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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Global: People around the world are using courts to question whether climate policies are fair – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Annalisa Savaresi, Senior Lecturer, Environmental Law, University of Stirling

    Coal workers suing their government over job losses. Indigenous people using the courts to block wind farms or anti-deforestation policies that violate their cultural rights. What these cases have in common is they challenge the fairness of climate policies and projects themselves.

    Our new study, carried out with researchers from 16 universities and published in Nature Sustainability, finds that cases like these are increasingly being filed all over the world.

    We coined the term “just transition litigation” to describe these cases. This term captures a focus on ensuring that climate action balances the transition to a low-carbon economy with social justice and the protection of vulnerable communities.

    This phenomenon must be kept distinct from that of climate litigation, which tends to focus on holding governments and companies accountable for failing to reduce emissions or adapt to climate change.

    Our research began in 2020, when we started noticing a growing number of cases that didn’t fit the conventional model of climate litigation. For example, in Chile, union workers sued the government, arguing that they had been excluded from discussions regarding the phase-out of coal plants. The Chilean Supreme Court ruled in favour of the workers, emphasising that a just transition strategy — one that includes consultation with affected communities — is essential for achieving carbon neutrality.

    Similarly, in Norway, the Sami Indigenous people successfully challenged wind farm licenses, which the country’s Supreme Court found to have violated their cultural rights to herd reindeer. In Colombia, Indigenous people argued that projects aimed at reducing deforestation on their land violated their rights to self-determination and cultural integrity.



    Read more:
    Reindeer: ancient migration routes disrupted by roads, dams – and now wind farms

    In pursuit of justice

    Just transition litigation seeks to ensure that the shift toward a greener economy is fair and inclusive, particularly for those who may be disadvantaged by the rapid changes it brings. The applicants in these cases often include regular workers, Indigenous people, women, children, minorities and other groups who are typically underrepresented in legislative and decision-making processes. (Our concept of just transition litigation excludes lawsuits brought by corporations seeking to protect their own interests at the expense of broader societal fairness.)

    At the core of this litigation is the pursuit of justice. As countries shift to low-carbon economies, these policies inevitably produce both winners and losers. Oil and gas workers lose their jobs. Indigenous people are displaced or see the world around them changed by new wind or solar farms. All these people lament being treated unjustly.

    To ensure widespread support for climate policies, their grievances should not be dismissed as mere nimbyism. Rather, they should be recognised as carrying precious insights into the fairness, equity, and social impacts of climate policies and projects.

    The litigation we looked at calls upon courts to assess climate action against various different legal frameworks, ranging from constitutional and human rights law to corporate accountability standards. Some lawsuits use arguments of distributive justice, which focus on the allocation of resources and burdens. Some look at procedural justice, such as inclusive decision-making. Others want what is termed recognition justice, which focuses on respect for marginalised groups.

    Why this matters

    All this reflects a growing recognition that climate action may come at a cost to certain groups, especially those already on the margins of society. It also underscores the need to address the social justice of climate action and ensure it does not make the world even less equal.

    The core issue is that, while much attention is given to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, less emphasis has been placed on ensuring we do so equitably. This is especially the case at a time when governments in the EU , the UK and the US are announcing plans to cut the red tape and expedite the transition.

    As more communities turn to courts to seek justice, our study highlights an urgent need for policymakers to embrace inclusive, transparent and equitable processes. Decisions over who owns land, or what jobs people can do, should involve those most affected. Ensuring that climate policies are fair and just will not only protect vulnerable groups but also foster broader public support.


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

    Get our award-winning weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Joana Setzer receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Foundation for International Law for the Environment, and the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment

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

    – ref. People around the world are using courts to question whether climate policies are fair – new study – https://theconversation.com/people-around-the-world-are-using-courts-to-question-whether-climate-policies-are-fair-new-study-241093

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Horrifying black sows and ghostly apparitions: how the magic and mystery of Wales come alive in winter

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mari Ellis Dunning, Associate Lecturer at the School of Languages and Literature and PhD Candidate, Aberystwyth University

    Would you dare let the Mari Lwyd in to your home? Bob Pool/Shutterstock

    For centuries, midway between the autumn equinox and winter solstice, the Welsh people have celebrated Calan Gaeaf on November 1. Nos Galan Gaeaf or “the evening before the first day of winter”, falls a day before, which the western world now recognises as Halloween.

    A time of year filled with monsters and ghouls, here are five spooky winter customs and beliefs unique to Wales and its people.

    1. Hwch Ddu Gwta

    On Nos Galan Gaeaf, the horrifying hwch ddu gwta, or “tailess black sow”, would make its annual appearance. Usually a man draped in cloth or animal hide rising from dwindling fire embers, the hwch ddu would chase the village children home.

    As the fire died and the children anticipated the materialisation of the black sow, they would often chant a spooky verse, like: “Adref, adref am y cynta’, Hwch Ddu Gwta a gipio’r ola,” (“Home, home, at once, the tailess black sow shall snatch the last one.”)

    Juliette Wood, scholar of Celtic folklore, says the macabre ritual has its roots in beliefs about the souls of the dead, people and animals. But on a practical level, it was probably just an effective way of getting children to bed and teaching them about the dangers of straying from the group.

    2. Fortune telling

    Fortune telling would have been rife at this time of year. Questions over who was next to be married, and who may meet an untimely death, were particularly popular. Women looking for love may have wandered around the bounds of a church, chanting “here is the sheath, where is the knife”, hoping to hear the name of the person they would marry as a response.

    In some parts of the country, stwmp naw rhyw, a mash made of nine different root vegetables with milk, butter, salt and pepper, would have a wedding ring placed at the centre. Whoever found the ring in their serving would be the next to be married.



    Read more:
    Why so few witches were executed in Wales in the middle ages

    Though these particular practices were performed at Calan Gaeaf, the widespread belief in fortune telling certainly wasn’t unique to this time of year, nor Wales, of course.

    But Wales does have a long history of reliance on wise-women and soothsayers. Many Welsh people even regularly turned to the church for charms and curses.

    3. Y Ladi Wen and other apparitions

    Regarded as a seasonal boundary, Nos Galan Gaeaf was considered the most ominous of the three spirit nights. The others were Nos Galan Mai, which heralds the beginning of summer, and Noswyl Ifan, known also as the summer solstice.

    As Nos Galan Gaeaf was a time to say goodbye to the recently deceased, the spirits were said to roam freely. Ghosts of the dead were believed to be seen at midnight on every stile, for example. And it makes sense that ghosts were to be found atop stiles. The fact that unbaptised children used to be buried at boundary fences suggests that these lines were liminal places and therefore the favourite perches of ghosts and apparitions.

    Perhaps the most well known of these ghosts was Y Ladi Wen (the White Lady). Y Ladi Wen was an apparition who could be found haunting locations where violent deaths had occurred. She was also said to warn children about their bad behaviour.

    4. Mari Lwyd

    The Mari Lwyd is traditionally a Christmas and New Year wassailing folk custom popular in south Wales. It dates back to the 18th century and involves a horse’s skull placed on a pole, draped in ribbons.

    A person hiding beneath a white sheet would carry the pole and snap the horse’s jaw open and shut. A procession led by Mari would go from house to house, where the group would sing verses asking to be let inside, prompting the hosts to improvise a rebuttal in verse.

    The Mari Lwyd’s weird and somewhat terrifying appearance has led to her appearing earlier in the season, and adopted in different parts of Wales and as far afield as the US and Australia.

    5. Gwrachod Powys

    Perhaps the most sinister and spooky custom is one that could be found in Powys, mid-Wales.

    Men would wander around in gangs wearing sheep skin, old ragged clothes and masks, drinking heavily and demanding gifts. They were called “gwrachod” (meaning hags or witches), probably in allusion to the Celtic belief that fiends, witches and faeries carried out their harmful and destructive tasks at night.



    Read more:
    Nos Galan Gaeaf: the traditional Welsh celebration being eclipsed by modern Halloween

    In the north, the name “gwrachod” was also used to describe men and women who went about their neighbours’ houses dressed in each other’s clothes and wearing masks.

    During this Christmas tradition, which could be seen as a combination of the Mari Lwyd and the gwrachod, members of the party would dance, cheer and perform “antic diversions” in exchange for good cheer, ale, apples and nuts.

    As October draws to a close and we creep towards the darkest days of midwinter, keep your wits about you. You might just end up face to face with a horrifying sow covered in fire ash, or confronted by a ghostly lady draped in white.

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

    – ref. Horrifying black sows and ghostly apparitions: how the magic and mystery of Wales come alive in winter – https://theconversation.com/horrifying-black-sows-and-ghostly-apparitions-how-the-magic-and-mystery-of-wales-come-alive-in-winter-238725

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump is planning more trade barriers if he becomes president – but they didn’t work last time

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Johnson, Professor of Operations Management, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    Trump campaigning in Pennsylvania in October 2024. Connor Brady Photography/Shutterstock

    Donald Trump loves tariffs. Making things more expensive if they come from foreign countries is at the heart of his bid for a second term in the White House.

    “Tariffs are the greatest thing ever invented,” he said in September 2024 at a town hall event in Michigan. And he has promised that if he becomes US president again, he will impose an across-the-board tariff of up to 20% on imports – and even 200% on cars from Mexico – in a bid to encourage American manufacturing.

    This is familiar ground for Trump, who showed he was fond of tariffs during his 2017-2021 presidency. Back then, he claimed his policy would address the trade imbalance with China, bring manufacturing jobs back to the US and raise revenues.

    Tariffs were then imposed on a wide range of goods, from imported steel and aluminium, to solar panels and washing machines.

    But did they work? Our research suggests not.

    In fact, we found that imposing tariffs actually made the US even more reliant on foreign suppliers – and failed to stimulate the domestic job market. They also raised costs for US consumers and provoked retaliatory tariffs from trading partners including China, the EU, Canada, Mexico, India and Turkey.

    China for example, responded by trebling tariffs on American cars. The EU filed a dispute with the World Trade Organisation and substantially raised tariffs on US exports including Harley Davidson motorcycles, jeans and bourbon whiskey.

    And Trump’s tariffs did not lead to a boost for US manufacturing either. After tariffs were imposed, our research shows US manufacturing supply chains evolved to have fewer suppliers – but it was often US firms that got forced out of those supply chains, not their competitors from overseas.

    We found that US manufacturers appeared to reduce their global reach, while actually increasing their dependence on a select few foreign companies – further evidence that Trump’s tariffs failed to produce the intended outcome.

    Our research also suggests that “reshoring” – bringing production and manufacturing back to a company’s home country – is not feasible without an established ecosystem of suppliers, intermediaries and customers. So introducing trade barriers without adequate support for the development of regional supply chains is unlikely to result in stronger local economies or more jobs.

    Essentially, for reshoring to work, the domestic economy needs to have the capacity to match demand. But the US (like the UK) has lost manufacturing capability in many areas, and rebuilding it is not going to happen overnight.

    Establishing a new industry requires buildings, skilled staff and supply chains – and a very specific approach is required for each industry. Getting the right skills and labour is often the trickiest part and may require immigration.

    However, even this may not work in the most complex industries. In the case of computer chips, for example, there are generous incentives in the US under the Biden administration to encourage chip manufacturing. Yet Taiwan still massively dominates the market, raising questions over whether the US could ever really compete.

    Bourbon whiskey exports, on the rocks?
    Smit/Shutterstock

    Other industries that can use automation and robotics in manufacturing (such as chemicals and transportation equipment) might be easier to reboot, but they may not generate the expected number and range of jobs. And often reshoring strategies involve higher investment in automation, machinery and robotics, rather than jobs. Trump’s focus may have been bringing back manufacturing jobs back to the US, but the truth is that many of these jobs may be gone forever.

    Trading places

    Overall then, imposing tariffs without adequate domestic support mechanisms in place has led to US manufacturers increasing their dependence on foreign suppliers and reducing their dependence on local ones.

    Yet tariffs are not exclusively favoured by Trump – or even right-wing politics. And there seems to be a fairly common view among politicians in the west that some tariffs can be an effective economic tool.

    Trade barriers against China for instance, have continued under Joe Biden’s administration (although he has somewhat relaxed tariffs for imports from the EU, Canada and Mexico). And recently, Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese cars and 25% on Chinese steel and aluminium, while the EU has also imposed tariffs on Chinese goods.

    One of the few voices speaking out against tariffs belongs to former US vice-president Mike Pence. He recently proposed scrapping tariffs, saying they just made products more expensive for consumers – and failed to improve prosperity.

    His old boss clearly disagrees. And if Trump does win a second term in office, it seems certain that imposing international tariffs will be high up on his “to do” list. But if their impact is anything like the last time, they will be of little benefit to the US economy or the voters who depend upon it.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Donald Trump is planning more trade barriers if he becomes president – but they didn’t work last time – https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-is-planning-more-trade-barriers-if-he-becomes-president-but-they-didnt-work-last-time-240964

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The gas crisis is not over yet

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Bradshaw, Professor of Global Energy, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    Oleksandr Filatov/Shutterstock

    Policy and luck have bought Europe a reprieve from the heights gas prices reached between the winters of 2022 and 2023, but prices are climbing again and the global gas market remains precariously balanced.

    Rising tensions in the Middle East could upend it. If conflict spills into the Persian Gulf, it could disrupt shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar that equal 20% of global exports.

    We believe this winter will be the final act of the gas crisis. Here’s what we should expect.

    Dangerously underprepared

    The case for Britain to rapidly phase out natural gas in heating and power generation is overwhelming. It would unburden household bills of expensive gas imports and leave the country less vulnerable to energy supply crunches, while also cutting carbon emissions. Doing so will take time: as of today, the UK relies on gas for 37% of all energy consumption.

    British households in particular are perilously exposed to gas prices. Directly, because four-fifths of households use gas for space heating. Indirectly, because in the UK, electricity prices are set by the price of gas-fired generation. After a decade of failed home insulation and energy-efficiency policies, the UK still has some of the draughtiest homes in Europe. It simply takes more energy to heat British homes, which lose heat three times faster than European neighbours.

    Since the beginning of the recent crisis, the UK government has done little to change these facts. The end of the winter fuel payment to pensioners adds fresh concern. The Energy Crisis Commission recently found that the UK remains “dangerously underprepared” for a repeat of the gas price explosion of 2022-23.

    All told, the UK cannot be oblivious to developments in the global gas market.

    A crisis in the making

    Resurgent gas demand after the lifting of COVID restrictions led to a quadrupling of UK gas prices in 2021. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Vladimir Putin throttled pipeline gas exports to Europe.

    Europe turned to its greatest source of flexible gas supply: seaborne LNG. A price war for cargoes followed. The spending power of European economies pulled shipments away from low-income countries in Asia, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, which caused crippling blackouts and a pivot to coal-fired generation.

    Energy bills for an average household in the UK hit £4,279 in January 2023. The government protected consumers from the very worst at a cost of £51 billion in 2022-23, but the average household lost 8% of its budget to energy costs in 2022, rising to 18% for the poorest tenth of households. Roughly 2 million households on pre-payment meters were being cut off from their energy supply at least once a month at the height of the crisis.

    Clement winters, moderate gas demand in Asia and successful measures to curb European gas demand saw UK gas prices fall from mid-2023. But they are still relatively high – at 48% above the average in the three years before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    One more winter

    Could things get worse? Back in 2022, experts spoke of a “three-winter crisis” because significant new LNG export capacity (primarily in the US and Qatar) wasn’t expected until 2025. That has held true, and supply and demand in the global LNG market remains taut.

    Several disturbances could destabilise this balance. The International Energy Agency expects that over 2024, global growth in gas demand will exceed the rate of growth in new LNG supply. Attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by the Houthi militia in Yemen, in response to Israel’s invasion of Gaza, have rerouted LNG shipping routes. Cargoes that would have passed through the Suez Canal must now take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.

    At the end of 2024, a major five-year agreement governing the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will expire, and there is no prospect of renewal. Russian gas supplies to Europe will fall by around 5% of the EU’s total gas imports, or 65% of all gas imports into Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.

    While Europe has been saved by mild winters over the last two years, this luck could break in 2024-25 according to some forecasts. Temperature – and the demand it creates for heating – will probably decide winter gas prices in Europe.

    Geopolitical blowback

    How might the worst-case scenario of conflict in the Persian Gulf happen?

    LNG is shipped by sea on large tankers.
    Wojciech Wrzesien/Shutterstock

    Israel’s escalating military assaults on Hezbollah since September 17 have coincided with a 17% rise in UK gas prices. After Iran’s missile and drone strikes against Israel on October 1, European gas prices hit a new high for the year. This saw three LNG tankers destined for Asia change course mid-journey and head for Europe.

    Israel has vowed retribution for the Iranian strike. Having obliterated Gaza and decapitated Hezbollah’s leadership, and with resolute material support from the US, Israel may now see Iran as vulnerable.

    A severe response by Israel, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities or oil infrastructure, would further up the ante. Wishing to avoid direct conflict, Iran could decide to target not Israel, but the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz on which its western backers depend. Qatari LNG shipments through the strait account for 20% of global supply on their own.

    Any interruption would also block Iran’s oil exports, afflict Iran’s friends as much as its foes, and kill Iran’s current reconciliation with the Gulf states. It is unlikely, but one would hope that the warning signs in the global gas market would remind western decision-makers that the conflict in the Middle East can continue to blow back on them.


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

    Get our award-winning weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Michael Bradshaw receives funding from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) that is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). He also advises the government, thinktanks and companies on energy matters.

    Louis Fletcher receives funding from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), which is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

    – ref. The gas crisis is not over yet – https://theconversation.com/the-gas-crisis-is-not-over-yet-241538

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft and NVIDIA empower AI startups for health and life sciences breakthroughs

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft and NVIDIA empower AI startups for health and life sciences breakthroughs

    AI isn’t just changing the game- it’s rewriting the rules of innovation. With advanced machine learning models and data-driven insights, we’re on the brink of breakthroughs in health and life sciences that once seemed impossible. Imagine accelerating drug discovery, connecting care experiences, and personalizing medicine like never before. AI is our chance to tackle some of the biggest health challenges facing humanity.

    But health and life science startups can run into roadblocks when it comes to driving innovation. Building AI solutions isn’t something you can do in isolation. Founders often hit walls with limited access to GPUs and the high costs of training models, tweaking them, running tests, and everything else it takes to get a solution off the ground. Today, we’re excited to announce that Microsoft for Startups and NVIDIA Inception are joining forces to fuel AI-driven health and life sciences startups.

    Empowering Health and Life Sciences Startups to Make a Difference

    Microsoft for Startups and NVIDIA Inception exist to empower early-stage companies by providing them with the resources, technology, and expertise needed to build and scale their businesses. Microsoft for Startups focuses on helping startups leverage Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and go-to-market support, enabling founders to overcome challenges like scaling their solutions globally and accessing enterprise customers. NVIDIA Inception offers startups in AI, data science, and deep learning access to cutting-edge GPU technology and mentorship, helping them address complex technical hurdles in product development and achieve breakthroughs in high-impact industries such as healthcare, robotics, and autonomous driving. Both programs have been instrumental in removing barriers to innovation, accelerating time-to-market, and helping tens of thousands of startups. This collaboration combines Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise expertise with NVIDIA’s pioneering advancements in AI hardware and software. Together, we are introducing a new reciprocal program to provide health and life sciences startups with the tools, resources, and support they need to fast track their ideas and deliver life-changing outcomes.

    Accepted startups will have access to the following suite of benefits:

    Microsoft for Startups:

    • Up to $150,000 in Azure Credits for Four Years: Startups can apply these credits towards leading AI models, including Azure OpenAI Service, Meta’s Llama, and Microsoft’s own small language model, Phi—enabling rapid and efficient scaling using cloud services tailored for AI, big data, and healthcare applications.
    • Access to Microsoft Business Tools: Including productivity and development tools such as Microsoft 365, Visual Studio, and GitHub, along with dozens of discounts to startup-friendly offerings from our trusted partners like LinkedIn.
    • High-Touch Technical Support: Startups will receive personalized guidance from a Microsoft technical expert, who will work directly with a corresponding NVIDIA technical expert to build optimized Azure templates for leveraging the full NVIDIA technology stack.
    • GTM and Pegasus Program Access: Microsoft will provide prioritized access to its Pegasus program, which offers go-to-market support, access to Microsoft’s global sales teams, and strategic co-selling opportunities.

    NVIDIA Inception:

    • 10,000 ai.nvidia.com Credits: Startups will have access to a wealth of GPU resources and AI models, enabling them to train and optimize complex models more cost-effectively.
    • 75% Discount on NVIDIA AI Enterprise Stack: This ensures that startups can leverage the complete NVIDIA suite for developing, deploying, and managing AI models.
    • Dedicated Technical Support: A specialized technical resource will collaborate closely with Microsoft to evangelize the NVIDIA AI Enterprise stack and co-develop Azure templates for NVIDIA technology.
    • Exclusive Early Access: Startups will gain private access to new NVIDIA Healthcare products before general release, allowing them to incorporate the latest advancements in their solutions.

    Unleashing the Potential of AI in Health and Life Sciences

    The collaboration between Microsoft for Startups and NVIDIA Inception is a launchpad for startups eager to harness AI’s potential in health and life sciences. We’re not just supporting growth; we’re igniting a movement where startups can redefine healthcare’s future.

    What Health and Life Sciences Startups Are Saying

    “Working with both Microsoft for Startups and NVIDIA Inception has been transformative for Pangaea Data. By combining their resources and access to cutting-edge AI models, we are able to accelerate development and deliver real-world value to our joint customers. Leveraging AI tools from Microsoft and NVIDIA, we apply clinical guidelines to find previously overlooked patients at the point of care who need treatment or access to clinical trials, ultimately improving patient outcomes.” — Dr. Vibhor Gupta, Founder & CEO, Pangaea Data.

    “Collaborating with Microsoft for Startups and NVIDIA Inception represents an incredible opportunity for Artisight to elevate healthcare delivery. By leveraging their combined resources and cutting-edge AI capabilities, we can transform productivity for healthcare providers and deliver meaningful outcomes to our customers. This partnership enables us to scale our smart hospital solutions more rapidly, from operating rooms to patient rooms, ultimately creating a future where technology empowers clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on operational hurdles.” — Andrew Gostine, Co-founder & CEO, Artisight.

    Ready to join us?

    If you’re a health and life sciences startup looking to harness the full potential of AI to shape the future of health innovation, we invite you to explore this reciprocal program, available to eligible startups in either Microsoft for Startups or NVIDIA Inception. Learn more about our collaboration and apply today to be part of the AI revolution with Microsoft and NVIDIA.

    Apply today:

    NVIDIA Inception

    Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

    Tags: Health and Life Sciences, Healthcare, HLTH, HLTH 2024, NVIDIA Inception

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford — North Battleford CRT-GTF seize methamphetamine, arrest female

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 16, 2024, North Battleford RCMP Crime Reduction Team-Gang Task Force (CRT-GTF) executed a search warrant at a residence on 34th Street West in Battleford, SK, after receiving information about an individual trafficking methamphetamine.

    While executing the search warrant, officers located and seized a replica firearm, 234 grams of methamphetamine and drug trafficking paraphernalia. An adult female was arrested at the scene.

    As a result of investigation, 68-year-old Martha Mitchell, from Battleford, is charged with:

    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

    Martha Mitchell is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on November 18, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford — Battlefords RCMP seeks public assistance to locate 17-year-old female

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Battlefords RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance to help locate 17-year-old Tait Waggoner. Tait was last seen around 5:30 p.m. October 3, 2024 in the 22nd Street area of North Battleford.

    Tait is described as being 5’2″ tall, 130 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair. On her lower right arm she has 3 red butterflies and the numbers “666” on her inner left arm. We do not have an updated clothing description to share, but she was wearing a beige sweater and black leggings on October 3. She may be in the North Battleford or nearby village of Denholm areas, but this is not confirmed.

    Police must physically see Tait to confirm her wellbeing. If you have seen Tait or know where she is, contact North Battleford RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Smyrna Detective Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation Charge

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

    WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Michael Kealty, a former detective with the Smyrna Police Department, pleaded guilty today to coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity. The Honorable U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews accepted the plea.

    Kealty pleaded guilty to Coercion/Enticement of a Minor.  He will be sentenced on February 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. and faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, and a maximum term of life in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “As a police officer, Mr. Kealty took an oath to protect and serve. Instead of honoring that oath, he chose to prey upon the most vulnerable members of our community. Prosecuting these child exploitation cases will remain a priority for my office, and I commend the FBI’s diligence in investigating this case.”

    “Michael Kealty’s actions reveal a calculating and dangerous criminal. He repeatedly sought opportunities to target vulnerable minors and was committing the very crimes he was sworn to investigate as a police detective. Pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation is one of the FBI’s highest priorities,” says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “FBI Baltimore’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to work with our partners to investigate these horrific acts and bring those responsible to justice.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Election Officer appointed to oversee election day complaints in the Southern District of Georgia

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

    SAVANNAH, Ga.: Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg announced today that she has appointed a District Election Officer (DEO) to lead the efforts of the office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 5, 2024, general election.

    The DEO is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

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

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

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

    U.S. Attorney Steinberg stated that, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the DEO will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The DEO can be reached by the public at the following telephone number, 912-201-2560, or by email at USAGAS.Election@usdoj.gov.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 770-216-3000.

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare to Hold Second Meeting

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (October 22, 2024) — On Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare, chaired by Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), will hold its second hearing.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
    • Time: 11:00 a.m.
    • Location: The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, 166 Holly Smith Dr, McDonough, GA 30253
    • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

    ABOUT THE MEETING:         

    Members will recommend measures to increase access to affordable child care in Georgia. This committee was created pursuant to Senate Resolution 471 during the 2024 Legislative Session. You can find more information about this study committee here.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

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

    # # # #

    Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or by email at Brian.Strickland@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces ‘Time to Own’ First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Reopens With the Support of $40 Million in Newly Released State Funding

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, today announced that the commission voted at its meeting this morning to approve an allocation of $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen Connecticut’s popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.

    Established by Governor Lamont with the support of the state legislature, Time To Own provides down payment assistance to low and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers in Connecticut. Administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) on behalf of the Connecticut Department of Housing, this program has already helped thousands of people in the state buy their first homes since launching in 2022.

    “Owning a home is a cornerstone of the American Dream, and programs like Time To Own are making it possible for more Connecticut residents to turn that dream into reality,” Governor Lamont said. “This new round of funding ensures that we can continue to provide the resources needed to help first-time homebuyers access affordable homeownership, build wealth, and invest in our state’s future.”

    Time To Own has been a critical tool in supporting first-time homebuyers as they navigate the challenges of purchasing a home. By providing forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs, the program has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of homeownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities.

    “The success of the Time To Own program speaks to its necessity in our current housing market,” Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said. “By making homeownership more attainable, we are not only helping individuals and families achieve stability but also creating more inclusive and vibrant communities across Connecticut.”

    With the new funding, Time To Own is expected to support an even greater number of first-time homebuyers in the coming months. To date, the program has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.

    “Time To Own has already changed the lives of thousands of homebuyers, and we are thrilled to be reopening the program with this additional funding,” CHFA Executive Director Nandini Natarajan said. “This is a crucial step in expanding access to homeownership, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents and people of color. We remain committed to ensuring that as many Connecticut residents as possible can take advantage of this opportunity to secure their futures through homeownership.”

    For more information on eligibility and how to apply for Time To Own, visit chfa.org/TimeToOwn.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 4495, Promoting Responsible Evaluation and Procurement to Advance Readiness for Enterprise-wide Deployment for Artificial Intelligence Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 4495 would authorize federal agencies to research and implement new processes to accelerate the development and acquisition of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The bill would require federal agencies to assess the safety of their AI systems and to incorporate protections for data privacy and cybersecurity into AI procurement regulations. S. 4495 also would require agencies and the Government Accountability Office to report to the Congress on the effectiveness and security of federal AI systems.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine

    Source: United States Department of State (3)

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine

    Press Statement

    October 21, 2024

    The United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks. This additional assistance, provided under previously exercised Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks, is valued at $400 million.  It includes Munitions for HIMARS; 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; Mortars; M113 armored vehicle; Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin missiles; AT-4 rockets; Satellite communications support; Ammunition for crew-served weapons; Small arms, grenades, and training equipment; Demolitions equipment and munitions; and Spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.

    The United States is committed to supporting Ukraine with the equipment it needs to strengthen its position on the battlefield, defend against the Kremlin’s brutal aggression, and secure a just and lasting peace.  As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under Secretary Zeya’s Meetings in Kyiv, Ukraine

    Source: United States Department of State (3)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 18, 2024.

    While in Kyiv, Under Secretary Zeya underscored unwavering U.S. solidarity to Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna, Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova, leadership of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Chief Justice of the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oleksiy Sergeyev, and First Deputy Chief of the National Police Maksym Tsutskeridze.  She also met with investigative journalists, humanitarian workers, veterans, and internally displaced persons, including youth. Throughout her engagements, she emphasized the United States’ steadfast commitment to helping Ukraine prevail; strengthening its democratic resilience; securing its Euro-Atlantic future; holding Russia accountable for its atrocities and advancing comprehensive justice for the Ukrainian people; and sustaining U.S. humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable.

    In addition, the Under Secretary spoke at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine’s 10th anniversary ceremony, commending Ukraine’s tremendous anti-corruption gains and resolve to build upon them, amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

    During her trip, Under Secretary Zeya announced three new initiatives to help the Ukrainian people win the war and win the future:

    • The State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs launched a $5 million grant, in partnership with the Institute for War & Peace Reporting, to increase governmental transparency and accountability by supporting civil society organizations and investigative journalists making essential contributions in the fight against corruption. It will also seek to enhance collaboration between civil society and Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption institutions.
    • The State Department Office of Global Criminal Justice awarded $2 million to the International Organization for Migration to support reparative justice for Ukrainians. The initiative will help government policy makers and civil society develop domestic reparations mechanisms for direct compensation and support to victims and survivors of Russia’s crimes, laying the groundwork for Ukrainians to unlock justice at the earliest opportunity.
    • The State Department Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations awarded $2 million to UN Women for a new partnership to advance Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Ukraine. With this funding, UN Women will support Ukraine’s institutions to implement the National Action Plan on WPS and advance women’s leadership, ownership, and participation in conflict response and recovery at all levels.

    Upon departing Kyiv, Under Secretary Zeya stated, “Today I was profoundly moved to meet dedicated Ukrainian government partners determined to strengthen their nation’s democratic resilience, anti-corruption champions advancing a more prosperous, democratic future, and Ukrainian veterans and non-governmental leaders helping their fellow citizens regain dignity, justice and safety in the face of Russia’s ongoing brutal aggression. Vladimir Putin underestimated the strength and tenacity of Ukraine and its people to resist this naked aggression, and the resolve of the United States, Europe, and international partners to support them.  Today Ukraine remains proud, strong, and free, and the United States will continue to do everything in our power to keep it so.”

    For further information, please follow @UnderSecStateJ on X and @UnderSecStateJ on LinkedIn. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar

    Source: United States Department of State (3)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Yahya Sinwar

    Media Note

    October 18, 2024

    The following is the Joint Statement of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken after their meeting in Berlin, October 18, 2024:

    Yahya Sinwar was a brutal murderer and terrorist who was bent on eradicating Israel and its people. As vicious mastermind of the October 7 terror attacks, he brought death to thousands of people and immeasurable suffering across an entire region. Sinwar stood in the way of a ceasefire in Gaza. His death can create a momentum to end the conflict. All hostages must be released. At the same time, humanitarian aid must be surged to the civilians in Gaza in need. Germany and the United States, together with partners, won‘t spare any effort on this path.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Targeting Russian Attack Drone Production Used in War Against Ukraine

    Source: United States Department of State (3)

    Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

    The United States is today imposing sanctions on three entities and one individual involved in the development and production of Russia’s Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which has been deployed in Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.  The Garpiya, designed and produced in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in collaboration with Russian defense firms, has been used to destroy critical infrastructure and has resulted in mass casualties.

    These sanctions targets were involved in the development and production of military equipment for a U.S.-sanctioned Russian defense firm for use by the Russian military in Ukraine.  While the United States previously imposed sanctions on PRC entities providing critical inputs to Russia’s military-industrial base, these are the first U.S. sanctions imposed on PRC entities directly developing and producing complete weapons systems in partnership with Russian firms.

    Today’s action is part of our continued effort to disrupt attempts by PRC-based and Russia-based entities and individuals to support Russia’s acquisition of advanced weapons technology and components.  We will continue to impose costs on those who provide support to Russia’s military-industrial base.

    The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order  (“E.O.”) 14024  “Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.”  For more information on these actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under Secretary Zeya Travels to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom

    Source: United States Department of State (3)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom from October 18-22, 2024.

    In Ukraine, Under Secretary Zeya will reaffirm steadfast U.S. commitment to robust civilian security and humanitarian support, and strengthening Ukraine’s democratic resilience in the face of Russia’s continued brutal aggression.  In her engagements with government, humanitarian, and civil society leaders, she will emphasize continued partnership on anti-corruption and rule of law reforms, a strong civil society and independent media, and advancing victim- and survivor-centered justice and accountability for Ukrainians.

    In Poland, the Under Secretary will meet with vulnerable Ukrainian refugees forced to flee Russia’s war against Ukraine and with valued humanitarian partners who provide direct support to them.  She will also visit a coordination center for Ukraine-bound support.

    In the United Kingdom, Under Secretary Zeya will further U.S.-U.K. cooperation on pressing global challenges.  She will meet with senior government officials, civil society, and members of Parliament to strengthen partnerships on humanitarian cooperation and human rights, including protections for survivors of trafficking in persons and LGBTQI+ individuals.

    For further information, please follow @UnderSecStateJ on X and @UnderSecStateJ on LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Casey, Wyden Slam McDonald’s for Squeezing Customers with Excessive Price Increases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    October 22, 2024

    “Corporate profits must not come at the expense of people’s ability to put food on the table.”

    Text of Letter (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), wrote to President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, pushing for more information on McDonald’s pricing decisions as fast food prices continue to increase, outpacing inflation and squeezing customers. 

    “While McDonald’s is not the only fast food restaurant that has increased prices significantly in recent years, its dominant market position as the largest fast food chain in the United States has an outsize impact on American consumers. While working families are trying to make ends meet, McDonald’s and its corporate counterparts have continued to grow their profits,” wrote the senators.

    Earlier this year, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger attempted to blame the company’s menu price increases on inflationary pressures and input costs, but the data tells another story. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, fast food prices have consistently outpaced inflation, and since 2020, overall inflation has increased by 20 percent, while McDonald’s has increased its menu prices for several items substantially more. McDonalds net annual income rose by over 79 percent – nearly $8.5 billion, from 2020 to 2023.

    While McDonald’s was raising prices, the company also spent nearly $4 billion on stock buybacks in 2022 and $3 billion in 2023. The company also benefits from a tax loophole that favors buybacks. This prioritizes Wall Street shareholders over investments in McDonald’s own business and workers. 

    As American consumers have begun taking their business elsewhere, the company has promised to take a “forensic approach” to evaluating high prices.

    “Corporate profits must not come at the expense of people’s ability to put food on the table,” concluded the senators. “As we seek to investigate and understand the increased consumer costs in the economy, we hope McDonald’s will help us to understand why its prices have risen so high.”

    As a champion for American consumers and a secure and healthy economy, Senator Warren has engaged in oversight of corporations that unfairly exploit consumers. She has also been calling for more competition and stronger enforcement of antitrust laws to bring down prices for families: 

    • In October 2024, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) wrote to Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan, on reports of widespread price gouging in states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and on the need for a federal price gouging ban to complement state-level efforts.
    • In October 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) wrote to the CEOs of Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and General Mills, pressing their executives on the companies’ pattern of profiteering off consumers, both through “shrinkflation” and dodging taxes on the profits they made from that price gouging.
    • In September 2024, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Representative Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) demanded answers from 13 corporate landlords operating in Massachusetts as to whether they are using RealPage’s algorithm to raise rents for families.
    • In August 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) sent a letter to Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger, raising concerns about Kroger’s use of Electronic Shelving Labels (ESLs) to potentially surge grocery prices and exploit consumers.
    • In May 2024, while chairing a Senate Banking Subcommittee on Economic Policy hearing, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) called out giant corporations for hiking up food prices while raking in record profits, and urged action to promote competition and bring down costs.
    • In May 2024, Senator Warren and Rep. Jim McGovern led a group of lawmakers in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the Biden administration to use its executive authority to take action to lower food prices. 
    • In May 2024, during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, Senator Warren called out food industry price gouging and urged action to combat unfair pricing practices.
    • In April 2024, Senator Warren (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrote to DoorDash and UberEats, the two largest delivery platforms, calling out their use of hidden junk fees.
    • In March 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) led a group of 14 lawmakers in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan urging the agency to revive enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA), a critical tool to promote fair competition in the food industry. 
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren joined Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in introducing the Shrinkflation Prevention Act to crack down on corporations that deceive consumers by selling smaller sizes of their products without lowering prices.
    • In February 2024, Senators Warren, Baldwin, Casey, and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2024, which would protect consumers and prohibit corporate price gouging by authorizing the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.
    • In February 2022, at a hearing, Senator Warren called out corporations for abusing their market power to raise consumer prices and boost profits.
    • At a January 2022 hearing, Senator Warren pressed Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the role of corporate concentration in driving up prices for consumers during his renomination hearing to be Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
    • In a New York Times op-ed published in April 2020, Senator Warren urged Congress to focus on cracking down on price gouging in its ongoing effort to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden, Blumenthal, Porter Call on DOJ to Prosecute Tax Prep Companies for Illegally Sharing Sensitive Personal and Financial Taxpayer Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    October 22, 2024

    Treasury, IRS assessment confirm 2023 Congressional investigation finding that companies broke the law by sharing sensitive data with Big Tech firms. 

    Tax prep companies potentially face billions of dollars in criminal liability. 

    “DOJ has the sole authority to enforce the criminal statute on behalf of the millions of taxpayers harmed by this unauthorized disclosure of their sensitive personal and financial data.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) wrote to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging the investigation and prosecution of major tax preparation companies for illegally sharing protected and sensitive taxpayer information with Big Tech firms. 

    Last month, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released an audit report confirming that four online tax preparation companies broke the law by sharing legally protected and sensitive taxpayer information with Big Tech firms without taxpayer consent.  Specifically, the report found that consent statements being used by the tax prep companies did not clearly identify the intended use of taxpayer data, a violation of Treasury regulations. The IRS agreed with TIGTA’s assessment. The report confirms November 2022 investigative reporting by the Markup and the results of a July 2023 Congressional investigation, led by Senator Warren, which found that the improper sharing of sensitive taxpayer personal and financial information by TaxSlayer, H&R Block, TaxAct, and Ramsey Solutions with Meta and Google appeared to be illegal. 

    Tax prep companies used pixels, computer code that tracks a user’s website activity, to obtain sensitive personal and financial information, including approximate income and refund amounts, for millions of taxpayers who filed their taxes online with these companies. Meta then used that information for advertising and to train its AI algorithm. 

    TIGTA conducted a detailed review of four tax preparation companies, and found that the companies did not obtain proper taxpayer consent for the release of their information. 

    “We write to urge you to investigate and prosecute the criminal behavior of major tax preparation companies identified in our investigation and confirmed by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Internal Revenue Service,” wrote the lawmakers. The penalties for these violations can include $1,000 per violation and up to 1 year in prison. TIGTA itself notes that it “reports potential criminal violations directly to the Department of Justice when TIGTA deems that it is appropriate to do so.” 

    The IRS recently announced the expansion of the highly successful Direct File program to 24 total states, making 30 million taxpayers eligible to file for free, securely, and directly with the IRS. However, many taxpayers still rely on private tax prep companies. 

    “Accountability for these tax preparation companies – who disclosed millions of taxpayers’ tax return data…is essential for protecting the rule of law and the privacy of taxpayers,” concluded the lawmakers. 

    Senator Warren has been at the forefront of holding tax prep firms and Big Tech accountable for their behavior, and pushed for an easy and free IRS Drect File program:

    • In May 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) led over 130 lawmakers in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, applauding the successful pilot of the Direct File program, and urging them to make it permanent and expand its functionality and scope.
    • In June 2023, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with Representatives Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), and Don Beyer (D-Va.) led a coalition of 99 Democratic lawmakers in sending a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and Deputy Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo, applauding the IRS’ announcement of a pilot  of a free tax filing tool next year. 
    • In April 2023, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.) led their colleagues in sending a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel urging the agency to simplify the tax process and broaden access to free e-filing options.
    • In April 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel about the IRS’s failed Free-File partnership with private tax preparation software companies and called on the agency to implement a direct E-File program that will be truly free and easy for millions of Americans. 
      • Commission Werfel agreed with Senator Warren that the gap between the 70% of taxpayers that Free File is supposed to serve and the 2% it actually does is “massive.”  When Senator Warren pointed out that tax prep companies are instead pushing alternative services that should be free, are marketed as free, but are not, Commissioner Werfel also agreed that “the whole process needs to be improved,” that taxpayer rights have been violated, and the IRS has an obligation to make “the tax system easier for taxpayers to navigate.”
    • In March 2023, Senators Warren and Angus King (I-Maine) wrote a letter with 19 other senators to the Internal Revenue Service and Secretary Yellen expressing strong support for Secretary Yellen’s directive for the IRS not to raise audit rates for small businesses or households making under $400,000 annually. 
    • In December 2022, Senators Warren and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), along with Representatives Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) sent letters to tax preparation companies H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer, plus big tech firms Meta, and Google, amid reports that the tax preparation companies have been secretly transmitting individual taxpayers’ sensitive financial information to Meta and Google.
    • In July 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren led 22 of her colleagues in introducing the Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022 to simplify the tax filing process for millions of Americans by lowering costs, eliminating red tape for all taxpayers, and saving them hours and hundreds of dollars. 
    • During an exchange of the United States Senate Finance Committee in June 2022, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen agreed with Senator Elizabeth Warren on the need to create a free tax filing system that actually works for Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Helps Secure Over $500,000 in Federal Funding for Workforce Development Facility in Western Kentucky

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will award $509,000 to the Murray-Calloway Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) through the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program. Today’s funding will support the development of a skills training and workforce development facility for underemployed and unemployed workers in the community, which will help boost the earning potential of program participants and address worker shortages in the region.

    This federal funding is made possible through a DRA assistance program, which is funded by the FY2023 government funding bill and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, advocated for DRA funding in both the annual appropriations process and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Senator also wrote a letter to Dr. Corey Wiggins, Federal Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority, in support of this project.

    “Last year’s government funding bill, as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provide big investments for Western Kentucky’s communities, including assistance for Murray and Calloway counties’ first workforce development facility. This project will help hardworking Kentuckians get back to work in their communities while addressing the growing needs of job creators in the Commonwealth. I was proud to support funding for this project and I’ll continue to do what I can to ensure federal resources go toward Kentucky’s communities that need them most,” said Senator McConnell.

    “MCIDA is thrilled to receive today’s award, which will allow our team to continue expanding this impactful workforce program through the construction of a permanent facility. Our community is thankful for Senator McConnell’s help in bringing home today’s federal grant, and we’re grateful for all he has done to support Western Kentucky over the years,” said Executive Director of the Murray-Calloway Industrial Development Authority Mark Manning.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manchin Announces $44 Million to Develop Carbon Storage Hub for West Virginia, Surrounding States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

    October 22, 2024

    Charleston, WV– Yesterday, Senator Joe Manchin III (I-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced an award of more than $44 million from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management for the development of a carbon storage hub in Marshall County that will serve West Virginia and surrounding states. This funding was made possible by Chairman Manchin’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

    “West Virginia has always been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge energy technologies,” said Chairman Manchin. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Mountain State will continue to lead the way by advancing innovative carbon storage infrastructure to help reduce emissions. This new technology will support critical industries in our state and create good paying jobs in the region.” 

    This location was chosen due to its proximity to projects planned as part of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub that Chairman Manchin led a ribbon cutting for in August.

    To learn more about the project, click here.

    To learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Fisheries Subsidies: Kuwait’s acceptance

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    Kuwait’s WTO Ambassador Nasser Abdullah Al-Hayen presented his country’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 22 October. This brings to 86 the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the Agreement.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar and Colleagues Release Report on Vote Counting Process for the November Election

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    Democratic Senators Warn Americans To Be On Alert Against Efforts To Undermine Public Confidence In Election Results
    READ THE REPORT HERE
    WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Rules Committee Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released a report summarizing for the American people what to expect on Election Day and encouraging voters to cast their ballot.
    With the general election well underway in every state across the country, Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people, which is to vote and cast their ballot as early as possible. As significant numbers of Americans choose to vote by mail, the report explains why it’s still possible that, in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 5th, in part because states differ in whether they allow mail-in ballots to be processed ahead of Election Day and whether ballots must be received by Election Day or postmarked by Election Day. The report also makes clear that voter intimidation is illegal and federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote.
    A copy of the report can be found HERE.
    “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on efforts to sow chaos during election season. As this report explains, it also means making sure that Americans know that it is possible that the outcome in some states will not be known on November 5th. While some states have expedited their counting requirements since 2020, we should be prepared to be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Klobuchar.
    “Just like 2020, Donald Trump and his allies continue to refuse to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses while pushing dangerous and divisive rhetoric to sow discord and undermine confidence in our election process. Americans losing faith in the results of our elections doesn’t just risk another January 6th but puts our very democracy at risk,” said Leader Schumer. “Senate Democrats remain committed to ensuring all Americans can vote without fear or intimidation.”
    “As Donald Trump bets on chaos, division, and lies to fuel his campaign and get back into the White House, it’s on us to see through his fearmongering and stand up for our democracy. So vote early, vote by mail, vote in person—but vote. The future of our country depends on us rejecting fear and misinformation and making our voices heard,” said Murphy.
    “Former President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence like we saw up close on January 6, 2021. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle,” said Heinrich.
    “There is no greater responsibility, or honor, as an American than exercising your right to vote. Our free, fair voting systems and our peaceful transitions of powers are two of the hallmarks that have separated America from authoritarianism for centuries now—and that will carry on far beyond this November, despite Donald Trump’s desperate, sad attempts to sow seeds of chaos and distrust in our electoral processes. The most powerful defense against creeping autocracy in America is to make our voices heard at the ballot box—because carrying out our most sacred duty as citizens is the best way we can ensure remain a government of, by and for the people,” said Duckworth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank enters deal for EUR 245 million facility with New World Television (NWTV) for African sports broadcast rights acquisition

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ALGIERS, Algeria, October 22, 2024/APO Group/ —

    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced the signing of a EUR 245-million global facility with the New World Television (NWTV) network. The funding will part finance the network’s acquisition of media licensing rights for selected broadcasting sport copyrights from global media rights holders to permit broadcast across Africa.

    The facility agreement, signed on October 17, 2024, on the sidelines of the just concluded CANEX WKND 2024, covers broadcasting sport copyrights from the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), French Ligue and Spanish LaLiga.

    Granted within Afreximbank’s CANEX Financing Programme, under the Sports Development Framework of its Creative Economy Strategy which seeks to mitigate constraints to creative enterprise development and to stimulate intra- and extra-African export of creative products, the facility is expected to support the development of Africa’s sports value chain by placing the ownership of African sports content firmly in African hands.

    The deal signing was overseen by Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank and Mr. Louis Biyao, representative of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NWTV.

    Speaking on the facility, Mrs. Awani said: “The import of this facility lies in the significant impact it will make in empowering African enterprises, particularly in the creative sector, to assume control of African sports. By taking control of these broadcasting rights, we will see the fostering of local content production, creation of job opportunities and strengthening of the continent’s competitive edge in the global market while promoting cultural identity and economic growth. Afreximbank is strongly committed to supporting African enterprises driving progress in the creative sector and this transaction is a testament to that commitment.” 

    On his part, Mr. Biyao commented: “It is a great honour for NWTV to benefit from such support, which allows it to streamline its transactions without the constraints related to currency exchanges. This agreement opens new opportunities for NWTV, guided by the motto ‘produced by Africans, for Africans in Africa,’ to offer premium content to a larger number of Africans. This is content that is accessible and closely aligned with their reality, at a very affordable cost.”

    He added: “NWTV aims to provide an innovative and accessible alternative in the African audiovisual landscape, broadcasting high-quality content in local languages, tailored to the expectations of African populations. This approach is fully in line with NWTV’s commitment to bringing audiovisual content closer to every African household.”

    The facility is expected to address the challenge of African sports being largely controlled by non-African networks and broadcasting houses, marking a strategic shift towards empowering African entities to take control of the broadcasts, celebrate local sports talent and showcase the richness of the continent’s sporting culture.

    It will also boost the development of the African television industry ecosystem by growing revenue opportunities for television stations that would now be able to add more content into their rotations and that would be able to sell more advertisement spaces, in addition to enabling NWTV to promote the diffusion of sports content in local languages. NWTV, which is currently able to develop broadcast content in seven local languages in 24 countries, is working on three additional languages to be deployed in 2024.

    The four-day CANEX WKND 2024, organised by Afreximbank was held from 16 – 19 October, under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World” and was attended by almost 4,000 delegates representing a diversity of creative sectors from across Africa and the diaspora.

    CANEX WKND 2024 featured live performances, speeches by industry leaders and experts, masterclass sessions, sporting events, fashion shows, high energy music concerts and gastronomical showcases alongside a vibrant market and exhibition all aimed at advancing and expanding Africa’s unrivalled creative and cultural industries, with the aim of implementing pan-African measures that support the continent’s cultural sectors.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation — Update #4 – Nelson House RCMP continue investigation into the homicide of Rico Linklater

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 21, 2024, marked the 3rd anniversary of the disappearance of 22-year-old Rico Linklater from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

    Investigators with RCMP Major Crime Services continue to seek out public assistance as we know there are people out there that have crucial information that can help move this homicide investigation forward.

    Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have information related to the homicide of Rico Linklater to please contact the Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Nelson House RCMP, along with Major Crime Services, continue to investigate the homicide of Rico Linklater, who was last seen on October 21, 2021.

    Officers have been working diligently on this investigation to find answers for Rico’s family. Investigators have conducted over 175 interviews, canvassed the entire community and conducted extensive searches for Rico’s remains.

    This week RCMP Major Crime Services will be returning to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation to further the investigation.

    Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have information related to Rico’s disappearance. If you have information please contact the Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Nelson House RCMP, along with Major Crime Services, continue to investigate the homicide of Rico Linklater, who was last seen one year ago today.

    In early September, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) along with officers from RCMP Search and Rescue (SAR) attended to Nelson House to assist in furthering this investigation.

    Investigators are asking anyone who may have reached out before or may have new information, in relation to his disappearance, to contact the Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    Nelson House RCMP, along with Major Crime Services, believe that the 22-year-old male, Rico Cody Linklater, who was reported missing on October 23, 2021, was the victim of a homicide.

    RCMP officers from the Nelson House Detachment, Major Crime Services, Search and Rescue and the Underwater Recovery Team will be in the Nelson House area from September 5 to September 10, 2022, to continue the investigation.

    Police are asking anyone who may have information, in relation to Rico Linklater’s disappearance, to call the Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    On October 23, 2021, at 6:40 pm, Nelson House RCMP received a report of a missing 22-year-old male.

    Rico Cody Linklater was last seen in the community in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 21. He is still believed to be in Nelson House although there is the possibility that he may have travelled to Thompson.

    Linklater is described as 6’0″, 160 lbs with a slim build, has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing grey pants, black sweater, brown Nike shoes and a grey baseball cap.

    Police are asking anyone with information to call the Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Secure online tips can also be made at http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched and victim named following the death of a teenager in Islington

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation has been launched and the victim named after a teenage boy was found with a fatal injury in Islington.

    Police were called by London Ambulance Service [LAS] at 00:12hrs on Tuesday, 22 October to reports of a possible collision at Courtauld Road.

    Officers and LAS attended and 16-year-old Deonte Mowatt-Slater was found with a serious injury.

    Medics fought to save Deonte but, despite their efforts, he sadly died at the scene.

    A murder investigation has been launched led by Detective Chief Inspector Neil John. He said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation. At this point it is unclear exactly where Deonte was when he suffered his injury. He was found injured on Courtauld Road along with his motorcycle.

    “We are working hard to establish the sequence of events that led to this tragic loss of a young life.

    “I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed, or has footage of, any part of this incident.

    “A number of crime scenes remain in place while we continue with our enquiries, and I would like to thank local residents in advance for their patience.

    “Today a family has received the worst possible news – if you have information about this incident please do the right thing and get in touch.”

    Deonte’s family have been notified and they are being supported by specialist officers.

    A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

    There have been no arrests.

    Anyone with information or footage/dash-cam relating to this incident should call the Incident Room on 020 8358 0100, call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 95/22OCT.

    Information can also be submitted at our Operation BIdwarm Public Information Portal.

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced free well disinfection and well water collection kits are available for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Local health departments in western North Carolina will distribute kits for households with private wells that were flooded or damaged by the storm.

    Excessive rain and flooding can cause water in private wells to become contaminated, meaning the water can make people sick if it is consumed. After a flood, private wells must be assessed for damage, repaired, disinfected and tested before use to ensure the water is safe. It is critical people do not drink or use water from a private well that has been damaged or flooded until it has been properly disinfected and tested after the storm.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health has assembled well disinfection and well water collection kits for distribution through select local health departments. Private well owners living in the communities served by the following local health departments who have flooded or damaged wells can pick up free kits beginning Tuesday, Oct. 22. Participating local health departments include:

    • AppHealthCare – Alleghany location: 157 Health Services Road, Sparta, NC 28675
    • AppHealthCare – Ashe Environmental Health Building: 626 Ashe Central School Road, Jefferson, NC 28640
    • AppHealthCare – Watauga location: 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607
    • Burke County Health Department: 700 E. Parker Road, Morganton, NC 28655
    • Buncombe County Health Department – Environmental Health Building: 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801
    • Caldwell County Health Department: 2345 Morganton Blvd., Lenoir, NC, 28645
    • Cherokee County Health Department: 228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906
    • Haywood County Environmental Health: 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 200, Clyde, NC 28721
    • Henderson County Health Department: 1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100, Hendersonville NC 28792
    • Madison – Environmental Health Building: 5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
    • Toe River Health District – Mitchell location: 130 Forest Service Drive, Bakersville, NC 28705
    • Toe River Health District – Avery location: 545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
    • Yancey County Health Department: 202 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714

    Each well kit includes the necessary supplies to disinfect and collect a well water sample for testing, including step-by-step instructions. Flooded or damaged wells must be disinfected first before collecting a sample for testing. Private well owners should return the sample back to their local health department for testing. The local health department or testing lab will provide results back as quickly as possible. Private well owners who live in an impacted area not listed above should contact their local health department for well disinfection and testing assistance.

    For help understanding test results, use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina) or contact the NCDHHS-DPH Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900 or oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    Well disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up at the following dates and times:

    • Oct. 22-24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Oct. 28-31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Additional dates and times will be provided by the local health departments.

    For information regarding Hurricane Helene including additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to www.ncdps.gov/Helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció hoy que hay kits gratuitos de desinfección y recolección de agua de pozo disponibles para las comunidades afectadas por el huracán Helene. Los departamentos de salud locales en el oeste de Carolina del Norte distribuirán kits para hogares con pozos privados que fueron inundados o dañados por la tormenta.

    El exceso de lluvia y las inundaciones pueden contaminar el agua de los pozos privados, lo que significa que el agua puede enfermar a las personas si se consume. Después de una inundación, los pozos privados deben ser evaluados para detectar daños, reparados, desinfectados y analizados antes de su uso para garantizar que el agua sea segura. Es fundamental que las personas no beban ni usen agua de un pozo privado que haya sido dañado o inundado hasta que haya sido desinfectado y analizado adecuadamente después de la tormenta.

    La División de Salud Pública del NCDHHS ha reunido kits de desinfección y recolección de agua de pozo para su distribución a través de departamentos de salud locales seleccionados. Los propietarios de pozos privados que viven en las comunidades atendidas por los siguientes departamentos de salud locales con pozos dañados o inundados pueden recoger kits gratuitos a partir del martes 22 de octubre. Los departamentos de salud locales participantes incluyen:

    • AppHealthCare – Ubicación en Alleghany: 157 Health Services Road, Sparta, NC 28675
    • AppHealthCare – Edificio de Salud Ambiental de Ashe: 626 Ashe Central School Road, Jefferson, NC 28640
    • AppHealthCare – Ubicación en Watauga: 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Burke: 700 E. Parker Road, Morganton, NC 28655
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Buncombe – Edificio de Salud Ambiental: 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Caldwell: 2345 Morganton Blvd., Lenoir, NC, 28645
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Cherokee: 228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906
    • Salud Ambiental del condado de Haywood: 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 200, Clyde, NC 28721
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Henderson: 1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100, Hendersonville NC 28792
    • Madison – Edificio de Salud Ambiental: 5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
    • Distrito de Salud Toe River – Ubicación en Mitchell: 130 Forest Service Drive, Bakersville, NC 28705
    • Distrito de Salud Toe River– Ubicación en Avery: 545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Yancey: 202 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714

    Cada kit de pozo incluye los suministros necesarios para desinfectar y recolectar una muestra de agua de pozo para su análisis, incluidas las instrucciones paso a paso. Los pozos inundados o dañados deben desinfectarse primero antes de recoger una muestra para su análisis. Los propietarios de pozos privados deben devolver la muestra a su departamento de salud local para su análisis. El departamento de salud local o el laboratorio de pruebas proporcionarán los resultados lo más rápido posible. Los propietarios de pozos privados que viven en una zona afectada no mencionada anteriormente deben ponerse en contacto con su departamento de salud local para obtener asistencia con la desinfección y las pruebas de los pozos.

    Para obtener ayuda para comprender los resultados de las pruebas, use la herramienta en línea Be Well Informed (seleccione Carolina del Norte) o comuníquese con la Sección de Epidemiología Ocupacional y Ambiental del NCDHHS-DPH al 919-707-5900 o oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    Los kits de desinfección y recolección de agua de pozo se pueden recoger en las siguientes fechas y horas:

    • Octubre 22-24, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.
    • Octubre 28-31, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.

    Los departamentos de salud locales proporcionarán fechas y horas adicionales.

    Para obtener información sobre el huracán Helene, incluidos los recursos adicionales y las flexibilidades vigentes, visite http://www.ncdps.gov/Helene  y http://www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Oct 22, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4338-4340: Decisions, Decisions

    Source: NASA

    3 min read

    Earth planning date: Friday, Oct. 18, 2024

    On sol 4338, we have a science block planned as well as some arm activities. Our science activities include a ChemCam observation of “Donkey Lake.” This is a bedrock target with exposed laminations. In geology, lamination is a sequence of small-scale, embedded fine layers of sedimentary rock. Next, we will do an RMI mosaic as well as Mastcam imaging on “Fascination Turret” to document the boulder configuration for study of both debris flow and rock deposition processes. We’ll also do a Navcam dust devil survey to study the Martian atmosphere, before moving into our arm backbones. We’ll perform a DRT and APXS on several bedrock targets with exposed layering. An exciting sol for geology!

    Sol 4339 presented some interesting decisions for our planning team to make. We started out with a science block. This included a ChemCam LIBS analysis on a soil target with interesting color differences. We also performed an RMI mosaic and Mastcam imaging of “Whitebark Pass” to study possible surface erosion. After this science block, we planned to do a long traverse, which is where planning got a bit tricky. 

    The drive was a bit complicated to plan. The terrain had lots of rocks which ultimately prevented us from planning a guarded drive (i.e., a drive using auto navigation), which would have extended the drive length. There are occlusion considerations — we always want to end the drive in a good orientation for a communications link. When evaluating our end of drive, there are potential configurations where the line of sight for communications would be blocked, either due to terrain or due to objects on the rover deck. Here, because of the many and large size of rocks in our terrain, we were not confident that auto-navigation would not fault and position us in a bad orientation for our next communications window. With this risk, we decided to take a shorter drive with a sure unoccluded end-of-drive orientation. As planned, our drive will reach about 27 meters (almost 89 feet), whereas a guarded drive if the terrain was better might have yielded around 50 meters (about 164 feet). After the drive, we’ll take some imaging and do a Mastcam survey to observe soils along the traverse path.

    On sol 4340, we planned for two science blocks. The first included a ChemCam AEGIS activity — this will allow the rover to examine its surroundings and pick out some interesting targets for analysis. We will also perform a Navcam dust devil movie to capture any interesting dust activities in the atmosphere. Next, we’ll move into our second science block, which is focused on environmental science. We’ll first take Mastcam tau observations, which will allow us to study and measure the optical depth of the atmosphere, which is often used as a proxy to understand the dust in the atmosphere. We’ll also do some early morning remote science, including Navcam cloud movies at zenith and at suprahorizon.

    Written by Remington Free, Operations Systems Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Reveals Prototype Telescope for Gravitational Wave Observatory

    Source: NASA

    2 min read

    NASA has revealed the first look at a full-scale prototype for six telescopes that will enable, in the next decade, the space-based detection of gravitational waves — ripples in space-time caused by merging black holes and other cosmic sources.

    On May 20, the full-scale Engineering Development Unit Telescope for the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission, still in its shipping frame, was moved within a clean room at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
    NASA/Dennis Henry

    The LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission is led by ESA (European Space Agency) in partnership with NASA to detect gravitational waves by using lasers to measure precise distances — down to picometers, or trillionths of a meter — between a trio of spacecraft distributed in a vast configuration larger than the Sun. Each side of the triangular array will measure nearly 1.6 million miles, or 2.5 million kilometers.

    “Twin telescopes aboard each spacecraft will both transmit and receive infrared laser beams to track their companions, and NASA is supplying all six of them to the LISA mission,” said Ryan DeRosa, a researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “The prototype, called the Engineering Development Unit Telescope, will guide us as we work toward building the flight hardware.”

    The prototype LISA telescope undergoes post-delivery inspection in a darkened NASA Goddard clean room on May 20. The entire telescope is made from an amber-colored glass-ceramic that resists changes in shape over a wide temperature range, and the mirror’s surface is coated in gold.
    NASA/Dennis Henry

    The Engineering Development Unit Telescope, which was manufactured and assembled by L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York, arrived at Goddard in May. The primary mirror is coated in gold to better reflect the infrared lasers and to reduce heat loss from a surface exposed to cold space since the telescope will operate best when close to room temperature.

    The prototype is made entirely from an amber-colored glass-ceramic called Zerodur, manufactured by Schott in Mainz, Germany. The material is widely used for telescope mirrors and other applications requiring high precision because its shape changes very little over a wide range of temperatures.

    The LISA mission is slated to launch in the mid-2030s.
    Download additional images from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

    By Francis ReddyNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.Media Contact:Claire Andreoli301-286-1940claire.andreoli@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s Parliamentary elections

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General congratulates the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and its people on the holding of parliamentary elections on 20 October, which took place in a calm and peaceful manner. He further commends the efforts of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in the preparations and conduct of these elections.

    As the Kurdistan Region of Iraq awaits the final results, the Secretary-General encourages all political leaders and segments of society to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and urges political actors to resolve any electoral disputes through established legal channels and to complete the electoral process by forming an inclusive government as soon as possible. He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support Iraq’s efforts to consolidate democratic gains and build a prosperous future for the people of Iraq.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –