NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Millions of workers to benefit from modernised new pensions system

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Millions of workers stand to benefit from greater financial security in later life following a consultation launched today.

    • Government unveils plans to modernise pensions and give workers greater security in retirement
    • Consultation launched to extend Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension provision, helping support the Government’s growth mission
    • Regulations form part of wider plans for future of workplace pensions to help increase returns for more people and ensuring greater value for money

    Following the Chancellor’s recent visit to Canada to see how retirement schemes successfully pool contributions from employees into larger funds that are managed by investors, the UK government is fast-tracking plans to modernise its own pensions system by broadening access to Collective Defined Contribution schemes. 

    Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension schemes, first introduced to the UK in 2022, have the potential to deliver reliable returns for savers, while ensuring more predictable costs for employers.

    Today, industry experts, savers and pension providers can have their say on new proposals to extend the current offering of CDC pension schemes to more employers, delivering better value for money for future pensioners and unlocking huge investment potential.

    In Canada, the funds from pooled pension contributions are invested into a wider range of assets like infrastructure, startups and private equity – which can benefit the wider economy and boost returns.

    Extending CDCs could similarly allow for greater return on investment for those saving into the schemes and allow for larger investment in the UK – supporting the Government’s growth mission to boost the economy.

    Minister for Pensions, Emma Reynolds, said:

    We are seizing this exciting opportunity to modernise our pensions market to deliver better outcomes for millions of workers.

    People work hard to put money aside for their pension with every pay cheque. This significant innovation will offer a more predictable income and greater finance security for future pensioners.

    Currently only single or connected employers can set up CDC schemes, with the first scheme launched by the Royal Mail yesterday.

    Building on the significant appetite from industry for extending CDC provision, the Government is now seeking to broaden access further by allowing unconnected multiple employer schemes – making this pension model more accessible to a wider range of businesses and employees.

    This work builds on plans to review our pensions landscape as well as our new Pension Schemes Bill which could boost pension pots – with further consolidation and broader investment strategies to possibly deliver higher returns for pensioners.

    The consultation seeks views from employers, industry experts, pension providers and the public on draft regulations and their potential impact.

    The consultation will run for six weeks – opening today and running until 19 November 2024.

    Supportive statements:

    John Ball, Chief Executive of the Church of England Pensions Board said:

    We welcome the publication today of draft regulations that support the creation of multi-employer CDC pension schemes. We look forward to scrutinising the detail, and to seeing how in due course, such an arrangement might transform retirement plans for those who work for the Church.

    Andy O’Regan, Client & Strategic Partnerships Director at TPT Retirement Solutions, said:

    The introduction of multi-employer whole-of-life CDC scheme regulations will be a landmark moment for UK pensions. Previously, CDC schemes had only been viable for the largest employers. These new rules will make it possible for all employers to provide their staff with a CDC pension scheme. We’ve already been speaking to around 200 employers who have expressed interest in how a CDC scheme could be delivered for their employees.

    Multi-employer CDC schemes have the potential to bring a host of advantages to pension savers when compared to traditional DC schemes. CDC schemes pool longevity and investment risk. This means that, compared to DC, they are expected to achieve higher benefits as well as provide members with an income for life. An added benefit is the removal of some of the complex financial decisions pension savers are required to make under DC. CDC schemes may also be more likely to invest in productive assets which could encourage economic growth and generate higher long-term returns for scheme members.

    This consultation will open the door to CDC for all employers regardless of size, with the first multi-employer CDC scheme potentially launching within a couple of years. We believe many employers, pension savers, and the wider economy could benefit from the introduction of these schemes. We look forward to responding to this consultation in due course.

    Additional Information

    • The consultation has been published on gov.uk: The Occupational Pension Schemes (Collective Money Purchase Schemes) (Extension to Unconnected Multiple Employer Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2025 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)]
    • This consultation launch follows the official launch of the UK’s first CDC scheme, the Royal Mail Collective Pension Plan which is a truly landmark moment for the UK pension landscape.
    • The draft regulations amend the Pension Schemes Act 2021 to remove the exclusion of whole-life unconnected multiple employer CDC schemes from operating.
    • The draft regulations set out what unconnected multiple employer CDC schemes must do to become authorised, to operate effectively under regulatory oversight, and what should happen if changes need to be made to these schemes.
    • The authorisation regime is designed to protect members and to build confidence in this new type of CDC provision by ensuring only soundly designed and well-run schemes can operate.  
    • We plan to introduce legislation in 2025, and subject to parliamentary approval, we intend to bring the legislation and an updated Regulator’s Code into force as soon as practicable after that.
    • CDC pension schemes – where employer and employee contributions are pooled into a single fund – spread risk and smooths the impact of any market volatility to provide a more predictable pension income based on collective investment performance.
    • Pooling risk also means that schemes can invest more in growth assets, including in the UK, and for longer than an average defined contribution (DC) scheme, supporting the Governments’ growth mission.
    • CDC schemes offer members a seamless transition to a regular retirement income without the need to make complex financial decisions.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Growing nuclear industry and recent acquisition continue to strengthen Calian nuclear results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) has announced it secured a number of new contracts in the fourth quarter for its nuclear and environmental services division, marking significant growth in the last quarter of FY2024 ending on September 30. The new contracts—19 in total—represent a 58% increase over Q3 FY2024, primarily driven by the successful integration of MDA’s nuclear assets and strong organic growth.

    The acquisition of MDA’s nuclear division in March 2024 has allowed Calian to capitalize on increased synergies across its nuclear business, through the addition of engineering, tooling and robotics expertise, enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for Canada’s growing nuclear sector. The new contracts span major new nuclear projects in Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, supporting life-extension programs for Canada’s existing nuclear facilities and support for next-generation technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). This expansion has also led to a doubling of the division’s workforce to meet the growing demand for FY2025.

    “The integration of MDA’s nuclear assets has been pivotal in expanding our capabilities and market reach within the nuclear sector,” said Patrick Houston, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer, Calian. “This strategic acquisition has enabled us to deliver more robust and comprehensive solutions for our clients, further strengthening Calian’s position as a leader in nuclear services. Our Q4 contract signings highlight the increasing trust that our clients place in us to provide cutting-edge, safe and reliable solutions in an industry critical to achieving global sustainability goals.”

    The global nuclear energy market continues to grow, driven by the demand for clean, sustainable energy to address climate change. In Canada, the federal government’s 2024 budget reinforced its commitment to nuclear energy as a key tool in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division is committed to supporting this national effort, particularly in delivering advanced solutions for reactor refurbishments and SMR developments.

    “Calian is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Canada’s nuclear sector,” said Hani Al Anid, Vice President, Calian Nuclear. “With our expertise and highly skilled team, we can continue to meet the vital demands of our current and future customers and support the needs of both existing and next-generation nuclear projects in Canada and around the world.”

    Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division provides a comprehensive range of services covering the entire nuclear lifecycle. This includes safety analysis, licensing, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, decommissioning, waste management, and cutting-edge systems engineering and robotics. As an approved supplier for all CANDU nuclear utilities in Canada, Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division has a proven track record of ensuring the safety and sustainability of Canada’s nuclear infrastructure for over 25 years.

    To learn more, visit the Calian nuclear and environmental services web page on calian.com.

    About Calian
    http://www.calian.com
    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:
    media@calian.com
    613-599-8600 x 2298

    Investor Relations inquiries:
    ir@calian.com


    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: NextGen Digital Advances Development of Cloud AI Hosting Platform and PCSections.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (“NextGen” or the “Company”) (CSE: NXT) is pleased to provide an update on recent and ongoing developments at its two core businesses, namely e-commerce platform PCSections.com (“PCS”) and the cloud-based hardware-as-a-service leasing business (“Cloud AI Hosting”). Both platforms continue to be upgraded to improve scalability, performance, and operational efficiency, as the Company continues to drive forward its growth strategy.

    Cloud AI Hosting Buildout Trial

    The Company has engaged Logic V Inc. (“Logic V”), a Vancouver-based provider of cloud computing and IT services, to explore transitioning its Cloud AI Hosting business to a fully cloud-based model. This new approach would involve the Company virtually leasing a subset of computing workstations from larger cloud computing and/or datacentre providers, which the Company would then sublease to smaller third-party artificial intelligence end-users via the existing online portal already being used by Cloud AI Hosting. Virtually leasing this computing power, rather than building an in-house computing fleet, could provide significant scalability and operational benefits as the Company builds out this business line.

    Logic V is currently conducting a proof of work (the “POW”) to assess this transition. If successful, this new approach is expected to significantly enhance scalability and speed to market by eliminating the need for NextGen to acquire and operationalize physical workstations, thus avoiding risks associated with physical inventory, operational challenges, and the large upfront costs of workstation purchases and infrastructure upgrades.

    NextGen expects Logic V to complete the POW in the coming weeks, and in due course will provide an update on outcomes from the POW and the next phase of the Cloud AI Hosting buildout.

    PCS Platform Enhancements

    PCS is undergoing both front-end and back-end upgrades aimed at enhancing the overall user experience, site performance, and security. The upgrades to PCS include:

    • Design Enhancements: Updates to the color scheme, layout, pattern, and animations to improve visual appeal and usability.
    • Payment & Checkout Improvements: Optimization of the payment process for a more seamless and secure customer experience.
    • Security Measures: Implementation of techniques to bolster security against unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities in the payment process.
    • Performance Boost: Improvements to the website’s loading speed and overall performance for faster browsing.
    • General Bug Fixes: Identification and resolution of bugs to ensure smoother operation.

    The front-end design improvements are expected to be completed soon, and the Company will continue to work on finalizing the back-end enhancements.

    Kevin Zhou, NextGen’s Director of Platforms & Marketing, stated, “Pursuing a cloud-based model for Cloud AI Hosting has the potential to be a more efficient and scalable path compared to our original plan of acquiring physical workstations. If the current POW is successful, we will immediately scale up our operations. If not, we are still able and funded to expand our current fleet of workstations, towards our goal of owning a total of 10 to 15 GPUs with enough computing power for our smaller-scale users. Regardless of the outcome, we anticipate expanding the operational capacity and revenue level of our Cloud AI Hosting business once Logic V completes the POW. Similarly, with the updates on PCS, we are aiming to improve its overall functionality and competitiveness as we continue to refine both platforms.”

    Joel Freudman, President & CEO of NextGen, added, “We are pleased with the development milestones being achieved across both our PCS and Cloud AI Hosting platforms. We remain committed to their continued growth to fuel NextGen’s development trajectory, and are exploring what other potential revenue streams and ancillary capabilities we may be able to derive by leveraging our existing infrastructure.”

    About NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.
    NextGen is a Canadian technology company specializing in the development and acquisition of revenue-generating micro-technology digital platforms. The Company currently operates e-commerce platform PCSections.com (“PCS”) and a hardware-as-a-service business supporting the artificial intelligence sector, called cloud AI hosting (“Cloud AI Hosting”). Both PCS and Cloud AI Hosting were developed in-house by NextGen. From time to time the Company also intends to evaluate and acquire or develop other micro-technology platforms.

    NextGen is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. (“Resurgent”), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization companies listing on Canadian stock exchanges. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent’s website at https://www.resurgentcapital.ca/ or follow Resurgent on LinkedIn at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp.

    For further information about NextGen, please contact:

    Joel Freudman
    Founder, President & CEO
    NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.
    Phone: (647) 368-7789
    Email: info@nextgendigital.ca
    Website: https://nextgendigital.ca/

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the future development and revenue potential of PCS and Cloud AI Hosting; the POW for Cloud AI Hosting; and expected benefits of improvements to PCS and Cloud AI Hosting. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s business plans and technological development forecasts, and outcomes of the POW, that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: technological and business risks inherent in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and other emerging sectors that the Company is or may become involved in; operational and technical challenges; timeline for completion of the POW, and the outcomes therefrom, including as to revenue and/or profitability of Cloud AI Hosting; the Company’s ability to compete with other businesses in the e-commerce and/or cloud hosting markets; negative operating cash flow and insufficient capital to complete the development and/or expansion of any of the Company’s technologies; volatility in economic conditions; and those other risks described in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Launches Option Income Strategy ETF on Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: PLTY)

    PLTY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). PLTY is actively managed by ZEGA Financial. PLTY does not invest directly in PLTR.

    PLTY is the newest member of the YieldMax™ ETF family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, PLTY will be a Group B ETF and its first distribution is expected to be announced on November 6, 2024. Please see table below for distribution and yield information for all outstanding YieldMax™ ETFs.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Reference
    Asset
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4,5
    30-Day
    SEC Yield
    3
    TSLY YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF TSLA 115.53% 3.09%
    OARK YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF ARKK 53.47% 3.37%
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF AAPL 31.19% 3.17%
    NVDY YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF NVDA 65.43% 3.24%
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF AMZN 41.70% 3.27%
    FBY YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF META 31.65% 3.22%
    GOOY YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF GOOGL 22.22% 3.28%
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF NFLX 36.06% 3.45%
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN 97.94% 3.70%
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF MSFT 27.17% 3.33%
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF DIS 35.17% 3.41%
    XOMO YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF XOM 18.73% 3.32%
    JPMO YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF JPM 34.76% 3.60%
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF AMD 73.41% 3.24%
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF PYPL 102.97% 2.94%
    SQY YieldMax™ SQ Option Income Strategy ETF SQ 86.71% 3.44%
    MRNY YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF MRNA 71.92% 3.91%
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF AI 47.26% 3.76%
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF MSTR 81.35% 0.00%
    YBIT YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Bitcoin ETP 87.09% 4.07%
    CRSH YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF TSLA 101.44% 3.61%
    GDXY YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF GDX® 40.15% 3.27%
    SNOY YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF SNOW 40.64% 3.44%
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF ABNB 33.60% 2.84%
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN 110.90% 3.22%
    DIPS YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF NVDA 87.48% 3.69%
    BABO YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF BABA 33.24% 2.62%
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF NDX® 26.88% 3.63%
    TSMY YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF TSM 23.98% 3.48%
    SMCY* YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF SMCI — —
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple 61.63% 62.93%
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple 45.17% 50.85%
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Multiple 113.94% 0.00%


    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: CRSH, FIAT, DIPS and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs” and “ADR” stands for American Depositary Receipt.

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from month to month and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    * The inception date for SMCY is September 11, 2024.

    1. All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.
    2. The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 7, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recently declared distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by multiplying such distribution by twelve (12), and dividing the resulting amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3. The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30, 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. As of such date, the ULTY subsidized and unsubsidized 30-Day SEC Yields were 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The subsidized yield reflects fee waivers in effect while the unsubsidized yield does not adjust for any fee waivers in effect.
    4. Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5. As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH and GDXY. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

    Standardized Performance

    For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For ULTY, click here.

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Contact Gavin Filmore at gfilmore@tidalfg.com for more information.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERNCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX and YMAG generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    Holdings

    As of October 7, 2024, the YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF did not hold any shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). As of such date, the holdings of PLTR in such fund were 0.00%.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Allegations of ‘greenwashing’ concerning JBS – E-001854/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001854/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Christine Singer (Renew), Pina Picierno (S&D), Engin Eroglu (Renew)

    Earlier this year, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the American subsidiary of JBS, the world’s largest producer of beef products, for misleading the public about its environmental impact. JBS has claimed that it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite plans to increase production and thereby increase its carbon footprint.

    JBS has a well-documented history of environmental degradation, deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon rainforest and other sensitive ecosystems. JBS has by far the highest emissions of any company in agriculture, and the company’s methane emissions exceed the combined total methane emissions of France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand.

    On top of this, there have been a litany of abuses, price manipulation practices and what has been dubbed ‘the largest corruption inquiry in history’ linked with the Batista brothers, who de facto control JBS through a holding company.

    Even while interinstitutional negotiations on the ‘green claims’ directive are still ongoing:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether it is aware of ‘greenwashing’ allegations against JBS, and the potential impact of this on EU consumers?
    • 2.What concrete steps will the Commission take to protect EU consumers?

    Submitted: 27.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amoré Elsje Nel, Applied Geomagnetic Researcher, South African National Space Agency

    A geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US during the first weekend in October. South Africa’s National Space Agency (Sansa) told reporters that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”. It said this was the strongest Earth-facing solar flare recorded by Sansa in the past seven years and that the eruption briefly affected high-frequency radio communications, “resulting in a total radio blackout over the African region which lasted for up to 20 minutes”.

    What is a geomagnetic storm? The Conversation Africa asked Sansa’s Amoré Nel, who researches geomagnetics, to explain.

    What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?

    A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. There’s a reaction called nuclear fusion that occurs continuously deep within the Sun’s core. This generates massive amounts of energy. Some of the energy is released as light (sunlight), some as radiation (solar flares), and some as charged particles.

    The Sun also continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun releases larger bursts of energy, called coronal mass ejections. It sends clouds of these charged particles, or plasma, hurtling through space. I like to explain it to children this way: the Sun sometimes drinks a soda too fast and then burps. This “burp” is the cloud of plasma which then travels through space. These emissions don’t always hit us. But when they do, they collide with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupt it, and lead to a geomagnetic storm.

    Earth’s magnetic field is an invisible force that surrounds our planet, acting like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. It helps protect us from harmful solar radiation by deflecting charged particles from the Sun.

    The solar flare from 3842 emitted both X-flares (radiation) and a coronal mass ejection. X-flares are radiation; they travel at almost the speed of light and reach Earth within minutes. That’s what caused the brief communications disruption Sansa mentioned on 3 October. But the coronal mass ejection takes much longer to reach us. We’d predicted it would do so over the past weekend but in fact it only reached us on the morning of 8 October.

    Geomagnetic storms occur fairly often. Minor ones happen multiple times per year. The severity of a storm depends on how strong the solar event was that caused it. Larger, more intense storms are less common but can happen every few years. Solar events are closely tied to the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which has periods of high and low activity. During the peak of the cycle, called solar maximum, more sunspots and solar flares occur, increasing the likelihood of solar storms.

    We are now heading towards the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which will be in July 2025. Solar maxima usually last between two and three years.

    Are these storms dangerous? What damage can they cause?

    Geomagnetic storms are not typically harmful to humans directly, but they can pose risks to modern technology and infrastructure. One of the most notable dangers is to power grids. Powerful storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially overloading transformers and causing blackouts, as happened in Quebec, Canada, in 1989.


    Read more: Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet


    Satellites in space are also vulnerable. A strong storm can damage electronics onboard, disrupt communication signals, and shorten the lifespan of the satellites themselves.

    In aviation, geomagnetic storms can disrupt radio communication and GPS signals, which are vital for aircraft navigation. This is especially important for flights that pass near the polar regions, where the effects of geomagnetic storms are more pronounced. Astronauts and spacecraft are also at risk – the extra radiation can be dangerous for equipment and human health.

    Are there any upsides to this phenomenon?

    Auroras are a visually stunning aspect of geomagnetic storms. These colourful displays in the night sky occur when charged particles from the Sun get captured in Earth’s magnetic field lines, and funnel down towards the poles. Here they interact with Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that produces shimmering lights.

    The northern lights are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway. Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Auroras can be seen at both the north and south pole, aptly named the northern and southern lights. If storms are big enough, it’s possible to see them in regions much further away from the poles. This happened in South Africa on 11 May 2024.

    Studying geomagnetic storms provides valuable insights into space weather. By understanding how the Sun’s activity affects Earth, scientists can better predict future storms and work to protect the technologies we rely on. The study of geomagnetic storms also contributes to our understanding of the Sun and space in general.

    Can monitoring the storms mitigate the risks?

    Geomagnetic storms are monitored using various instruments on Earth and in space. On Earth, magnetometers measure changes in the magnetic field, allowing scientists to track disturbances as they happen. Sansa operates a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System receivers in Africa, and magnetometer stations in various parts of southern Africa, for this reason. The agency is currently setting up a magnetometer station in Ethiopia, too. This will improve our ability to monitor geomagnetic storms.

    In space, satellites equipped with sensors monitor the Sun’s activity and detect solar flares or coronal mass ejections before they reach Earth. This data feeds into prediction models used in space weather centres across the globe.

    Once a storm is detected, agencies like Sansa issue alerts and forecasts. These warnings help industries such as power grid operators, satellite companies and aviation authorities to prepare for a storm.

    For example, power companies can temporarily shut down or reconfigure parts of the grid to avoid overloading during a storm. Satellite operators can place their spacecraft into safer operating modes, such as switching off electronic components, and airlines can reroute flights away from high-risk areas.

    Monitoring alone can’t prevent all the damage caused by geomagnetic storms. But it can greatly reduce the risks. Thanks to early warning systems we can protect crucial infrastructure and minimise the effect these storms have on our daily lives.

    – A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them
    – https://theconversation.com/a-geomagnetic-storm-has-hit-earth-a-space-scientist-explains-what-causes-them-240737

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amoré Elsje Nel, Applied Geomagnetic Researcher, South African National Space Agency

    Geomagnetic storms bring vibrant colours to life in some parts of the world. Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images

    A geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US during the first weekend in October. South Africa’s National Space Agency (Sansa) told reporters that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”. It said this was the strongest Earth-facing solar flare recorded by Sansa in the past seven years and that the eruption briefly affected high-frequency radio communications, “resulting in a total radio blackout over the African region which lasted for up to 20 minutes”.

    What is a geomagnetic storm? The Conversation Africa asked Sansa’s Amoré Nel, who researches geomagnetics, to explain.

    What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?

    A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. There’s a reaction called nuclear fusion that occurs continuously deep within the Sun’s core. This generates massive amounts of energy. Some of the energy is released as light (sunlight), some as radiation (solar flares), and some as charged particles.

    The Sun also continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun releases larger bursts of energy, called coronal mass ejections. It sends clouds of these charged particles, or plasma, hurtling through space. I like to explain it to children this way: the Sun sometimes drinks a soda too fast and then burps. This “burp” is the cloud of plasma which then travels through space. These emissions don’t always hit us. But when they do, they collide with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupt it, and lead to a geomagnetic storm.

    Earth’s magnetic field is an invisible force that surrounds our planet, acting like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. It helps protect us from harmful solar radiation by deflecting charged particles from the Sun.

    The solar flare from 3842 emitted both X-flares (radiation) and a coronal mass ejection. X-flares are radiation; they travel at almost the speed of light and reach Earth within minutes. That’s what caused the brief communications disruption Sansa mentioned on 3 October. But the coronal mass ejection takes much longer to reach us. We’d predicted it would do so over the past weekend but in fact it only reached us on the morning of 8 October.

    Geomagnetic storms occur fairly often. Minor ones happen multiple times per year. The severity of a storm depends on how strong the solar event was that caused it. Larger, more intense storms are less common but can happen every few years. Solar events are closely tied to the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which has periods of high and low activity. During the peak of the cycle, called solar maximum, more sunspots and solar flares occur, increasing the likelihood of solar storms.

    We are now heading towards the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which will be in July 2025. Solar maxima usually last between two and three years.

    Are these storms dangerous? What damage can they cause?

    Geomagnetic storms are not typically harmful to humans directly, but they can pose risks to modern technology and infrastructure. One of the most notable dangers is to power grids. Powerful storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially overloading transformers and causing blackouts, as happened in Quebec, Canada, in 1989.




    Read more:
    Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet


    Satellites in space are also vulnerable. A strong storm can damage electronics onboard, disrupt communication signals, and shorten the lifespan of the satellites themselves.

    In aviation, geomagnetic storms can disrupt radio communication and GPS signals, which are vital for aircraft navigation. This is especially important for flights that pass near the polar regions, where the effects of geomagnetic storms are more pronounced. Astronauts and spacecraft are also at risk – the extra radiation can be dangerous for equipment and human health.

    Are there any upsides to this phenomenon?

    Auroras are a visually stunning aspect of geomagnetic storms. These colourful displays in the night sky occur when charged particles from the Sun get captured in Earth’s magnetic field lines, and funnel down towards the poles. Here they interact with Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that produces shimmering lights.

    The northern lights are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway.
    Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Auroras can be seen at both the north and south pole, aptly named the northern and southern lights. If storms are big enough, it’s possible to see them in regions much further away from the poles. This happened in South Africa on 11 May 2024.

    Studying geomagnetic storms provides valuable insights into space weather. By understanding how the Sun’s activity affects Earth, scientists can better predict future storms and work to protect the technologies we rely on. The study of geomagnetic storms also contributes to our understanding of the Sun and space in general.

    Can monitoring the storms mitigate the risks?

    Geomagnetic storms are monitored using various instruments on Earth and in space. On Earth, magnetometers measure changes in the magnetic field, allowing scientists to track disturbances as they happen. Sansa operates a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System receivers in Africa, and magnetometer stations in various parts of southern Africa, for this reason. The agency is currently setting up a magnetometer station in Ethiopia, too. This will improve our ability to monitor geomagnetic storms.

    In space, satellites equipped with sensors monitor the Sun’s activity and detect solar flares or coronal mass ejections before they reach Earth. This data feeds into prediction models used in space weather centres across the globe.

    Once a storm is detected, agencies like Sansa issue alerts and forecasts. These warnings help industries such as power grid operators, satellite companies and aviation authorities to prepare for a storm.

    For example, power companies can temporarily shut down or reconfigure parts of the grid to avoid overloading during a storm. Satellite operators can place their spacecraft into safer operating modes, such as switching off electronic components, and airlines can reroute flights away from high-risk areas.

    Monitoring alone can’t prevent all the damage caused by geomagnetic storms. But it can greatly reduce the risks. Thanks to early warning systems we can protect crucial infrastructure and minimise the effect these storms have on our daily lives.

    Amoré Elsje Nel works for the South African National Space Agency. She receives a Thuthuka Grant (TTK210406592410) from the National Research Foundation.

    – ref. A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them – https://theconversation.com/a-geomagnetic-storm-has-hit-earth-a-space-scientist-explains-what-causes-them-240737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Chipman  — RCMP seeking public’s help following break, enter and theft

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Minto RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in connection with a break, enter and theft in Chipman, N.B.

    The break, enter and theft is believed to have occurred on October 3, 2024, between 4:20 a.m. and 4:40 a.m., at a business on Main Street in Chipman.

    Two individuals forcibly gained entry to the business by pulling off the front door with a truck and stole an automatic teller machine (ATM) machine.

    Police are now releasing surveillance footage photos of the two individuals, in hopes that someone may recognize them. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves. They were travelling in a black truck.

    Anyone who lives in the area and witnessed suspicious activity at the time of the incident, who has surveillance footage from the time of the incident, or who has information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Minto RCMP at 506-327-1820. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Tanjea Introduces Exciting New Match-3 Game Update to iOS Version of “Race to Riches”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boba Mint Holdings Ltd. (CSE: TNJ) (“Boba” or the “Company”) is excited to announce a major update to its flagship mobile gaming platform, Tanjea. The popular iOS game Race to Riches, developed under the Tanjea ecosystem, now features an exciting Match-3 game mode where players can collect TNJ tokens by matching colorful Jea eggs, reminiscent of fan-favorite games like Candy Crush. With multiple levels designed to challenge and engage, this new feature offers endless hours of fun and strategy for players.

    This addition means that similar to Android users, iOS users now have access to two dynamic games within the Tanjea app: the Match-3 Jea egg collector and the classic endless runner combat game. Whether players are looking for fast-paced action or more strategic puzzle-solving, Tanjea now offers multiple ways to keep gamers engaged.

    “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve our platform for players,” said Rody Lazar, CEO of Boba. “With the addition of the Match-3 game, we’re excited to offer even more variety, ensuring there’s something for every type of player in Tanjea: Race to Riches.”

    Testnet Token Integration

    As part of this major update, Tanjea is preparing to introduce testnet tokens within the app. This feature will allow players to test the withdrawal feature of TNJ tokens before the integration of the real token, offering an early preview of how the in-game economy will function. This is a critical step toward ensuring smooth and secure token transactions when the official TNJ token is fully implemented.

    “We want our community to feel confident and excited about the integration of TNJ tokens, so allowing them to experience it on the testnet first is an important milestone,” added Rody Lazar. “It’s a chance for our players to get comfortable with the system and provide feedback before we roll out the full integration.”

    Players can download the latest version of Tanjea: Race to Riches today on the iOS App Store, with the new Match-3 game mode now live. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, including the upcoming TNJ token integration.

    About Boba Mint Holdings Ltd.

    Boba Mint Holdings Ltd. is focused on the development of blockchain mobile games that integrate ERC20 tokens and ERC721 NFTs. Its primary product is a mobile blockchain gaming ecosystem called Tanjea, where gamers collect NFT characters (primarily birds and wolves) in multiple mobile games and use them to earn $TNJ tokens.

    Boba Mint is a pioneering blockchain gaming company dedicated to creating immersive, decentralized gaming experiences. Boba Mint has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the blockchain gaming industry.

    On Behalf of the Board of Directors,
    Boba Mint Holdings Ltd.
    “Rody Lazar” CEO

    For further information, please contact:
    Rody Lazar – CEO
    Phone: 1-800-556-1015
    Email: info@bobamint.com

    Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for this release’s adequacy or accuracy.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements”. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Boba’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur. Such statements include those relating to game development and the Company’s expectations and plans. Although Boba believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

    Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the blockchain sector; the Company’s ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mobile video game industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Boba to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward- looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Boba’ Form 2A Listing Statement dated April 19, 2024 which is available on Boba’s profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca and on the CSE website at https://thecse.com/listings/boba-mint-holdings- ltd/.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory 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, province, territory or jurisdiction.

    We seek Safe Harbor.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Announces Conference Call to Review Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, announced today that it will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its third quarter 2024 financial results for the period ended Sept. 30, 2024. The live webcast can be accessed on the Enphase Energy Investor Relations website at investor.enphase.com, and a recorded version of the call will also be available there approximately one hour after the call.

    What: Enphase Energy’s Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Earnings Conference Call and Webcast
       
    Date:  Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024
       
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
       
    Live Call: 833.634.5018
       
    International:  +1.412.902.4214
       
    Replay: United States: 877.344.7529
      International: +1.412.317.0088
      Canada: 855.669.9658
      Replay access code: 2677879
       

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power—and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 76.3 million microinverters, and over 4.3 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    © 2024 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase, the “e” logo, and certain other names and marks are registered trademarks of Enphase Energy, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact:

    Zach Freedman
    Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@enphaseenergy.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CN and Duos Technologies Sign Five Year Strategic Agreement 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT) is pleased to announce a new five-year agreement signed with CN (NYSE: CNI) that will enable Duos to offer Machine Vision/AI Wayside Detection Safety Data through a subscription service. For more than five years, CN has used Machine Vision/AI Wayside Detection technology along its network in Canada and the United States. CN has been using this solution to complement current manual inspections, helping maintain its fleet with more efficiency, leading to a safer and more reliable railway.

    Duos is the inventor of the Railcar Inspection Portal and holder of ten active U.S. Patents of this cutting-edge solution making continual technical advances since 2010 with 13 portals deployed in Canada, Mexico, and the United States supporting four Class 1s and Amtrak.

    Late last year, Duos and Amtrak began a pilot program to test the subscription concept for images. Amtrak’s long-distance passenger trains are scanned, and the machine vision images are sent in real time to Amtrak mechanical inspectors who have used the data with excellent results during the testing period.

    Beginning this month, Duos will offer shippers and car owners that transit the CN network the opportunity to subscribe to this cutting-edge machine vision safety data. This safety information can be used in various ways to include predictive maintenance, trend analytics, and overall fleet health and maintenance.   The intent is to have better maintained railcars that make the network safer and more productive for everyone.

    “Duos Technologies is honored to continue our long-standing support to CN,” said Chuck Ferry, CEO for Duos. “Duos has invested significant time and resources to prove out the Railcar Inspection Portal and we are pleased to be able to offer it to the many car owners and shippers that will benefit from it. Going forward we intend to further improve the solution and add additional cutting-edge capabilities with special emphasis on wheels and brakes.”

    “We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Duos Technologies through this new five-year agreement,” said Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Network Operating Officer at CN. “By leveraging Duos’ technology, we are enhancing our inspection processes, ensuring better maintenance and health of our overall fleet through key data points and predictive analytics.”

    To stay up to date on Duos most recent developments or to learn more about the Duos story and its revolutionary technology platforms, be sure to follow here or sign up for email alerts here. For more information please contact DUOT@duostech.com or visit Duos website and social media channels: Website, LinkedIn, X.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.

    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation designs, develops, deploys, and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit http://www.duostech.com and http://www.duosedge.ai.

    Forward- Looking Statements
    This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects — both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Duos Technologies Group, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Stardust Power Secures Exclusivity to Negotiate Licensing Arrangement for Lithium Brine Concentration Technology from KMX Technologies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST) (“Stardust Power” or the “Company”), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, and KMX Technologies, Inc. (“KMX”) announced that it has entered into a 90-day exclusivity period during which Stardust Power and KMX will negotiate the terms and conditions related to Stardust Power’s exclusive use of lithium brine concentration technology from KMX (the “Licensing Arrangement”). The transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation and the parties’ mutual board approvals.

    This important technology would allow Stardust Power to potentially lower operating costs and capital expenditures across its supply chain, including at its 50,000 metric tons per annum battery-grade lithium refinery under development in Muskogee, Oklahoma, while also potentially reducing the energy and carbon intensity of the refining process. A definitive agreement could give Stardust Power exclusive use of the technology for lithium in the United States and Canada, as well as certain other jurisdictions around the world.

    Stardust Power remains focused on increasing its sustainability and recycling water following commencement of its operations. KMX’s unique technology, known as vacuum membrane distillation (“VMD”), uses hydrophobic membranes to separate lithium while creating a high quality water as its byproduct. This process is less costly and potentially less energy-intensive than many competing solutions. The distilled quality water can also be used by lithium project developers as part of their direct lithium extraction washing process, in lieu of tapping sparse local freshwater resources and other uses.

    Stardust Power’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Roshan Pujari, commented: “Creating battery-grade lithium requires energy and water, and KMX’s technology is highly efficient on both fronts. Their VMD technology produces an extremely high-quality concentrate with significantly improved water recycling. Following the execution of definitive documentation, Stardust Power would intend to deploy this technology across the supply chain at its Oklahoma refinery, when it is put into operation, and at upstream sites. This is another step forward for Stardust Power, leading at the forefront of sustainability within the U.S. lithium supply chain.”

    Zachary Sadow, KMX Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are proud to partner with Stardust Power, pioneers in the critical mineral industry, as they build out the North American lithium supply chain.”

    KMX’s lithium concentration technology has been publicly validated by the Canadian government, showing its ability to concentrate lithium without significant losses, generating substantially enhanced project economics.

    About Stardust Power Inc.

    Stardust Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to supply the electric vehicle (EV) industry and bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SDST.” For more information, visit http://www.stardust-power.com

    Stardust Power Contacts

    For Investors:
    Johanna Gonzalez
    investor.relations@stardust-power.com

    For Media:
    Michael Thompson
    media@stardust-power.com

    About KMX Technologies

    KMX Technologies is solving the most critical environmental and energy challenges of the 21st century. Through its proprietary membrane distillation technology, the company sustainably sources critical minerals necessary for next generation supply chains and infrastructure, is advancing wastewater treatment, and is accelerating energy storage with its direct lithium recovery enhancement processes.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecasted,” “projected,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or otherwise indicate statements that are not of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation regarding the Licensing Arrangement, the ability of Stardust Power to realize the anticipated benefits of KMX’s technology, the ability of Stardust Power to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; risks related to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Stardust Power; risks related to the price of Stardust Power’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Stardust Power plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Stardust Power’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; and risks related to the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Stockholders and prospective investors should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Stardust Power from time to time with the SEC.

    Stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made, are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Stardust Power. Stardust Power expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations of Stardust Power with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Funding available to support documentary heritage organizations

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The call for proposals for the Documentary Heritage Communities Program 2025–2026 is now open

    Gatineau, Quebec, October 8, 2024

    Documentary heritage organizations across the country can now apply for funding for the 2025–2026 cycle of Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP).

    LAC gives close to $1.5 million every year to community organizations so they can dedicate the necessary resources to projects aimed at promoting their collections and making them more accessible, while strengthening their capacity to preserve Canada’s documentary heritage.

    These organizations play a vital role in preserving Canada’s history. LAC is proud to contribute to documenting, preserving and making accessible to the public stories that reflect the diverse experiences and cultures of Canadian society.

    Visit the DHCP web page to obtain all the details, such as eligibility criteria and the application form, or for help filling out an application. Eligible organizations are invited to submit their application by January 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PST).

    If you have any questions about the DHCP, contact us by email at contributions@bac-lac.gc.ca, or by telephone at 819-997-0893 or 1-844-757-8035. Subscribe to the DHCP mailing list for the latest news.

    “Our government is committed to helping our country’s documentary heritage organizations preserve this heritage. I invite them to submit their projects to the Program. Besides enriching our collective memory, they make our society, our culture and our history more representative.”

    —The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

    Please contact the Media Relations team to obtain a copy of the media kit.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Regional Municipality — RCMP arrests four impaired drivers in HRM over 24-hour period

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Over a 24-hour period, RCMP officers in the Halifax Regional Municipality arrested four impaired drivers and suspended the licence of another.

    On October 5, at approximately 8:15 p.m., an officer from RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment Traffic Unit (HDTU) conducted a traffic stop on Knightsridge Dr. in Halifax. The driver, a 33-year-old Halifax man, provided a roadside breath sample into an approved screening device (ASD), which resulted in a “fail.” He was arrested and transported to the Lower Sackville RCMP Detachment where he provided breath samples that registered 110 mg% and 90 mg%.

    Later that evening, at approximately 10:15 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of impaired driving on Main St. in Dartmouth. An officer from the RCMP’s Southeast Traffic Services located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, a 35-year-old Halifax man, failed a standard field sobriety test. A subsequent drug impairment evaluation completed by a Drug Recognition Expert from Halifax Regional Police determined the man was impaired by drugs.

    Approximately one hour later, an officer from RCMP Southeast Traffic Services (SETS) stopped a vehicle for speeding on Hwy. 102 in Bedford. The driver, a 29-year-old Halifax man, was administered an ASD test with a result over the provincial limit of 50 mg%. The driver’s licence was suspended for seven days.

    On October 6, at approximately 12:40 a.m., an officer from RCMP SETS observed a vehicle driving erratically on Dartmoor Cres., in Bedford, and completed a traffic stop. The driver, a 71-year-old Upper Hammonds Plains man, provided a roadside breath sample into an ASD, which resulted in a “fail.” He was arrested and transported to the Lower Sackville RCMP Detachment where he provided subsequent breath samples that registered 90 mg% and 80 mg%.

    That night, at approximately 8:10 p.m., an officer from the RCMP HDTU conducted a traffic stop on Baker Dr., in Dartmouth. The driver, a 51-year-old Cole Harbour man, provided a roadside breath sample into an ASD with a result of “fail.” He was arrested and transported to the Cole Harbour RCMP Detachment where he provided breath samples that registered 140 mg% and 120 mg%.

    The four drivers were released from custody and are all scheduled to appear in court at later dates.

    Road safety is a shared responsibility. If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    File #s: 24-137112; 24-137176; 24-137197; 24-137232; 24-137540

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Hidden Gem’ at UConn Helps International Studies Scholars Find their Academic Home

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A decade ago, Sercan Canbolat ’17 MA ’23 Ph.D. was a graduate student in his home country of Turkey. His focus was studying the political psychology of leaders.

    What makes them think?

    How do they make decisions?

    What influences them in their decision making?

    His particular focus was on political leaders in the Middle East, where he had grown up and completed his undergraduate degrees.

    But as a master’s student at Bilkent University in Turkey’s capital city of Ankara, he knew first-hand some of the challenges he would face as he tried to present his research to a broader, international audience.

    “I’m from Turkey,” Canbolat says, “and I know in the broader Middle East and North Africa regions, we don’t have a lot of opportunities to get our work published, to present our work to top scholars in the field, and to get good feedback – to learn and acquire the best research skills and presentation skills.”

    Sercan Canbolat ’17 MA ’23 Ph.D. at the ISA International Conference 2017 in Hong Kong. (Contributed photo)

    It was during his master’s studies that his advisor, Özgür Özdamar, first introduced him to the International Studies Association, or ISA – one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations dedicated to understanding international, transnational, and global affairs.

    “I was writing my MA thesis with him,” Canbolat explains, “and he offered for me to write a paper that we could present at ISA. But I couldn’t get a visa. So, my advisor went to the conference instead, and he presented our paper.”

    The following year, though – in 2014 – Canbolat was able to travel to the ISA conference in Toronto, where he put himself in front of a global audience for the first time to present his research.

    “I got some feedback from the chair and from the audience, and it was great,” he says. “It helped me to build self-confidence, and actually, through ISA, I met many scholars based in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Those connections helped me to apply for and receive a Fulbright scholarship to come to the U.S. for my Ph.D.”

    That Fulbright Ph.D. grant led Canbolat to UConn in 2014, where he started his doctoral studies in political science.

    And in 2015, the organization that helped Canbolat make those connections and first share his research on a global stage – the International Studies Association – also came to UConn.

    Best-Kept Secret

    Founded in 1959, the ISA has long served as a central hub for the exchange of ideas, for networking, and for programmatic initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching, and practice of international studies.

    Through its international and regional conferences and its academic journals, the organization works to promote rigorous discussion, research, and writing on a broad range of topics, including foreign policy, environmental studies, global health, diplomacy, human rights, peace studies, law, and religion.

    ISA has been headquartered at UConn since 2015. Under agreements with UConn’s Office of Global Affairs, it will remain in residence at UConn until at least 2030.

    Sarah Dorr, Ph.D., ISA director of professional development (Contributed photo)

    From 2015 to 2024, ISA was under the leadership of Mark Boyer, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus at UConn. As of July 1, 2024, Mike Bosia, professor of political science and international relations and director of gender and sexuality studies at Saint Michael’s College, took over the role of ISA’s executive director.

    “ISA is a hidden gem – one of the best kept secrets at UConn,” says Sarah Dorr, the ISA’s director of professional development. “We have over 7,000 members in 120 countries.”

    UConn and ISA are a good fit for each other, says Daniel Weiner, a professor of geography and UConn’s vice president for global affairs, because both the organization and the University share similar missions to foster a sense of global-mindedness and facilitate life-transformative educational and research experiences.

    “ISA is really a success story about the positive impact of international collaboration,” Weiner says. “One of our major goals in Global Affairs is to support interdisciplinary research and engagement on issues of worldwide importance and impact, so partnership with ISA here at UConn is really a natural pairing.”

    Evolving and Growing

    In a complex and ever-changing world, adapting to the needs of the time is important for any organization – ISA included.

    “Our organization is constantly evolving and growing,” says Dorr, “and we offer different levels of interaction to help people make connections and foster dialogue – something that we feel is particularly critical at this point in time in our increasingly polarized world.”

    The ISA publishes seven academic journals, co-sponsors an eighth, and partners with Oxford University Press to publish the International Studies Encyclopedia, the most comprehensive reference work of its kind for the fields of international studies and international relations.

    The organization has steadily grown its online and social media presence and, in response to the pandemic in 2020, launched a roster of unique virtual programs to broaden its reach to scholars who might not otherwise have the ability to take part in global opportunities.

    Not all students and academics have access to the same resources at their institution. ISA’s virtual initiative provides these programs to level the playing field and create community whilst doing so. &#8212 Sarah Dorr, ISA’s director of professional development

    “Not all students and academics have access to the same resources at their institution,” says Dorr, who curates virtual programming as part of her role at ISA. “ISA’s virtual initiative provides these programs to level the playing field and create community whilst doing so. Virtual programming allows people to interact with the association throughout the year, and it widens participation and increases accessibility to ISA’s pedagogical and research communities.”

    ISA’s virtual programming is available to all members of the UConn community, regardless of membership. To date in 2024, ISA has produced more than 30 programs, with additional virtual events scheduled for the remainder of the calendar year on topics including banal nationalism, Fulbright scholar opportunities, and the impending results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.

    But what ISA has historically been known for are its national and regional conferences – gatherings where scholars from all walks of life and levels of experience come together to share their research, build new networks, and contribute to scholarship on a global level.

    An Academic Home

    Canbolat’s first ISA conference was in Toronto, but in the years since, ISA has taken him to San Francisco, Nashville, Atlanta, and even Hong Kong.

    “It was a great experience; my first time in that part of the world,” he recalls about the 2017 Hong Kong conference. “It was amazing. I really enjoyed it.”

    ISA supported Canbolat’s travel to its conferences through a grant program that assists junior scholars, senior graduate students, and scholars from low-income countries in attending conferences that would otherwise be out of reach.

    “Grad students don’t have a great budget to go to conferences, and it’s expensive,” Canbolat says. “Travel, accommodations – ISA is really great at providing financial help, especially to students and junior scholars. I benefitted a lot from my ISA travel grants. It really helped make it happen, to go and attend the conferences.”

    While on those trips, Canbolat says he had opportunities to meet eminent scholars in his field, network and build relationships with them, attend panel discussions, and meet and workshop with both journal editors and book publishers.

    UConn President Radenka Maric delivers remarks at the ISA International Conference 2024 at the University of Rijeka in Croatia. (Photo Courtesy of UNIRI)

    “Even if you don’t present, it’s still a great experience to go to panels, listen to state-of-the-art research being presented by both prominent scholars and rising scholars,” he says. “I’ve really enjoyed meeting top scholars, prominent scholars, in a personal setting – not in a panel or in a workshop, but at a reception, and to really make personal connections. Tell them about my family. Tell them about my background. Tell them about my plans. And they were very helpful, listening and giving great feedback.

    “I think that stands out, meeting those big names. We always read their books, their articles, but it’s something else to meet them, especially in a personal setting, a relaxed environment. Having a coffee with them. That stands out,” he says.

    ISA holds a series of regional conferences throughout each year as well as an annual convention, which will be held in Chicago in 2025.

    “One of the major benefits of attending ISA regional conferences is they become a source of intellectual community,” says Dorr. “But ISA’s annual convention is where people go to find their ‘academic home.’”

    In June 2024, the ISA built on its long-standing collaboration with the Central and Eastern European International Studies Association, or CEEISA, to host a joint international conference at the University of Rijeka in Croatia.

    Focused on “Knowing the Global-Local: Imagining Pasts, Debating Futures,” the conference hosted 800 participants – including Weiner and UConn President Radenka Maric – from 65 countries to discuss global and local political science and international relations.

    The conference marked the largest gathering of experts in international relations in Croatia to date.

    Full Circle

    Canbolat wasn’t able to travel to Croatia in June, but earlier this year, he attended an ISA conference in San Francisco – to accept the ISA Foreign Policy Analysis Section Best Book Award for 2024.

    In 2023, Canbolat and his co-author, Özdamar, published their book, Leaders in the Middle East and North Africa: How Ideology Shapes Foreign Policy, through Cambridge University Press in 2023.

    The book is based on the initial research that Canbolat presented at his very first ISA conference in Toronto in 2014.

    Co-authors Sercan Canbolat ’17 MA ’23 Ph.D. (center) and Özgür Özdamar, professor of international relations at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey, (right) — with Danielle Lupton, associate professor of political science at Colgate University (left) — accept the 2024 ISA Best Book in Foreign Policy Analysis Award at the ISA 2024 Annual Convention in San Francisco. (Contributed photo)

    “We published it as a journal article first,” he says. “After I presented at ISA, I got feedback. We published it in a good journal. It was well-received, and we got great feedback. And then, we discussed and decided to turn it into a book, into a larger project, and we worked on it for like five, six years. It was a blast, because it kept giving.”

    Also in 2023, Canbolat completed his Ph.D. at UConn. He’s now serving as the inaugural director of Abrahamic Programs at UConn Global Affairs, and he’s teaching as a postdoctoral lecturer in the Department of Political Science.

    He says he tells all his students about ISA – how it’s headquartered at UConn and how they can access the programs and opportunities ISA has to offer.

    And he tells other faculty at UConn as well.

    “I was surprised that some faculty don’t know that ISA is here at UConn,” Canbolat says. “I strongly suggest for anyone to try and at least give ISA a shot. Attend one year, and actually, they will be hooked.”

    To learn more about or connect with the International Studies Association, headquartered at UConn Storrs, visit isanet.org. To stay up-to-date on the latest ISA virtual programs, sign up for ISA Connected at isanet.org/Programs/Virtual-Programs/ISA-Connected.

    For more information about global learning, research, and entrepreneurship opportunities available through UConn’s Office of Global Affairs, visit global.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, August 2024

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $70.4 billion in August, down $8.5 billion from $78.9 billion in July, revised.

    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
    Deficit: $70.4 Billion  –10.8%°
    Exports: $271.8 Billion  +2.0%°
    Imports: $342.2 Billion  –0.9%°

    Next release: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

    (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, October 8, 2024

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    August exports were $271.8 billion, $5.3 billion more than July exports. August imports were $342.2 billion, $3.2 billion less than July imports.

    The August decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $8.4 billion to $94.9 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $24.4 billion.

    Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $47.1 billion, or 8.9 percent, from the same period in 2023. Exports increased $79.0 billion or 3.9 percent. Imports increased $126.1 billion or 4.9 percent.

    Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

    The average goods and services deficit decreased $1.6 billion to $74.1 billion for the three months ending in August.

    • Average exports increased $3.7 billion to $267.8 billion in August.
    • Average imports increased $2.0 billion to $342.0 billion in August.

    Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $11.1 billion from the three months ending in August 2023.

    • Average exports increased $13.3 billion from August 2023.
    • Average imports increased $24.4 billion from August 2023.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods increased $4.4 billion to $179.4 billion in August.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $4.9 billion.

    • Capital goods increased $1.7 billion.
      • Telecommunications equipment increased $0.5 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft increased $0.4 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $0.4 billion.
      • Other industrial machinery increased $0.4 billion.
      • Semiconductors decreased $0.8 billion.
    • Consumer goods increased $1.0 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations increased $1.0 billion.
    • Industrial supplies and materials increased $0.9 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold increased $1.5 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.1 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $0.8 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $0.6 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $0.5 billion.

    Exports of services increased $0.9 billion to $92.3 billion in August.

    • Travel increased $0.5 billion
    • Government goods and services increased $0.2 billion.
    • Transport decreased $0.2 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods decreased $3.9 billion to $274.3 billion in August.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis decreased $3.8 billion.

    • Industrial supplies and materials decreased $3.9 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.2 billion.
      • Finished metal shapes decreased $1.0 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.0 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines decreased $1.3 billion.
      • Passenger cars decreased $1.1 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $0.2 billion.

    Imports of services increased $0.7 billion to $67.9 billion in August.

    • Travel increased $0.4 billion.
    • Charges for the use of intellectual property increased $0.4 billion.
    • Transport decreased $0.3 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit decreased $8.6 billion, or 8.9 percent, to $88.6 billion in August, compared to an 8.5 percent decrease in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods increased $5.5 billion, or 3.8 percent, to $150.1 billion, compared to a 2.9 percent increase in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods decreased $3.2 billion, or 1.3 percent, to $238.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent decrease in nominal imports.

    Revisions

    Revisions to July exports

    • Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
    • Exports of services were revised down $0.1 billion.

    Revisions to July imports

    • Imports of goods were revised up $0.1 billion.
    • Imports of services were revised down $0.1 billion.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

    The August figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($5.5), South and Central America ($4.0), Australia ($1.9), Hong Kong ($1.6), Brazil ($0.8), Singapore ($0.5), and United Kingdom ($0.3). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with China ($24.7), European Union ($19.1), Mexico ($14.3), Vietnam ($9.8), Ireland ($8.0), Taiwan ($7.3), Germany ($6.6), Japan ($4.9), South Korea ($4.9), Canada ($3.9), Italy ($2.9), India ($2.7), Switzerland ($2.5), France ($1.7), Malaysia ($1.1), Israel ($1.0), Belgium ($0.6), and Saudi Arabia ($0.1).

    • The deficit with Canada decreased $3.8 billion to $3.9 billion in August. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $28.5 billion and imports decreased $2.7 billion to $32.3 billion.
    • The deficit with China decreased $2.6 billion to $24.7 billion in August. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $12.6 billion and imports decreased $1.5 billion to $37.3 billion.
    • The balance with Belgium shifted from a surplus of $1.0 billion in July to a deficit of $0.6 billion in August. Exports decreased $0.1 billion to $2.8 billion and imports increased $1.5 billion to $3.4 billion.

    All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or http://www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at http://www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

    Next release: November 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EST
    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, September 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Parex Resources Announces Production Update and Timing of Q3 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parex Resources Inc. (“Parex” or the “Company”) (TSX: PXT) announces a production update as well as its plan to release its Q3 2024 financial and operating results on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

    Q3 2024 Production Update(1)

    • Q3 2024 average production was 47,569 boe/d.
    • Average production was in line with the most recent production guidance(2).
    • September 2024 production was supported by a new well at Capachos.
    • Parex’s production guidance incorporates a range of technical outcomes and contingency for significant downtime events; there were no notable downtime events during the quarter.
    boe/d For the three months ended September 30, 2024
    Block LLA-34 24,975
    Southern Llanos 15,031
    Northern Llanos 4,567
    Magdalena Basin 2,268
    Natural Gas Production 728
    Average Production 47,569

    (1) See “Product Type Disclosure.”
    (2) See August 28, 2024 news release.

    Monthly Production Breakdown(1)(2)

    boe/d July 2024 August 2024 September 2024
    Average Production 48,850 46,350 47,450

    (1) See “Product Type Disclosure.”
    (2) Rounded for presentation purposes.

    Q3 2024 Conference Call & Webcast

    Parex will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its Q3 2024 results on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, beginning at 9:30 am MT (11:30 am ET). Additional details will be available on the Company’s website in due course.

    About Parex Resources Inc.

    Parex is one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in Colombia, focusing on sustainable, conventional production. The Company’s corporate headquarters are in Calgary, Canada, with an operating office in Bogotá, Colombia. Parex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PXT.

    For more information, please contact:

    Mike Kruchten
    Senior Vice President, Capital Markets & Corporate Planning
    Parex Resources Inc.
    403-517-1733
    investor.relations@parexresources.com

    Steven Eirich
    Investor Relations & Communications Advisor
    Parex Resources Inc.
    587-293-3286
    investor.relations@parexresources.com

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    Product Type Disclosure

    Product Type July 2024 August 2024 September 2024
    Light & Medium Crude Oil (bbl/d) 9,308 8,832 9,041
    Heavy Crude Oil (bbl/d) 38,793 36,808 37,681
    Conventional Natural Gas (mcf/d) 4,492 4,262 4,363
    Oil Equivalent (boe/d) 48,850(1) 46,350(1) 47,450(1)

    (1) Rounded for presentation purposes.

    Product Type For the three months ended September 30, 2024
    Light & Medium Crude Oil (bbl/d) 9,064
    Heavy Crude Oil (bbl/d) 37,776
    Conventional Natural Gas (mcf/d) 4,370
    Oil Equivalent (boe/d) 47,569

    Oil & Gas Matters Advisory

    The term “Boe” means a barrel of oil equivalent on the basis of 6 thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas to 1 bbl. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6 Mcf: 1Bbl, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6 Mcf: 1 Bbl may be misleading as an indication of value.

    Advisory on Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information regarding Parex set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words “plan”, “expect”, “prospective”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “should”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “guidance”, “budget” or other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements represent Parex’s internal projections, estimates or beliefs concerning, among other things, future growth, results of operations, production, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, plans for and results of drilling activity, environmental matters, business prospects and opportunities. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Although the Company’s management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause Parex’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Parex.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions which management believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Parex has made assumptions regarding, among other things: current and anticipated commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future exchange rates; the price of oil, including the anticipated Brent oil price; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; receipt of partner, regulatory and community approvals; royalty rates; future operating costs; uninterrupted access to areas of Parex’s operations and infrastructure; recoverability of reserves and future production rates; the status of litigation; timing of drilling and completion of wells; on-stream timing of production from successful exploration wells; operational performance of non-operated producing fields; pipeline capacity; that Parex will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources or other financial resources required to fund its capital and operating expenditures and requirements as needed; that Parex’s conduct and results of operations will be consistent with its expectations; that Parex will have the ability to develop its oil and gas properties in the manner currently contemplated; that Parex’s evaluation of its existing portfolio of development and exploration opportunities is consistent with its expectations; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as described herein; that the estimates of Parex’s production and reserves volumes and the assumptions related thereto (including commodity prices and development costs) are accurate in all material respects; that Parex will be able to obtain contract extensions or fulfill the contractual obligations required to retain its rights to explore, develop and exploit any of its undeveloped properties; that Parex will have sufficient financial resources in the future to pay a dividend in the future; that the Board will declare dividends in the future; and other matters.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada and Colombia; prolonged volatility in commodity prices; industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations including adoption of new environmental laws and regulations, and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced in Canada and Colombia; determinations by OPEC and other countries as to production levels; competition; lack of availability of qualified personnel; the results of exploration and development drilling and related activities; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities in Canada and Colombia; risks associated with negotiating with foreign governments as well as country risk associated with conducting international activities; volatility in market prices for oil; fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates; environmental risks; changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the oil industry; changes to pipeline capacity; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure of counterparties to perform under contracts; risk that Brent oil prices are lower than anticipated; risk that Parex’s evaluation of its existing portfolio of development and exploration opportunities is not consistent with its expectations; risk that initial test results are not indicative of future performance or ultimate recovery; risk that other zones to be tested do not contain the expected hydrocarbon bearing formations; the risk that Parex’s 2024 capital expenditures and planned exploration and development programs are different than expected, including in a manner adverse to Parex; the risk that Parex’s financial and production results may be less favorable than anticipated; the risk that certain of Parex’s wells may not spud or come onstream when anticipated, or at all; the risk that Parex may not have sufficient financial resources in the future to pay a dividend or repurchase its shares; the risk that the Board may not declare dividends in the future or that Parex’s dividend policy changes; that risk that Parex may not actively adjust its capital allocation or maximize shareholder value; the risk that the Company may purchase less shares per day through its automatic share purchase plan than anticipated and that it may not adjust to match its targeted long-term capital allocation framework as required; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Parex’s operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca).

    Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this press release in order to provide shareholders with a more complete perspective on Parex’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Parex’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Parex will derive. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Parex disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

    Abbreviations

    The following abbreviations used in this press release have the meanings set forth below:

    bbl one barrel
    bbl/d barrels per day
    boe barrels of oil equivalent of natural gas; one barrel of oil or natural gas liquids for six thousand cubic feet of natural gas
    boe/d barrels of oil equivalent of natural gas per day
    mcf thousand cubic feet
    mcf/d thousand cubic feet per day

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Need for Vehicle Affordability Becoming More Pronounced, According to New CarGurus Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Analysis of third quarter trends also highlights hybrid demand overtaking electric vehicles, the ongoing balance between new car inventory and sales, and more

    BOSTON, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles1, today released its Quarterly Review for Q3 2024, identifying areas of opportunity as the consumer need for affordability becomes more pronounced.

    “As we near the end of 2024, it’s clear that consumers are speaking loudly with their wallets. After years of post-pandemic revenge spending, consumers are becoming more prudent as they face economic uncertainty, still-high interest rates, and vehicle prices that remain elevated,” said Kevin Roberts, Director of Economic and Market Intelligence at CarGurus. “As a result, we’re seeing concentrated demand for more affordable cars, with sales of certain price segments—$20,000 to $30,000 for new and $15,000 to $20,000 for used—accounting for the greatest share of annual sales growth, 43% and 59% respectively.”

    According to CarGurus data, the shift is especially pronounced in the used market, with vehicles $30,000 and under driving year-over-year sales growth, while cars over $30,000 declined. Further reflecting this trend, used cars over $35,000 are remaining on dealer lots longer compared to more affordable options.

    Additional highlights from the report include:

    • Hybrids are having the year many expected for electric vehicles (EVs): There were big expectations for EV demand in 2024, but hybrids have taken the spotlight with more affordable pricing and fewer concerns around range and charging. Year-to-date, new hybrids accounted for nearly 11% of total retail sales, while EVs were 4% (excluding direct-to-consumer sales volumes). New hybrid retail sales volumes are up nearly 44% year-over-year.
    • New car inventory working to find equilibrium with demand: As automakers try to balance new inventory with demand, a larger share of aging new cars remain on dealer lots. At the end of September, about 58,000 new listings nationwide were two years or older (a nearly 58% increase compared to pre-Covid averages). With 2025 models rolling onto lots, the surplus of these new, but slightly older, models could present an opportunity for price-conscious shoppers.
    • The upcoming election could impact new and used sales demand: In analyzing vehicle sales from 2002 onward—and comparing the seasonality of non-presidential election years to presidential election years—presidential election years tend to see a decline in sales demand in August, October, and November before rebounding at year-end.
    • Immediate impact of interest rate cuts might be muted: While interest rate reductions are a welcome update, the September cuts will do little to improve near-term affordability concerns. Because auto rates tend to follow two- and five-year treasury rates as opposed to the short-term Federal Funds Rate, consumers will not immediately see significant declines. Additionally, with auto loan delinquencies rising, financial institutions may be more hesitant to lend credit or quickly lower rates.

    To read about these trends and more, the complete Quarterly Review for Q3 2024 is available here.

    About CarGurus, Inc.

    CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in-person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S.1

    CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the United Kingdom. In the United States and the United Kingdom, CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.

    To learn more about CarGurus, visit http://www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit http://www.caroffer.com.

    CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    1Similarweb: Traffic Insights (Cars.com, Autotrader.com, TrueCar.com), Q2 2024, U.S.

    Media Contact:
    Maggie Meluzio
    Director, Public Relations & External Communications
    pr@cargurus.com

    Investor Contact:
    Kirndeep Singh
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    investors@cargurus.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene update #10 from Congressman Edwards

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

    Dear enewsletter.salutation_for_merging.merge,

    Here’s to hope: 6,586 people have been rescued, evacuated or assisted by search and rescue teams since Hurricane Helene hit, including 39 survivors being rescued on Saturday, October 5, over eight full days into rescue efforts.

    More than 4,000 first responders, national guardsmen, and active-duty military are in Western North Carolina looking for your friends, your family, or if you’re still stranded waiting for help – they’re looking for you. And they won’t stop until every missing person is accounted for.

    I’m sure many of you have heard that there is a second hurricane brewing on the coast of Florida. It is not expected to hit Western North Carolina, but if it maintains it’s intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, it is expected to be catastrophic. I’m here to tell you that we will support Florida in any way we can, but I am also committed to making sure Western North Carolina does not get left behind in place of the newest natural disaster.

    The resources and help I have listed over the last nine days are here to stay.

    Today is update number 10 and includes details on where to find critical health care services including orthopedic care, dialysis treatments, and oxygen tanks, and an updated timeline on power restoration for individuals in the hardest hit areas. More information is to come in the following days.

    As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.

    • Supplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.
      • 84 water systems are on a boil advisory.
      • 24 treatment plants have reported having no power and 33 systems are out of water.
        • Water restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.
      • FEMA has shipped 13 million meals and 13 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.
        • Of the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.
    • Walmart is hosting activities at the following locations:
      • Hendersonville, NC Store 1242
        • 250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792
          • Portable restrooms
          • Serving hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily
      • Arden, NC Store 1179
        • 60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704
          • Portable restrooms
          • Laundry
          • Showers
          • Wi-fi hotspot and charging stations
        • Buncombe County
          • Buncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:
            • Pack Square Park – you MUST bring your own container for this site
              • 80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801
            • William W. Estes Elementary School
              • 275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
              • 154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
              • 20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Fairview Elementary
              • 1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
          • The following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:
            • Biltmore Baptist Church
              • 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Distribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members
                  • Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
                • Community drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies
                  • Saturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
            • First Baptist Church – Weaverville
              • 63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
                • Hot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Unlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.
                • Supplies and bottled water.
                • Hot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.
          • Food and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:
            • Asheville Middle School
              • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
            • Ingles
              • 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
                • This location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms
            • Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
              • 121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Lucy Herring Elementary
              • 98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • Oakley Elementary School
              • 753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
        • Haywood County
          • The following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:
            • Fines Creek Community Center
              • 190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721
              • Open every day until 6:00 p.m.
            • Pigeon Community Center
              • 450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Also offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Cruso Community Center
              • 13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Includes shower access.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
            • Maggie Valley Pavilion
              • 3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
                • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
            • Woodland Baptist Church
              • 545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Bethel Elementary School
              • 4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Jonathan Valley Elementary School
              • 410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Monday through Friday
            • St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – in the Parish Hall
              • 234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
                  • Monday to Friday
                • Hot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.
            • St. Barnabas Catholic Church
              • 109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • Reynolds Baptist Church – Family Life Center
              • 520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
                • This location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.
          • The following location offers hot meals daily:
            • Maggie Valley Fire Department
              • 2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
          • The following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
            • Calvary Baptist Church
              • 2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
        • Henderson County
          • Henderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.
          • Distribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:
            • Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729
            • Rugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
            • East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726
            • North Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
            • Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
            • Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
          • Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day’s meal and water as available.
          • Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.
        • Jackson County
          • In partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:
            • The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:
              • 558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717
              • Hours of operation to come.
              • The Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:
                • 149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783
                • Hours of operation to come.
        • Madison County
          • The following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:
            • Beech Glen Community Center
              • 2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754
              • Daily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.
            • Center Community Center
              • 1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Ebbs Chapel Community Center
              • 281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Enon Baptist Church
              • 174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Open Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.
            • Freedom Christian Church
              • 7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • This location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.
            • Laurel Community Center – also has supplies
              • 4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
            • Revere-Rice Community Center
              • 3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)
            • Spring Creek Community Center
              • 13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743
              • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • This location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.
            • Walnut Community Center – also has supplies
              • 46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.
            • N.C. Cooperative Extension – Madison County Center
              • 258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
              • This location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.
        • McDowell County
          • McDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.
          • Distribution takes place daily at the following locations:
            • Former TJ’s Discounts – North Cove
              • 8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
            • Old Fort Town Hall
              • 38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762
            • New Manna Baptist Church
              • 225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
            • Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church – Dysartsville 
              • 7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761
            • Zion Hill Baptist Church
              • 1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752
          • Hot meals are also being provided at the following location:
            • Grace Community Church
              • 5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752
                • Lunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
                • Dinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
          • First Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.
            • Current hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
        • Polk County
          • The following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:
            • Mill Spring/Green Creek Community
              • 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
            • Columbus Community
              • 95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722
            • Saluda Community Bus Parking Lot
              • 214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773
            • Tryon Community
              • 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
            • Sunny View
              • 86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
        • Rutherford County
          • The following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:
            • Thomas Jefferson High School
              • 2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114
            • Florence Baptist Church
              • 201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043
            • Rutherford County Health Department
              • 221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Gilkey Church of God
              • 255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
            • Parks, Recreation, & Lake Office
              • 658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Lake Lure Baptist Church
              • 6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Ingles at Lake Lure – meals only
              • 276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746
                • Offers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.
                • Also offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.
            • Father’s Vineyard – also has shower and charging stations
              • 724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Spencer Baptist Church – water distribution only
              • 187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160
            • United Way of Rutherford County – water distribution and charging stations only
              • 668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043
            • The Church at Sapphire – through October 10
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
              • Daily hours: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
            • Little River Baptist Church – through October 11
              • 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766
              • Breakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
              • Lunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
              • Dinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
        • Transylvania County
          • The following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:
            • The Church at Sapphire – through October 10
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
                • Daily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
              • Little River Baptist Church – through October 11
                • 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766
                  • Breakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
                  • Lunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
                  • Dinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
              • Cedar Mountain Community Center
                • 10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
                  • Breakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
                  • Lunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
                  • Dinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
              • Balsam Grove Community Center – daily until power is fully restored
                • 8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708
                  • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:
          • Bottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:
            • 3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
          • Water filling stations can be found at the following locations:
            • City Sports Complex
              • 824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
            • Cedar Mountain Outpost
              • 8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • Territory Brevard
              • 43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • DD Bullwinkles
              • 60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
            • Pisgah Forest Baptist Church
              • 494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Newfound Artisan
              • 22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Through today, October 6.
              • Hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.
          • Food, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:
            • Anchor Baptist Church
              • 3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • The Church at Sapphire
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
              • Through October 10.
              • Daily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
        • Yancey County
          • Yancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:
            • Altec
              • 150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
          • Mobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:
            • 631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714

    • Additionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.
      • Buncombe
        • Curbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.
          • There will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.
          • Residents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.
            • The following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.
          • Debris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.
        • The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:
          • Tractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711
          • Ingles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
          • Please Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time. 
        • Waste Pro collection service will resume today, October 7, for regular Monday route customers.
          • Recycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.
      • Haywood
        • Household waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.
        • White Oak Landfill has reopened.
      • Henderson
        • Henderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.
        • Henderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.
        • Storm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.
          • Please be patient.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.
      • Madison
        • The Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:
          • Monday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
          • Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
          • Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
          • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
        • Hot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.
          • Please only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.
          • The pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.
      • Polk
        • The Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
          • 322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
          • The service fee is waived through October 8.
          • Beginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.
        • GFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.
          • Two dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.
      • Transylvania
        • The City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.
      • Yancey
        • The Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.
        • No update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.

    • The North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.
      • To review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.
        • The site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.
        • For any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.
          • Please note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.
            • I have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.

    • USPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.
    • There are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.
      • No drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.
        • The following sites are closed with no retail or delivery:
          • Barnardsville – 28709
          • Cedar Mountain – 28718
          • Hot Springs – 28743
          • Rosman – 28772
          • Swannanoa – 28778
        • The following site is closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:
          • Newland – 28657
        • The following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:
          • Alexander – 28701
          • Alternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Bat Cave – 28710
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Chimney Rock – 28720
            • Alternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.
          • Edneyville – 28727
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Gerton – 28735
            • Alternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
              • Daily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Green Mountain – 28740
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Marshall – 28753
            • Alternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Micaville – 28755
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Montreat – 28757
            • Alternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770
              • Daily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
          • Penland – 28765
            • Alternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
        • All remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.
        • Due to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:
          • Dana – 28724
          • Enka – 28728
          • Flat Rock – 28731
          • Hendersonville MPO – 28739
          • Lake Lure (OIC) – 28746
          • Little Switzerland – 28749
          • Mountain Home – 28758
          • Naples – 28760
          • Pisgah Forest – 28768
          • Ridgecrest – 28770
          • Skyland – 28776
          • Zirconia – 28790
          • Bostic – 28018
      • Multiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.
        • The Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.
        • Delivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.

    • The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.
      • The EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.
      • Through the program, uninsured residents can:
        • Request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.
        • Replace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.
          • Uninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.
      • Prescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:
        • 730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
    • For individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:
      • 324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704
      • 505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806
      • 371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
      • 3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • 1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • 773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786
    • You can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.
    • How to Acquire a Prescription:
      • If a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy’s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.
      • Patients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.

    • There is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:
      • 305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714
    • The following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville
          • 61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787
        • Mercy Urgent Care West Asheville
          • 1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • Mercy Urgent Care Waynesville
          • 120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Brevard
          • 22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Columbus
          • 140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mobile Urgent Care Clinic
          • 12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711
        • Mental Health & Basic Medical Support Center
          • 130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
        • Pardee Urgent Care
          • 45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
      • Locations open from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
        • Hot Springs Elementary School – Art Room (mental health services only)
        • 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743
      • The following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:
        • 800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
        • 2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704
        • 9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785
        • Please Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.

    • The following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:
      • Pardee Hospital
        • 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
          • This location can dialyze 30 patients a day.
        • DaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:
          • DaVita Greer South Dialysis
            • 3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650
            • Contact Number: (864) 801-2065
          • DaVita Saluda River Dialysis
            • 8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673
            • Contact Number: (833) 378-2702
          • DaVita Wofford at Home
            • 8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303
            • Contact Number: (864) 583-4788
          • DaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis
            • 196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
            • Contact Number: (833) 458-4809

    • Hendersonville High School
      • 1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
        • Must be assessed through Pardee Hospital.
      • Lincare is only serving established patients.
        • Patients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:
          • Asheville Lincare
            • 103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804
            • Fax number: (866) 234-6698
          • Greenville Lincare
            • 355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607
            • Fax Number: (864) 288-0339
      • The following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment – fire departments are available 24/7:
        • Boiling Springs Fire Department
          • 186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
        • Reidville Fire Department
          • 7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388
        • Inman City Fire Department
          • 6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349
        • First Presbyterian Church
          • 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302
          • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
        • Greer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center
          • 113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651
          • Daily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
        • Croft Fire Department
          • 370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302
        • Arkwright Fire Department
          • 1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306
        • Roebuck Fire Department
          • 2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376
        • North Spartanburg Fire Department
          • 8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316

    • Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.
      • Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.
      • Legion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.
        • To learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.
        • Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.
    • The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.
      • Veterans can:
        • Visit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:
        • Call the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.
      • Local pharmacies in the VA’s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.
    • Hickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.
      • Due to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.
      • Please be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.

    • The United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.
      • If your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.

    • About 117,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.
      • Customers whose properties are inaccessible or not able to receive power may be without electricity for an extended period of time as Duke Energy works to rebuild critical infrastructure.
    • Restoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.
      • Crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.
    • As work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid’s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.
      • This work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.
    • For more information on Duke Energy’s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:

    • A “DO NOT DRIVE” message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.
      • Unless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.
      • Cherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.
        • Please DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.
    • USDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.
      • Damage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT’s investment is a significant and most welcome start.
    • A total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.
      • NCDOT also has:
        • DOT also has:
          • 1,100 pieces of heavy equipment for debris clearance and road repairs in affected areas, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, graders, etc.
          • More than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.
    • NCDOT is reporting about 650 road closures, 106 of which are to primary routes.
      • Now that communications have been largely restored, NCDOT has a more comprehensive picture of debris blocking roadways, road damage, and necessary repairs in our mountains.
      • At least 100 bridges are irreparable and will require replacement.
    • All roadways in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties are accessible, although some are requiring four-wheel drive.
      • While none of the above-listed counties are in NC-11, they are a welcome sign of what’s to come.
    • Progress has been made on NCDOT and Tennessee DOT’s plans for reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.
      • Bids for stabilization of the westbound lanes of I-40 where the eastbound lanes no longer exist will be opening today, October 7.
      • A contract will be awarded shortly after the bid closes.
      • NCDOT is working to expedite the necessary repairs to restore mobility to the area as soon as possible.
    • Air traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.
      • NCDOT’s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:
        • Scheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.
        • Establishing a first of its kind “corridors in the sky” to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.
        • Having search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.
      • The state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.
        • If you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don’t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.
    • NCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.
      • You can access the map here.

    • Internet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.
      • Restoration timelines are not available at this time.
    • Internet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network’s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.
      • As a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.
    • To mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
      • 717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
    • The following locations are offering free public wi-fi:
      • First Baptist Church – Weaverville
        • 63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787
      • Downtown Franklin
        • The Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.
      • Transylvania County Library – 24/7
        • 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Newfound Artison through today, October 6
        • High-speed internet and charging outlets
        • Available 12:00-5:00 p.m.
      • The Yard Brevard
        • 284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Brevard Visitor Center
        • 175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712
        • Available daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    • Communications in the region are improving rapidly.
      • Cell service providers reported significant gains in service coverage on Sunday, October 6.
      • Roughly 80 percent of access to cell service has been restored in Western North Carolina.
      • More than 100 temporary network assets have been deployed across all service providers in NC-11 to assist with service quality.
    • Cell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.
      • Disaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.
        • This allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.
      • If you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.
    • UpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:
      • 470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
    • AT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:
      • Sam’s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • The Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.
        • The public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.
    • Verizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.
      • Wireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.
      • Verizon’s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Asheville YMCA
          • 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Family Justice Center
          • 35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Groce United Methodist Church
          • 954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805
      • Verizon also has charging stations at the following locations:
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
            • Two charging stations at this location
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732
            • Three charging stations at this location
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
          • One charging station at this location
    • T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:
      • Asheville Middle School
        • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
      • Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
        • 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801
      • First Baptist Church
        • 130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
    • Additional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.

    • Almost 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.
      • The total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.
    • The National Guard has more than 700 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.
      • So far, the National Guard has:
        • Delivered more than 2,614 tons of commodities to affected areas
        • Cleared 1,052 obstacles
        • Rescued nearly 1,000 individuals
    • The Guard’s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:
      • Delivery of essential relief supplies to points of need
      • Clearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities
    • Although airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.
      • If you are looking to fly in resources and don’t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.
    • On October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).
      • Nearly all 1,000 of the authorized active-duty soldiers have been mobilized to support the residents and affect counties devastated by Hurricane Helene in Western NC.
      • These soldiers are providing additional manpower and logistics capabilities to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.
    • In addition to the 1,000 previously authorized soldiers, another 500 troops with advanced technological assets were approved for deployment to Western NC to provide greater situational awareness on the ground.
      • These troops are not yet in NC-11, but coordination is taking place for rapid deployment over the coming days.
      • The Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.
    • Here are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:
      • HOTLINE: 888-892-1162
      • Emergency management watch: 919-733-3300
      • Donated goods: 919-825-2474
        • These lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.

    • Asheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.
    • Commercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.
    • If you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news – none of the airport’s lots flooded and all cars are fine.
      • Stay safe and pick up your car when you are able.
    • PLEASE NOTE:
      • No general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.
        • Supply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.
        • FEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.

    Federal Nutrition Programs

      • SNAP
        • North Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.
        • This waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.
      • Child Nutrition
        • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.
          • Under the waiver approval, NCDPI’s local program operators may:
            • Serve meals in a non-congregate setting
            • Adjust the time of meal service
            • Allow parent pick-up
            • Allow service of meals at school sites
      • Food and Nutrition Services Program
        • People and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.
          • This flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.
      • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
        • Families participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:
          • Have a new eWIC card issued
          • Request replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps
          • Request replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene

    • If you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.
      • The FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.
      • More information to follow.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:
      • Accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene
      • Advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene

    • For county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.
      • My office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.

    North Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.

    • Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.

    • To date, FEMA has paid out more than $30 million in housing and other types of assistance and more than 96,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance.

    • Residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.
    • People in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
      • Please only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.
    • If you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.
      • The form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.
      • Regardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.
        • Buncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.
      • United Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.
        • Text PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.

    For information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.

      • Filing FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)
      • Replacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver’s licenses and identification cards
      • Medical and insurance claims
      • Home repair contracts
      • Utility disputes related to restoration of services
      • Consumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft
      • Housing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures
      • Bankruptcy
      • Probate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title
      • Family law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)
    • If you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:
      • (866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262
        • The hotline is available from:
          • 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.
        • Constituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

      • IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.
      • Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:
        • IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income.

    • For those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:
      • Buncombe
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Gold’s Gym
          • 801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • Haywood
        • Haywood County Government Armory
          • 285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781
      • Henderson
        • Edneyville Elementary School
          • 2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
        • Henderson County Recreation Center
          • 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • Madison
        • Madison Early College High School
          • 5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755
      •  McDowell
        • Glenwood Baptist Church
          • 1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
      • Polk
        • Polk County High School
          • 1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Rutherford
        • Rutherfordton/Spindale Central High School
          • 641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • Transylvania
        • Transylvania Parks & Rec
          • 1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Yancey
        • Blue Ridge Elementary
          • 910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
        • Cane River Middle School
          • 1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714

    With my warmest regards,

    Chuck Edwards
    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Health Canada invests $12.29 million in prevention and treatment of cancer for firefighters

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, tabled the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting in Parliament and announced an investment of $12.29 million to advance firefighter health and safety.

    October 7, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada 

    Across Canada, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe, including by helping to fight wildland fires that have increased in severity in recent years due to climate change. Because of their regular exposure to toxic chemicals from burning materials and firefighting foams, firefighters face a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a higher risk of dying from cancer, than the general public.

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, tabled the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting in Parliament and announced an investment of $12.29 million to advance firefighter health and safety.

    New federal actions will focus on raising awareness and promoting information sharing, generating scientific knowledge, and developing guidance and addressing training needs.

    Health Canada will convene stakeholders to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting, mobilize partners and identify opportunities for coordinated action. Key actions include establishing a national advisory group with all orders of government, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders, as well as developing online resources of accessible health information.

    In order to track health outcomes across firefighter populations and to better understand firefighter cancer incidence and mortality, the Government will establish a National Firefighter Cancer Registry, led by Statistics Canada, to track health outcomes over time. Health Canada will also initiate targeted research on cancers linked to firefighting to build scientific evidence for underrepresented sub-populations of firefighters.

    New investments will support the development of guidance for diagnostic testing and new tools to address training needs within the health care sector. This could lead to earlier diagnoses that may result in better health outcomes. To address gaps in equipment and health and safety standards, investments will also support the development of standards for wildland firefighters to support improved occupational health and safety for their unique needs. These prevention efforts will reduce the burden and costs to the health care system.

    Following Royal Assent of the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act in June 2023, Health Canada engaged with firefighter organizations, researchers, health care providers, other federal departments, Indigenous partners, and all orders of government to inform the Framework and federal actions. In keeping with the intent of the Framework, Health Canada will continue to convene and engage partners to inspire collective action to better protect all firefighters in Canada from occupational cancers.

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654

    Media Relations
    Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Respiratory virus immunizations now available

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Eligible Albertans are now able to book their immunization appointments through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or AHS clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a nearby pharmacy. Albertans are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider for guidance on immunizations and what options are best for individuals and families.

    COVID-19 and influenza immunization appointments can be booked as of today for openings available to the general public starting October 15. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization appointments can now be booked for openings beginning on October 21.

    “As fall approaches, it’s important to plan ahead against circulating respiratory viruses. I strongly encourage everyone to consult with their local pharmacist, doctor or health care provider to make informed decisions about their health and ensure they’re well-prepared for the season.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    “Adding an extra layer of protection this fall is the best way to guard against the illnesses that typically arise during the fall and winter months. The respiratory virus vaccines that will be offered this fall are specifically designed to offer strong defense against the strains of these viruses that are expected to circulate this season.”

    Dr. Mark Joffe, chief medical officer of health

    New this year, in addition to influenza and COVID-19 immunizations, residents of continuing care homes and senior supportive living accommodations that are 60 years of age and older will have access to publicly funded Abrysvo vaccine to protect them from RSV through the Alberta Outreach Program.

    Seniors living in the community who are 75 years of age and older will also have access to a limited supply of provincially funded Abrysvo vaccine. For those not eligible through the provincially funded vaccine program, vaccines will be available for purchase.

    Quick facts

    • For more information on respiratory viruses, visit the  www.alberta.ca/respiratory-illness.  
    • The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be given to an individual on the same day.
    • RSV vaccine must be given either two weeks prior to or two weeks after COVID-19 and/or influenza immunization vaccines.

    Related information

    • Alberta vaccine booking system

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kwaguilth Totem Pole Laid to Rest on Legislative Grounds

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 7, 2024

    Kwaguilth Totem Pole Laid to Rest on Legislative Grounds


    The Kwaguilth totem pole on the southeast grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building will be removed from its plinth and laid to rest in a nearby raised planter bed, Premier Wab Kinew, minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, and Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Lisa Naylor announced today. 

    “An important part of reconciliation is recognizing and honouring traditional Indigenous cultures,” said Kinew. “This totem pole has welcomed visitors to the legislative building for many years and it will now return to the earth.” 

    The 16-foot totem pole depicting a legend of the Kwaguilth, Indigenous Peoples from the West Coast, has naturally deteriorated over the years. The totem pole’s condition was inspected in September 2022 by Richard Hunt, a traditional Kwaguilth carver and the son of the totem pole’s original carver, Henry Hunt. Based on that assessment and in keeping with Kwaguilth tradition, it was recommended the totem pole be laid to rest. It will be placed in an east-west orientation in a nearby raised planter bed during the traditional dedication ceremony led by Richard Hunt. 

    “For more than 50 years, this Kwaguilth totem pole has welcomed visitors to the legislative grounds,” said Naylor. “In keeping with Kwaguilth tradition, it will now be laid to rest in a place of honour to let it decay naturally back to the earth.”   

    The totem pole was unveiled on the Legislative Building grounds on July 20, 1971, to commemorate the centenary of the province of British Columbia entering Confederation. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NJBiz’s Matthew Fazelpoor Sits Down With New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s CEO Tim Sullivan Ahead of the NJEDA’s 50th Anniversary

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    Sitting down with Sullivan

    With the anniversary in the backdrop, NJBIZ recently caught up with Sullivan to discuss how the agency has evolved, areas of focus under his leadership during the Murphy administration, what’s next and more.

    “Across the state, I think Gov. Murphy’s strategy of focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and key sectors like film and television continues to pay huge dividends,” Sullivan told NJBIZ, noting the state’s third place ranking for VC capital dollars invested in the first six months of this year. “Largely through some of the success of sectors like AI, which Gov. Murphy has been really focused on, our teams are really focused on. Whether that’s continued momentum in film and television – you’re going to see a groundbreaking for the Lionsgate Studio in Newark. Netflix is making tons of progress – it’s sort of invisible – on their ambitions down in Monmouth County. You’re seeing the advancement in things like the 1888 Studios project in Bayonne. So – really good momentum across the board, while continuing to focus on things like our small businesses in our downtowns and the cannabis sector in places that are really core to our main street and our equity agenda.”

    Sullivan has led the NJEDA since 2018. He stressed how vital partnerships are to successful economic development. “It’s very rare, with regard to economic development, that you can pass a law or stand up a program – and just sort of leave it out on the stoop and hope something good happens,” he said. “You’ve got to really work closely with the private sector; with nonprofits; with academia; with investors – to structure transactions and bring them together.”

    He pointed to the recent groundbreaking of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center campus redevelopment project in Newark — a complicated deal that involves a number of stakeholders, partners and moving parts; as well as the recent topping of the New Jersey Health and Life Sciences Exchange (HELIX) in New Brunswick.

    Sullivan described both projects as a “big coalition of the willing.”

    “And that’s what usually brings these big, transformative projects together,” he explained. “In economic development, when it makes sense for us to act and be involved, and usually invest money, it’s because there’s either a market failure or because there is something where we are trying to sort of build or strengthen a competitive advantage for the state. And investment in real estate in our downtown communities, for example, is a good example of market failure – without tax credits, without some of the pretty highly structured stuff that the NJPAC project includes as does things like the HELIX and Loew’s Theater in Jersey City, and various other things.”

    He said that the NJEDA is trying to act on those opportunities, which requires coordination, collaboration and partnerships with a variety of entities. “And it’s not the kind of the thing where the government just waves a magic wand and sort of makes the economy better,” Sullivan said. “The economy is driven by the private sector. We know that. And that’s a critically important part of our approach.”

    Expanding the toolkit

    The CEO credited the governor and Legislature for the expansion of the resources and breadth of what the agency has been empowered to do. “Our toolkit was good – but it was a bit narrow in terms of who our typical partners were,” he explained. “And those are good partners to have. Those are large companies – big real estate developers. Those are important partners. But whether it’s looking at things like child care, food security, small business – broadly. The EDA has always had a small business effort – and that’s important. But we’ve put it on steroids and then some under Gov. Murphy’s leadership. We’re now supporting thousands of businesses, small businesses every year.”

    And whether the NJEDA and other state officials are in Paterson or Camden – or even Canada as was the sight of a recent Choose New Jersey-organized, Murphy-led economic trade mission – Sullivan stressed that the state’s toolkit is as good as any in the country for being able to solve whatever problem or opportunity might present itself.
    “Compared to 2018, we have custom-built tools – 10 or 12 – for small businesses, not just here’s a grant or here’s a loan,” he continued. “We’ve got different sorts of ways to intervene and be helpful. On innovation, we’ve probably got 20 to 25 programs that help companies at different stages of their life cycle. On real estate, we’ve got seven or eight really large-scale programs to support community development. We’ve got manufacturing tools. We’ve got child care supports. We’ve got food security interventions. And so, the range in depth and breadth of what Gov. Murphy and the Legislature have empowered the EDA to do – it’s pretty broad and it’s pretty striking.”

    In discussing the evolution of the agency, Sullivan stressed those efforts responding to the pandemic as well as some of the scrutiny agency faced a few years back, including audits, investigations and hearings into its tax incentive programs.

    “It forced us to get better and get our house in order,” he said. “In regard to how we do things like compliance and making sure that we know what bargain are we signing up for; what bargain is the applicant signing up for. In the comptroller’s audit, the very first sort of major critique of the EDA back in the early days, talked about that we didn’t have a good enough handle on – were the jobs that people said they were creating real, and could we really account for them?”

    That led to a strong technology partnership with the Department of Labor & Workforce Development to address that issue. Sullivan said that’s not only helped NJEDA as a whole, but especially during the pandemic when everything needed to be implemented at scale.

    “The work that was done and continues to happen every single day to make sure we are getting it right on the foundational elements of compliance and oversight and all that builds the foundation and gives us the ability to execute better on a bigger scale,” said Sullivan. “If you can’t do the foundational stuff right, you forfeit the right to do anything – but particularly, big, complicated things.”

    Another major recent development for the agency was moving the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission under the NJEDA’s ambit and the hiring of Jon Crowley as its new executive director in March. The production industry has been growing here, with high-profile projects recently completed or in the works in the Garden State, including the “Happy Gilmore” sequel.

    “The film commission is a hugely important part of the strategy,” said Sullivan. “And the members of the commission are really great advisers to the governor and the state about the needs of the industry and the opportunities in film and TV industry.”

    He stressed that the state has done really well in the film and television industry over the last few years. “And the best is yet to come,” Sullivan said, noting how great it is for stars like Adam Sandler and others to be in New Jersey — and for crew and staff to be spending dollars here and frequenting local spots during production.

    “Because once Netflix, Lionsgate and 1888 are open, they’re going to work really hard to keep those things full – year-round, all-the-time, with permanent jobs. You’re going to have shows – hopefully filming multiple seasons in New Jersey, both inside the soundstage and also out in New Jersey’s locations. Unless you need to film a shot on the moon or in the Sahara, you can pretty much make New Jersey look like anywhere in the world. We’ve got main streets. We’ve got downtowns. We’ve got farms. We’ve mountains and hills. We’ve got the beach.”

    Sullivan, a New Jersey native, said that leading this organization during such a critical time has been a fun challenge to broaden and deepen what the NJEDA focuses on and how it approaches strategic challenges. He said it’s possible because of the governor’s focus and commitment to economic growth and development, especially from an equity standpoint.

    “We have the high-class challenge of more opportunities and more resources to accomplish them,” he said. “But we’re really fortunate to have a great team at the EDA. Some of those are folks that have been here a long time. Some are folks who have joined in the last few years. And we’re supported by a great board. We’ve got great leaders from the private sector and the public sector on our board. And it’s a challenge made possible – or made easier – by great colleagues and lots of support and resources from the governor.”

    Looking ahead

    As for the areas of focus, especially as the governor and his administration enter the final year in office, Sullivan said that Murphy intends to sprint through the tape. “And he means it – I promise. Because he’s working his butt off. And if anything, running harder and running faster in late ’24 than ever before,” Sullivan said. “We will continue to push forward and make sure we can get done and finish up – or kind of get to lift-speed a lot of the different initiatives. AI has been something that we have talked about in the last year or so. There’s a heck of a lot of work left to do on things like the Princeton AI Hub and getting that all buttoned up. Offshore wind will remain a major priority for Gov. Murphy and our team.”

    He said that the outcome of the election will affect the future of offshore wind one way or the other. Sullivan also cited issues like film and television production, child care, economic security, small businesses and more as other areas of focus in this stretch.

    “Making sure we deliver on all of the things we’ve said we were going to do will keep us more than busy for the next 15, 16 months for sure,” said Sullivan.

    He also addressed the agency’s continuing evolution. “I think as we look to the future, no matter who the governor is and no matter what party or ideology she or he might have – both the next governor and 10 to 15 governors to come – the economy’s always going to be incredibly important,” said Sullivan. “It’s the engine that fuels not just prosperity and quality of life in the state – but also the ability to pay for things. Go back to Gov. Murphy’s articulation of a stronger and fairer New Jersey. A stronger New Jersey begets a fairer New Jersey because you have more resources to pay for it – and ways to narrow those inequality gaps. I think that’s going to be a challenge and an opportunity for many, many governors to come.”

    He said the agency is trying to make sure it’s ready to deliver on whatever the strategy of the governor is at the time.

    The conversation closed with Sullivan reflecting on what it has meant to lead NJEDA in his native state during such a critical and notable time.

    “I’ve had the extraordinarily good fortune of a governor and a Legislature that wants to support what we’re doing – and not just in words, but with resources and with programs as well as the ability to work with some really great colleagues,” said Sullivan. “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done. Whether it’s the high-profile stuff or the behind-the-scenes, lower-profile stuff – that I think has just as big an impact as the high-profile stuff.”

    Sullivan said that he believes the Authority has made a huge difference – pointing to the addition of 250,000 jobs since the governor took office while turning the tide on a lot of longstanding challenges in the state economy.

    “But we have real work left to do. No one should expect to see a ‘mission accomplished’ sign on anything anytime soon,” Sullivan stressed. “The work of continuing to close yawning inequalities and disparities between folks who are doing great and folks who just need an opportunity to do great – that work goes on. It’ll take a lifetime of work. I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made – and very, very conscious of the work left to be done.”

    Getting small businesses through tough times

    NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello, who has served at the NJEDA since 2005 through the administrations of Govs. Codey (acting), Corzine, Christie, and Murphy, said that each governor puts their own on touch on things in terms of economic development.

    “And that’s the great thing about democracy. The people elect who the governor’s going to be. The governor sets the policy. The EDA administers the policy set by the governor,” Coviello told NJBIZ. “And have been fortunate to have a lot of governors that have entrusted quite a bit to the EDA. I think the pandemic was a real turning point for the organization.”

    She reflected on the agency working around the clock to step up and help small businesses during the throes of the pandemic.

    “And we’ve done that before as an organization. Superstorm Sandy – EDA was called upon to support those businesses,” she continued. “But it maybe was just starting to get us warmed up for what we saw during the pandemic. And I’m particularly proud of how the organization responded during that time. But what’s great is we now have a much broader view of what economic development is. We’ve really grown our scope.”

    Coviello said that when she joined the organization, it was primarily a lender.

    “Then, we started to get into venture and equity,” she said. “And then under Tim and Gov. Murphy, it’s really a holistic approach. They’ve secured a lot more federal funding. They’ve secured a lot more state funding, which has given us a considerable amount more flexibility.”

    Areas like workforce, child care and small business support, Coviello explained, require more than just a loan.

    “I think our vision has grown tremendously over the 50 years since the organization started,” said Coviello. “But no more so than in the last seven that I have seen.”

    High praise

    In a statement to NJBIZ, Murphy lauded Sullivan and the NJEDA team for their work throughout his administration.

    “Tim Sullivan’s record of achievement as CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ranks him as one of the finest leaders in the 50-year history of the Authority,” Murphy told NJBIZ. “Tim and his team have created good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans and have provided resources and created opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive after the pandemic. Under Tim’s leadership, the State has also supported New Jersey’s innovators and attracted major film studios. The incentive programs created by Tim and his team have reignited a growing and expanding film and television industry.”

    “With Tim at the helm of NJEDA, New Jersey’s economic programs are a national model for sustainable and equitable growth,” the governor said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Joly to mark one year since Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israel

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement marking one year since Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israel: “Today we commemorate one year since Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack on October 7.

    October 7, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement marking one year since Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israel:

    “Today we commemorate one year since Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack on October 7.

    “One year since innocent people were murdered only because they were Israeli in what constituted the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Nothing can justify the violence and terror unleashed that day, and nothing can take away the pain from that day.

    “We remember those who were murdered, as well as those injured and those taken hostage. Canada mourns victims of our own among the innocent people killed by Hamas: Judih Weinstein, Vivian Silver, Ben Mizrachi, Netta Epstein, Shir Georgy, Alexandre Look and Adi Vital-Kaploun, as well as those with strong ties to Canada, including Tiferet Lapidot.

    “We also remember those who suffered horrific acts of sexual and gender-based violence by Hamas, and we remember those who bore witness to those unspeakable acts of violence.

    “It has been one year, and innocent people are still being held hostage by Hamas. Their friends and families await their return in unimaginable pain.

    “Canada will not stop calling for the immediate release of each person who is still unjustifiably held hostage by terrorists. This includes returning the bodies of those brutally killed while in captivity: families must be able to bury their loved ones in peace and dignity.

    “We must all stand up to the rising tide of antisemitism and hate we see in our own country that has only worsened since October 7.

    “Canada continues to unequivocally condemn Hamas, a listed terrorist organization backed by Iran, in the strongest possible terms. Far too many civilians have been killed in this conflict, and Canada will continue to work tirelessly with its partners to bring peace and security to the Middle East and remain committed to working towards an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders.

    Today, as we remember and reflect let us not lose sight of our shared humanity and the future that is possible for this generation and those who will follow.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Moncton — Missing 61-year-old man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Codiac Regional RCMP is asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 61-year-old man from Moncton, N.B.

    George Alward was last seen on October 1, 2024, near Mountain Road and Mapleton Road in Moncton. He was reported missing to police on October 3. Police have followed up on several leads to try and locate him, but have so far been unsuccessful. Police and his family are concerned for his wellbeing.

    George Alward is described as being approximately 5 feet 8 inches (178 centimetres) tall, and weighing approximately 148 pounds (67 kilograms). He has green eyes, and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, jeans, and leather cowboy boots.

    Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA announces significant meth seizures destined for Australia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) invites members of the media to attend the announcement of multiple significant methamphetamine seizures destined for Australia.

    Richmond, British Columbia, October 7, 2024 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) invites members of the media to attend the announcement of multiple significant methamphetamine seizures destined for Australia.

    CBSA officials will be available to answer questions from the media following the press conference.

            Date:              October 8, 2024

            Time:              10 a.m. PST

            Location:       Vancouver International Mail Centre

                                     Dogwood training room (Canada Post)

                                     5940 Ferguson Road, Gate 3

                                     Richmond, BC     V7B 0B4

                                     On-site parking available

    Note: There will be a photo opportunity at the beginning of the event. We recommend that media arrive at 10 a.m. The press conference will start at 10:30 a.m.

    The event will end with a demonstration from the Detector Dog Service.

    RSVP: Media representatives are asked to register by email for this in-person event: commswest@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Gander — Operator of stolen transport truck fails to stop for RCMP on TCH, arrested and charged

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    After a lengthy police pursuit that occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) on Saturday, October 5, 2024, 39-year-old William Matthew Morris of Bishop’s Falls was arrested by RCMP NL.

    Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Gander RCMP received a report of a stolen transport truck being operated by a suspected impaired driver that was last seen heading east on the TCH towards Lewisporte. RCMP officers from Gander and Traffic Services Central immediately responded.

    The transport truck, which was without a trailer, was located by RCMP Traffic Services in Glenwood and failed to stop for police, continuing eastbound on the TCH. A number of additional RCMP resources responded to the call for service with multiple deployments of a spike belt. The tires of the truck were successfully flattened, however the driver continued to operate the truck in a dangerous manner, refusing to stop for police. Multiple police vehicles, with emergency lights and sirens activated, continued to follow the truck. Police vehicles were positioned in front of and behind the transport truck to alert oncoming motorists. Social media posts were issued to alert motorists of the situation.

    Shortly before 6:30 p.m., the truck came to a stop in Terra Nova National Park with multiple RCMP vehicles at the scene. William Morris was removed from the vehicle and was arrested. Open alcohol was recovered from inside the truck and signs of alcohol impairment were observed. Morris failed to provide a roadside breath sample.

    He appears in court today and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Theft of motor vehicle
    • Flight from police
    • Dangerous operation – two counts
    • Failure to comply with a breath demand
    • Failure to comply with a condition of release order

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in affordable housing and the future

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Alberta’s government is committed to the safety, security, health and well-being of Albertans living in affordable housing. Through the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program, the province is working to repair affordable housing units that require renovation and preventative maintenance. This program also prioritizes suite renewals to ensure housing units are available for Albertans in need of housing as quickly as possible.

    Through Budget 2024, the government is investing nearly $121 million over three years to maintain and repair government-owned and supported housing units across Alberta, supporting about 4,250 units in 2024-25. This funding goes toward repairing units through projects like replacing windows, repairing roofs and improving interior environments to help bring units up to date and ensure they can continue to be used for years to come.

    “The Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program is a critical part of keeping government-owned housing units safe and up to date. Like all homes, these buildings need repairs as they age to keep them in good condition and able to continue operating as affordable housing for Albertans. A maintenance strategy will help government work with housing operators to ensure we are making the right repairs at the right time.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    “Lethbridge Housing Authority is grateful for the Government’s of Alberta’s continued commitment to prioritizing preventative and ongoing maintenance. By reviewing processes and ensuring units can be available in a timely manner, we are able to offer homes that are affordable and well maintained to Albertans in need.”

    Robin James, chief administrative officer, Lethbridge Housing Authority

    Improvements made by Alberta’s government in 2023-24 resulted in more competitive pricing and faster turnaround times of vacant suites, reducing from three months to 33 days. Alberta is also continuing to work with housing providers to implement building condition assessments for government housing assets, ensure priority projects receive funding, provide training, and improve internal processes and data collection.

    Investing in the future

    Alberta’s 10-year affordable housing plan, Stronger Foundations, recommended the creation of a long-term maintenance strategy to help ensure existing government-owned assets continue to provide suitable housing that meets the needs of the community and make effective use of taxpayer dollars.

    In 2022-23, Alberta’s government undertook an external review of the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program to ensure government-owned affordable housing remains safe and identify ways to further improve the program. A summary of the review’s recommendations can be found online. Alberta’s government will continue to implement these recommendations.

    To help continue this work, the government is now issuing a request for proposal to help improve the program with a future-focused maintenance strategy. This strategy will be based on engagement with housing providers and operators to ensure that the maximum longevity and availability of housing units. The request for proposals is open from Oct. 7 to Nov. 4.

    Quick facts:

    • Budget 2024 provides over $40 million in Capital Maintenance and Renewal Funding in 2024-25 to preserve existing affordable housing.
    • Examples of projects include:
      • Repairing and replacing roofs;
      • Upgrading windows and building systems to improve energy efficiency;
      • Upgrading and modernizing elevators in seniors apartment buildings;
      • Replacing or upgrading furnaces, boilers, ventilation and hot water systems; and
      • Suite renewals.
    • Since 2019, Alberta’s government has invested almost $850 million to build more than 5,100 affordable units and close to 900 shelter spaces. This includes projects government has committed to, that are in progress and that are complete.

    Related information

    • Request for Proposal
    • Review recommendations summary

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister on investment in public transit in Toronto

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today’s announcement is really what happens when different levels of government, the city and the federal government, work together for the people who we represent.

    September 27, 2024

    We are here with Team Scarborough, with three outstanding Scarborough MPs, Gary, John and Jean. I want to say to everyone here in Scarborough, they love this amazing community. And it’s really great to have two great Scarborough city councillors, Jamaal and Parthi, and as I said, wonderful to be here with the mayor. Today’s announcement is really what happens when different levels of government, the city and the federal government, work together for the people who we represent. 

    Every single elected person here is elected by people in Toronto to represent them. And I think we’re also glad to be coming together to talk about something that we’re doing together to make life better for people here. 

    I want to start by talking just for a minute about some good economic news we’ve been having in Canada in recent weeks. Inflation in August was 2 per cent. That’s a bull’s eye right in the middle of the Bank of Canada’s target range for inflation. 

    And in fact, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range all of this year. We have now had three interest rate cuts. Canada was the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the first time. We were the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the second time. And we were the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the third time. That is real relief for Canadians.

    Wages have outpaced inflation for the past 19 months in a row. We have also, over the past two weeks, seen some real progress on mortgages and on housing affordability.

    Our government has announced that we will be raising the level for insured mortgages from $1 million to $1.5 million—really relevant in a city like Toronto—and increasing the amortization for first-time homebuyers and for people buying a newly built home to 30 years.

    What that means practically is, if you are a first-time homebuyer, if you’re buying a newly built home, you’re going to be able to do that with a lower down payment and you’re going to have lower payments every single month, because we know how important it is that the dream of homeownership needs to remain in reach for people living in this amazing city. 

    And then, we had some more good news for people with mortgages. And that is the announcement by OSFI this week that if you already have a mortgage and you are renewing it and it is an uninsured mortgage, you do not have to requalify with a stress test to switch banks upon renewal. 

    That’s a really big deal. It is going to give people who see a renewal up ahead and are worried about it some real choice, some real options. If you have an insured mortgage, it is already the case that you don’t need to requalify with a stress test upon renewal. You can look around for the best deal you can get. 

    So that’s some really good news for Canadians. It’s really good news for the people of Toronto. 

    I am really happy that inflation was 2 per cent in August. For the past eight months in a row, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range, and the Bank of Canada has already reduced its policy rate three times.

    And then we have even more good news that we’re here to highlight: an announcement about the TTC and electric buses. And I really want to start by thanking all of the people at the TTC who have made this possible, who run this incredibly important transit system every single day. It really is the circulatory system of our city. 

    And I want to give a special shout-out to an amazing guy I met this morning. His name is Tony, he’s an electrical technician, he’s worked here for 40 years. He’s the guy in charge of these amazing charging stations that we are about to see in operation. And he was so proud to tell me about the work that he and his colleagues have done putting this system in place and making this system work. And he also was proud to tell me about his family. He has three beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. And he does this work so that they can live in an amazing city and to support them and build a wonderful family here. He’s been working here for 40 years. Thank you very much Tony. 

    So the good news. Thanks to the hard work of Tony and his friends and colleagues here, and thanks to investments by the City of Toronto and the Government of Canada, we’re making a $700 million joint investment of which the federal government is contributing half, the City of Toronto half, in 340 zero emission buses and the amazing charging system that we see here behind us. The first two vehicles are here today.

    We’re going to get on them and show them off and I am really looking forward to it. This is so important. This is about providing great transit for people in Toronto. It means you can get to work, you can get to school, you can get to see your friends and have fun. It means doing it in a way that is clean and green, and I’m really glad that there are some people here from Nova because we’re also supporting great jobs in Canada building these amazing buses.

    Today’s investment builds on sustained investment by the federal government in this amazing city, including in public transit. Since 2015, we have invested more than $10 billion, $10.4 billion to be exact, in public transit in Toronto. We are really, really proud to do that, and we’ve invested $30 billion in transit projects across the country. We’re a growing country and we need to be investing so people can get around. 

    So it’s such a great pleasure to be here, to congratulate and to thank the amazing people who work here and to celebrate what we’re doing together with the City of Toronto, with my Toronto caucus colleagues, to improve the lives of Canadians, of Torontonians.

    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to Hold Mining Engagements in Sudbury

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, Marc Serré, will speak at the 2024 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Conference of Mining Regions and Cities.

    SUDBURY — The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, Marc Serré, will speak at the 2024 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Conference of Mining Regions and Cities.

    Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

    Parliamentary Secretary Serré Welcome Remarks

    Time: 9 a.m. ET

    Minister Wilkinson Remarks

    Time: 10:40 a.m. ET

    Later that day, Minister Wilkinson will make a funding announcement in support of critical minerals infrastructure projects in Ontario. He will be joined by Parliamentary Secretary Serré and Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury. A media availability will follow.   

    Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

    Time: 12 p.m. ET

    All accredited media are asked to pre-register for the funding announcement by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca no later than 2 p.m. ET on October 8. A dial-in line is available for media and will be provided upon registration.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 378 379 380 381 382 … 410
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress