructive landfall one month ago, the Biden-Harris Administration has mobilized a Federal response that has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance to survivors, substantial debris removal and power restoration, and a sustained commitment to long-term recovery efforts. As President Biden and Vice President Harris have said, their Administration will be with the people across the Southeast and Appalachia no matter how long it takes.
    Thus far, the Administration has approved over $2.1 billion in Federal assistance for those affected by Hurricane Helene, as well as Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Florida shortly after Helene.
    This includes over $1 billion in assistance for individuals and families to help pay for housing repairs, personal property replacement, and other recovery efforts. To date, the Administration has also approved over $1.1 billion in Public Assistance funding to support local and state governments. This funding is primarily being used to support debris removal, as well to pay for emergency protective measures like surging first responders and providing shelter, food, and water during and after the storms.
    President Biden, Vice President Harris, and senior leaders across the Administration have spoken with and coordinated closely with Governors, Senators, Representatives, Mayors, and other state and local elected officials in impacted states before, during, and after the storms. The President, Vice President, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and multiple cabinet members and other Administration leaders have been in impacted states to meet with state and local counterparts, survey damage, assess what additional Federal support should be prioritized, and meet with first responders and survivors. 
    On October 26, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall traveled to North Carolina to coordinate recovery efforts with Governor Roy Cooper, FEMA, and philanthropic partners on the ground. She underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to innovative partnerships that can speed recovery and rebuilding — through collaboration with state and local officials, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropic donors—for as long as it takes.
    Nearly 5,000 Federal personnel remain deployed to North Carolina and Florida, working side-by-side with state and local officials, to help survivors get what they need to accelerate their recovery.
    For communities affected by Helene, FEMA has delivered over 11 million meals and 9.6 million liters of water. FEMA now has 65 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout all of the affected communities to provide survivors with in-person assistance with more opening each day. As of October 27, there will be 21 Disaster Recovery Centers open in North Carolina. Power and cellular service are restored for 99 percent of customers in impacted areas.
    As communities begin their road to rebuilding, the Administration continues to provide support and resources, including:
    Defense Personnel Supporting On-The-Ground Recovery
    Throughout Hurricane Helene response operations, the National Guard and Department of Defense have been engaged in the whole-of-government response efforts across the impacted areas. Members of the North Carolina National Guard, together with active duty servicemembers and guardsmen from 15 other states, have conducted more than 1,200 ground missions and more than 400 air missions in coordination with the state of North Carolina, and under the direction of the Dual Status Commander. 
    These efforts delivered more than 13,500 tons of humanitarian aid overland, and nearly another 2,000 tons through the air. This includes 614,881 gallons of bulk water, 4,331 pallets of bottles of water, and 3,108 pallets of food. Service members were active in route clearance – clearing hundreds of miles of roads, which enabled increased access to some of the hardest hit areas of the state.
    From the onset of this mission, the primary goal of active-duty Department of Defense Title 10 personnel and equipment was to provide immediate, short-term assistance to aid the most urgent response efforts. As of last week, Governor Cooper determined that the active-duty troops were no longer needed for this phase, and active-duty service members transitioned their mission to the National Guard and returned to their home bases. The National Guard, working with FEMA, and other Federal, state, and local partners, will remain actively engaged to address ongoing needs, rebuild infrastructure, and aid communities in long term recovery.
    The National Guard has roughly 2,000 Guardsmen, 65 high-water vehicles, and 7 helicopters still mobilized across seven states for the response to Hurricane Helene.
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has more than 450 personnel engaged in missions across six states – supporting debris removal, temporary power, infrastructure assessments, , and safe waterways assessments. 
    Supporting and Protecting Public Health
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking action to support providers and suppliers impacted by Hurricane Helene. These providers and suppliers may face significant cash flow issues from the unusual circumstances impacting facilities’ operations, preventing facilities from submitting claims and receiving Medicare claims payments. As a result of the presidential disaster declaration, and HHS public health emergencies declared in the wake of Hurricane Helene, CMS made available accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers and advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene beginning October 2, 2024. CMS has also made available certain flexibilities related to provider and supplier fee-for-service Medicare debt.
    Following storm damage from Hurricane Helene at Baxter International Inc.’s North Cove facility in North Carolina, the Biden-Harris Administration continues taking action to support access to IV fluids, including ensuring restoration of key production sites, protecting products, and opening imports, in partnership with manufacturers, distributors, hospitals, and other stakeholders. As a result of these steps, Baxter anticipates restarting the highest-throughput IV solutions manufacturing line within the next week. The Biden-Harris Administration also moved quickly to open up imports from six facilities around the world and made it easier for hospitals to produce their own IV fluid during the shortage.
    Supporting Students and Student Loan Borrowers
    The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is partnering with disaster-declared states to determine the extent of impacts to educational communities; identify gaps in resources for response and recovery; and share critical resources to help restore learning conditions. These resources include Project SERV, which provides funding for local educational agencies and institutions of higher education that have experienced a traumatic crisis, including weather-related natural disasters, to assist in restoring a safe learning environment. 
    ED is ensuring affected borrowers in areas impacted by the hurricanes can focus on their critical needs without having to worry about missing their student loan payments. Direct Loan borrowers and federally-serviced Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) borrowers in the affected area who miss their payments will be automatically placed into a natural disaster forbearance. During forbearance, payments are temporarily postponed or reduced, and interest is still charged. Thanks to regulations issued by the Biden-Harris Administration, months in this forbearance will count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Income Driven Repayment forgiveness. Direct Loan and federally serviced FFEL borrowers are not required to take an action, but have the option to call their servicer if they wish to enroll in the forbearance proactively. Perkins loan borrowers should contact their loan holder to request natural disaster forbearance. 
    ED continues to monitor impacts to schools in the affected states, including school closures, damage to school buildings including ongoing utility outages, schools being used as shelters, and the number of displaced students and staff. ED is sending an assessment team to North Carolina this coming week to evaluate damages and work with the state to develop a plan to get students back into classrooms as quickly as possible. In parallel, ED is closely communicating with the leadership of 531 Title IV-participating institutions, across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia due to impacts associated with Hurricane Helene. ED has also posted electronic announcements, reminding impacted institutions of available regulatory flexibilities, and providing guidance on managing Title IV student aid during disaster situations. 
    Supporting Farmers, Agriculture, and Consumers
    The Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with approved insurance providers, announced more than $233 million to help farmers recover from hurricane damage during the fall harvest season. Currently, Hurricane Helene indemnities are estimated to be nearly $208 million for Georgia, nearly $13 million for Florida, $5 million for Alabama, and more than $4 million each for North and South Carolina.  
    To date, USDA has approved Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to help eligible residents cover the cost of groceries in 112 counties in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. D-SNAP is a program focused on getting food assistance to those in need for people in communities affected by disasters, who may not otherwise be eligible.
    Supporting Infrastructure and Transportation Recovery
    Since Hurricane Helene made landfall, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been committed to helping water utilities and health departments in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina as they work around the clock to bring clean, safe drinking water back to communities impacted by the storm. EPA and its state and local partners have made significant progress restoring drinking water and wastewater services in a vast majority of communities. In Western North Carolina, EPA has deployed two mobile water testing labs. EPA has received and analyzed approximately 700 samples, giving residents clear data about the safety of their drinking water. In addition to water testing, EPA has collected approximately 1,000 containers with oil, hazardous materials, or propane since clean-up efforts began in North Carolina.  
    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) continues to support response and recovery efforts in impacted communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) worked with partners in affected areas to ensure the national airspace quickly returned to normal operations. The FAA deployed personnel to conduct vital infrastructure assessments and restore communications to impacted towers and airports, including Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina and ongoing work at Valdosta Regional Airport in Georgia, among others. Approximately 133 personnel from Technical Operations and the communications support team remain on the ground supporting a range of response and restoration activities.
    The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sent $144 million in “Quick Release” Emergency Relief funding to North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. These funds represent a ‘down payment’ to help with the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. Additional funding will be flowing to affected communities from the Emergency Relief program pending availability of funds. FHWA also worked closely with all impacted states and other federal agencies to help support their assessments of infrastructure damage.
    Providing Financial Flexibilities to Homeowners, Renters and Taxpayers
    The Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date in each state. When homes are destroyed or damaged to an extent that reconstruction or complete replacement is necessary, HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims, including renters. Borrowers from participating FHA approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs. HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables individuals to finance the purchase or refinance of a house, along with its repair, through a single mortgage. Homeowners can also finance the rehabilitation of their existing homes if damaged. FHA is coordinating and collaborating with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Agriculture to ensure consistent messaging and policies for single family loans regarding foreclosure moratoriums and repayment/arrearage agreements. Additionally, affected homeowners that have mortgages through Government-Sponsored Enterprises – including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – and the FHA are eligible to suspend their mortgage payments through a forbearance plan for up to 12 months.
    The Internal Revenue Service announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene, including the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina and parts of Florida, Tennessee and Virginia. Taxpayers in these areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service provided more than 1,000 employees to help with FEMA disaster relief call lines and intake initial information to help disaster victims get federal relief. IRS Criminal Investigation agents were also on the ground in devastated areas to help with search and rescue efforts and other relief work – including assisting with door-to-door search efforts.
    Supporting Workers and Worker Safety
    Working alongside the Department of Labor, the States of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee have all announced that eligible workers can receive federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to compensate for income lost directly resulting from Hurricane Helene. And, through the Department of Labor’s innovative partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, displaced workers from North Carolina and South Carolina can now go to the post office in any other state and verify their ID for purposes of getting their benefits quickly.
    Additional Response and Recovery Efforts
    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has offered over $51 million in tentatively approved disaster loan funding to survivors of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The SBA also has hundreds of staff working on the ground supporting communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia in disaster recovery centers, as well as in loan processing and customer service centers that are fielding around 15,000 calls a day with an average wait time of 15 seconds. The SBA is continuing to process disaster loan applications while it awaits Congressional action to replenish their disaster loan funds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford’s Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Reuse Excess Property Act introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Gary Peters (D-MI) has been signed into law. The bill will hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property.

    “This is not that hard. Use the stuff you already have before you buy more stuff. When federal agencies just buy more, before they use what we already have, it shows a lack of commitment to saving taxpayer dollars. The federal government is already the largest single buyer of goods and services in the world, so we need to prioritize good stewardship and effective use of property the government has already purchased,” said Lankford. “From paper clips to automobiles, Oklahoma families and businesses make decisions every day about how to use what they have before spending more money. We should always look for ways for the federal government to save more money and waste less time.”   

    “Agencies should always consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles rather than buying them new, and this law will ensure they do just that,” said Peters. “This law will hold the federal government more accountable by ensuring they only spend taxpayer dollars on essential items. The American people know what it means to be frugal and reuse what they own: it’s time federal agencies do the same.”  

    Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this law will ensure agencies are looking to excess property—available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation—before buying new products in order to save taxpayer dollars.   

    The Reuse Excess Property Act will update existing requirements for agencies to report their excess personal property to the General Services Administration (GSA) by making those reports available to the public as well. This would help agency officials and taxpayers better understand the extent to which agencies are working to cut wasteful spending through the use of excess property. The bill also requires agencies publicly report on their guidance on the use of excess personal property and designate an employee to be responsible for searching through available excess personal property for items that meet agency needs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Donzella James to Hold Senate Urban Affairs Committee Meeting on Home Owners/Property Owners/Condominium Owners Associations, Sapelo Island Tragedy

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (October 28, 2024) — On Thursday, October 31,at 11:00 a.m., the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs, chaired by Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta), will hold its third meeting of the interim.

    MEETING DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024
    • Time: 11:00 a.m.
    • Location: 450 State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
    • Open to the Public: The event is open to the public. The committee meeting will be live-streamed on the Senate website here.

    ABOUT THE MEETING:         

    From 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Chairwoman James and committee members will discuss property owners, condominium owners and homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The committee will then recess for a 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. press conference regarding the October 19 Sapelo Island gangway collapse.

    Following the press conference, the committee will reconvene to discuss the gangway collapse at Sapelo Island. The committee will specifically examine safety procedures taken by state and county authorities and propose protocols to prevent future tragedies.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Donzella James serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs. She represents the 35th Senate District, which includes portions of Douglas and Fulton counties. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.1379 or by email at donzella.james@senate.ga.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Mark Pocan Introduce Intersex Awareness Day Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL)  and Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced the Intersex Awareness Day Resolution. The resolution recognizes October 26 as Intersex Awareness Day and affirms the dignity, and the universal human right to bodily autonomy of intersex people. Intersex Awareness Day is recognized on October 26 and marks the first public demonstration by intersex people in the United States at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1996. 

    “This is about basic human dignity. There are 5.6 million intersex Americans who are no less worthy of respect and dignity than anyone else,” said Rep. Balint (VT-AL). “Every kid born with intersex traits deserves to live free of discrimination and exclusion. And it’s critical the LGBTQI+ community work to raise awareness of the stories and needs of intersex people. I’m proud to introduce this resolution with Chair Pocan to stand up for intersex Americans and affirm the universal right to bodily autonomy.”

    “As we celebrate Intersex Awareness Week, the full force of the Equality Caucus stands with the intersex community, not just today, but every day,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Intersex people are valid and valued members of the LGBTQI+ community, and it is on all of us to ensure the government is addressing the needs of intersex people. I’m honored to be leading the charge to protect intersex peoples’ rights in Congress and to join Co-Chair Becca Balint in introducing a resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day.”

    “Intersex people have been fighting for the fundamental human right to bodily integrity for decades. Today’s resolution honors that history, and it stands as a powerful call for a future in which children with intersex traits can grow up free from unnecessary and unwanted medical interventions,” said Erika Lorshbough, Executive Director of interACT. “We are grateful to the sponsors for taking action to raise awareness and help make that future a reality.”

    The Intersex Awareness Day Resolution: 

    • Supports the goals and ideals of Intersex Awareness Day;
    • Encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the intersex community and empowering individuals to celebrate and respect their diversity;
    • Encourages health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the intersex community, and schools to support education regarding the intersex community, and connect individuals to resources for young people with intersex variations and their families; and
    • Encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and United States bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of intersex people.            

    Intersex refers to having innate variations in physical traits that differ from typical expectations for male or female bodies regarding the development, appearance, or function of sex-related characteristics. This includes variations in one or more traits such as genitals, gonads and other reproductive organs, hormone production or response, or chromosome patterns, which may present at birth or may occur naturally at a later time.

    The resolution is endorsed by InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth and the Congressional Equality Caucus. The resolution is cosponsored by Pocan, Bonamici, Crockett, Davids, Evans, Foushee, Frost, Sylvia Garcia, Grijalva, Jacobs, Barbara Lee, Mullin, Norton, Peters, Ramirez, Sánchez, Ritchie Torres, Takano, Tlaib, and Watson Coleman. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remembrance Day Sentry Program selection announced

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Today, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Jennie Carignan, announced the members selected for this year’s Remembrance Day Sentry Program.

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Jennie Carignan, announced the members selected for this year’s Remembrance Day Sentry Program.

    Eleven Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and one officer from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have received the distinction of being chosen from all those nominated across the country to play an important ceremonial role during this year’s national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa.

    Representative of the duty, commitment and diversity of our military and security personnel, these exceptional program participants have been honoured with this distinction based on criteria such as deployment experience, community involvement, physical fitness, and their record of conduct.

    The following personnel will participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial on Monday, November 11, 2024:

    • Sentry Program Commander/Royal Canadian Air Force Sentry: Sergeant Kevin James, RCAF Band, Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, Man.
    • Royal Canadian Navy Sentry: Master Sailor Jed Garcia, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Base Information Services, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, B.C.
    • Canadian Special Operations Forces Command Sentry: Master Corporal Jeffrey Steel, Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ont.
    • Canadian Army Sentry: Master Bombardier Mikael Nicol-Charette, 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, Meaford, Ont.
    • RCMP Sentry: Sergeant Cara Streeter, Happy Valley Goose Bay Detachment, N.L.
    • Military Personnel Command Nursing Officer: Captain Kathleen Nguyen, 1 Canadian Field Hospital, Montreal.
    • Special Guest of the CDS and CAF Chief Warrant Officer: Corporal Lucas Mullens, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alta.
    • Canadian Ranger Sentry: Master Corporal Linda Kamenawatamin, 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Bear Lake, Ont.
    • Eagle Staff Bearer: Master Corporal Phoenix George, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alta.
    • Eagle Staff Carrier: Master Corporal Sheri-Lea Gee, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Valemount, B.C.
    • Directorate of History and Heritage Musician – Bugler: Corporal Malcolm Horava, Central Band of the CAF, Ottawa.
    • Directorate of History and Heritage Musician – Piper: Master Corporal Timothy Reid, Central Band of the CAF, Ottawa.

    The Remembrance Day Sentry Program was created in 1998 to publicly recognize outstanding CAF members from both the Regular and the Reserve Force, and members of the RCMP, for their dedication, professionalism and performance in service to Canada.

    Note to editor: Remembrance Day Sentry Program participants are available for interviews upon request.

    “Each of you exemplifies our values daily through your dedication, professionalism and leadership. As we solemnly remember generations of brave Canadians who fought to preserve our peace and freedom, we also acknowledge your unwavering commitment, exceptional performance and selfless service to Canadians today. We thank you for embodying the very best of who we are and for your continued service.”

    General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Atwater’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in “Spider Web Tart”

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Allergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    info@atwatersfood.com

    Company Name:
    One Roof, LLC.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Atwater’s

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Tarts

    Company Announcement

    Atwater’s of Baltimore, MD, is recalling its clam shell packages of spider web tarts sold 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 because they contain undeclared almond flour. People who have allergies to tree nuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

    The recalled spider web tarts were distributed on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 at the following farmers markets located in the MD/DC/VA area: Arlington Courthouse, Falls Church, H Street, Mount Pleasant, Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, Greenbelt, and Westover. The product was in a clear clam shell plastic package marked with a green Atwater’s “Spider Web Tart” label on top and a Julian date of 292 labeled on the bottom.

    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem and none were sold in retail stores.

    The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the almond containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds, see below for photos of both the product and packaging in question. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and labeling processes.

    Consumers who purchased spider web tarts on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 at any of the listed farmers markets are urged to call or email Atwater’s directly to return the product and initiate a refund. Consumers may call Atwater’s Mon-Fri from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST at 410-644- 3435 or email us at info@atwatersfood.com.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Atwater’s
    410-644- 3435

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Tutorials Help Navigate Landsat Data in the Cloud

    Source: US Geological Survey

    In this tutorial, we show the effects of radiometric saturation on the Surface Reflectance Bands for a single pixel from Mount Adams, Yakima, Washington. Mount Adams currently supports ten active glaciers, and has consistent snow cover. Thus, it is an excellent survey area to test radiometric saturation from reflective snow. Below, we retrieve and plot the values from all reflectance bands for the

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TODAY: Governor Newsom to provide update on statewide effort to crack down on crime

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Oct 28, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom will host a virtual press conference to provide an update on the state’s efforts to crack down on crime.

    WHEN: Monday, October 28 at 1:30 PM

    LIVESTREAM: CA Governor Twitter page, CA Governor Facebook page, and the CA Governor YouTube page.

    **NOTE: This virtual press event will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending must RSVP to govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov by no later than 11:30 a.m., October 28. Log-in information will be provided upon RSVP.

    Media Advisories

    Recent news

    Oct 27, 2024

    News What you need to know: California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated tens of billions of dollars in investments while creating nearly 200,000 jobs, and Governor Newsom is proposing to expand it to outpace other states and bring more business…

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    News Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed. News you might have missed 1. KEEPING CALIFORNIANS SAFE Since Governor Newsom launched the CHP operation in partnership with the City of Oakland,…

    Oct 25, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, naval aviators from California who perished in an aircraft crash near Mount…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Prison for Forced Labor

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    BOSTON – The owner of Stash’s Pizza, a pizzeria chain in Massachusetts, was sentenced on Oct. 25, 2024 for forced labor charges. The defendant forced or attempted to force six victims to work for him and comply with excessive workplace demands through violent physical abuse; threats of violence and serious harm; and repeated threats to report the victims to immigration authorities for deportation.

    Stavros Papantoniadis, a/k/a “Steve Papantoniadis,” 49, of Westwood, Mass., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 102 months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $35,000 fine. At a jury trial in June 2024, Papantoniadis was convicted of three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Papantoniadis has remained in custody since his arrest on March 16, 2023.

    “Labor trafficking exploits the vulnerable through fear and intimidation, all in pursuit of the almighty buck. That is what Stavros Papantoniadis did when he violated the rights of the people working in his restaurants. He deliberately hired foreign nationals who lacked authorization to work in the United States and then turned their lack of immigration status against them, threatening them with deportation and violence to keep them under his control,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “I commend the bravery of the victims here for speaking out and taking a stand against their trafficker. I hope that their strength to speak out sends a message to others whose rights are being abused that the federal government will not tolerate labor trafficking. The stiff sentence imposed on Mr. Papantoniadis demonstrates that there are grave consequences for employers who engage in this type of conduct.”

    “Stavros Papantoniadis exploited and abused his employees, denying them the basic dignity every person deserves. Today’s significant sentence sends a message to employers — employees deserve to work in safety, free from harassment and abuse and exploitative employers will be held to account,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations, New England. “Labor exploitation targets the disenfranchised in our society but we want employees to know that they have a voice and HSI is working with our partners to uphold and enforce labor laws.”

    “Stavros Papantoniadis used threats of arrest, deportation, reprisals, and physical violence to ensure his employees worked for wages lower than required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Today’s sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to work with our law enforcement and Wage and Hour Division partners to aggressively investigate labor trafficking by individuals who enrich themselves through coercion or force,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

    Papantoniadis forced or attempted to force five men and one woman to work for him through violent physical abuse, threats of abuse, and repeated threats to report victims to immigration authorities to have them deported. Papantoniadis thinly staffed his pizza shops, and purposely employed workers without immigration status to work behind the scenes, for 14 or more hours per day and as many as seven days per week. To maintain control of those undocumented workers, he made them believe that he would physically harm them or have them deported. He monitored the workers with surveillance cameras, which he accessed from his cell phone, and constantly demeaned, insulted and harassed them. When Papantoniadis learned that one victim planned to quit, he violently choked him, causing that victim to flee the pizza shop and run to safety in the parking lot. When other victims separately expressed their intentions to quit, Papantoniadis told one victim that he would kill him and call immigration authorities; and he threatened another worker by telling him he knew where the victim lived. When another worker tried to leave and drive away from one of Papantoniadis’ pizza shops, Papantoniadis chased the victim down Route 1 in Norwood, Mass., and falsely reported the victim to the local police in an effort to pressure the victim to return to work at the pizza shop.

    Papantoniadis is the owner and operator of Stash’s Pizza, a chain of pizzerias with locations in Dorchester and Roslindale, and previously had pizzerias in Norwood, Norwell, Randolph (d/b/a Boston Pizza Company), Weymouth (d/b/a Pacini’s Italian Eatery), and Wareham, Mass.

    Members of the public who believe they are a victim of labor trafficking or have information about labor trafficking, please call 888-221-6023, Option 5 or send an email with contact information to USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HSI SAC Krol and DOL-OIG SAC Mellone made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, the Boston Police Department, and the Norwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran, Chief of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: My family lived the horrors of Native American boarding schools – why Biden’s apology doesn’t go far enough

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rosalyn R. LaPier, Professor of History, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    A photograph archived at the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque shows a group of Indigenous students who attended the Ramona Industrial School in Santa Fe. AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan

    I am a direct descendant of family members that were forced as children to attend either a U.S. government-operated or church-run Indian boarding school. They include my mother, all four of my grandparents and the majority of my great-grandparents.

    On Oct. 25, 2024, Joe Biden, the first U.S. president to formally apologize for the policy of sending Native American children to Indian boarding schools, called it one of the most “horrific chapters” in U.S. history and “a mark of shame.” But he did not call it a genocide.

    Yet, over the past 10 years, many historians and Indigenous scholars have said that what happened at the Indian boarding schools “meets the definition of genocide.”

    From the 19th to 20th century, children were physically removed from their homes and separated from their families and communities, often without the consent of their parents. The purpose of these schools was to strip Native American children of their Indigenous names, languages, religions and cultural practices.

    The U.S. government operated the boarding schools directly or paid Christian churches to run them. Historians and scholars have written about the history of Indian boarding schools for decades. But, as Biden noted, “most Americans don’t know about this history.”

    As an Indigenous scholar who studies Indigenous history and the descendant of Indian boarding school survivors, I know about the “horrific” history of Indian boarding schools from both survivors and scholars who contend they were places of genocide.

    Was it genocide?

    The United Nations defines “genocide” as the “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.” Scholars have researched different cases of genocide of Indigenous peoples in the United States.

    Historian Jeffery Ostler, in his 2019 book “Surviving Genocide,” argues that the unlawful annexation of Indigenous lands, the deportation of Indigenous peoples and the numerous deaths of children and adults that occurred as they walked hundreds of miles from their homelands in the 19th century constitute genocide.

    The mass killings of Indigenous peoples after gold was found in the 19th century in what is now California also constitutes genocide, writes historian Benjamin Madley in his 2017 book “An American Genocide.” At the time, a large migration of new settlers to California to mine gold brought with it the killing and displacement of Indigenous peoples.

    Other scholars have focused on the forced assimilation of children at Indian boarding schools. Sociologist Andrew Woolford argues that scholars need to start calling what happened at Indian boarding schools in the 19th and 20th century “genocide” because of the “sheer destructiveness of these institutions.”

    Woolford, a former president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, explains in his 2015 book “This Benevolent Experiment” that the goal of Indian boarding schools was the “forcible transformation of multiple Indigenous peoples so that they would no longer exist as an obstacle (real or perceived) to settler colonial domination on the continent.”

    First- and second-grade students sit in a classroom at the former Genoa Indian Industrial School in Genoa, Neb. Researchers are now trying to locate the bodies of more than 80 Native American children buried near the school.
    National Archives/AP

    Indigenous writers have explained how this transformation at Indian boarding schools occurred. “Federal agents beat Native children in such schools for speaking Native languages, held them in unsanitary conditions, and forced them into manual and dangerous forms of labor,” writes Indigenous law professor Maggie Blackhawk.

    What my grandmother witnessed

    Secretary of the Interior Debra Anne Haaland has stated that every Native American family has been impacted by the “trauma and terror” of Indian boarding schools. And my family is no different.

    One of the more horrific stories that my maternal grandmother shared with her grandchildren was that she witnessed the death of another student. They were both under the age of 10. The student died of poisoning after lye soap was put in her mouth as a punishment for speaking her Indigenous language.

    We know that similar punishments happened and children died at Indian boarding schools. The Department of Interior reported in 2024 that 973 children died at Indian boarding schools.

    Tribes are increasingly seeking the return of the remains of children who died and are buried at Indian boarding schools.

    A worker digs for the suspected remains of children who once attended the Genoa Indian Industrial School, on July 11, 2023, in Genoa, Neb.
    AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

    Lasting legacy

    The U.S. government is beginning to encourage survivors to tell their stories of their Indian boarding school experiences. The Department of the Interior is in the process of recording and documenting their stories on digital video, and they will be placed in a government repository.

    At 84 years old, my mother is the only living Indian boarding school survivor in our family. She shared her story with the Department of the Interior this past summer, as did dozens of other survivors.

    Haaland stated these “first person narratives” can be used in the future to learn about the history of Indian boarding schools, and to “ensure that no one will ever forget.”

    “For too long, this nation sought to silence the voices of generations of Native children,” Biden added at the apology ceremony, “but now your voices are being heard.”

    As a descendant of Indian boarding school survivors, I appreciate President Biden’s apology and his effort to break the silence. But, I am also convinced that what my mother, grandmother and other survivors experienced was genocide.

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

    – ref. My family lived the horrors of Native American boarding schools – why Biden’s apology doesn’t go far enough – https://theconversation.com/my-family-lived-the-horrors-of-native-american-boarding-schools-why-bidens-apology-doesnt-go-far-enough-242249

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor of Leeds to open major Commonwealth trade and investment conference

    Source: City of Leeds

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, is set to welcome guests from across the Commonwealth to a major trade and Investment conference in Leeds tomorrow (Tuesday 29 October). 

    The Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Commonwealth conference has been organised by law firm, Womble Bond Dickinson, and is being jointly hosted by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

    The conference will feature a range of speakers including; Megan Wood, Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commissioner in London, Dr Olushola Kolawole, lecturer at the University of Bradford’s School of Management, and the Pakistani Consul General in Bradford, Zahid Jatoi. Several influential British-based groups, such as the Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum and British Friends of Pakistan, will also attend along with Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce James Mason.

    The event brings together experts from India, Canada, Pakistan, and Nigeria to reflect on the outcomes of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, held in Samoa last week, and will explore how the UK’s commercial links to the Commonwealth can be enhanced. 

    The 56 nations of the Commonwealth are among the UK’s largest and fastest-growing trading partners. The UK exports £83 billion to Commonwealth markets annually, which accounts for 10% of overall UK exports, with significant further trade and investment opportunities for companies in West Yorkshire.

    The event will be an opportunity to encourage further West Yorkshire-Commonwealth trade, upskill businesses on commercial opportunities in the Commonwealth, and highlight the synergies around culture, education, and diasporic communities. It supports our mission to create an economy that works for everyone as set out in the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy.

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome our distinguished Commonwealth guests and partners to Leeds.

    “I look forward to discussing furthering trade, culture, and education opportunities for our city, region and the Commonwealth markets. Leeds has a vibrant range of industries that would directly benefit from increasing opportunities with our Commonwealth partners, especially in our professional and financial services, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technology sectors, highlighted as growth-driving sectors in the UK’s recent Modern Industrial Strategy Green Paper.

    “The strength of our city and a driver of its success is its diversity, vibrancy, and people. Forging closer links with our Commonwealth partners is a great opportunity to build on that diversity, create new ideas and investment opportunities and succeed together.”

    Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:

    “We are delighted that Leeds is hosting honoured guests from around the world to this trade and investment conference. As a city Leeds is very proud of the diverse make-up of our communities, and this is reflected in our commitment to welcome and support international trade and businesses to invest here.

    “As one of the leading UK cities for private-sector job creation, international investment and supporting business creation and growth across a wide-ranging economy, we very much look forward to this conference and the benefits it can help deliver through further strengthening international relationships and boosting the city and regional economy for all to benefit from.”

    Notes for editors:

    Leeds City Council Inclusive Growth Strategy: https://www.inclusivegrowthleeds.com/ 

    West Yorkshire Trade and Investment Statistics

    • India: 629 West Yorkshire businesses export goods to India at a total value of £126m, and 963 West Yorkshire businesses import goods from India at a total value of £356m. The value of services exported from West Yorkshire is £113m, and the total value of services imported from India to West Yorkshire is £134m. Total bilateral trade in goods and services between West Yorkshire and India is worth £729 million.
    • Indian Tech company Mastek delivers significant UK digital infrastructure projects (including the NHS Spine, and MOD contracts). Mastek has a substantial presence in Leeds including an ambitious new graduate programme. Mastek continues to strengthen its Leeds operation, recently creating an additional 200 new jobs.
    • In 2021 Mphasis launched a new UK Centre of Excellence in Leeds for their insurance clients. In 2022, Mphasis, announced plans to create an additional 1,000 new jobs in West Yorkshire. The investment will be worth tens of millions of pounds to the West Yorkshire economy.
    • Prime Focus Technologies create high-tech AI-enabled software for the media and entertainment industry.  Leeds is home to their UK headquarters and new state-of-the-art Media Centre which delivers Media and Online services for Channel 4 and other media companies.
    • The latest published figures are for the 2021/22 academic year and show the count of Indian students at West Yorkshire institutions to be 4,080. Indian visitors to Yorkshire as a whole spend £14 million annually. British Indian’s make up roughly 2.7% of the population in West Yorkshire which is higher than most groups except for British Pakistani’s (10.7%).
    • Pakistan: Pakistani’s make up the largest West Yorkshire Diaspora group, with 10.7% of the population.
    • Yorkshire and Humber accounted for over 5% of UK exports to Pakistan in 2023, with a value of £23 million and over 7% of imports from Pakistan, valued at £111 million.
    • Pakistan’s trade with the UK is covered by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which allows for preferential and tariff free trade on many products. 94% of goods exported from Pakistan to the UK are covered by the scheme, reducing tariffs by £120 million. Trade is expected to double between 2022-25.
    • The UK is Pakistan’s largest export destination in Europe and the third globally.
    • Canada: In 2023, the value of UK goods traded between Yorkshire and the Humber and Canada amounted to £442 million in exports (7.8% of total exports) and £0.3 billion in imports (5.1% of total imports).
    • With both Canada and the UK being signatories of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), 99% of goods traded between CPTPP member countries will be tariff-free. This is projected to diversify both countries’ supply chains within the broader Asia-Pacific region whilst boosting trade, investment and innovation in sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
    • Leeds-based construction company Turner & Townsend have developed a strong presence in Canada with offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.
    • In the UK in 2020-21 the total number of Canadian students was 6615 while the amount of Canadian academic staff amounted to 1635. Academic partnership has seen 40,745 UK publications co-authored with Canadians, between 2018-2021.
    • Nigeria: In 2023, Yorkshire and Humber was the largest UK regional exporter to Nigeria, accounting for 45.5% of exports worth £661 million. In terms of imports, the region imported £29 million of goods from Nigeria during the same period.
    • The UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) is the first the UK has signed with an African country and is designed to grow the UK and Nigeria’s already thriving trading relationship, which totalled £7 billion in the year to September 2023.
    • In 2022/23 Nigerian students were the third largest international group in Yorkshire. Council figures suggest that between 2018/19 and 2022/23 the number of students coming from Nigeria to Leeds Beckett rose from 17 to 677.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Lisa A. Wannamaker, Assistant Crown Attorney at the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario in Peterborough, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Lindsay. Justice Wannamaker replaces Justice D.S. Gunsolus (Lindsay), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective March 28, 2022.

    Robin A. Bellows, a sole practitioner in Huntsville, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Parry Sound. Justice Bellows replaces Justice J. Stothart (Parry Sound), who will be transferred to Sudbury upon the appointment of a new Judge. Due to internal court transfers by the Chief Justice, the vacancy is located in Parry Sound.   

    Quote

    “I wish Justices Wannamaker and Bellows every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve Ontarians well as members of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario”.

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biographies

    Justice Lisa A. Wannamaker was raised in Peterborough. She received an honours degree in political science and economics from the University of Waterloo after which, she travelled and lived abroad in Ireland.  She later attended law school at Queen’s University. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2005.

    Justice Wannamaker worked for Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and the Ontario Securities Commission. She joined the Etobicoke Crown Attorney’s Office in 2006 and joined the Peterborough office in 2012. She has handled complex prosecutions in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice including homicides, sexual assaults, and dangerous offender proceedings.  She was frequently involved in education and training for other crowns and presented to police services across the province on search issues, expert issues and statements. She was an annual director for the crown attorney school on expert evidence. She also taught in the forensic science program at Trent University.

    Justice Wannamaker is highly committed to her community. She was on the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Peterborough and worked as a manager and game day announcer with the Peterborough Wolverines Football Organization and the Kinsmen Minor Football League. She was an articling principal and a mentor to junior lawyers. She has volunteered for student moots, and with the Ontario Justice Education Network.

    Justice Wannamaker enjoys travel with friends, and spending time between the lake and the football fields, with her two wonderful children and her dog.

    Justice Robin A. Bellows was born in Toronto and spent most of her formative years in Newfoundland. She began her undergraduate degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 2003 before obtaining her Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2006. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2007.

    Justice Bellows started her criminal defence practice in Muskoka in 2007, where she worked as a sole practitioner and as duty counsel for 10 years. In 2017, she became the Agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Parry Sound. In 2023, she was appointed as a per diem Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court.

    Justice Bellows served on the Board of the Muskoka Law Association since 2008 and became President in 2020. Additionally, she has been the President of the Parry Sound Law Association since 2021. For several years, she had the joy and privilege of coaching the Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School mock trial team. Outside of her legal pursuits, she shared her creative talents with the Muskoka theatre community, creating costumes and props for local productions.

    Justice Bellows is also a watercolor artist, a keen player of high-strategy board games, and a loving mother to two bright and caring children.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Nova Scotia

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada 

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    The Honourable D. Shane Russell, Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia in Sydney, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Sydney. Justice Russel replaces Justice R. Gogan (Sydney), who was elevated to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal effective February 19, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Justice Russell every success as he takes on his new role. I am confident he will serve the people of Nova Scotia well as a member of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.”

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biography

    Justice D. Shane Russell was bom and raised in North Sydney. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Robson Hall Law School in 2003 and has a Bachelor of Science Advance Major Psychology from Dalhousie University. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2004

    Justice Russell was appointed Associate Chief Judge of the Nova Scotia Provincial Court in February 2024. Prior to his appointment as Judge of the Nova Scotia Provincial Court in 2021, he practiced law for 17 years, all of those as a Crown Attorney at the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. He served as co-counse! with the Desmond Fatality Inquiry. While serving as Senior Crown Counsel, he routinely carried many complex and high-profile prosecutions involving, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, home invasion, and homicide.

    Justice Russell had served as a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society’s bar council, Gender equity committee, and Provincial Court Liaison Committee. He is also the past president of the Cape Breton Barristers’ Society and the Nova Scotia Crown Attomeys’ Association.

    Justice Russell is happily married to Nicole Russell, also from North Sydney. He is the proud older brother of two siblings, Trevor Russell and Nadine Russell-Wadden.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    The Honourable Peter H. Edelmann, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Edelmann replaces Justice P. Willcock, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective June 19, 2024.

    Scott Morishita, Associate Counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Morishita replaces Justice P.H. Edelmann (Vancouver), who was elevated to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia effective October 25, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Justices Edelmann and Morishita every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of British Columbia well as members of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biographies

    Justice Peter H. Edelmann is fluently bilingual and was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2019. He received an undergraduate degree in French literature and philosophy from the University of Toronto and went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. In 2004, he received both LL.B. and Civil Law degrees from McGill University. He was called to the bar of British Columbia in 2005.

    Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2019, Justice Edelmann was a partner at Edelmann and Company, a recognized immigration and refugee law firm in Vancouver. He had begun his career as a sole practitioner primarily focused on criminal defence, in a practice that came to encompass national security, extradition, immigration and refugee law.

    Justice Edelmann appeared before all levels of the federal and provincial courts, as well as the various divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board. He was an active member of the Immigration Section of the Canadian Bar Association and sat on the litigation committee for the Canadian Council for Refugees. He appeared regularly before Parliamentary committees and before the Supreme Court of Canada.

    Justice Scott Morishita was born and raised in Richmond. He is Japanese Canadian and a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and an LL.B. from the University of Victoria. He was called to the British Columbia bar in 2007.

    Justice Morishita was Associate Counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP, where he acted for plaintiffs in personal injury claims. Prior to that, he was Legal Counsel at the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, where he defended local governments in various types of liability claims. He spent his career as a civil litigator, representing a diverse range of clients, including individuals, insurance companies, and local governments.

    Justice Morishita is a passionate volunteer and a strong advocate for lawyers’ mental health. He dedicated his time to numerous legal organizations, serving as President of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia (B.C.) Branch for the 2023-24 term, and as a Law Society of B.C. appointee to the Transitional Board of Legal Professions B.C. He was also a past board member of the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. and an active member of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (B.C.).

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment to the Tax Court of Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Laurie A. Goldbach, Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Calgary, is appointed a Judge of the Tax Court of Canada. Justice Goldbach replaces Justice A. Pelletier, who was appointed Associate Chief Justice of the Tax Court of Canada on December 14, 2023.

    Quote

    “I wish Justice Goldbach every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve Canadians well as a member of the Tax Court of Canada.”

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biography

    Justice Laurie A. Goldbach was raised in Arva, a hamlet near London, Ontario. She received a B.A. Hons (1995) from Huron College at the University of Western Ontario and a LL.B. from University of Victoria (1998). She clerked with the Court of Appeal for Ontario before being called to the Ontario Bar in 1999, and the Alberta Bar in 2000.

    Justice Goldbach has lived and worked in Calgary for the past 25 years. She began her litigation career with Bennett Jones LLP before moving to a tax litigation boutique within Deloitte LLP in 2014. She joined Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in 2017 where she led the national tax disputes practice and served as regional group manager of the specialized business group. She has appeared before courts from coast to coast: the Supreme Court of Canada, all levels of courts in Alberta and Quebec, the Federal Courts, the Tax Court of Canada, and courts in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia.

    Justice Goldbach chaired the Tax Court Bench and Bar Committee of the Canadian Bar Association, was a Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation, and a regular speaker at professional development programs and conferences. She has been invested in mentoring students and lawyers and supporting mental health and wellness in the legal community. She is a long-time supporter of ASSIST and co-chaired a task force on mental wellness amongst dispute lawyers.

    Justice Goldbach and her spouse, Brett, are proud parents of one remarkable teenage daughter.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bovine H5N1 influenza from infected worker transmissible and lethal in animal models

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Media Advisory

    Monday, October 28, 2024

    Some antiviral drugs highly effective against bovine H5N1

    What

    A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, isolated from the eye of a farm worker who became infected through contact with dairy cows, was lethal in mice and ferrets infected in a high-containment laboratory environment, according to a new study in Nature. The study investigators also found that the virus isolated from the worker, who experienced mild inflammation of the cornea (conjunctivitis), could be transmitted through the air between separated ferrets and might be capable of binding to and replicating in human respiratory tract cells.

    The virus isolated from the worker is called huTX37-H5N1 and has a mutation (PB2-E627K) frequently seen in avian influenza viruses that replicate in mammals, typically making virus replication more efficient. These mutations underscore the need for continued monitoring and evaluation of viruses from the current H5N1 outbreak.

    The study also showed that a bovine H5N1 virus is susceptible to the antiviral drugs favipiravir and baloxavir marboxil (brand name Xofluza) of the polymerase inhibitor class, as well as the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir. The virus is less sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu), another neuraminidase inhibitor.

    In laboratory experiments, huTX37-H5N1 replicated in human cornea and lung cells. The scientists determined the lethal dose of huTX37-H5N1 as less than 1 plaque-forming unit (PFU) in mice, compared to 31.6 PFU as the lethal dose of a bovine H5N1 virus isolated from the milk of a lactating cow. The huTX37-H5N1 virus also infected each of 15 different mouse tissues tested, with the highest virus levels found in respiratory tissues.

    Researchers also infected ferrets with a high dose of huTX37-H5N1. Flu infections in ferrets more closely resemble human flu infections than those in mice. All infected ferrets died within 5 days and scientists found huTX37-H5N1 virus in all the tissues sampled, with high levels in the respiratory system. In a prior study, the researchers had infected ferrets with a bovine H5N1 virus and, although it caused severe disease, lethality was limited.

    To evaluate respiratory transmission, the scientists placed healthy ferrets in cages about 5 centimeters away from ferrets infected one day earlier with one of four decreasing doses of huTX37-H5N1. All directly infected ferrets died within 6 days and, depending on the exposure dose, between 17% and 33% of the nearby animals became infected via respiratory droplet transmission. These results indicate that a bovine HPAI H5 virus isolated from an infected person can transmit among mammals via respiratory droplets, though with limited efficiency.

    The authors note that the person infected with the huTX37-H5N1 virus did not develop severe illness. In fact, human cases reported from the current outbreak have mostly experienced conjunctivitis and/or mild respiratory symptoms. The researchers speculate that eye infection with a low dose of bovine H5N1 virus might result in localized conjunctivitis without severe disease in humans. Multiple exposures to seasonal human influenza viruses, they say, might provide people with low levels of protection against currently circulating HPAI H5N1 viruses—though additional study is needed.

    In summary, this study characterizes the huTX37-H5N1 isolate, finding that it may be capable of replicating in cells of the respiratory tract in humans, that it is pathogenic in mice and ferrets, and that it is capable of being transmitted by the respiratory route in ferrets. The authors note that “based in these observations, every effort should be made to contain HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in dairy cattle to limit the possibility of further human infections.”

    Scientists from the University of Wisconsin at Madison led the research with collaborators from Shizuoka and Tokyo Universities and the Research Center for Global Viral Diseases in Japan. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, funded much of the work through its Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response program.

    Articles

    C Gu et al. A human isolate of bovine H5N1 is transmissible and lethal in animal models. Nature DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08254-7 (2024).

    A Eisfeld et al. Pathogenicity and transmissibility of bovine H5N1 influenza virus in mice and ferrets. Nature DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07766-6 (2024).

    Who

    Lauren Byrd-Leotis, Ph.D., with the Viral Respiratory Diseases Section of NIAID’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, is available to discuss the findings. 

    NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.  

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

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    MIL OSI USA News –