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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong attends automotive summit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended automotive supply chain meetings in Wuhan, Hubei Province today.

    In the morning, Prof Sun attended the 2024 China Automotive Supply Chain Conference & the Third China Intelligent Networked New Energy Vehicle Ecological Conference organised by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Dongfeng Motor Corporation, as well as the launch ceremony of the International Automotive & Supply Chain (Hong Kong) Summit and the 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong).

    Speaking at the conference, Prof Sun said that the automobile industry has entered the new energy era, making it an emerging industry under new industrialisation. In the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, new energy vehicles is one of the significant industries advocated for development under new industrialisation.

    He added that over the past two years or so, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attracted over 100 strategic innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises to set up their businesses in Hong Kong, including BeyonCa, a joint enterprise established earlier in the city by today’s event co-organiser Dongfeng Motor Corporation and France’s Renault Group.

    The tech chief also expressed confidence that Hong Kong can make new contributions to the innovative development of the national supply chain of the new energy vehicle industry, thereby augmenting the new advantages of Chinese vehicle brands.

    At the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Prof Sun learnt about its latest developments, product planning and corporate culture. He also had in-depth exchanges with the corporation’s Chairman Yang Qing on its development of new quality productive forces in the future and potential co-operation opportunities between the two parties in aspects such as new industrialisation.

    He particularly hoped that both sides’ collaboration on BeyonCa setting up in Hong Kong would serve to demonstrate their co-operation with each other.

    During a tour of the assembly final workshop at the corporation’s Mengshi Tech Intelligent Park, Prof Sun experienced the functionality and performance of the latest domestic high-end off-road electric vehicles.

    In the afternoon, he visited Wuhan FineMEMS to gain an understanding of the national high technology enterprise’s research and development, and products in providing Microelectromechanical Systems sensors, and metallic thick film pressure sensors and system.

    Prof Sun then proceeded to the Wuhan University to exchange views with its leaders and experts, as well as other local higher education institutions, the Hubei Provincial Government’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, Hubei Province’s Department of Science & Technology and high-tech enterprises.

    The tech chief expressed his support for deepening I&T co-operation among higher education institutions between the two places.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU takes part in events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    From September 19 to 20, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “On the Road of Struggle and Achievements: for the 75th Anniversary of the Formation of the PRC and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Russia and China” was held in St. Petersburg.

    Director of the Center for Socio-Economic and Political Research of China at the National University of Management Fanis Sharipov made a presentation at the plenary session on the program “International Manufacturing Business”. This is a dual degree program of the National University of Management and Ningbo University (PRC), which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

    The next day, Fanis Sharipov became the moderator of the section “International Relations and Foreign Policy of the PRC in a Changing World”, and also gave a report “The Space Silk Road”.

    The conference was organized by the Regional Office of the Interregional Public Organization “Russian-Chinese Friendship Society” in St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg State University of Economics with the support of the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.

    On September 27, the Director of the Center for Socio-Economic and Political Research of China at the State University of Management will attend a gala reception at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China.

    And on September 30, 2024, a Gala Evening dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the 75th anniversary of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese-Russian Friendship Society will be held in the Rossiya Cinema building.

    The Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation I.I. Melnikov and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Russian Federation Zhang Hanhui will speak at the ceremonial meeting. After the speeches, the guests will enjoy a concert by the N.V. Osipov Folk Instruments Orchestra, soloists of the A.V. Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble, as well as musicians from the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

    Organizers of the event: Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/25/2024

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

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

    GUU takes part in events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Post Secondary Schools to Receive Menstrual Products for Students in Need

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 25, 2024

    A partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Shoppers Drug Mart is expanding a program that distributes free menstrual products in the province. 

    “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart and expand this important program,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said. “This fall, in addition to 670 elementary and high schools, nine post-secondary institutions and six private vocational schools will receive product so students in need have access to free period products. All partners are committed to increasing safety and affordability in our communities.”

    Since the initiative was launched in October 2023, more than five million period products have been delivered to 670 schools and 23 shelters across the province. Two million more products are scheduled for distribution starting in October. 

    “This partnership is another important way we are supporting post-secondary students,” Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young said. “Students should not have to face financial or physical barriers to access menstrual products. This fall, many students will benefit from free access to these essential items as 435,000 products will be delivered to post-secondary institutions across the province.”

    The announcement was made at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology in Regina, one of the many schools that will benefit from the program. Shipments to the post secondary institutions will start in October.

    “At Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, walking alongside our learners and supporting them throughout their educational journey is central to our student support model,” Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) Operations & Advancement Vice President Dr. Vickie Drover said. “With over 2,500 students, and 55 per cent identifying as female, ensuring access to essential items is crucial to reducing barriers and fostering a safe, supportive environment. Partnerships like this one are invaluable in our efforts to empower Indigenous learners, enabling them to focus on their education and personal growth.”

    Through the partnership with the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, the province will receive 12 million free products over three years. Shoppers donates the products, and Saskatchewan’s Status of Women Office manages the distribution. 

    “We are proud to see our work with the Government of Saskatchewan continue to expand, reaching more students with the menstrual products they need, where they need them the most,” Shoppers Drug Mart District Manager Kendra Comeau said. “Keeping women and girls in school is key to their overall success and programs like these are breaking down barriers, making it easier for students to reach their full potential.”

    Shoppers Drug Mart has a long history of supporting women’s health charities across Canada. With a commitment to regular giving through the charitable arm of the company, Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, Shoppers Drug Mart is building on this legacy by focusing on reducing health inequities, particularly through initiatives that promote menstrual equity. 

    To learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives, visit: shoppersfoundation.ca

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Biden-Harris Soft-On-Crime Agenda And Failed Foreign Policy Threaten The Safety & Security Of Every American

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    The Biden-Harris Soft-On-Crime Agenda And Failed Foreign Policy Threaten The Safety & Security Of Every American

    Washington, September 25, 2024

    Since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office, their failed foreign policy of appeasement has diminished our standing on the world stage and emboldened our adversaries while violent crime surges across the country due to their’ soft-on-crime policies, failed bail reform, open borders, and defund the police movement. House Republicans are committed to law and order while maintaining strength and dominance on the world stage. Today, House Republicans will bring to the Floor two bills–H.R. 8205, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, and H.R. 3334, the Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act–to equip law enforcement with the necessary resources to stop repeat offenders from threatening our communities and counter the threat of foreign adversaries including the Chinese Communist Party. 
     
    FACTS ABOUT H.R. 8205 – The Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act (Courtesy of the House Committee on the Judiciary Republicans) 

    • Defines bail bonds as an insurance product so that they must comply with federal insurance fraud laws and background check requirements.
    • The rise in violent crime we are seeing across our country is a direct result of the soft-on-crime policies like cashless bail that is being pushed by woke prosecutors and judges. This bill combats radical bail policies by ensuring judges and prosecutors know a defendant’s criminal history and bring accountability to bail bonds.

    FACTS ABOUT H.R. 3334 – Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act (Courtesy of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary Republicans) 

    • Requires financial and visa sanctions on members of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, their spouses, and their adult family members who implement, design, or approve policies or laws that are designed to violate the autonomy of Hong Kong, intimidate Taiwan, or contribute to political oppression or violation of human rights within the People’s Republic of China. 
    • Despite the CCP’s continuing pattern of human rights abuse, political oppression, and aggression towards Taiwan, the administration has not taken any steps to implement meaningful sanctions tied to those who design and implement those policies. STOP CCP is designed to force implementation of sanctions against those individuals, while providing standard waiver authorities to avoid unintended collateral economic damage. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of academic freedom – HKSAR Government rejects the baseless smears by the so-called Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stated today (September 25) that it strongly condemned and rejected the report on the academic freedom of Hong Kong published by the so-called Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council yesterday (September 24). The content of the report are all maliciously smears and sweeping remarks. The HKSAR Government must point out its errors to set the record straight.

         A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stressed, “The fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have all along been guaranteed at the constitutional level by the Basic Law. HKSAR’s laws to safeguard national security attach special importance to human rights. Both the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) have clearly stipulated that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and that the rights and freedoms which the residents of Hong Kong enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law. Any measures or enforcement actions taken under the relevant laws must observe the above principle.

         “After the implementation of the HKNSL, Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy various rights and freedoms, including the freedom of academic research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. According to Article 137 of the Basic Law, educational institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom. Hong Kong residents can exercise their freedom of expression legitimately, including criticising government policies or decisions made by officials.

         “The offences stipulated in the NSL and the SNSO clearly define their elements, penalties, exceptions and defences. These laws actively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. Additionally, they target an extremely small minority of people and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the public. Law-abiding people including students, scholars, and other academics will not engage in acts and activities that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and therefore have no reason to be worried.”

         The spokesman said, “We noticed that most of the interviewees of the so-called report have used pseudonyms, which is a tactics frequently adopted by anti-China forces, making it difficult to ascertain if the interviewees truly exist. Therefore, the authenticity and credibility of the so-called report is questionable.”

         As regard to the so-called report containing fabricated content and irresponsible remarks saying that academic freedom has declined in Hong Kong, the spokesman stressed, “Academic freedom is an important social value treasured in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy, which are both enshrined in the Basic Law. These safeguards are clear and specific, and their effectiveness has never changed. Since the implementation of the NSL, academics or post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong continue to conduct normal exchange activities between their foreign or external counterparts.”

         The spokesman said, “National security is essential for the prosperity and stability of society as well as for its people to live and work in peace and contentment. Without security and stability, there is no way to talk about anything. We should not forget the painful experiences Hong Kong endured in 2019, including the riots in campuses that severely disrupted normal teaching and academic research.”

         The spokesman stressed, “Enacting laws safeguarding national security fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate. The HKNSL and SNSO complement each other, providing a strong framework for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. This allows all sectors, especially higher education, to flourish in a safe and stable environment, enabling scholars and students to pursue their studies and research in a stable, secure, and inclusive setting.

         “The HKSAR Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international education hub and will continue to work closely with the higher education sector in capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths. Through various key initiatives, the Government will support expansion and quality enhancement of institutions, promote academic exchanges and research collaborations, and promote a more diversified campus culture, so as to enhance the competitiveness of the institutions and students in the globalised environment.

         “In fact, over the years, Hong Kong’s publicly-funded universities have continued to be highly rated in international rankings and among the best in Asia. In the World University Rankings 2025 published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), an international higher education organisation, five publicly-funded universities have stayed in the world’s top 100, highlighting that Hong Kong’s universities are highly reputable in the global academic community, with excellent performances in terms of quality of teaching and research, and internationalisation, thereby attracting experts and talent from around the world. At present, four University Grants Committee-funded universities are ranked among the top 10 most internationalised universities in the world.

         “The HKSAR Government will continue to lead Hong Kong in fully focusing on development, improving people’s livelihoods, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Revo Announces Its Cutting-edge Solutions to Protect Client Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW DELHI, INDIA, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Capital Revo is proud to announce the launch of its cutting-edge solutions to protect client data. Whether it’s the best forex broker in India or a top trading platform globally, protecting clients’ data is of utmost priority. In this digital age, where internet users are exposed to various threats and vulnerabilities, taking the right measures and investing in cutting-edge technology is essential for safeguarding their online information.

    “By expanding the existing relationships with their strategic partners and focusing on improving their technological infrastructure, Capital Revo is proud to take the first step to ensure the protection of their clients’ data. We will continue to improve the experience their platform offers, making it safe for novice and expert traders to trade.” says the CEO of Capital Revo.

    The Importance of Online Security for Trading Platforms

    One of the major concerns that users have before joining a trading platform is online security. What if a hacker gains access to their personal or financial data? Such a situation can lead to a world of trouble, as the outsider can commit identity theft or financial crimes, creating further problems for the victim.

    Evolving customer expectations continue to drive the need for efficient and secure solutions to meet the demands of the modern trading world. While data encryption remains a key favorite among the different forex platforms, network security, firewalls, audits, strong authentication methods, and software updates are also important in combating a security system’s constant vulnerabilities.

    Enhancing Online Security and Technological Infrastructure by Making the Right Investments

    Capital Revo understands the constant threat that looms on the internet. From dangerous malware to intrusions, modern investors face many risks on a daily basis.

    Due to rising concerns among online traders, the company have decided to enhance their technological infrastructure by investing in cutting-edge solutions that encrypt their clients’ information. This demonstrates their commitment to data protection and their ability to listen to their audience.

    Their modern security systems can recognize and mitigate threats before they impact their operations. They are able to keep up with the changing online landscape and modify their systems accordingly to ward off potential hackers.

    Collaboration with an Online Security Company for Daily Protection

    While several trading platforms, including Capital Revo, have invested in robust technological solutions, it’s important to understand that cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to breach advanced security measures. This makes it even more pressing for trading platforms to continually monitor and defend against emerging threats.

    Fortunately, their recent investments in cutting-edge technology and partnership with a reputable cybersecurity firm allow us to provide ongoing security support. Their experts will continuously monitor the platform and user accounts for vulnerabilities and suspicious activities, ensuring the protection of consumer data.

    Capital Revo on Its Way to Becoming One of the Best Trading Platforms in India!

    At Capital Revo, they aim to make trading easy and safe. Their intuitive dashboard, combined with the robust technological solutions they have invested in, makes us the best forex broker in India.

    With Capital Revo, users don’t have to worry about online hackers trying to get their hands on users’ personal or financial information. Their state-of-the-art cloud systems ensure that users’ data remains protected at all times, giving you peace of mind while you plan users’ next short-term and long-term investment strategies.

    Social Links

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capital_revo/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Capital-Revo/61552517622119/

    Media contact

    Brand: Capital Revo

    Contact: Media team

    Email: marketing@capitalrevo.com

    Website: https://capitalrevo.com

    SOURCE: Capital Revo

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: When Russia and Israel talk about setting up ‘buffer zones’ what they are really talking about is a land grab

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Iain Farquharson, Lecturer in Global Challenges – Security Pathway Lead, Brunel University London

    In the conflicts raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, we have recently seen calls for the establishment of what are being referred to as “buffer zones”.

    Russia has proposed setting one up around Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv in the north-east of the country. This, the Kremlin claims, is to protect Russian towns from shelling and missile attacks from Ukrainian territory.

    Israel, meanwhile, wants to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. It says it needs to protect nearly 70,000 civilians returning to their homes, which they have abandoned in the past year after rocket attacks by Hezbollah.

    But these suggestions should be viewed with scepticism. Both Russia and Israel want to set up these buffer zones within the borders of neighbouring autonomous nation states – in breach of their sovereignty – in the name of “security”. They should instead primarily be seen as a way of formalising control over contested territory to protect their home bases, which would give them a military advantage.

    The situation is further complicated by the fact that neither nation is formally at war with its opponent. No formal declaration of war has been issued by Russia to Ukraine, while Israel claims its legitimacy to establish a buffer zone under Article 51 of the UN constitution concerning self-defence.

    Such arguments are hypocritical and one-sided. Russian and Israeli policymakers have shown no concern for the effect of the establishment of these zones on the Ukrainian and Lebanese populations of the areas.

    The idea of buffer zones has a long history within international relations. Buffer zones have generally been defined as a nation state or neutral geographical area between two states not politically or militarily controlled by either of the rival states it separates.

    The zones proposed by Russia and Israel don’t fit this definition. Both Kharkiv and southern Lebanon are militarily contested. And neither the Ukrainian nor Lebanese governments is in control of their territories.

    If the Russian and Israeli proposals were to conform to this definition, they would comprise territory on both sides of the border of the two states, established with the agreement of both rival states. But neither Russia nor Israel is planning to cede their own territory in the establishment of these buffer zones. In fact, both have consistently sought to delegitimise their rival’s status as a nation state.

    These considerations, alongside Ukrainian and Hezbollah resistance, suggest that these new buffer zones will be fiercely contested. Indeed, the history of buffer states and zones suggests that the effectiveness of such zones is highly questionable.

    History of failure

    Lebanon itself serves as an example of this in acting as a buffer state (although not formally declared as such) for the Israeli-Syrian rivalry from the late 1960s. Both Syria (1976) and Israel (1978 and 1982) intervened militarily in Lebanon at one point or another.

    In this context, Lebanon provided a way for Syria to protect itself from surprise attacks. It allowed the political and military confrontation to play out without escalation to their own national territories. But it was terrible for Lebanon itself and ironically, Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982 paved the way for the foundation of Hezbollah as a political and military force.

    Similarly, Anglo-Russian rivalry over influence in Afghanistan in the 19th century focused on political manoeuvring to exert influence over Afghan rulers to protect British India and southern Russia respectively. This saw much money and political capital expended on both sides. There were also three British military incursions (1839-40, 1878-80 and 1919) attempting to consolidate their influence. None went well.

    In both these cases though, competing powers were using an intervening state to avoid an escalation of tensions into conflict.

    External ‘security zones’

    In this instance, the recent declarations in pursuit of “buffer zones” by both Russia and Israel have more in common with strategic occupations of territory to resolve a military problem – namely attacks on their own territories. Within security studies literature these are termed “external security zones” and are generally militarily occupied zones within hostile territory deemed essential to the national security of the occupying power.

    Historically, these zones have also been of questionable value. Following continued Palestinian attacks on Israeli border villages, in 1977 the Israel Defense Forces created a formal security buffer zone in south Lebanon through the proxy South Lebanon Army and supported by UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (Unifil) from March 1978.

    The establishment of this zone did little to prevent shelling and rocket attacks on Israel, leading to significant exchanges of artillery fire in the summer of 1981. Then on June 6 1982, Israel invaded southern Lebanon.

    Ultimately, neither buffer zones nor security zones have proved very effective at preventing conflict or preserving populations from its effects. These have almost always been negative, to say the least.

    Now, both Russia and Israel are likely to find themselves facing increasing resistance from the occupied nation. This will require the commitment of more troops and perhaps deeper military advances under cover of the political and strategic “necessity” to ensure the security of their own borders.

    These commitments will undoubtedly lead to more casualties. They will either lead to a destabilisation of existing governance in their regions or serve as a pretext for the aggressors to push further forward. It will also require them to further reshape their economies to fill military needs and could lead to potential escalation with other regional powers.

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

    – ref. When Russia and Israel talk about setting up ‘buffer zones’ what they are really talking about is a land grab – https://theconversation.com/when-russia-and-israel-talk-about-setting-up-buffer-zones-what-they-are-really-talking-about-is-a-land-grab-239765

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Torrential rain represents an opportunity to build a better society

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maryam Imani, Associate Professor of Water Systems Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University

    A month’s worth of rain has poured down in just a few hours in parts of central and southern England. More than 300 flood-related emergency calls were made, major roads were submerged, trains were delayed, and an enormous sinkhole opened up on a football pitch in south London.

    This follows similar torrential rain across central and eastern Europe two weeks ago, which led to flash floods and widespread damage and deaths. As climate change alters rain patterns and makes extreme downpours more common, and more extreme, such flooding is increasingly the new normal.

    Intense rain doesn’t lead to serious floods every time, of course. Sometimes we get lucky: a well-timed low tide might help, or a rainstorm could be surprisingly localised in a place where water can easily flow into the sea, a river or a pond. And some of the actions taken by humans to minimise the risk of catastrophic floods can actually make life more pleasant anyway, even when it isn’t raining. For this reason, we should see rains like this not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity.

    Minimising the risk of disaster

    There are various things we can do to minimise flood risks before and after torrential rains and prevent smaller floods from escalating into disasters.

    We can build bigger and better drainage and stormwater infrastructure, for instance, and make sure drains are unblocked and flood walls are properly maintained. This is an example of so-called “hard” flood defences.

    Features like ponds and wetlands, larger parks, or trees on hillsides, help slow down or store rainwater and can ensure the flow is spread out over days or even weeks. Water flows much faster over bare ground, and especially over concrete roads and buildings, where urban drainage systems can soon be overwhelmed – causing floods. These features are known variously as “nature-based solutions” or “sustainable drainage systems” or “blue-green infrastructure”.

    We can also use smart technologies for flood warning systems and we can ensure people are aware and prepared. We can ensure people don’t live in flood-prone areas in the first place, through climate-resilient planning, and that those who do live there are insured and have flood-proofed their homes as best they can.

    More sustainable flood management

    In the UK, several exemplary projects address flood management. The most iconic is the Thames Barrier in London, which protects the city from storm surges and high tides coming from the North Sea. Another is the the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, which protects over 3,000 properties and 500 businesses in the UK’s fourth-largest urban area. It involves a combination of hard defences – weirs, flood walls – and natural solutions like planting trees and constructing water storage areas.

    The National Storm Overflows Plan for England report is being reviewed by the UK government for approval by December 2024. One of its recommendations is to make sustainable drainage systems mandatory.

    A government scheme (Flood Re) also ensures homeowners in flood-risk areas can protect their homes and obtain affordable insurance. And various rivers have been allowed to “wiggle” once again, by flooding over nearby fields. This has proven effective at reducing peak flows during storms, which is especially beneficial downstream where people live and where rivers are often encased in human-made banks.

    The River Derwent flows through the Lake District of northern England.
    RnDmS / shutterstock

    These initiatives are part of a broader trend toward more sustainable flood management practices. Key projects such as the “slowing the flow” project in Pickering, Yorkshire or projects along the River Derwent in Cumbria focus on reconnecting rivers with their floodplains.

    Worldwide lessons

    The Netherlands is one of the world leaders in flood management. The Delta Works, a massive system of dams, sluices, locks, dikes and storm-surge barriers, protects the country, much of which is below sea level, from flooding due to rainfall and rising sea levels.

    The Room for the River programme, started in 2007, manages higher water levels in rivers by lowering flood plains, creating water buffers, relocating levees, increasing the depth of side channels, and constructing flood bypasses. Urban adaptations, such as those in Rotterdam, are also crucial for managing flash flooding.

    Japan, particularly in flood-prone areas like Tokyo, has built massive underground flood tunnels to divert rainwater during storms. This system helps protect the city from excessive rainfall and typhoons. In many European countries, sustainable drainage systems are now integrated into urban planning. This helps absorb excess rainwater during storms, while offering ecological and social benefits too (grass and ponds are ultimately a lot nicer than bare concrete).

    It’s crucial to be aware of the problem of intense rain and view it as a chance to improve society. Prolonged droughts highlight the need to focus on storing and using excess water during high-demand times, which can be done by creating wetlands, storing floodwaters or by enabling the soil to store and retain more moisture.

    Engineers can’t do all this by themselves. Neither can tree-planters or wetland creators. We need a hybrid approach combining engineering solutions with nature and community efforts.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get our award-winning weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Maryam Imani is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a STEM programme ambassador.

    – ref. Torrential rain represents an opportunity to build a better society – https://theconversation.com/torrential-rain-represents-an-opportunity-to-build-a-better-society-239755

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller’s Op-Ed: Raising the Corporate Tax Rate Will Hurt American Business, Investment, and Consumers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) penned an op-ed in Fortune on how a higher corporate rate would hurt Americans by driving up prices and reducing wages, as well as affecting America’s standing in the global economy.

    Fortune: Rep. Miller: Raising the corporate tax rate will hurt American business, investment, and consumers

    “For the past three years, politicians, businesses, and families have been grappling with inflation. Pundits across the political spectrum have argued that dramatically raising taxes on American corporations would be a quick fix to this burden on Americans. The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, has argued that increasing the corporate rate to 28% ‘is a fiscally responsible way to put money back in the pockets of working people and ensure billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share.’ However, the clear economic truth is the opposite: Raising taxes on corporations will raise prices for consumers—and inflation will spike yet again.

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that passed under President Donald Trump in 2017 changed the trajectory of tax policy in the United States. Finally, a policy was enacted that lowered taxes for all Americans and made the United States more competitive globally.

    Before the TCJA, America’s corporate tax rate was one of the highest in the world, and American businesses were at a competitive disadvantage in the global market. This hurt companies and workers alike. Lowering the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% gave every American more opportunities to succeed in business because they weren’t as burdened by unnecessary taxes. The results proved out: In 2018, 263,000 manufacturing jobs were created and wages increased by 3%, according to a National Association of Manufacturers analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Many economists have credited the TCJA for America’s continued outperformance relative to most of the world’s advanced economies.

    Reducing the corporate tax rate was the cornerstone of the TCJA. Today, some in Congress want to raise it in the name of increasing federal revenue. That would be a catastrophic mistake. Raising the corporate rate doesn’t punish companies—it punishes Americans.

    Multiple studies show that corporate tax increases are directly passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. A higher rate will also make American exports more expensive and companies less competitive in the global market. The result will be slower economic growth, fewer jobs, and less innovation.

    As the Ways and Means Committee prepares for the reauthorization of the TCJA, Chairman Jason Smith created ‘tax teams’ to evaluate which policies worked well and which could use improvement for the 2025 reauthorization. I am the Chairwoman of the Supply Chains Tax Team, which focuses on the corporate rate, energy tax credits, and capital gains tax. We’ve had many meetings with small businesses, Fortune 100 companies, and economists who have all emphasized the importance of maintaining a corporate rate that is pro-growth and pro-American.

    A lower corporate tax rate keeps costs down, leading to lower prices for consumers and more investment in their workers. The reality is that if the corporate rate goes up, the burden will fall on consumers, employees, and retirees. As a small business owner, I know firsthand how important it is to take care of your employees and produce the best possible product. If I suddenly must pay more in taxes, I either have to cut back on investments into the business that create more jobs or pass increased costs onto my customers. This would happen to businesses around the country and would slow economic growth in the U.S. to a grinding halt.

    Another key benefit of a low corporate rate is how much more attractive America becomes to investors. When the U.S. corporate tax rate was 35%, it was one of the highest corporate tax ratesamong developed countries. For any startup or subsidiary company, it made more sense to do business in China, India, or even within the famously high-tax European Union. With the lower rate, the U.S. is more inviting for nearly every industry.

    While some may argue that the federal government is leaving money on the table by maintaining or lowering the corporate rate, the opposite is true. The TCJA grew the American economy to the extent that the significantly lower corporate tax rate was offset by increased tax collections.

    The U.S. government doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Thanks to the TCJA, the 21% corporate rate has kept business taxes low, which softened the blow from the Democrats’ ill-advised (and utterly misnamed) Inflation Reduction Act. Without the TCJA, inflation would have been much higher. This is why even Democrats refused to hike the rate or repeal the TCJA when they had full control of the House of Representatives, Senate, and White House.

    The solution to inflation isn’t to increase taxes on American business, it’s to get federal spending under control and spur economic growth. Keeping the corporate rate low—or better yet, lowering it, as former President Trump has suggested—gives financial freedom to American consumers and businesses. The one-two punch of lower taxes and a lower debt burden will bring back the strong growth we saw in the first three years of the Trump presidency.”

    This article originally appeared on Fortune.com

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Box Elder Man Admits Assaulting Woman with Knife on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

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

    GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man on Monday admitted to assaulting a woman by cutting her face with a knife during an argument on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    The defendant, Colten Tyrone Small, also known as Colton Swan, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Small faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Small was detained pending further proceedings.

    In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of May 3, 2023, Small punched the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in the face while he held a butcher knife in a residence in Box Elder, on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. A witness to the assault told law enforcement that Small sliced Doe’s face in the residence. Small and Doe argued, and the fight got more aggressive. After Small cut Doe’s face, the witness beat up Small. There was some fentanyl and alcohol use occurring at the time. Doe was treated for facial injuries from the knife at Northern Montana Hospital.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Law Enforcement investigated the case.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Over $3 Million in Awards to Advance Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for STEM, R&D-Focused Small Businesses and Startups

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage Two winners. Forty-four accelerator partnerships received between $50,000 and $150,000 each to advance their work supporting small businesses and startups in STEM and research and development (R&D) across priority areas like national and economic security, domestic manufacturing and production, and sustainability and biotechnology. 

    “Innovation happens everywhere and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to build on its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that advance research and development and commercialization in communities across the nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “The 2024 GAFC Stage Two award winners will drive forward the Investing in America agenda and strengthen America’s global competitiveness by continuing to support the expanding and increasingly diverse entrepreneurs across the nation and provide them with the opportunities that lower barriers for market and capital access.”

    GAFC Stage One prizes emphasized ecosystem network building, while Stage Two efforts focus on the enhanced support that can be provided to small businesses and startups through these Growth Accelerator Partnerships. These partnerships span public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fostering collaboration across industries and geographies, with lead awardees headquartered in 34 U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and assisting innovators nationally.

    “Since its launch in 2014, the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) has made a positive difference to local and national innovation-focused entrepreneurship organizations and the communities they support. The competition has grown to be a core component and vital source of support to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Over the last decade, SBA has awarded 566 prizes totaling over $33 million to winners across the U.S. and U.S. territories. We are delighted to announce 31 of this year’s Stage Two winners are new to the program, and we are inspired to witness communities of ecosystem developers coming together to build new relationships and networks with GAFC funding,” said Bailey G. DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. 

    Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two Winners

    Learn more about each GAFC partnership in the public directory located at https://bit.ly/GAFC24Directory. 

    National and Economic Security

    • Ala., The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Calif., Starburst Accelerator
    • Colo., Catalyst Accelerator
    • Ind., Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
    • Ind., Indiana Center for Emerging Technologies
    • La., Maven Scouts
    • Md., Rural Autonomous Innovation Network (RAIN) Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
    • Mo., Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation
    • Mont., Early Stage Montana
    • Neb., Invest Nebraska
    • N.M., NewSpace Nexus

    Domestic Manufacturing and Production

    • Ariz., Startup Tucson
    • Ark., Endeavor NWA Entrepreneurs
    • District of Columbia, National Disability Institute
    • Fla., Florida Institute of Technology
    • Fla., International Business Innovation Association
    • Hawaii, XLR8HI
    • N.C., RIoT
    • N.D., Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative Inc.
    • N.Y., FuzeHub
    • N.Y., Southern Tier High Technology Incubator Inc.
    • Utah, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Institute
    • Wash., 360 Social Impact Studios

    Sustainability and Biotechnology

    • Alaska, Spruce Root Inc.
    • Calif., Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
    • Conn., The Community Foundation-Mission Investments Company
    • Ill., University of Illinois Research Park LLC
    • Maine, Central Maine Growth Council
    • Mass., SeaAhead Inc.
    • Minn., RuralWorks Partners LLC
    • N.C., Eva Garland Consulting LLC
    • N.Y., The Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
    • Ore., Oregon Health and Science University
    • Pa., University City Science Center
    • Puerto Rico, CARBONO3 LLC
    • Tenn., BioTN Foundation Inc.
    • Tenn., Native American Investment and Capital Alliance
    • Texas, Health Wildcatters
    • Texas, Impact Hub Houston
    • Utah, Altitude Lab
    • Va., FedTech
    • Vt., LaunchVT
    • W.Va., U.S. Research Impact Alliance Corp.
    • Washington, D.C., Women in Engineering ProActive Network 

    “Supported by SBA’s Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development (IIED) Division, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards boost strategic partnerships that create a national network so entrepreneurs can tap into significant capital and resources. Our work emphasizes the value of strategic connections and relationships across a wide variety of entrepreneur support organizations and accentuates how the work they are doing can successfully impact the growth and advancement of our federal innovation ecosystem,” said Brittany Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development, for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We are changing the trajectory for underserved communities and founders so that more startups and small businesses can scale and grow. “

    For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us). 

    ###

    About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs that provide the growth-oriented small business and startup community with access to financial capital, networks, assistance, and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Our work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to IPO. 
     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This is how we can minimise the impact of heavy rain

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 25 September 2024 at 16:00

    VIEWPOINT: ARU expert explains how to reduce flood risks – and build a better society

    By Maryam Imani, Anglia Ruskin University

    A month’s worth of rain has poured down in just a few hours in parts of central and southern England. More than 300 flood-related emergency calls were made, major roads were submerged, trains were delayed, and an enormous sinkhole opened up on a football pitch in south London.

    This follows similar torrential rain across central and eastern Europe two weeks ago, which led to flash floods and widespread damage and deaths. As climate change alters rain patterns and makes extreme downpours more common, and more extreme, such flooding is increasingly the new normal.

    Intense rain doesn’t lead to serious floods every time, of course. Sometimes we get lucky: a well-timed low tide might help, or a rainstorm could be surprisingly localised in a place where water can easily flow into the sea, a river or a pond. And some of the actions taken by humans to minimise the risk of catastrophic floods can actually make life more pleasant anyway, even when it isn’t raining. For this reason, we should see rains like this not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity.

    Minimising the risk of disaster

    There are various things we can do to minimise flood risks before and after torrential rains and prevent smaller floods from escalating into disasters.

    We can build bigger and better drainage and stormwater infrastructure, for instance, and make sure drains are unblocked and flood walls are properly maintained. This is an example of so-called “hard” flood defences.

    Features like ponds and wetlands, larger parks, or trees on hillsides, help slow down or store rainwater and can ensure the flow is spread out over days or even weeks. Water flows much faster over bare ground, and especially over concrete roads and buildings, where urban drainage systems can soon be overwhelmed – causing floods. These features are known variously as “nature-based solutions” or “sustainable drainage systems” or “blue-green infrastructure”.

    We can also use smart technologies for flood warning systems and we can ensure people are aware and prepared. We can ensure people don’t live in flood-prone areas in the first place, through climate-resilient planning, and that those who do live there are insured and have flood-proofed their homes as best they can.

    More sustainable flood management

    In the UK, several exemplary projects address flood management. The most iconic is the Thames Barrier in London, which protects the city from storm surges and high tides coming from the North Sea. Another is the the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, which protects over 3,000 properties and 500 businesses in the UK’s fourth-largest urban area. It involves a combination of hard defences – weirs, flood walls – and natural solutions like planting trees and constructing water storage areas.

    The National Storm Overflows Plan for England report is being reviewed by the UK government for approval by December 2024. One of its recommendations is to make sustainable drainage systems mandatory.

    A government scheme (Flood Re) also ensures homeowners in flood-risk areas can protect their homes and obtain affordable insurance. And various rivers have been allowed to “wiggle” once again, by flooding over nearby fields. This has proven effective at reducing peak flows during storms, which is especially beneficial downstream where people live and where rivers are often encased in human-made banks.

    These initiatives are part of a broader trend toward more sustainable flood management practices. Key projects such as the “slowing the flow” project in Pickering, Yorkshire or projects along the River Derwent in Cumbria focus on reconnecting rivers with their floodplains.

    Worldwide lessons

    The Netherlands is one of the world leaders in flood management. The Delta Works, a massive system of dams, sluices, locks, dikes and storm-surge barriers, protects the country, much of which is below sea level, from flooding due to rainfall and rising sea levels.

    The Room for the River programme, started in 2007, manages higher water levels in rivers by lowering flood plains, creating water buffers, relocating levees, increasing the depth of side channels, and constructing flood bypasses. Urban adaptations, such as those in Rotterdam, are also crucial for managing flash flooding.

    Japan, particularly in flood-prone areas like Tokyo, has built massive underground flood tunnels to divert rainwater during storms. This system helps protect the city from excessive rainfall and typhoons. In many European countries, sustainable drainage systems are now integrated into urban planning. This helps absorb excess rainwater during storms, while offering ecological and social benefits too (grass and ponds are ultimately a lot nicer than bare concrete).

    It’s crucial to be aware of the problem of intense rain and view it as a chance to improve society. Prolonged droughts highlight the need to focus on storing and using excess water during high-demand times, which can be done by creating wetlands, storing floodwaters or by enabling the soil to store and retain more moisture.

    Engineers can’t do all this by themselves. Neither can tree-planters or wetland creators. We need a hybrid approach combining engineering solutions with nature and community efforts.

    Maryam Imani, Associate Professor of Water Systems Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Report on academic freedom rejected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned and rejected the report on Hong Kong’s academic freedom published by the so-called Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council, noting that its content is all malicious smears and sweeping remarks.

    In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have all along been guaranteed at the constitutional level by the Basic Law and added that the laws of Hong Kong to safeguard national security attach special importance to human rights.

    The Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) have clearly stipulated that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the city and that the rights and freedoms its residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law, the statement said.

    Any measures or enforcement actions taken under the relevant laws must observe this principle, it added.

    After the implementation of the HKNSL, Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy various rights and freedoms, including the freedom of academic research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.

    According to Article 137 of the Basic Law, educational institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom. Hong Kong residents can exercise their freedom of expression legitimately, including criticising government policies or decisions made by officials.

    The offences stipulated in the NSL and the SNSO clearly define their elements, penalties, exceptions and defences. These laws actively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law.

    Additionally, they target an extremely small minority of people and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the public. Law-abiding people including students, scholars, and other academics will not engage in acts and activities that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and have no reason to be worried.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government has noticed that most of the interviewees of the so-called report have used pseudonyms, a tactic frequently adopted by anti-China forces, making it difficult to ascertain if the interviewees truly exist. The authenticity and credibility of the report is questionable.

    As regards the report containing fabricated content and irresponsible remarks that academic freedom has declined in Hong Kong, the statement said that academic freedom is an important social value treasured in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of its higher education sector.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy, which are both enshrined in the Basic Law. These safeguards are clear and specific, and their effectiveness has never changed.

    Since the implementation of the NSL, academics or post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong continue to conduct normal exchange activities between their foreign or external counterparts.

    National security is essential for the prosperity and stability of society, as well as for its people to live and work in peace and contentment, and without security and stability, there is no way to talk about anything, the statement noted.

    It also recalled the painful experiences Hong Kong endured in 2019, including the riots in campuses that severely disrupted normal teaching and academic research.

    The HKNSL and SNSO complement each other, providing a strong framework for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. This allows all sectors, especially higher education, to flourish in a safe and stable environment, enabling scholars and students to pursue their studies and research in a stable, secure, and inclusive setting, the statement added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Over $3 Million in Awards to Advance Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for STEM, R&D-Focused Small Businesses and Startups

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage Two winners. Forty-four accelerator partnerships received between $50,000 and $150,000 each to advance their work supporting small businesses and startups in STEM and research and development (R&D) across priority areas like national and economic security, domestic manufacturing and production, and sustainability and biotechnology. 

    “Innovation happens everywhere and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to build on its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that advance research and development and commercialization in communities across the nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “The 2024 GAFC Stage Two award winners will drive forward the Investing in America agenda and strengthen America’s global competitiveness by continuing to support the expanding and increasingly diverse entrepreneurs across the nation and provide them with the opportunities that lower barriers for market and capital access.”

    GAFC Stage One prizes emphasized ecosystem network building, while Stage Two efforts focus on the enhanced support that can be provided to small businesses and startups through these Growth Accelerator Partnerships. These partnerships span public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fostering collaboration across industries and geographies, with lead awardees headquartered in 34 U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and assisting innovators nationally.

    “Since its launch in 2014, the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) has made a positive difference to local and national innovation-focused entrepreneurship organizations and the communities they support. The competition has grown to be a core component and vital source of support to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Over the last decade, SBA has awarded 566 prizes totaling over $33 million to winners across the U.S. and U.S. territories. We are delighted to announce 31 of this year’s Stage Two winners are new to the program, and we are inspired to witness communities of ecosystem developers coming together to build new relationships and networks with GAFC funding,” said Bailey G. DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. 

    Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two Winners

    Learn more about each GAFC partnership in the public directory located at https://bit.ly/GAFC24Directory. 

    National and Economic Security

    • Ala., The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Calif., Starburst Accelerator
    • Colo., Catalyst Accelerator
    • Ind., Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
    • Ind., Indiana Center for Emerging Technologies
    • La., Maven Scouts
    • Md., Rural Autonomous Innovation Network (RAIN) Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
    • Mo., Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation
    • Mont., Early Stage Montana
    • Neb., Invest Nebraska
    • N.M., NewSpace Nexus

    Domestic Manufacturing and Production

    • Ariz., Startup Tucson
    • Ark., Endeavor NWA Entrepreneurs
    • District of Columbia, National Disability Institute
    • Fla., Florida Institute of Technology
    • Fla., International Business Innovation Association
    • Hawaii, XLR8HI
    • N.C., RIoT
    • N.D., Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative Inc.
    • N.Y., FuzeHub
    • N.Y., Southern Tier High Technology Incubator Inc.
    • Utah, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Institute
    • Wash., 360 Social Impact Studios

    Sustainability and Biotechnology

    • Alaska, Spruce Root Inc.
    • Calif., Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
    • Conn., The Community Foundation-Mission Investments Company
    • Ill., University of Illinois Research Park LLC
    • Maine, Central Maine Growth Council
    • Mass., SeaAhead Inc.
    • Minn., RuralWorks Partners LLC
    • N.C., Eva Garland Consulting LLC
    • N.Y., The Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
    • Ore., Oregon Health and Science University
    • Pa., University City Science Center
    • Puerto Rico, CARBONO3 LLC
    • Tenn., BioTN Foundation Inc.
    • Tenn., Native American Investment and Capital Alliance
    • Texas, Health Wildcatters
    • Texas, Impact Hub Houston
    • Utah, Altitude Lab
    • Va., FedTech
    • Vt., LaunchVT
    • W.Va., U.S. Research Impact Alliance Corp.
    • Washington, D.C., Women in Engineering ProActive Network 

    “Supported by SBA’s Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development (IIED) Division, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards boost strategic partnerships that create a national network so entrepreneurs can tap into significant capital and resources. Our work emphasizes the value of strategic connections and relationships across a wide variety of entrepreneur support organizations and accentuates how the work they are doing can successfully impact the growth and advancement of our federal innovation ecosystem,” said Brittany Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development, for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We are changing the trajectory for underserved communities and founders so that more startups and small businesses can scale and grow. “

    For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us). 

    ###

    About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs that provide the growth-oriented small business and startup community with access to financial capital, networks, assistance, and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Our work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to IPO. 
     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd at the UN Security Council

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    Bern, 25.09.2024 – Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the UN Security Council, open debate ‘Leadership for Peace’, New York, Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

    Check against delivery

    Mr Secretary-General,
    Mr President of the Security Council,
    Excellencies,
    Ladies and gentlemen

    Mr President, I am pleased that you are giving us the opportunity to debate the topic of ‘leadership for peace’. This discussion makes us realise how important it is to fulfil our responsibilities, especially as members of the Security Council.

    Upon its election to the Council, Switzerland made a commitment to creating added value for peace, to be ‘A plus for peace’.

    Now that we have embarked on the last hundred days of our mandate, it is a good time to consider where the Security Council stands and how it can best fulfil its responsibilities. I would like to emphasise two points in particular:

    Firstly, leadership means setting standards, upholding them and holding those who violate the law accountable.

    Today, international law, including international humanitarian law, is very often and gravely violated; be it in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan or Myanmar.

    The international community cannot stand idly by and watch the breaches of law in these different contexts as well as the discord in the world. We condemn the disastrous consequences of the hostilities on the civilian population, including many children.

    The Security Council must speak with one voice to ensure compliance with international law and the protection of the civilian population.

    In the light of current events, I would like to underline that my country is deeply concerned about Israel’s air strikes in Lebanon and the rockets fired by Hezbollah into Israel.

    I reiterate our call for a cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy to resolve the conflict, as well as full respect for Resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law.

    The civilian population must be protected!

    As a member of the Security Council, Switzerland is firmly committed to international peace and security.

    The extension of the peace mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by Switzerland in 2023, and the call by the ten elected members of the Council for a ceasefire in Gaza are two examples of this.

    With the resolution introduced by Switzerland on the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel, and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we are reaffirming our commitment to the protection of vulnerable civilian populations.

    We hosted talks on Sudan. We also advocate for fair procedures in the UN sanctions regimes. We are committed to the implementation of humanitarian exemptions and to ensuring that humanitarian actors can continue their life-saving activities.

    Switzerland never tires of repeating its appeal for compliance with international law, regardless of the context. We are grateful that many here on the Council share this responsibility.

    Now to my second point, which is our responsibility to anticipate challenges, prevent dangers and recognise opportunities.

    The effects of climate change are further exacerbating and fueling existing crises and conflicts. Switzerland is working both within and outside the Security Council to ensuring that the international community addresses this challenge together.

    In view of the many challenges, it seems likely that peace missions will be more agile in the future. We also consider it a matter of urgency that peace work becomes more inclusive. Women make an important contribution to building and sustaining peace. We must recognise and strengthen this.

    This includes addressing the gender-specific impacts of conflicts and crises in a targeted manner. It will be an honour for me to chair a Council debate on the role of women in peace processes in a month’s time.

    Prevention is particularly important. In the recently adopted Pact for the Future, states have committed themselves to doing more to prevent conflicts instead of merely alleviating their consequences. The New Agenda for Peace is essentially geared towards conflict prevention. Prevention includes development and security aspects, but above all respect for human rights. Without the protection and promotion of universal human rights, there can be no lasting peace.

    Finally, I want to emphasize that we can only lead together. This principle applies to the multilateral system in general and to the Council in particular: no one can succeed alone. Partnerships, courage and trust between states are needed.

    Equally important is the dialogue with civil society, business and science. International Geneva has long been a place where humanitarian tradition and scientific innovation are united in the ‘esprit de Genève’. Switzerland is proud to promote this spirit through the organisations in Geneva.

    Regional partnerships are also valuable, as demonstrated by the African Union in the area of peacebuilding. I am pleased, therefore, that next month, under Switzerland’s chairmanship, we will be welcoming the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to New York.

    Mr President,
    Excellencies,

    Sustainable solutions require the will of all parties involved. Peace remains possible, especially if states and their leaders reflect on common human values. By agreeing to work together, we help everyone – including ourselves.

    Thank you.

    Address for enquiries

    DDPS Communication
    Federal Palace East
    CH-3003 Bern

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
    http://www.vbs.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Edwards speaks in support of due process for recognizing federal tribes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

    U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of upholding the merit-based process when recognizing federal tribes, including the Lumbee community.

    The remarks as prepared are below, or you may watch online here.

    [embedded content]

    “I rise today to express my deep opposition to any circumvention of the merit-based process set out in law, which would grant federal recognition to the Lumbee community through political means.

    “I am proud to represent North Carolina’s 11th District, which is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a Tribal Nation rich with culture, language, and sovereignty that is a treasure to the State of North Carolina and the United States.

    “I am proud to have the representatives of the Eastern Band with us in the gallery today.

    “The Eastern Band Cherokees are the descendants of those that fought to stay in their traditional homelands in the face of forcible federal removal efforts.

    “Some Cherokee, including a man named Junaluska, made the forced journey and then walked back to the mountains of Western North Carolina to return home.

    “It must be noted that the Lumbee community has no standing treaties with the federal government, no reservation land, and no common language.

    “As Members of Congress, one of our most sacred duties is making sure that laws are drafted and implemented in an objective and equal manner.

    “For over 40 years, the Department of the Interior has carried out a merit-based process, as set out by Congress and administered by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment (OFA), to make determinations on federal recognition of tribes.

    “If the administration or Congress allows the Lumbee to bypass the OFA, it sends a clear message that other groups with dubious claims for tribal recognition can also avoid the deliberation and scrutiny that the OFA petition process is designed to provide.

    “We need the OFA process to protect Indian country and the public. The process requires verification that the persons who claim to be tribal members actually have Native American descent.

    “Believe it or not, the OFA has determined that some petitioning groups are comprised entirely of people that cannot demonstrate Native American ancestry. Not a single person.

    “Regarding the Lumbee, in one fell swoop, the federal government would recognize a tribe that would soon be the largest in the country, and all enrolled members would likely gain full access to all federal benefits, which will further strain the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service’s already-stretched budgets.

    “As a member of the Interior & Environment Subcommittee on House Appropriations, I’m proud that we funded the needs of the Indian Health Service and other critical priorities for our nation’s tribes in the FY25 bill recently approved in the House.

    “That said, if the overall tribal population covered by these services is allowed to swell by tens of thousands of people, many of whom have no Native ancestry, I fear that necessary appropriations cannot feasibly keep pace.

    “That is the crux of the issue to me – if there was actual merit behind the Lumbee case for federal recognition, they’d go through the OFA process as set out in the law.

    “But as they know it won’t hold up under a deliberative process, they’ve instead sought to get special treatment through other avenues, all in the face of credible opposition by multiple federally recognized tribes.

    “More than 140 established tribes from across the country have said that the Lumbee and other groups should go through the federal recognition process at the Department of Interior to demonstrate the merits of their claim to be a tribe. I agree.

    “I urge all of my colleagues to take these concerns into account, and I hope that the merit-based process put in place by Congress decades ago on federal tribal recognition will be adhered to.

    “And Mr. Speaker, while I have the floor, I’d also like to urge you and my colleagues to move H.R. 7227, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, to create a commission to get a better understanding of the grievous wrongs done to Native American children in federally run boarding schools.

    “Our tribal nations deserve the dignity to understand what happened to their family members at these schools. It’s the very least this country can do.”

    Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Chief Michell Hicks said, “We commend Congressman Edwards for his leadership in defending Indigenous sovereignty from those seeking to undermine the OFA process. The Lumbees, who have repeatedly failed to meet the standards for federal recognition – attempt to circumvent the established process through political pressure and maneuvering in Congress by blocking the return of historic and sacred lands back to tribes across the country and other key legislation impacting Federally-recognized tribes.

    “Additionally, the Lumbees are taking millions of dollars in Federal Funding through HUD, HHS and other Federal agency funding sources blocking hundreds of Tribes from receiving these critical resources. We will continue to fight these political tactics and will continue to fight to protect the sovereignty of Indigenous communities and uphold the integrity of our nation’s processes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Leads 29-State Coalition Against Maryland’s Bizarrely Unconstitutional Gun Ban

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Attorney General Labrador Leads 29-State Coalition Against Maryland’s Bizarrely Unconstitutional Gun Ban

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador, joined by 28 other states, has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the United States.  The broad coalition requests a writ of certiorari, asking SCOTUS to take up the case of Snope v. Brown, where the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Maryland’s unconstitutional ban on hundreds of styles of firearms, including the AR-15, the most popular modern semi-automatic sporting rifle in America.  Inexplicably, the Fourth Circuit simply declared that the AR-15 was “military-style” and therefore not an “arm” protected by the unambiguous language of the Second Amendment.
    “It is gravely concerning for a federal court to blatantly ignore the most recent clarifying decisions regarding the right to keep and bear arms to ever come from SCOTUS,” said Attorney General Labrador.  “The AR-15 is the most common and prolific semiautomatic rifle in our country and the very definition of a firearm used for sport, personal protection and civil defense.  These arms are lawfully owned and used by tens of millions of citizens across the country, and a textbook definition of the firearms protected by the Second Amendment from capricious government overreach.”
    The Fourth Circuit decision flies in the face of recent SCOTUS decisions Relying on sparse and irrelevant historical evidence, including some that the Supreme Court has already considered and rejected, the Fourth Circuit erroneously concluded this nation has a tradition of banning the possession of commonly owned firearms like the AR-15.
    There is no such tradition. Nor could there be in a free nation.
    The brief argues, “…there is no principled distinction between weapons that are ‘for military use’ and weapons that are ‘for private use.’ By pretending otherwise, the Fourth Circuit authorizes itself to ignore the Second Amendment whenever it thinks a weapon looks too much like a soldier’s.  And this leaves citizens, businesses, and regulators guessing as to what supposedly makes an arm ‘most useful in military service’ – after all the Fourth Circuit said that even weapons with only semi-automatic capabilities may be considered best suited for military…even if the military does not actually use such weapons.”
    Joining Idaho’s Attorney General Labrador in this effort are attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the Arizona and Wisconsin Legislatures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Qu’Appelle — Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP: two arrested after robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 23, 2024 at approximately 4:05 p.m., Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business in Balcarres, SK.

    Investigation determined two adult females entered the business, assaulted an employee with a golf club and stole two bottles of liquor. The victim reported non-life-threatening injuries to police.

    The suspects fled in a vehicle.

    Officers immediately responded and located the vehicle travelling near Balcarres. They activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and turned into a field. Officers boxed the vehicle in, then arrested the females without further incident.

    One of them threatened a police officer while being transported to the detachment.

    As a result of continued investigation, 19-year-old Serenity Fink from Balcarres and 38-year-old Isabelle Starr from Fort Qu’Appelle are each charged with:

    • one count, robbery, Section 344(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, flight from police, Section 320.17, Criminal Code.

    Fink is also charged with:

    • one count, operation of a conveyance while impaired, Section 320.14(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, operation while impaired over 80 mg, Section 320.14(1)(b), Criminal Code.

    Starr is also charged with one count, uttering threats, Section 264.1(1)(a), Criminal Code.

    They were remanded into custody to appear via video in Fort Qu’Appelle Provincial Court on September 26, 2024.

    Indian Head RCMP, White Butte RCMP and the File Hills Police Service assisted with this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nature is adapting to climate change – why aren’t we?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Humanity may be no better prepared for the impacts of climate change today than in the 1970s.

    So says a new study led by Stanford University researchers that compared how sensitive societies are to extreme weather now versus 50 years ago. This research has yet to be peer-reviewed, and its conclusions run counter to what many climate policy experts have long assumed. If they are accurate, it means that additional wealth, technology and climate-savvy have not meaningfully enhanced our protection as the weather has become more hostile.


    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Earth’s atmosphere has warmed and contains more moisture as a result of fossil fuel burning. Europeans reeling from Storm Boris can testify to the failure of even wealthy countries to adapt to this reality says Chris Medland, a PhD candidate in climate change resilience at the University of Surrey.



    Read more:
    Who’s to blame when climate change turns the lights off?

    Eventually, everyone will feel this deficit.

    “Your home may not be in the path of the next storm but the infrastructure it relies on might be,” Medland says.

    Flood defences, power lines, rail networks – all of these things and more need to be built or upgraded to withstand mounting storms. Yet in the recently flooded UK, the companies that run utilities are not expressly obliged to ensure their networks remain resilient to climate change, Medland says. Nor is it clear who is ultimately responsible for keeping the lights on as the crisis intensifies.

    Invaders must die?

    If the accounts of biologists are anything to go by, the natural world is adapting to the effects of climate change far more radically than any human institution.

    “Faced with the degradation of their habitat, the species that will survive will be those that are able to adapt,” says Suzanne Bonamour, a postdoctoral researcher in ecology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

    Bonamour studies an endangered seabird, the crested cormorant, and its struggles to feed itself and its brood amid stormier seas. These birds can migrate to escape a winter squall, but only some do.



    Read more:
    How cormorants are rethinking their migration routes in the face of climate change

    Bonamour wonders whether adult birds might transmit this behaviour to their chicks, but she says that there is little that species can do to compensate for the catastrophe humans are engineering.

    Adjusting to a rapidly changing climate is a very tall order.
    LABETAA Andre/Shutterstock

    When plants and animals seeking cooler climes settle on new shores, they usually get a hostile reception. Attempting to root out these migrants is generally a mistake according to Heather Kharouba, an ecologist at the University of Ottawa.

    “Stated plainly, the vast majority of intentionally or unintentionally introduced species are not a threat to native ecosystems,” she says.



    Read more:
    Climate change means we may have to learn to live with invasive species

    Some arrivals do cause problems. In North America, “invasive species” include the emerald ash borer, an insect from north-eastern Asia that damages ash trees. But most control measures are laborious and expensive failures, Kharouba says. Some are even harmful, like using herbicides that afflict the native and non-native alike.

    Kharouba cites numerous examples of introduced species enriching their new homes. More generally, there is a trade-off: forests in the eastern US that are turning gold with autumn’s onset now harbour fewer species, but they store more carbon.

    “All this means that introduced plants could be well placed to support, or even buffer, current ecosystems as they undergo transitions due to climate change,” Kharouba says.

    Nature offers stark evidence that the world is changing rapidly. What if we embraced it?

    ‘Not just a challenge’

    Climate activists have typically shied away from discussing “climate adaptation” for fear of sounding defeatist says Joost de Moor, an assistant professor of political science at Sciences Po. There is cause to remain laser-focused on cutting emissions, he adds, but no excuse to neglect the question entirely.

    If change is inevitable, what sort of world do we want to emerge from the climate crisis? In March 2023, protesters in western France seized the initiative when they opposed the construction of a 628,000 sq metre reservoir in the rural Sainte-Soline commune, de Moor says.



    Read more:
    How climate activists finally seized the issue of adaptation in 2023

    France had suffered a historic drought, and so a huge artificial water reserve might have seemed prudent. Not if it involved draining a common resource, the water table, to serve a few farmers whose methods of agriculture already placed an untenable strain on struggling ecosystems, protesters argued.

    The campaign sparked a vital debate about whose needs ought to be prioritised in a future with greater hardship says Lucien Thabourey, a sociologist of environmental activism at Sciences Po. Fortunately, there is also a conversation to be had about the ways in which everyone might live better.



    Read more:
    Sainte-Soline : un tournant pour les mouvements écologistes ?

    “Some of the actions taken by humans to minimise the risk of catastrophic floods can actually make life more pleasant anyway, even when it isn’t raining,” says Maryam Imani, an associate professor of water systems engineering at Anglia Ruskin University.



    Read more:
    Torrential rain represents an opportunity to build a better society

    “For this reason, we should see rains like this not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity.”

    – ref. Nature is adapting to climate change – why aren’t we? – https://theconversation.com/nature-is-adapting-to-climate-change-why-arent-we-239750

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie in Tampa to meet with power and utility linemen staged and ready to respond to power outages caused by Hurricane Helene, and to provide updates on state preparedness efforts before the storm’s landfall.

    Following Governor DeSantis’ request, FEMA approved the state’s pre-landfall disaster declaration request. This will provide important resources and assistance from the federal government, including personnel, equipment and supplies, as well as making available funding sources for emergency protective measures. The pre-landfall declaration request is for the 41 Florida counties included in Executive Order 24-208.

    Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties, which allows for state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

    Voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in multiple counties statewide. Residents need to evacuate as soon as possible if they are under a mandatory evacuation order. Counties under evacuation orders can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/EvacuationOrders.

    Residents in need of assistance finding or going to a shelter in the Big Bend region for Hurricane Helene can call (800) 729-3413. FDEM team members will be conducting callbacks from messages received last night, as well as accepting new calls today, to facilitate shelter coordination. For additional resources and assistance, residents can call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at (800) 342-3557. Assistance is available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole.

    As of 11AM ET, the storm has strengthened into Hurricane Helene, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. Helene is expected to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and to the Florida Big Bend coast by Thursday evening. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches landfall.

    Watches and warnings in effect include

    Hurricane Warning: western Alachua, coastal Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, coastal Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, western Marion, coastal Pasco, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties

    Hurricane Watch: inland Citrus, inland Hernando, coastal Hillsborough, coastal Manatee, inland Pasco, Pinellas, coastal Sarasota

    Tropical Storm Warning: central and eastern Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, inland Citrus, Clay, Collier,  DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, inland Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe (including Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas), Manatee, central and eastern Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, inland Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Union, Volusia, Walton, Washington

    Storm Surge Warning: along the entire Florida Big Bend and West Coast through Southwest Florida

    Storm Surge Watch: Coastal Bay and Gulf counties along Mexico Beach to Indian Pass

    Floridians are encouraged to know their risks from hurricane hazards and prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. To learn more, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.

    Counties have begun their preparation efforts including measures like sandbag stations. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

    State Preparedness Efforts

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: E Ink Wins Manufacturer of the Year at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Manufacturing Awards Ceremony

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BILLERICA, Mass., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TW) the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in ePaper technology, today announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognized E Ink as a leading manufacturer in the state at the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards. Companies across the Commonwealth, including E Ink, were honored by the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus and accepted their awards on September 25 at Gillette Stadium. 

    The award recognizes E Ink in part because of its ongoing manufacturing and production of ePaper displays in Massachusetts. E Ink’s Billerica and South Hadley facility has been actively producing the Company’s proprietary ink and film products since 2009. E Ink has since acquired both sites and plans further expansion in the future. The Company is also looking to invest in automation within the factories to stay competitive in a challenging manufacturing environment.

    The most notable product manufactured in Massachusetts is E Ink’s black and white ink and film, which is used in millions of eReaders and electronic shelf labels, in transportation signs throughout the world, including at the MBTA, and in the world’s first color-changing car, produced with BMW. E Ink’s innovative and rugged ePaper enables a variety of applications that value a low power display that is easy on the eyes.

    “Massachusetts stands at the forefront of advanced manufacturing in the United States, thanks to the collaborative efforts of government and industry,” said Paul Apen, E Ink’s US Chief Operating Officer. “Under the leadership of Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, and Governor Healey, the Legislature has made strategic investments in this critical sector. At E Ink, we are committed to driving innovation, enhancing production, and creating jobs for residents in the Commonwealth.”

    Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 70 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.  To celebrate October’s Manufacturing Month, the Commonwealth’s Legislative Manufacturing Caucus teamed up with The Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), along with MassMEP, MassRobotics, Forge, WPI, and the MassHire boards, who hosted the “Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up” at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

    As a global leader in ePaper technology, E Ink is not only committed to delivering innovative technology via advanced manufacturing processes but is also prioritizing sustainability. The company is actively focused on reducing carbon emissions throughout the product design and manufacturing processes by conducting carbon footprint verification and providing customers with a sustainable framework for the design and integration of ePaper products.

    E Ink has also set the ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040 and RE100 by 2030, which means sourcing the company’s entire energy utilization from renewable sources. As of December 2023, E Ink’s global operations and sales sites have already achieved RE35 with factories and offices in Billerica, Fremont, and South Hadley (United States), and sales offices in Tokyo (Japan) and Seoul (South Korea), successfully reaching RE100 by using 100 percent renewable energy. In September 2023, E Ink’s science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets were validated and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). For years, E Ink was identified as having 99.9 percent of Green Revenue according to the FTSE Russell Green Revenue 2.0 Data Model, underscoring the positive environmental impact of ePaper products.

    About E Ink

    E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.

    Contact:
    V2 Communications on behalf of E Ink
    eink@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Browning Man Admits Assaulting Woman with Belt on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

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

    GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of beating and then using a belt to assault a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Briar Joseph Crawford, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Crawford faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Crawford was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 6, 2023, Crawford went to Twin Lakes go fishing with the victim, identified as Jane Doe. They got into an argument, and Crawford began to severely beat Doe over several hours as they traveled from Twin Lakes to the East Glacier Cut Across Road. At one point, Crawford removed his belt, wrapped it around Doe’s neck, grabbed it and lifted her weight off the ground until she blacked out. Doe suffered numerous injuries from the prolonged assault.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Identification of ND WWII Servicemember Charles R. Reiser, Lost During Operation Forager

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    09.24.24
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the service of Army Pvt. 1st Class Charles R. Reiser, a native of Washburn, North Dakota who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was lost during Operation Forager on the island of Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of Reiser, 20, were accounted for on June 25, 2024. Reiser was killed on June 15, 1944, when it is believed his unit, D, 708th Amphibious Tank Battalion, was providing armor support to the Marines’ initial landing on the beaches during Operation Forager. U.S. servicemembers ashore were under constant assault from Japanese mortars.
    “We are grateful for the DPAA and their work in identifying Charles. It’s vital that we always remember the bravery and sacrifices made by our servicemembers during WWII,” said Hoeven. “Charles, who was killed along with thousands of other Americans during the Battle of Saipan, reminds us yet again of the courage of the Greatest Generation. We honor Charles’ sacrifice and join his family, his fellow veterans and North Dakotans in paying tribute to his loss.”
    Hoeven helped advance legislation in 2014 that created the DPAA, and since that time, he has worked to support the agency as it seeks to locate and bring home the remains of missing service personnel. The DPAA identified Reiser’s remains using DNA as well as dental and other evidence. Reiser will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, on a date to be determined.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Uzbekistan: ICITAP Commences Development of Counter Terrorism Investigators and Managers Courses with Law Enforcement Academy of Uzbekistan

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    On July 22, ICITAP commenced its training development engagement with the Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) of Uzbekistan jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office of the British Government. This engagement will facilitate the long-term sustainability of counter-terrorism related teachings across agencies and institutions within Uzbekistan. The joint training development team consisting of individuals from the US, UK, and the LEA will work together for a three-week period reviewing existing materials, course structures, accreditation opportunities and incorporating human rights teachings to support an enhanced ability to investigate and manage counter-terrorism investigations and prosecutions. During the engagement the team will visit the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Indonesia to engage with staff and representatives from the National Police Academy. They will have the opportunity to observe a course designed to support the development of female law enforcers in the field of counter-terrorism surveillance techniques. The visit to JCLEC will enable the team to witness how counter-terrorism related training is being delivered effectively within Southeast Asia and serve as a point of reference for course structure and content. At the conclusion of this initial period of development the training team will structure counter-terrorism courses for delivery to academics, prosecutors, and frontline enforcement assets. Following agreement across the team on content and structure CT-DOJ/ICITAP will work with institutions in the US and UK to seek accreditation opportunities. This process will assist with long-term capacitation in country and encourage enhanced intelligence-sharing practices due to the developed abilities to handle intelligence and information accordingly. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MORE THAN 4,700 VETERAN NURSESRECEIVE UP TO $15,000 UNDER ANGEL SCHEME

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

          More than 4,700 nurses aged 46 and above who have at least five years in service in the public healthcare sector have received a one-off recognition payout amounting between $5,000 to $15,000 this month, under the Award for Nurses’ Grace, Excellence and Loyalty (ANGEL) scheme.

    2.    The ANGEL scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to attract and encourage nurses to build a lifelong career in nursing, and was announced by Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung in February 2024.

    3.   24,000 eligible nurses in the public healthcare institutions are currently on the ANGEL scheme, and can receive payouts every three to six years. Nurses who continue to work in the public healthcare sector, including new nurses, can receive a total payout of up to $100,000 over 20 years of their career. The payouts to more than 4,700 nurses in September 2024 aim to recognise the contributions of experienced nurses who have already served a number of years. Nurses who have served fewer years typically join the profession at a young age, and will be able to enjoy the full benefits of the scheme if they continue to pursue a career in nursing.

    4.   Publicly funded Community Care Organisations and Social Service Agencies with nurses funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development will also be able to participate in the ANGEL scheme. MOH will be working closely with these employers in the coming months to encourage them to come onboard the scheme, so that the 5,000 nurses currently serving in these organisations can also benefit.

    5.   In total, 29,000 nurses from both the public healthcare and community sectors stand to benefit from the ANGEL scheme. We hope to encourage nurses to stay and continue to contribute to the wider public healthcare system, as well as to attract more to take up nursing as a career. We will continue to pursue other efforts, such as growing the local nursing training pipelines for both fresh graduates and mid-career entrants, as well as recruiting foreign nurses to augment our local core.

    MINISTRY OF HEALTH
    25 SEPTEMBER 2024

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks’ Meeting With Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:

    Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks hosted Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Pentagon today to discuss priorities for strengthening the U.S.-India defense partnership through defense industrial cooperation, technology innovation, and operational cooperation.

    She noted that the United States and India continue to break new ground in areas of cooperation that will enhance the security of both countries, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region.

    Deputy Secretary Hicks thanked Foreign Secretary Misri for India’s strong support of the maritime security and logistics initiatives announced at the Quad Leaders Summit last weekend.

    They also discussed ongoing efforts to co-produce jet engines, land mobility systems, and munitions, as well as the continued progress through the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to foster joint innovation among defense industry stakeholders in both countries.

    Deputy Secretary Hicks highlighted the success of the recent INDUS-X Summit, which resulted in the announcement of a new joint innovation challenge for space domain technologies, as well as an upgraded memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Ministry’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) office.

    The two officials also discussed regional security issues and a range of operational cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

    Deputy Secretary Hicks expressed the importance of continuing to advance progress across all areas of the Major Defense Partnership, and pledged to deepen cooperation to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Preble Departs San Diego for Japan

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

    by Courtesy Story

    22 September 2024


    CORONADO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

    The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) departed San Diego Sept. 22, 2024, shifting its homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. The move is part of a scheduled rotation of forward-deployed naval forces in the Pacific a permanent change of station move for for the crew and family members.

    Preble replaces USS Benfold (DDG 65), which will depart Yokosuka and shift its homeport to Everett, Washington.

    The forward presence of Preble directly supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan, enhancing the national security of the United States while improving its ability to protect strategic interests. Preble will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region.

    The United States values Japan’s contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities the alliance needs to meet our common strategic objectives.

    “It has been more than four years since Preble last operated in 7th Fleet,” said Cmdr. Paul Archer, Preble’s commanding officer. “But Preble today is markedly different than the ship that last left 7th Fleet. Armed with the U.S. Navy’s most capable combat system suite, this crew is well-trained and hungry to take our cutting-edge warship west to support national strategic objectives. The Western Pacific is gaining a true asset—unparalleled technical capabilities and more than 300 Sailors excited for this new opportunity.”

    Preble is the sixth ship to be named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble, an early 19th century U.S. Navy hero who served in the Revolutionary War and launched the attack on Tripoli in 1803.

    The ship was commissioned Nov. 9, 2002, in Boston and has been homeported at Naval Base San Diego for nearly 22 years.

    One of Preble’s most notable operations was its 2004 surge deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. It was one of several U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and coalition ships responsible for patrolling and safeguarding the waters near the Khawr AL Amaya and Al Basrah oil terminals in the Persian Gulf.

    The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy positions the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times for maritime and joint forces and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner.

    The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Honor WWII Nurses with Congressional Gold Medal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined 32 of her Senate colleagues in supporting the bipartisan WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act, a bill to recognize the work and sacrifices of World War II nurses by presenting them with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The bill would award this honor to the more than 59,000 Army Nurses and 14,000 Navy Nurses who served in World War II.
    Awarding this medal is a well-deserved commemoration of the service of nurses like Alize Zwicker, who was born in Brownville, and during the war, was held in a Japanese internment camp in the Philippines for three years after the nation was seized by Japan in 1942. Alize was the only Maine servicewoman held as a prisoner of war in either of the two world wars.
    “The brave and resilient women who answered the call to serve the nation during the Second World War deserve to be remembered alongside our country’s greatest patriots,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan effort would ensure that the adversity overcome by Maine nurses like Alize Zwicker is properly memorialized in our history.”
    The WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act is endorsed by the American Red Cross, Friends of the National World War II Memorial, and the National Military Women’s War Memorial.
    In addition to Senator Collins, the WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act is sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Sarah Ferguson, ABC 7.30

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Sarah Ferguson, Host: After nearly a year of conflict in Gaza, there are now fears the situation in southern Lebanon could destabilise the entire Middle East. Israel’s heavy bombardment beginning on Monday targeting Hezbollah is believed to have killed 569 people. Today, Hezbollah fired a ballistic missile towards Tel Aviv. The missile was intercepted. The escalation comes as global leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly, where Secretary-General António Guterres warned Lebanon is at the brink. Foreign Minister Penny Wong was at the meeting in New York. She joined me earlier. Penny Wong, welcome to 7.30.

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good to be with you.

    Ferguson: Now, following this week’s escalation in Lebanon, can you start by describing the atmosphere at the UN?

    Foreign Minister: First, in relation to Lebanon, can I say to your audience, I know there are so many people in Australia who have relatives, friends and family in Lebanon and this is obviously a very stressful situation for them. In terms of how things are here in the United Nations, many countries have been working to try and ensure there is no regional escalation of the conflict in Gaza, and their people are concerned, as you would have, as you would know from what the Secretary-General said to the General Assembly today about the prospect for more loss of civilian life in Lebanon.

    Ferguson: Are Israel’s attacks in Lebanon legitimate acts of self-defence?

    Foreign Minister: What I’d say is this. There is no doubt that Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation and there is no doubt that Hezbollah has been engaging in attacks on Israel and has breached international law. Even in law, even in war, however, there are rules and as you know, international humanitarian law applies to all conflicts, even when engaging a terrorist actor. However, what I would say is our advocacy at the moment, like so many others here in New York, is aimed at trying to avert a regional escalation because of what that would mean for Israel and for the people of the region, including the people of Lebanon. Our advocacy is to try and avert further civilian casualties.

    Ferguson: Now, would a ceasefire, however elusive that is at the moment, would a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza halt further escalation in Lebanon? Or do you fear that the course is now set between Israel and Hezbollah?

    Foreign Minister: Whatever people’s views about those hypotheticals, a ceasefire is necessary. I mean, we see what has happened in Gaza. We see the civilian toll. We see that so many tens of thousands of civilians have been killed. We see how many children have been lost. So, we would continue to back in the UN Security Council’s resolution. It’s called for a ceasefire. We will continue to urge all parties, as President Biden did today, to agree to that ceasefire.

    Ferguson: Do you think the international community has learnt anything from the enormous civilian destruction during the war in Gaza?

    Foreign Minister: It has been, I think, quite distressing and, frankly, catastrophic. Horrific for so many around the world. It has been deeply distressing. I hope that what this will do is bring more countries together to galvanise commitment to and compliance with international humanitarian law. That’s my motivation behind the initiative that I launched yesterday alongside many other countries from around the world. A commitment to work together for the protection of humanitarian workers.

    As you probably know, Sarah, you know, this has been the worst year so far on record in terms of the deaths of humanitarian workers, aid workers, of course, one of them Australian Zomi Frankcom. Gaza is the most dangerous place on Earth to be an aid worker. So, we have brought countries together to say whether it’s in Sudan, whether it’s in Yemen, whether it’s in Myanmar or Gaza, we are committed to trying to galvanise greater commitment to and compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly in respect of aid workers, because you can’t assist civilians in conflict zones unless aid workers are protected.

    Ferguson: You’re doing this in the name of Australian Zomi Frankcom. The Israeli Military Advocate General is still considering whether to pursue that case further. Do you trust the Israeli system?

    Foreign Minister: We do want to see full transparency and accountability. We will be watching very closely the work of the Military Advocate General. Obviously, we want to see that report when it is finalised, we want to see those decisions made. And we, again, would be looking to the Israeli Defence Force, which has acknowledged and taken responsibility for those deaths of Zomi Frankcom and her fellow workers from World Central Kitchen. We would be looking for full transparency in relation to any findings.

    Ferguson: Does full transparency include releasing the audio of the drone footage of the killing, which the family hasn’t had access to?

    Foreign Minister: The family has called for that and I have expressed that to the Israeli government, and I’ve expressed the view that in the circumstances, obviously we would ask that the Israeli government, we would seek that the Israeli government respond positively to Zomi Frankcom’s family’s requests.

    Ferguson: Have you had any response from the Israelis about that audio?

    Foreign Minister: Not at my level as yet, no.

    Ferguson: I just want to go back to last week’s UN vote demanding Israel withdraw from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. You said that the resolution went too far in its demands. What were the specific obstacles from Australia’s point of view?

    Foreign Minister: I would say two things. One is our preference would have been to support a resolution that was consonant with and consistent with the ICJ advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice advisory opinion. Obviously, the advice to me was that the language went further than we would have liked. We engaged with many other like-mindeds to try and get the sorts of amendments that we would have liked. We’ll keep working through the UN with, obviously, the Palestinian delegation and other like-mindeds because we do want to give effect to a two-state solution. We do want to add our voice to a pathway to peace, and we know that this will only be resolved, the conflict in the Middle East will only be resolved, and we will only see security for both Palestinians and Israelis, if we see two states, as was envisioned by the UN when Israel was established.

    Ferguson: Were the sticking points the issues of land restitution and compensation for Palestinians?

    Foreign Minister: Well, there were a number of issues in that resolution which did go, and I think you’ve picked a couple of them, to final status issues, issues which obviously still would require resolution, even if there can be progress on two states. But I think the broader point is we do support two states. We have taken action which is consistent with our position. Those actions have included our position on settlements, those actions have included sanctions on extremist settlers, and those actions have included the votes you’ve seen in the United Nations.

    Ferguson: In Australia, you’ve been accused of lacking moral courage. Do those words hurt?

    Foreign Minister: I’ve been accused of many things on both sides and as people say things in the street, I get criticism from both sides. The approach I’ve tried to take in this, Sarah, as the Foreign Minister of Australia, is to try to think very carefully about what is the principle position Australia should take and try to act in accordance with that, and that’s what I will always do.

    Ferguson: You’ve had a meeting today with your Chinese counterpart. Did you discuss Australia’s role in the Quad?

    Foreign Minister: I had a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Obviously, we’ve had quite a number of meetings over the last few years and we discussed multilateral issues, so, United Nations issues, we discussed bilateral issues and we discussed international issues. Obviously, China is very aware of our role, our membership of the Quad and our engagement in that. That was one of the issues that was raised, there were many other issues raised as well.

    Ferguson: Now, just while it pains always to stress the appearance of good relations with China, the Albanese government has committed to much deeper involvement with US military strategy to counter China. How does that, how does that latter position reflect Labor values?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I think Labor values are first to work for peace, stability and prosperity. I think Labor values are to recognise we work in the Alliance, we work in the region, and we work through the rules to assure peace and stability, and that’s what we are doing. Our position as a government to work with the United States, to work with Japan, to work with ASEAN, and to work in the multilateral system as well as to engage with China is all about assuring Australia’s place in the world and trying to ensure that we, our children, grow up in a region which has the same sorts of attributes that we have had, we’ve been privileged to have for most of our lives there.

    Ferguson: Think that the Australian public wants a much deeper involvement in US military strategy?

    Foreign Minister: I think the Australian public want peace and stability, and that’s what we’re seeking to do, and I would make the point if the reference is AUKUS and the involvement with the United States, Australia has a very clear framework in relation to our sovereignty, and that matters. But so too, what matters is the objective that we seek to bring to, as I said, the alliance to the region and the rules, which is peace and stability and shared prosperity.

    Ferguson: Penny Wong, thank you very much indeed for joining us.

    Foreign Minister: Good to speak with you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Poet Technologies Announces Closing of US$15 Million Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Corporation“) (TSXV: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), the designer and developer of the POET Optical Interposer™, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and light sources for the data center, tele-communication and artificial intelligence markets, is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement with a single institutional investor pursuant to which the Corporation issued 4,000,000 common shares (the “Common Shares“) and an accompanying warrant exercisable for an aggregate of up to 2,000,000 Common Shares (each, a “Warrant Share”) at an exercise price of $5.00 (or approximately C$6.78) per Common Share (the “Warrant“) for aggregate gross proceeds of US$15,000,000 (the “Offering”). The combined price of one Common Share and accompanying Warrant in respect of one-half Common Share was US$3.75 (or approximately C$5.09). Subject to the terms of the Warrant, the Warrant is exercisable, in whole or in part, for a period of five years from the date of issuance.

    The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. No commission or finder’s fee was paid by the Corporation and no underwriter or sales agent was engaged by the Corporation in connection with the Offering.

    All Common Shares and the accompanying Warrant issued under the Offering were distributed to a purchaser located outside of Canada in reliance on OSC Rule 72-503 – Distributions Outside of Canada and, accordingly, all Common Shares, the accompanying Warrant and all Warrant Shares issued under the Offering are not subject to a Canadian statutory hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Offering remains subject to the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“).

    This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. This news release shall not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under U.S. federal and state securities laws or an applicable exemption from such U.S. registration requirements.

    About POET Technologies Inc.

    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical engines, light source products and custom optical modules to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers.  POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems.  POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges across a broad range of communication, computing and sensing applications.  POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore.  More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include, without limitation, the Corporation’s expectations with respect to its products, the scalability of the POET Optical Interposer and the success of the Corporation’s products, the Corporation’s use of proceeds for the Offering and the Corporation’s ability to obtain the final approval of the Exchange. Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, management’s expectations regarding the size of the market for its products, the capability of its joint venture to produce products on time and at the expected costs, the performance and availability of certain components, and the success of its customers in achieving market penetration for their products. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the attractiveness of the Corporation’s product offerings, performance of its technology, the performance of key components, and ability of its customers to sell their products into the market. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Corporation’s filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Corporation’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Corporation can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by applicable securities laws.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network –