Category: Economy

MIL-OSI: Backblaze to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Results on November 7, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Backblaze, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLZE), the cloud storage innovator providing a modern alternative to traditional cloud providers, will report financial results for its third quarter ending September 30, 2024 on Thursday, November 7, 2024 after market close.

Following the release of results, Backblaze will host a conference call and webcast at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) on November 7, 2024 to discuss the results.

Attend the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ywn46sgi
Register to listen by phone: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10192395/fd6964326b

Phone registrants will receive dial-in information via email.

An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after its completion on the Investor Relations page of the Backblaze website at https://ir.backblaze.com.

About Backblaze

Backblaze is the cloud storage innovator providing a modern alternative to traditional cloud providers. We deliver high-performance, secure cloud object storage that customers use to develop applications, manage media, secure backups, build AI workflows, protect from ransomware, and more. Backblaze helps businesses break free from the walled gardens that traditional providers lock customers into, enabling them to use their data in open cloud workflows with the providers they prefer at a fraction of the cost. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, Backblaze (NASDAQ: BLZE) was founded in 2007 and serves over 500,000 customers in 175 countries around the world. For more information, please go to http://www.backblaze.com.

Investors

Mimi Kong
Investor Relations
ir@backblaze.com

Press Contact

Jeanette Foster
Communications Manager
press@backblaze.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: World Network Unveils Major Updates at San Francisco Event

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — World Network, formerly known as Worldcoin, today made a series of groundbreaking announcements during its exclusive global event in San Francisco, hosted by co-founders Sam Altman and Alex Blania. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, World is introducing new infrastructure to empower individuals and create systems that benefit everyone.

Here are the key updates from the event:

1. Next-Generation Orb: Expanding the Reach of Proof of Human Verifications

World unveiled the latest Orb, a revolutionary new device that enhances the efficiency and scalability of World ID verifications. Powered by the latest NVIDIA Jetson chipset, the new Orb offers nearly five times the AI performance compared to its predecessor. Its updated design reduces complexity with 30% fewer parts and includes a removable external SD card for full auditability.

The new Orb enables the creation of more flexible verification models, including flagship locations, on-demand Orbs, and self-serve kiosks—accelerating the deployment of proof of human verifications across the globe.

2. World ID 3.0: Credentials and Enhanced Privacy Features

The launch of World ID 3.0 introduces new features like World ID Credentials, allowing users to store and use information from their NFC-enabled passports on their devices. This enables World ID holders to verify their age, nationality, or passport ownership without revealing their full identity.

Additionally, World ID 3.0 brings stronger privacy protections with AMPC (Advanced Multiparty Computation) and World ID Deep Face, a new tool designed to combat online fraud and enhance security in digital interactions.

3. World App 3.0: The Super App for Humans

World announced the release of World App 3.0, a redesigned platform built to scale with the expanding World Network. It now supports Mini Apps, allowing third-party apps to integrate directly with World ID, Wallet, and Contacts, all while maintaining user anonymity.

The updated World App also includes enhanced wallet features like Vault and World Pay (where available), and it supports World ID Credentials, offering greater utility and security for users.

4. World Chain Mainnet Launch

The highly anticipated World Chain mainnet is officially live. With the migration of over 15 million World ID holders and World App users to the network, World Chain is the first blockchain designed specifically to prioritize human activity and transactions.

World Chain is supported by leading blockchain services, including Optimism, Alchemy, Uniswap, Safe, Dune, and Etherscan, ensuring a robust and scalable infrastructure for users worldwide.

5. Worldcoin Becomes World Network

As the scope and scale of the project continue to expand, Worldcoin has officially rebranded as World Network. The name change reflects the project’s broader mission to accelerate progress for all humanity. World Network now stands on three key pillars: World Chain, World ID, and Worldcoin—a network of verified humans designed to ensure an optimistic future where humans remain at the center of AI development.

About World Network

Initially developed by Sam Altman, Alex Blania and Max Novendstern, World Network is intended to be the world’s largest, most inclusive identity and financial public utility accessible by everyone: an open network supported by a global community of developers, individuals, economists, and technologists. Stewarded by the World Foundation, the project aims to expand global economic participation and accessibility.

About Tools For Humanity

Tools for Humanity (TFH) is a global technology company established to accelerate the transition towards a more just economic system. It led the initial development of World Network and operates the World App. It is governed entirely independently of the World Foundation. Over time, TFH will continue to develop important tools supporting World Network and beyond. Tools for Humanity Corporation is a Delaware (U.S.) corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California. To learn more, visit: https://www.toolsforhumanity.com/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80a18d67-54e6-435d-9234-25420ac00506

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saving Alberta farmers time and money
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Farmers are vital to Alberta’s economy, providing essential food resources and driving rural prosperity, yet they often face burdensome paperwork and high accounting fees that hinder their productivity. Governments are making changes to the AgriStability program to address these challenges.

A new option to align AgriStability reporting with tax filing in 2025 will result in less paperwork, reduce accounting fees, and make enrolment and participation in the program much easier. An accelerated deadline to submit program forms to AFSC will lead to earlier payments. Enrolling in AgriStability can also provide producers access to other credit options like the federal Advance Payments Program, which offers low-cost cash advances.

“We value the dedication and adaptability of our province’s farmers. These changes to the AgriStability program will better respond to each producer’s unique situation, making the program more predictable, timely and simpler to access, which is what producers have been asking for.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

AgriStability is an individual, whole-farm, margin-based program that helps producers who experience margin declines greater than 30 per cent due to production loss, adverse market conditions and increased costs. In 2023, AgriStability also increased compensation for margin declines exceeding 30 per cent, offering 80 cents per dollar of decline, up from the previous rate of 70 cents.

Producers rely on business risk management programs to offset the financial impact of many challenges. AgriStability provides income stabilization protection to help producers manage large margin declines that threaten their farm’s viability.

“Farmers can often face uncertainty, and programs like AgriStability help them to protect their operations. To make things a little bit easier, we’ve made changes to the AgriStability program that will reduce paperwork, so our farmers can get the support they need, faster, and continue producing top-quality products.”

Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Risk management is critical in farming and each producer needs to examine their situation and the tools available before making decisions. AFSC has a robust suite of lending, business risk management and insurance options that producers can access.

“Through our risk management programs, AFSC plays an important role in sustaining the agriculture industry. By making enrolment and participation in the AgriStability program easier it allows us to support Alberta producers more effectively.”

Darryl Kay, CEO, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation

Quick facts
- AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming margins for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.
  - AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- For more than 80 years, AFSC, a provincial Crown corporation, has provided loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance programs to farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses.
- AFSC provides leading, innovative, client-focused financial and risk-management solutions to grow agriculture in Alberta.
- The deadline to apply for 2025 program coverage is April 30, 2025.
Related information
- Agriculture Financial Services Corporation – AgriStability
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: The Thirteenth PBOC-BOJ-BOK Tripartite Governors’ Meeting Held in Beijing, China

Source: Peoples Bank of China

The Thirteenth Tripartite Governors’ Meeting among the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the Bank of Japan (BOJ), and the Bank of Korea (BOK) was held in Beijing, China on October 17, 2024. Governor PAN Gongsheng of the PBOC chaired the meeting, and Governor UEDA Kazuo of the BOJ and Governor RHEE Chang Yong of the BOK attended the meeting.

The Governors exchanged views on recent economic and financial developments.

The Fourteenth Tripartite Governors’ Meeting will be hosted by the BOJ in 2025.

Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

2024年10月17日

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Drumroll please for Alberta’s new Artist in Residence | Roulement de tambour pour la nouvelle artiste en résidence de l’Alberta
Source: Government of Canada regional news

[embedded content]

Samantha Williams-Chapelsky is a St. Albert-based painter whose work focuses on interpreting Alberta’s vast landscapes from a storyteller’s perspective. She uses unique textures in her paintings to evoke a ‘quality of place’ that allows viewers to connect with the natural environment. Her work has been displayed in public and commercial galleries around the world and she is also represented in the permanent collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA).

The Artist in Residence program seeks to inspire innovation in the arts and to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the arts and artists in Alberta. Through this program, an Albertan artist receives a grant to serve a one-year term as Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador, and they will create an art project that promotes the value of the arts in Alberta. During her term, Williams-Chapelsky will engage with different communities, share her perspectives and an ‘inside look’ at her artistic process and attend important cultural events as Alberta’s Arts Ambassador.

“I am excited to announce Samantha Williams-Chapelsky as Alberta’s new Artist in Residence. Samantha’s work showcases the beauty of Alberta’s landscape and helps strengthen our connection to the beautiful province we call home. I also want to thank Sharon Rose Kootenay, the 2023 Artist in Residence, for the meaningful and inspiring beadwork she completed during her residency.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

Samantha Williams-Chapelsky

As part of her residency, Williams-Chapelsky will create 100 plein air (meaning to paint in the open air) paintings of Alberta landscapes that will be exhibited towards the end of her term and be used as examples during painting sessions with local arts groups.

“I am thrilled to be selected for this unique opportunity and to be able to showcase the landscape of Alberta. My practice uses gestural applications of color and texture in acrylic paints to achieve movement and emotion within a space. As part of this residency, I will be meeting with Alberta arts groups to discuss the importance of plein air painting and by continuing the tradition of recording and interpreting natural places, we can share our perspectives as artists.”

Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, Alberta’s Artist in Residence/Arts Ambassador

“The Alberta Foundation for the Arts is thrilled with the minister’s selection for the government’s next Artist in Residence, Samantha Williams-Chapelsky. Our board is looking forward to meeting Samantha and learning more about her perspectives as a professional artist working in Alberta.”

Cynthia P. Moore, chair, Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Alberta is the only jurisdiction in Canada to offer a provincial artist in residence program open to artists of all disciplines. The residency comes with a grant of up to $50,000. Williams-Chapelsky’s term begins on Oct. 1 and runs until Sept. 30, 2025. She was selected from a shortlist of seven applicants.

Host the Artist in Residence

As an arts ambassador and a voice for artists across the province, Williams-Chapelsky will connect with Alberta communities through her project and program activities. Communities can invite the Artist in Residence to speak about the arts in Alberta at local or cultural events. An online application is available on the Artist in Residence web page.

Quick facts
- Budget 2024 allocates $33.1 million for the arts, including an increase of $4.5 million to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. By 2026-27, funding for the AFA will be at record levels with almost $40 million in annual funding.
- According to analysis by Hill Strategies of the 2021 census, there were 18,100 artists living in Alberta (nine per cent of all artists in the country).
- In 2022, the visual and applied arts and live performance industries contributed approximately $1.2 billion in GDP and sustained more than 17,000 jobs in Alberta.
Related information
- Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador Program
Multimedia
- Watch the news conference
- Listen to the news conference
Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, peintre de paysages abstraits, est la cinquième artiste en résidence de l’Alberta.

Samantha Williams-Chapelsky

Établie à St. Albert, Samantha Williams-Chapelsky peint les vastes paysages de l’Alberta selon le point de vue d’une conteuse. Elle utilise des textures particulières qui évoquent une « qualité du lieu » afin de permettre à l’observateur de se rapprocher du milieu naturel. Ses tableaux ont été exposés dans des galeries publiques et commerciales du monde entier et font en outre partie de la collection permanente de l’Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA).

Le programme d’artiste en résidence cherche à promouvoir l’innovation dans le domaine des arts, ainsi qu’une meilleure compréhension et appréciation des arts et des artistes en Alberta. Dans le cadre de ce programme, une ou un artiste albertain reçoit une subvention pour un mandat d’un an à titre d’artiste en résidence et ambassadeur ou ambassadrice des arts, et réalise un projet qui promeut la valeur des arts en Alberta. Durant sa résidence, madame Williams-Chapelsky mobilisera différentes collectivités, présentera ses points de vue, donnera un aperçu de sa démarche artistique et assistera à d’importants événements culturels en tant qu’ambassadrice des arts de l’Alberta.

« Je suis heureuse d’annoncer que Samantha Williams-Chapelsky est la nouvelle artiste en résidence de l’Alberta. Ses œuvres mettent en valeur la beauté du paysage albertain et contribuent à renforcer nos liens avec la magnifique province où nous habitons. Je tiens aussi à remercier Sharon Rose Kootenay, l’artiste en résidence de 2023, pour le perlage remarquable et inspirant qu’elle a réalisé pendant sa résidence. »

Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

Dans le cadre de sa résidence, madame Williams-Chapelsky exécutera en plein air 100 tableaux de paysages albertains qui seront exposés vers la fin de son mandat et serviront d’exemples pendant des séances de peinture de groupes d’artistes locaux.

« Je suis ravie d’avoir été choisie et de pouvoir mettre en valeur le paysage albertain dans le cadre de cette occasion unique. J’utilise des applications gestuelles de couleurs et de textures à l’acrylique pour créer du mouvement et de l’émotion dans un espace. Durant cette résidence, je rencontrerai des groupes d’artistes pour discuter de l’importance de la peinture en plein air, et en perpétuant la tradition d’enregistrement et d’interprétation des lieux naturels, nous pouvons partager nos perspectives en tant qu’artistes ».

Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, artiste en résidence/ambassadrice des arts en Alberta

« L’Alberta Foundation for the Arts se réjouit que la ministre ait choisi Samantha Williams-Chapelsky. Notre conseil a hâte de rencontrer Samantha et de se familiariser avec ses perspectives en tant qu’artiste professionnelle vivant en Alberta. »

Cynthia P. Moore, présidente, Alberta Foundation for the Arts

L’Alberta est la seule province au Canada à offrir un programme provincial d’artiste en résidence destiné aux artistes de toutes les disciplines. La résidence fait l’objet d’une subvention allant jusqu’à 50 000 $. Le mandat de Samantha Williams-Chapelsky commence le 1^er octobre et se termine le 30 septembre 2025. Cette artiste a été choisie parmi une liste de sept candidats présélectionnés.

Accueillir l’artiste en résidence

En tant qu’ambassadrice des arts et des artistes de toute la province, Williams-Chapelsky établira des relations avec des collectivités albertaines tout au long de son projet et des activités du programme. Les collectivités peuvent inviter l’artiste en résidence à parler des arts en Alberta à l’occasion d’événements locaux ou culturels. Une demande en ligne se trouve à la page Web de l’artiste.

En bref
- Le budget de 2024 prévoit 33,1 millions de dollars pour les arts, notamment une augmentation de 4,5 millions du montant attribué à l’Alberta Foundation for the Arts. D’ici 2026-2027, le financement annuel de l’AFA aura atteint un niveau record, soit près de 40 millions.
- Selon une analyse du recensement de 2021 réalisée par Hill Strategies, 18 100 artistes vivent en Alberta (9 % de tous les artistes au pays).
- En 2022, les secteurs des arts visuels, des arts appliqués et des arts de la scène représentaient environ 1,2 milliard du PIB et plus de 17 000 emplois dans la province.
Renseignements connexes
- Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador Program
Multimédia
- Regarder la conférence de presse
- Écouter la conférence de presse
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ashe County

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

strong>RALEIGH, N.C. –  A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is opening Friday, Oct. 18 in Jefferson (Ashe County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Helene.

The Ashe County DRC is located at:

Family Central Parks and Recreation Center

626 Ashe Central School Rd.

Jefferson, NC 28640

Open: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.

Centers are already open in Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Hendersonville, Lenoir, Marion and Sylva with additional centers scheduled to open in the coming days. To find those center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.  

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed. 

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry approves ₹1255.59 crore for the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass

Source: Government of India

Ministry approves ₹1255.59 crore for the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass

The new bypass will ease traffic congestion, enhance regional connectivity, and promote the efficient movement of goods and logistics.

Posted On: 17 OCT 2024 4:42PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, announced in a post on ‘X’ that the Ministry has approved ₹1,255.59 crore for the construction of a 28.9 km, 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass. This project aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city, enhance regional connectivity, and ensure the smooth movement of goods and logistics. The bypass is set to provide a major boost to the region’s infrastructure and economy.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, wrote in a post on ‘X’:

“In Punjab, we have approved ₹1255.59 crore for the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass, spanning 28.9 km. This new bypass will complete the ring road around Patiala, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the city. The project will also improve regional connectivity and facilitate the smooth movement of goods and logistics, providing a major boost to the area’s infrastructure and economy.”

📢 Punjab 🛣️

In Punjab, we have approved ₹1255.59 crore for the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass, spanning 28.9 km.

This new bypass will complete the ring road around Patiala, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the city. The…

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 17, 2024

*****

NKK/GS/AKK

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India emerging as Content Hub: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to host WAVESummit, offering 27 challenges for content creators

Source: Government of India (2)

India emerging as Content Hub: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to host WAVESummit, offering 27 challenges for content creators

Government focusing on AVGC Sector and promoting content production through streamlined single-window system; To ensure Ease of Doing business: Dr. L. Murugan

Dr. L. Murugan inaugurates the Symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting Sector’, organized by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

Transformative potential in 5G technology; AVGC-XR sector to boost startup culture, foster creativity & experience of content consumption: Sh. Sanjay Jaju

Posted On: 17 OCT 2024 4:56PM by PIB Delhi

The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated a half day Symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting Sector’, organized by TRAI on the sidelines of India Mobile Congress (IMC-2024), today in the presence of Chairman, TRAI Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti; Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju; and Secretary, TRAI, Shri Atul Kumar Chaudhary. This event is being held in the backdrop of recent technological advancements in the industry and their growing ensuing impact.

Technology transforming India’s broadcasting Sector

In his inaugural address, Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, emphasized the transformative impact of technological advancements on India’s broadcasting sector, with content becoming the primary focus for viewers. He stressed the need to improve access to broadcasting services for vulnerable populations to ensure their inclusion in social, economic, and political spheres.

We live in a content-driven economy, and India is emerging as a content hub. With the rise of social media, broadcasting has expanded its horizons and to benefit content creators, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, is organizing the WAVESummit from 5-9 February, 2025. At this summit, content creators will have access to 27 challenges, providing them an opportunity to showcase their talent on national and international platforms, ultimately leading to employment generation.

He called for special attention to the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) sector, promoting content production in India through a streamlined single-window system to enhance ease of doing business.

He also mentioned that the recent approval by the Union Cabinet to auction FM radio channels in 234 new cities aims to boost local content and create further employment opportunities. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to strengthen the broadcasting sector’s role in economic growth and cultural dissemination, ensuring access to high-quality media content for all. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Digital Radio, D2M Broadcasting, and 5G Potential

Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in his special address, highlighted the Ministry’s role in shaping growth-oriented policies and initiatives for enabling the broadcasting sector. He emphasized the potential of digital radio as an affordable mass communication tool that optimizes spectrum use and delivers better sound quality. He also discussed the benefits of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, which enables content delivery directly to mobile phones. He highlighted that Prasar Bharati, the public service broadcaster in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, is conducting D2M trials using both high-power and low-power transmitters.

He also spoke on the transformative potential of 5G, especially when combined with immersive technologies like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, which could offer highly engaging broadcasting experiences. Additionally, he mentioned the significant growth is expected in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector, which has the potential to boost startup culture, foster creativity, and enhance the experience of content consumption.

Strengthening the regulatory framework

Shri Atul Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary, TRAI, in his opening remarks underlined that today’s symposium is in the furtherance of the attempts of TRAI to encourage new discussions and deliberations in the sector, addressing the changes that may be required in the regulatory framework in light of recent developments.

Shri Atul Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary of TRAI, warmly welcomes all participants to the Symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting Sector,’ setting the stage for a day of forward-thinking discussions on the latest advancements in broadcasting.#TRAI pic.twitter.com/vvTJtkRFof

— TRAI (@TRAI) October 17, 2024

M&E sector to touch ₹3.08 Trillion by 2026

In his keynote address, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI underscored the significant growth trajectory of the Media & Entertainment sector, which is projected to reach ₹3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by the rapid expansion of new media platforms. He emphasized the transformative power of immersive technologies, which provides a more engaging and interactive experience.

He highlighted that Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting is emerging as an alternative content delivery technology allowing simultaneous broadcasting even without Internet. Additionally, he stressed upon the benefits of digital radio, especially in areas lacking television connections and reiterated TRAI’s commitment to provide forward-looking recommendations and regulations that protect consumer interests, ensuring level playing field for service providers and promoting overall growth of the broadcasting sector. TRAI has recently provided its recommendations for the formulation of National Broadcasting Policy.

Exploring Broadcasting’s future innovations

Today’s symposium aims to explore the practical applications and transformative potential of immersive technologies across various broadcasting use cases. The deliberations are divided in three back-to-back sessions.

Session 1 would be on ‘Use of Immersive Technologies in Broadcasting Landscape’, followed by session on ‘D2M and 5G Broadcasting: Opportunities and Challenges’ and the last session on ‘Digital Radio Technology: Deployment Strategies in India’.

The speakers in these sessions include the Communication sector, technology experts from television and radio broadcasting fraternities, device and network manufacturers, technology giants and Government. There are more than 100 national and international participants attending this symposium.

For any information/clarification about the symposium, Shri Deepak Sharma, Advisor (B&CS), TRAI, may be contacted on advbcs-2@trai.gov.in.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha/Shatrunjay Kumar

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Carter secures USDA disaster designation to help Georgia farms recover from Tropical Storm Debby

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter secures USDA disaster designation to help Georgia farms recover from Tropical Storm Debby

SAVANNAH – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week announced a disaster declaration for Georgia counties impacted by Tropical Storm Debby, including all 15 counties in Georgia’s First Congressional District, following a letter from Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) requesting such assistance for farmers’ and growers’ recovery.

Tropical Storm Debby’s devastating rain and wind caused extensive property damage and crop losses for Georgia growers. The Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary and contiguous counties eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loan assistance.

“America relies on our growers; but right now, growers are relying on us. Agriculture is the #1 industry in the state of Georgia, and the losses we’ve experience this hurricane season are going to impact not just our local economy, but the national food supply chain. This funding opportunity is a lifeline for the farmers and growers whose crops were wiped out during Tropical Storm Debby, and I will continue to ensure our district has the resources it needs to fully recover,” said Rep. Carter.

According to the USDA’s announcement, farmers in eligible counties have 8 months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator.

To apply, contact your local FSA office.

Read Rep. Carter’s letter to USDA here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep. Castor, SBA Administrator Open Small Business Recovery Center to Aid Businesses, Individuals, Renters & Nonprofits Damaged or Economically Harmed By Hurricanes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

TAMPA, FL – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman marked the opening of a new SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Ybor City to support recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The SBA BRC is available to assist businesses, homeowners and renters with advice and applications for low-interest disaster loans.

“Tampa Bay small businesses fuel our economy, but back-to-back hurricanes have hurt local business owners,” said Rep. Castor. “The new Business Recovery Center will provide on-the-ground support to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits and help them bounce back. I’m grateful to SBA, USF Small Business Development Center and other dedicated disaster teams for helping our community recover. A low-interest disaster loan is a better option than a credit card with a high interest rate.”

SBA can make disaster loans of up to $500,000 to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses may be eligible for up to $2 million for both physical damage and economic injury from business disruption.

SBA received approximately 37,000 applications for relief submitted from those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The SBA has already made over 700 Helene loan offers totaling about $48 million. For Hurricane Milton, SBA has received over 12,000 applications.

Due to a lapse in funding, SBA has paused disbursement until Congress acts, but the SBA application portal remains open, and individuals and small businesses are strongly encouraged to apply for loans. Disaster survivors should start the application process immediately so SBA can review applications and position eligible applicants to receive offers and funds.

Rep. Castor stands ready to return to Washington to vote for additional disaster funding immediately.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Amy Sears, Lecturer, School of Education, Charles Sturt University

mattimix/Shutterstock

Health and physical education is one of the key subjects students learn at school. In Australia it is mandatory for students from the first year of school to Year 10.

It involves theory and practical components to help students manage their health and wellbeing. This includes healthy eating habits, sexual health, cyber safety and mental health. It also incorporates fundamental movement skills (such as throwing and catching), sports (such as swimming, gymnastics and football) and team-building.

Because it is a core, compulsory part of the curriculum it is supposed to be free for students at government schools. But our research shows some students are being asked to pay – and those who cannot are missing out.

Our research

In our recent study, we looked at the staffing and delivery of health and physical education in New South Wales government schools.

We surveyed 556 schools, which make up about 30% of public schools in the state. This included primary and high schools with a mix of locations and levels of advantage.

We used an online survey, which was completed by the teacher in charge of health and physical education.

Many schools are outsourcing lessons

We asked survey respondents who was teaching health and physical education to students at their schools. Some schools were using more than one option.
- For all schools: 67% were using external provider, 44.5% were using a specialist teacher and 55.4% were using another teacher.
- For primary schools: 78.4% were using an external provider, 17.9% were using a specialist teacher and 48% were using another teacher.
- For high schools: 44.8% were using an external provider, 95.9% were using a specialist teacher and 69.2% were using another teacher.
Previous research has shown how schools outsource to external providers to “fill the gap” of teachers lacking confidence and competence to provide quality health and physical education lessons.

This study did not measure how frequent outsourcing was, however, comments from respondents suggests it is regular. For example, one teacher said: “a typical [outsourced] class would have one lesson a week for a term”.

Another teacher similarly said

one 40 min[ute] lesson per week. Company comes in with equipment and young university students to run different activities. They also assess our students for us.

Another teacher told us:

We use [company name], they offer different sports/programs that run for one lesson a week per term.

Families are being asked to pay

Of the schools who were outsourcing lessons, 78% of the schools outsourcing lessons said they were asking parents to help pay for these lessons.

One respondent told us, the costs were “A$45 for one term, $80 for two”.

Of this group, 64% reported students who did not pay did other school work (either for health and physical education or another core subject). About one fifth of schools said students that don’t pay just had to “sit and watch”.

This suggests some students are missing out on basic learning opportunities at school for financial reasons. As one teacher told us:

the school uses some off-campus sporting/gaming facilities that students can choose to pay extra for instead of free on-campus teacher run [activities].

Some students are just made to ‘sit and watch’ if they can’t pay.
nannycz/Shutterstock

Why is this a problem?

The outsourcing of health and physical education lessons comes in the middle of an ongoing teacher shortage in Australia and around the world.

A 2024 UN report estimates a global shortage of more than 44 million teachers, with many teachers teaching outside of their areas of expertise.

Specific shortages of health and physical education teachers have been noted for more than a decade.

However, outsourcing lessons away from qualified teachers, is a significant concern. Little is known about the external providers’ qualifications or quality. Unlike teachers, they are not subject to registration requirements or professional standards.

Even more concerning is some students are missing out on lessons or some components of lessons because their families have not been able to pay.

This links to wider concerns about unequal access to sport in the school system. This includes some private schools with new Olympic pools and boat ramps when other public schools don’t have access to council playing fields.

More research is needed

Our study suggests more research is needed. We need further information on staffing, outsourcing and lesson delivery in other areas of the country and in other subjects.

We need to be sure all students are being taught the core curriculum, free of charge and by qualified teachers – ideally specialists.

Jessica Amy Sears is affiliated with ACHPER (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation) NSW.

Rachel Wilson 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. Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-some-australian-students-having-to-pay-to-do-pe-at-public-schools-239489
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Helps Introduce Legislation to Protect Michigan Small Businesses Impacted by Low Snowfall

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
Published: 10.17.2024
Legislation Would Extend Federal Disaster Relief to Businesses Suffering Losses Due to Milder Winters, Low Snowfall Levels

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce legislation to protect small businesses that have been harmed by milder winters and low snowfall levels in recent years. The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would ensure small businesses that rely on strong winters are eligible for disaster relief through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program during winters with below average snowfall or snow cover.
“With visitors traveling from around the world to experience the benefits of Michigan winters, snowfall is a critical component of our state’s economy, particularly for communities Up North,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to help lead this commonsense bill that would not only protect Michigan small businesses and workers, but also the unique character of the communities they support.”
The EIDL program provides small businesses with the resources they need to remain operational while recovering from a disaster. Under current law, disasters that qualify for assistance include droughts, ice storms, and blizzards, but do not account for winters without enough snow. However, last winter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared 42 Michigan counties as drought disaster areas due to lack of snow. As a result, small businesses across Michigan suffered severe losses and were forced to cut staff or close their doors completely due to lack of visitors or demand for their services. The State of Michigan has lost millions of dollars in revenue and Michigan’s ski hills lost an estimated $41 million last season. Additionally, according to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, over 3,400 employees that operate Michigan’s ski hills were laid off due to the unseasonably warm winter.
Michigan’s winter recreation industry is driven by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sleigh rides, as well as snowboard manufacturers and snow removal services. By extending a crucial safety net to these small businesses, the Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would help protect the livelihoods of Michiganders, particularly in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, by ensuring they are eligible for federal relief during unseasonably warm winters.
Peters introduced the bill with U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Tennessee Mental Health Center Owner Charged with Employment Tax Crimes

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A federal grand jury in Nashville returned an indictment yesterday charging a former business owner with willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the IRS.

According to the indictment, from at least 2011 through 2023, Mari Alexander, of Columbia, South Carolina, was the owner and president of Ross Behavioral Group, a mental health counseling center with multiple locations in middle Tennessee. Alexander controlled Ross Behavioral Group’s financial affairs and was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying them over to the IRS. From at least 2015 through 2020, Alexander allegedly withheld these taxes from her employees’ wages, but did not fully pay the withheld taxes over to the IRS.

Each year, from at least 2015 through 2020, Alexander allegedly issued IRS Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements and paystubs to the employees that showed taxes taken out of their pay, which falsely implied that the withheld taxes were paid over to the IRS.

In total, Alexander is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1 million.

Alexander is charged with 11 counts of willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.

Trial Attorney Ashley J. Stein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell T. Galloway for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

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

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Prepare Fraudulent Loan Applications Totaling More Than $400,000

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

MIAMI – On Oct. 15, Lakeisha Black a/k/a/ “Lakeisha Pierce,” pled guilty in federal court in Fort Lauderdale to conspiracy to make false statements to the Small Business Administration in connection with myriad fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

From July 2020 through June 2021, Black charged between $2,000 and $6,000 to prepare fraudulent PPP loans for at least 14 other individuals, including three former Broward County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who all previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy in separate cases and have been sentenced. In total, Black is responsible for over $400,000 in fraudulent PPP loans.

The sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith. Black faces up to 5 years in prison for the conspiracy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office; Sheriff Gregory Tony of Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

FRB-OIG, DCIS, BSO, and FBI Miami investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Latoya C. Brown and Trevor C. Jones are prosecuting it.

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

On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-60137.

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MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Joins United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Western North Carolina to Survey Storm Damage and Receive Briefings on Recovery Efforts

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Cooper Joins United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Western North Carolina to Survey Storm Damage and Receive Briefings on Recovery Efforts

Governor Cooper Joins United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Western North Carolina to Survey Storm Damage and Receive Briefings on Recovery Efforts
bconroy
Thu, 10/17/2024 – 17:14

Today, Governor Roy Cooper joined United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Western North Carolina for a briefing on recovery efforts with federal officials and view damaged areas in Asheville and Canton. The Governor and Secretary Buttigieg also visited a damaged section of I-40.

“Today I spent time on the ground in Asheville, Canton and at a damaged portion of I-40, helping federal, state and local recovery efforts to open up roadways and help communities recover,” said Governor Cooper. “I’m grateful for the efforts of Secretary Buttigieg and the Biden-Harris Administration to provide critical federal funding and resources to Western North Carolina as we recover from this storm.”

In Asheville, the Governor and Secretary Buttigieg received a storm recovery briefing from federal officials and then joined Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer for a briefing on the River Arts District, which sustained significant damage from Helene. In Canton, the Governor and Secretary Buttigieg joined Mayor Zeb Smathers for a walking tour of damaged areas in the town. Lastly, the group traveled to a damaged I-40 site near the North Carolina-Tennessee border where they received a briefing from federal and state transportation officials regarding ongoing efforts to reopen the interstate with the help of federal funding.

Yesterday, Governor Cooper issued an emergency Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, to increase the amount of weekly unemployment payments available to North Carolinians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As a result of this Order, weekly unemployment benefits will increase from a maximum of $350 a week to a maximum of $600 a week. Prior to the executive order, many low-income and part-time workers would have received less than the $350 weekly maximum. To ensure that these workers receive necessary benefits in the wake of Helene, the order will also increase benefits by $250 a week (up to the $600 cap) for all eligible workers. This order is tied to the State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene, and will remain in effect until the end of the Emergency or until it is rescinded.

North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

Over 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

FEMA Assistance

Nearly $107 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 187,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Approximately 2,100 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.

Approximately 1,400 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

Help from Other States

More than 1,600 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 145 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

Beware of Misinformation

North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

Storm Damage Cleanup

If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

Power Outages

Across Western North Carolina, approximately 9,500 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

Road Closures

Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

NCDOT currently has approximately 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on approximately 7,100 damaged road sites.

Fatalities

Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

Volunteers and Donations

If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc.

Additional Assistance

There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

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Oct 17, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Rogers Announces $10 Million Earmark to Expand Morehead State University’s Space Science Network

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

Recognizes U.S. Lunar Mission “Saviors” with Congressional Tribute

MOREHEAD, KY (Oct. 17, 2024) – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) visited Morehead State University’s Space Science Center on Thursday to announce a federal earmark totaling nearly $10 million in Community Project Funding to broaden the region’s highly competitive deep space network. The funding will be used to enhance the two space tracking stations on campus to support future government-funded and commercial space programs.

“The staff and students at Morehead State are now involved in some of the United States’ most innovative and historic space missions. This project will allow the space science center to support future NASA programs, including NASA’s Near Space Network, Artemis and the Moon to Mars Program,” said Congressman Rogers, chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee that funds science-related federal agencies. “This means that students here at MSU will have first-hand access to more lunar and deep space tracking services that they cannot get anywhere else in the country.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and leadership of Congressman Hal Rogers in securing this critical funding for Morehead State’s Space Science Program. His dedication to advancing science and technology in our region has been instrumental in positioning MSU as a leader in space research and exploration,” said Dr. Jay Morgan, President of Morehead State University. “This funding will allow us to expand our capabilities, provide our students with unmatched hands-on experiences, and contribute to the growing space economy in our region and in Kentucky. It’s an exciting time for Morehead State, and we thank Congressman Rogers for helping make this possible.”

Congressman Rogers also requested a $7.5 million Community Project Funding earmark for fiscal year 2025 MSU’s Space Science Center to provide payload operations for government and commercial space stations. The funding request was approved by the House Appropriations Committee and is pending on-going budget negotiations.

“This funding is a game-changer for Morehead State’s Space Science Program. It enables us to further enhance our research and technological capabilities, allowing our students and faculty to participate in groundbreaking projects that contribute directly to the future of space exploration,” said Dr. Ben Malphrus, Director of the MSU Space Science Center. “We’re deeply thankful to Congressman Hal Rogers for his vision and continued support, which is helping us shape the next generation of space scientists and engineers right here in Eastern Kentucky.”

To highlight the importance of investing in Morehead State’s work at the Space Science Center, Congressman Rogers recognized the staff and students who saved the United States’ latest mission to the moon after a troubled landing damaged the Odysseus Lander, “Odie,” cutting-off communications back to Earth.

“Morehead State was the only conduit between NASA and the private company that sent the lunar lander to the moon to conduct research. The multi-million-dollar mission was in jeopardy of failure, until the staff and students here in our Appalachian Mountains worked around the clock for 72 hours to save that historic mission,” said Congressman Rogers. “I submitted a tribute in the Congressional Record to commemorate the team that NASA Administrator Bill Nelson dubbed as the ‘saviors’ of the nation’s first lunar landing since the Apollo era.”

The Congressional Record is preserved in the Library of Congress, recognizing the work of MSU staff members, Dr. Malphrus, Chloe Hart from Ashland, Emily Walter from Pikeville, Nathan Fite, Christopher Smith and Seifala Moustaffa, as well as students Mila Shearer and Carrie Bruce.

For more information about Congressman Rogers work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on RFD-TV: Agriculture has Never Been a Priority for Harris-Biden

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Salina, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D joined RFD-TV to discuss the Farm Bill – which still has not been renewed – and emphasized the importance of writing a high-quality Farm Bill that puts the needs of America’s farmers FIRST.
Additionally, Senator Marshall slammed the Biden-Harris Administration for their policies that plummeted incomes for farmers to record lows, restricted agriculture production with extreme environmental regulations, and led to record-high inflation grocery bills for Americans.
You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
On an update on the Farm Bill:
“We’re going to put the farm back in the Farm Bill. We’ve been stuck on two issues that the Democrats refuse to yield on. We need a little bit more help with crop insurance, need a little bit more help on the reference prices…I think what needs to happen is a Republican majority in the Senate, and we’ll follow up with what the Republicans did on the House side, where they put farm back in the Farm Bill, and they took care of crop insurance.”
“If we don’t pass a new Farm Bill, we’re going to get an extension done one way or the other. We’ll get it done, but remember, this is a five-year bill, and I’ve got to get it right. What the Democrats are offering to me now actually hurts the reference prices for wheat and for milo. Kansas is a wheat state – I can’t take a Farm Bill that’s going to hurt wheat, let alone the milo industry. ”
On the state of the agriculture economy under Kamala Harris and Joe Biden:
“The number one concern in farmland is not the Farm Bill – it’s the record increases in input costs, it’s the interest rates, it’s the fact that the Harris Administration has not done one trade agreement. That’s what’s killing agriculture right now.”
“Have you heard the words ‘biofuels’ come out of the Biden-Harris Administration? There’s no support for the biofuels industry. They don’t do trade agreements. They refuse to put the farm back in the Farm Bill. We need new leadership in the White House.”
“We need a Republican majority in the Senate to go along with that in the House, and then we’ll give you a good Farm Bill. But remember, even reference prices – think about this – the reference prices created in 2018 are only worth 80% of what they were worth five years ago because of inflation.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Former Tennessee Mental Health Center Owner Charged with Employment Tax Crimes

Source: US State of North Dakota

A federal grand jury in Nashville returned an indictment yesterday charging a former business owner with willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the IRS.

According to the indictment, from at least 2011 through 2023, Mari Alexander, of Columbia, South Carolina, was the owner and president of Ross Behavioral Group, a mental health counseling center with multiple locations in middle Tennessee. Alexander controlled Ross Behavioral Group’s financial affairs and was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying them over to the IRS. From at least 2015 through 2020, Alexander allegedly withheld these taxes from her employees’ wages, but did not fully pay the withheld taxes over to the IRS.

Each year, from at least 2015 through 2020, Alexander allegedly issued IRS Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements and paystubs to the employees that showed taxes taken out of their pay, which falsely implied that the withheld taxes were paid over to the IRS.

In total, Alexander is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1 million.

Alexander is charged with 11 counts of willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.

Trial Attorney Ashley J. Stein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell T. Galloway for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

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

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Five Defendants Sentenced for Long-Running Bid-Rigging Conspiracy in Georgia Concrete Industry

Source: US State of North Dakota

Four executives and a corporation were sentenced for participating in a long-running conspiracy to fix prices, rig bids and allocate jobs for ready-mix concrete in the greater Savannah, Georgia area.

James Clayton Pedrick, Gregory Hall Melton, John David Melton, Timothy “Bo” Strickland and Evans Concrete LLC were charged in September 2020 with conspiring to fix prices, rig bids and allocate jobs for the sale of ready-mix concrete used in residential, commercial and public projects. Pedrick, Strickland and Evans Concrete later pleaded guilty for their participation in this conspiracy. Gregory Hall Melton and John David Melton were convicted by a jury in the U.S. District Court in Savannah earlier this year. Argos USA LLC separately admitted to its role in the conspiracy and entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division in January 2021.

Gregory Hall Melton was sentenced today to 41 months in prison, and three years of supervised release and to pay a $50,000 fine. John David Melton was sentenced today to 26 months in prison, three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine. The court previously sentenced Strickland to five months in prison and to pay $150,000 fine, Pedrick to one year of probation and Evans Concrete to pay a $2.7 million fine. Argos USA LLC paid a $20 million criminal penalty as part of its DPA.

According to court documents, the defendants effectuated their conspiracy by coordinating the issuance of price-increase letters to customers, allocating specific ready-mix concrete jobs in the coastal Georgia area, and submitting bids to customers at collusive and noncompetitive prices. The charged conspiracy began as early as 2010 and continued until about July 2016.

“These sentences reflect the egregious nature of rigging bids for materials like ready-mix concrete which are essential to the American economy,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Manish Kumar of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will hold accountable those who seek to exploit the critical need for these materials to harm consumers.”

“Concrete is an essential material in construction projects, with prices set in the free market by the forces of supply and demand,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia. “However, the defendants in this case for several years illegally rigged the system to benefit themselves at the expense of customers and are being held accountable for their conduct.”

“Activities related to bid-rigging and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition which harms the consumer,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG). “The sentencing in this case represents a win for all law enforcement agencies who investigate those who engage in this type of harmful conduct to ensure that justice is served.”

“The sentences imposed today send a clear message to anyone who chooses corporate greed over open and fair competition,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Harris of the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG), Southern Region. “Our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners and DOJ’s Antitrust Division is unwavering as we continue to pursue and uncover corrupt conduct and hold companies that intentionally engage in wrongdoing accountable.”

The FBI Washington Field Office, DOT OIG and USPS OIG investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Patrick S. Brown and former Trial Attorney Julia M. Maloney of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Greg Gilluly Jr. for the Southern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

Anyone with information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation or other anticompetitive conduct in the ready-mix concrete industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New critical minerals strategy to attract clean energy investment and create thousands of jobs
Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 18 October 2024

Released by: The Premier, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

The Minns Labor Government will create a $250 million royalty deferral initiative for critical minerals projects and will examine the implementation of a rapid assessment framework for minerals mining projects.
The initiatives are the first actions of the NSW Government’s new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, which sets a vision for NSW to become a global leader in critical minerals.

Currently there are 12 critical minerals mining and processing projects in NSW that are ready for investment. They need around $7.6 billion in capital investment value and are expected to generate about 4,600 jobs during construction and 2,700 ongoing jobs.

High initial investment costs for critical minerals projects are a barrier for the industry. The royalty deferral scheme will assist new projects in the early stages of development, ease financial pressures, attract investment to NSW and enhance the economic viability of the sector.

Another immediate action from the strategy is a joint Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure and NSW Resources assessment to deliver greater certainty to the sector around the planning process for critical minerals projects.

NSW has globally significant resource deposits and 21 of the 31 nationally declared critical minerals. The strategy identifies priority minerals and metals for NSW – including rare earths, scandium, cobalt, copper and silver – which have important uses in the electrification of the economy and the manufacturing of clean energy products like solar panels and batteries.

The strategy outlines the vital role of critical minerals in supporting broader government priorities, including in the clean energy transition and driving domestic manufacturing.

The International Energy Agency estimates that over the next 20 years, the world will need six times the amount of critical minerals currently mined to reach global net-zero carbon emissions. The energy transition will need double today’s copper production, triple today’s rare earth elements and cobalt production, and thirty times more nickel – all these minerals can be found in NSW.

Fully realising the opportunity of the state’s critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits means moving further down the supply chain and beyond only extracting and exporting resources. Examples of this in the strategy include investigating opportunities to pilot common-user refineries and supporting investment in domestic manufacturing.

The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy focuses on five key pillars:
- Encouraging exploration by minimising investment risk in greenfield exploration and promoting exploration in new areas,
- Incentivising production by creating an attractive investment environment and removing barriers to help projects move from exploration to production,
- Developing future-ready skills by providing training and education pathways to encourage careers in critical minerals mining,
- Establishing resilient supply chains by examining local processing facilities, driving research and development, and investigating critical minerals recycling, and
- Engaging local communities by ensuring responsible mining.
The royalty initiative will be an opt-in scheme where the first five years of royalties are deferred. It will apply to critical minerals projects which can start production between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2030, predominantly mine commodities listed on the Commonwealth Government’s Critical Minerals List and where the proponent has a market capitalisation under $5 billion.

The full Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, and a two-page summary of the strategy, can be viewed on the NSW Resources website https://www.nsw.gov.au/criticalminerals.

Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“We’ve got the metals and minerals the world needs, and NSW is open for business.

“We are sending a clear message to Aussie and global miners: invest in NSW.

“This is about backing regional jobs and manufacturing jobs, and taking advantage of the critical minerals boom.

“We want to make sure we fully realise the opportunities that critical minerals and high-tech metals have for NSW.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“To be a global leader in critical minerals, it is vital that the NSW planning system operates efficiently and provides certainty and transparency to the critical minerals sector and communities.

“The strategy identifies a number of improvements we can make to help enhance the system. These will provide greater guidance to the industry and improve collaboration between government agencies and departments in project assessment.

“We’re also investigating further ways to improve decision-making to make sure we fully realise the opportunity before us.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“Our vision for NSW is to be a global leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through exploration, mining, processing and advanced manufacturing.

“NSW critical minerals projects typically have long lead times for development, and higher capital investment. The new royalty deferral scheme will assist mine proponents to attract investment and move faster to production.

“The new strategy sets out a clear vision for NSW to be a leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through responsible exploration, mining, processing, recycling and advanced manufacturing.

“We want NSW to be moving further down the supply chain. Extracting minerals is a critical first step, but we can generate strong economic returns and support more jobs by getting into processing and advanced manufacturing.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy forms a key part of the NSW Government’s approach to Industry policy, which seeks to invest and promote home-grown products and services not only for NSW, but for export right around the world.

“This strategy provides a long-term vision and commitment to the critical minerals and high-tech metals mining industry so that businesses can feel confident to invest and grow in NSW, as we seize the investment opportunities of the renewable energy economy, both here and across the globe.”
MIL OSI News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Work starts to find NSW’s next new cruise terminal
Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 18 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Transport

A panel of cruise and tourism industry experts has been established to work on identifying the preferred location for a potential new cruise terminal in NSW.
This will allow the NSW Government to determine the best solution to plan for a new terminal so our state can maintain and grow its market share of Australia’s multi-billion dollar cruise industry well into the future.

A new cruise terminal will provide greater capacity for our cruise industry, which contributed $4.4 billion to the NSW economy in 2023-24 and created more than 13,700 jobs.

The Cruising Industry Advisory Panel has been convened by NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and will be chaired by Port Authority CEO Phil Holliday, supported by industry experts including:
- John McKenna, Port Authority Chief Customer and Commercial Officer
- Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum
- Marika Calfas, NSW Ports
- Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand of Royal Caribbean International
- Peter Little, Interim Leader for P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia
  Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association
- Sarina Bratton, Ponant
- Joel Katz, Managing Director Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
  Antony Ritch, CEO, TFE Hotels
- Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Vice President & Managing Director
While Sydney cruise terminals have not reached capacity for bookings yet, the panel will identify options for a future berthing facility to support the long-term growth of the cruise industry across our state.

The Panel will also investigate options for increased capacity at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, ensuring the cruise industry remain well supported for growth, as plans progress to investigate options for a potential third cruise terminal.

This work follows the Minns Government’s announcement that Shore Power at the White Bay Cruise Terminal will be delivered by the end of 2026, so cruise ships can plug into power instead of running their engines while in port.

Quotes attributable to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“The cruise industry in NSW is making a massive contribution to our economy, but it needs certainty so we can all get the benefits from its long-term growth.

“NSW’s next permanent cruise terminal will be a massive new piece of infrastructure and we have to get it right. That’s why we’ve assembled the best people to find the best location, so we can grow our cruise industry long into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond:

“It’s fantastic to see the State Government and industry coming together to identify a third cruise terminal, to attract more visitors and boost tourism across NSW. We look forward to working with the Port Authority to deliver a more certain future for the cruise industry and all Australians who love to cruise.

Increasing capacity will be essential to cater for the growing interest in cruising and support a range of jobs linked to cruise tourism, spanning restaurants, hotels, retailers, travel agents and more.”

Quotes attributable to Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday:

“Port Authority is delighted to be leading this cross-industry panel as the next step in determining the right location for a new state-of-the art third cruise terminal in NSW.

Planning for a third terminal is about keeping NSW in pole position as the capital of cruise and retaining the lion’s share of economic benefits from cruise right here in NSW to support local hospitality and retail businesses, tourism and suppliers.”
MIL OSI News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian tourism ministers join forces to propel tourism forward

Source: Government of Canada News

Tourism is a key industry and economic driver in every province and territory, supporting over 2 million jobs, or about 10 percent of all employment in Canada in 2023.

October 17, 2024 – Banff, Alberta

Tourism is a key industry and economic driver in every province and territory, supporting over 2 million jobs, or about 10 percent of all employment in Canada in 2023. In several jurisdictions, tourism is the top or one of the top service exports. Today, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism participated in the 2024 Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers (CCTM) meeting in Banff National Park. The meeting was held in Alberta with the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, as well as the Honourable Joseph Schow, Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport, co-chairing and recognizing the traditional Treaty 7 territory.

In 2023, tourism industries represented nearly 6 percent of Canada’s total economy and almost 8 percent of the Canadian service economy. Tourism revenues reached $113.4 billion in 2023 and the positive experiences international tourists have in Canada enhance the country’s brand abroad. Tourism has strong growth potential in every province and territory, and ministers recognized that strategic and collaborative actions will propel the sector forward.

Throughout the meeting, ministers heard from tourism stakeholders on the areas of destination development, investment attraction, workforce development and retention, air access, parks and recreation, and emergency management. Ministers acknowledged the importance of having consistent dialogue with experts in these fields to capitalize on trends, glean critical operational insights, and work collaboratively with industry partners to find solutions for the most pressing challenges facing the sector. Ministers sought an international perspective by inviting a speaker from the Government of Australia to discuss experiences and best practices in attracting workers to careers in tourism. Ministers also heard from Alberta officials about their successes in supporting the recovery and relaunch of the tourism sector, while bringing attention to ambitious strategic plans for the future, which aim to more than double the size of the province’s visitor economy within the next decade. Alberta demonstrated leadership within Canada’s overall tourism economy, ushering in a return to pre-pandemic levels of visitor spending two years ahead of schedule.

Ministers also acknowledged the economic impact of this summer’s wildfires across Canada, particularly in the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park, as well as the critical importance of effective emergency management and disaster preparedness. Ministers also noted that emergency management is paramount for all jurisdictions as, like other countries, Canada faces the potential of a range of emergency events year-round. Maintaining Canada’s brand and reputation are important components of the collaborative work of jurisdictions to respond to events as they arise.

Ministers were pleased with the work accomplished by the CCTM Working Groups throughout 2024 to address the topics of destination access and economic growth, as well as the important connections forged with external organizations. Ministers took the opportunity to discuss areas that impact the growth of tourism in Canada, such as limited transportation connectivity in some regions, barriers to raising private capital for investments, fees and regulations impacting the competitiveness of domestic air travel, and associated challenges including the seasonal nature of tourism. Recognizing the critical importance of the link between tourism and transportation, there was a desire to invite the Federal Minister of Transport to next year’s CCTM meeting.

In 2025, the CCTM will seek to refresh the mandates of the Working Groups to ensure their work addresses emerging priorities while effectively leveraging inter-governmental collaboration. To that end, jurisdictions will be focusing on the responsiveness and preparedness of the sector to emergency events, and ensuring capacity for strong economic growth of the industry. Efforts will be made to look at new mandate areas from different angles, while also engaging broadly across the sector to ensure CCTM priorities align with industry.

Canada’s provinces and territories continue to showcase their diverse tourism offerings globally, ranging from parks and attractions in the great outdoors, to major festivals and events, and Indigenous tourism. Successes are evident with Canada’s overall position on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index improving to 11th place in the 2024 ranking, up from 13th place in 2021. Going forward, ministers are keen to work collaboratively to tackle persistent issues and showcase Canada’s leadership in tourism on the world stage.

Marie-Justine Torres
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-327-5918
marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

Amber Edgerton
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Sport
Government of Alberta
780-222-6113
amber.edgerton@gov.ab.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Berry Corporation to Report Third Quarter 2024 Results and Hold Conference Call November 7

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Berry Corporation (NASDAQ: BRY) (“Berry” or the “Company”) today announced it will report third quarter 2024 results on Thursday, November 7, 2024, before the open of U.S. financial markets and will host a conference call and webcast that morning to discuss these results; details and links are provided below.

Earnings Call Information

Call Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Call Time: 11:00 am a.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m. Central Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Join the live listen-only audio webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/tysxczje or at https://bry.com/category/events

If you would like to ask a question on the live call, please preregister at any time using the following link:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BIe48b23e273834c71bc53e0d17114932f.
Once registered, you will receive the dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. You may then dial in or have a call back. When you dial in, you will input your PIN and be placed into the call. If you register and forget your PIN or lose your registration confirmation email, you may simply re-register and receive a new PIN.

A web based audio replay will be available shortly after the broadcast and will be archived at https://ir.bry.com/reports-resources or visit https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/tysxczje or https://bry.com/category/events

About Berry Corporation

Berry is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: BRY) Western United States independent upstream energy company with a focus on onshore, low geologic risk, long-lived oil and gas reserves. We operate in two business segments: (i) exploration and production (“E&P”) and (ii) well servicing and abandonment. Our E&P assets are located in California and Utah, are characterized by high oil content and are predominantly located in rural areas with low population. Our California assets are in the San Joaquin basin (100% oil), while our Utah assets are in the Uinta basin (60% oil and 40% gas). We operate our well servicing and abandonment segment in California. More information can be found on the Company’s website at bry.com.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: October 17th, 2024 JEC Chairman Martin Heinrich Hosts “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” Roundtable

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
PHOTOS & VIDEO
Heinrich highlights how federal legislation is expanding pathways to in-demand jobs in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), hosted a “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” roundtable to talk directly with New Mexicans about how federal legislation he helped pass into law is creating careers in high-demand sectors and strengthening New Mexico’s health care, skilled trades, early childhood education, and union workforce.

Heinrich Hosts “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” Roundtable on October 17, 2024.
“The manufacturing and clean energy renaissance driven by historic investments from the Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act is creating career opportunities across New Mexico. We need to build on this momentum by expanding access to apprenticeships, supporting new, high-quality jobs in the building and skilled trades, growing pathways to health care careers, and strengthening our early childhood education workforce. I will continue fighting to address workforce shortages, build the middle class, grow our economy, and provide more New Mexicans with the careers they can build their families around in their home communities,” said Heinrich.
Thanks to recently enacted legislation that Heinrich helped pass into law, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law, New Mexico is now at the center of a clean energy “manufacturing renaissance,” which is creating hundreds of jobs in New Mexico that people can build their families around.
Heinrich discussed his work with community leaders to create more pathways to in-demand careers, including through jobs training and registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He also highlighted the success of the domestic manufacturing tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act that have expanded clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing in New Mexico.
Through his role as Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Heinrich has held hearings on job training in the clean energy sector, the domestic boom in manufacturing, and investing in early childhood education. Heinrich has also released reports on growing registered apprenticeship programs, job training for the clean energy transition, the manufacturing renaissance, addressing rural health worker shortages, the economic benefits of early childhood education, employing women in the clean energy sector, and growing the labor force in New Mexico.
Heinrich has long been committed to creating new pathways to careers for New Mexicans in the communities where they grew up, while tackling shortages in in-demand sectors like health care and early childhood education.
Heinrich introduced the Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeship programs for occupations with high need, including the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and early childhood education.
Earlier this year, Heinrich introduced the Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act, legislation to strengthen the pipeline for careers in New Mexico, address rising workforce shortages, and grow the state’s economy through quality pre-apprenticeship programs.
In March, Heinrich introduced the Providing Resources and Opportunities for Health Education and Learning (PRO-HEAL) Act, legislation that will tackle the health care provider shortage in New Mexico and nationwide by expanding pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers that medical professionals can access in their communities. Specifically, the PRO-HEAL Act addresses medical provider shortages by incentivizing states and institutions of higher education to expand or create health care provider pipeline programs, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The legislation is inspired by the success of the Combined BA/MD Degree Program at the University of New Mexico, where over 65% of students who have graduated from their program practice medicine in New Mexico.
Last year, Heinrich introduced the Pathways to Health Careers Act, legislation that reauthorizes and modernizes the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program to help address health care shortages in New Mexico and across the country and create pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers.
The HPOG program has a proven track record of successfully educating workers for jobs in the health care industry, while also providing career coaching, job placement, and a mix of other support services. The Pathways to Health Careers Act would restart and expand the HPOG Program, providing $425 million to make HPOG available nationwide from FY2024 through FY2028 and includes set asides for Tribes and U.S. Territories.
In 2021, Heinrich introduced the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act, legislation to create earlier pathways to high-paying careers in the information technology (IT) industry.
Investments in Clean Energy and Advanced Manufacturing:
Heinrich has been fighting hard to pass legislation and secure investments that are growing the state’s economy, building the middle class, and expanding high-quality jobs New Mexicans can build their families around.
In 2022, Heinrich helped author and pass into law the landmark Inflation Reduction Act,which has created a manufacturing renaissance in the state and established New Mexico at the center of the nation’s clean energy future. Heinrich marked the two-year anniversary of the legislation being signed into law in August, highlighting how its incentives have expanded and spurred a number of new clean energy projects across New Mexico.
Earlier this year, Heinrich highlighted $20 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for Pajarito Powder to scale production of components for electrolyzers and fuel cells. Heinrich invited the U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to tour the facilities of Pajarito Powder in Albuquerque, N.M.
In June, the N.M. Delegation welcomed $23.9 million from the CHIPS and Science Act for SolAero, an Albuquerque, N.M.-based manufacturing company, to increase its production of compound semiconductors for spacecraft and satellites, as part of an expansion and modernization of their facility. Heinrich, Luján, and Stansbury, along with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, welcomed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves and White House CHIPS Coordinator Ryan Harper to New Mexico to highlight this investment.
In April, Heinrich and Luján welcomed Energy Secretary Granholm to break ground on a new 216,000-square-foot Array Technologies manufacturing campus — a $50+ million investment located on Albuquerque’s Westside — which will employ over 300 additional New Mexicans to facilitate the production, assembly, design, engineering, and customer service of solar tracking technology.
That same day, Heinrich, Granholm, and Vasquez participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the production of the first wind towers coming off the Arcosa Wind Towers manufacturing line. The ribbon-cutting ceremony came nearly nine months after Heinrich welcomed President Biden to the Belén manufacturing facility — a $60 million investment that will have a $314 million economic impact and create 250 jobs in the region.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator announces inquiry into Leicester disability charity
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities for England and Wales, has opened a statutory inquiry into Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living Limited.
The charity supports disabled people by promoting inclusion and accessibility in everyday living.

The charity was already under investigation as part of the Commission’s ‘double defaulters’ class inquiry, after it was identified as persistently late in filing its accounting information.

Upon further engagement with the charity, serious concerns arose regarding its general management and governance. The Commission has therefore escalated its engagement to a separate inquiry to investigate:  

The extent to which the charity’s trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of the administration, governance and management of their charity.

Whether the trustees have adequate financial and strategic oversight of their charity, including the management and supervision of staff.

Whether the charity is being managed in accordance with its governing document and operating for the public benefit.

The trustees’ compliance with their legal obligations for the content, preparation and filing of the charity’s accounts and other information or returns.

The scope of the inquiry may be varied if new evidence comes to light. 

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. 

ENDS

Notes to editors  

The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. 

This statutory inquiry was opened on 13 September 2024.

On 25 July 2022 the Commission placed the charity into the Double Defaulter Class Inquiry for charities that are in default of their statutory obligations to meet reporting requirements by failing to file their annual documents (annual returns, reports and accounts) for two or more years in the last five years.

Press office

Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

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Updates to this page

Published 18 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Infrastructure Dividend Split Corp. Announces Preferred Distribution and Increase to Class A Distribution Rate

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infrastructure Dividend Split Corp. (TSX: IS and IS.PR.A) (the “Company”), is pleased to announce an increase in the monthly distribution rate of Class A shares from $0.125/share to $0.14/share. The distribution increase is supported by dividend growth from several of the Company’s portfolio holdings and the strong performance and outlook for the infrastructure sector.

On May 6, 2024, the Class A shares were converted from units of the International Clean Power Dividend Fund (TSX: CLP.UN) at a value of $15.00 per share. As of October 16, 2024, the Net Asset Value per Class A share is $17.93. In addition, the Company has paid cumulative monthly distributions to Class A shareholders of $0.75 per share since inception.

Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
Equity Share

October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.14

The Company also announces the second quarterly distribution of 2024 will be payable to preferred shareholders as follows:

Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
Preferred Share

October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.18

The equity and preferred shares both trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the respective symbols IS and IS.PR.A.

The Company invests in a diversified, actively managed portfolio of dividend-paying securities of issuers operating in the infrastructure sector, focusing on issuers that that Middlefield Capital Corporation, the investment advisor of the Company, believes are undervalued and well-positioned to benefit from the outlook for a gradual reduction in interest rates, the global decarbonization, and favourable demographics.

For further information, please visit our website at http://www.middlefield.com or contact our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Company. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Company, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Company’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Company; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Company’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Company’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Casey Announces More than $18.4 Million for Workforce Development, Community Revitalization in Pennsylvania Coal Communities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

Recipient

Grant

Project

Bedford County Development Association

$498,840

Bedford County Business Park II -Site Preparation

Bedford County Technical Center

$50,000

Bedford County Technical Center: Expanding Opportunity in Coal Impacted Appalachia

Catalyst Connection

$2,000,000

Pennsylvania Career Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing: “Forging Your Future”

Center for Employment Opportunities

$50,000

Transitional Employment for Justice Impacted Pittsburgh Residents

Center for Population Health

$751,057

Growth of Community Health Workers inCambria/Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania

Corry Community Development Corporation D/B/A Impact Corry (nonprofit)

$887,000

Corry City Center Trail Link

Enterprise Development Center of Erie County, Inc.

$2,000,000

Ironworks Square: Smart Redevelopment in Coal Impacted Regions

Greene County Commissioners

$50,000

Greene County Barriers to Workforce Study

IUP Research Institute

$452,326

NWPAMade — Galvanizing and empowering the region’s creative economy

JARI Growth Fund, Inc.

$1,000,000

Startup Alleghenies Ecosystem Capital and Technical Assistance Expansion – Capital

JARI Growth Fund, Inc.

$879,253

Startup Alleghenies Ecosystem Capital and Technical Assistance Expansion- Technical Assistance

Jewish Healthcare Foundation

$1,990,867

Revitalizing Community Jobs—Building, Training and Supporting the Frontline Workforce for Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania

Lycoming County

$1,867,395

Susquehanna River Walk Extension Trail Construction Project

O.S. Johnson Technical Institute

$50,000

Planning for Vehicle Maintenance Technology Jobs of the Future

Office of Child Development, University of Pittsburgh

$49,751

Two-Generational Literacy to Strengthen the Workforce Pipeline

Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN)

$750,000

Maturing Appalachia’s Robotics Workforce

Saint Vincent College (SVC)

$662,672

Equipment and Technology for a Nursing Education and Lab Facility at Saint Vincent College

Screen Arts Institute

$400,000

The Broadcast Arts Initiative

The ClearWater Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.

$2,000,000

ClearWater Community Conservation Center Ecotourism, Agritourism, and Agribusiness Hub

The University of Scranton

$1,321,980

The University of Scranton: Technology Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation

Westmoreland Hospital

$769,193

Building an Innovative Nursing Workforce Model: Bridging the Gap from Student to Expert

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government praises important progress on East Coast clean-up

Source: New Zealand Government

Important progress is being made on cleaning-up and strengthening resilience in the Tairāwhiti region, 18 months on from the devastating weather events in 2023, Forestry Minister Todd McClay said today.

To date the Government has committed $110 million resulting in approximately 440,000 tonnes of slash and debris being removed from Tairāwhiti.

“I want to acknowledge the significant impact on the region and local people and praise the clean-up efforts of all those involved. There is strong momentum and coordination of work in the region across local and central government, and the Forestry and Agriculture sectors in addressing the impacts of last year’s cyclones,” Mr McClay says.

In response to Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle in January and February 2023, the previous Government initiated the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa. It resulted in 49 recommendations to both reduce risk and strengthen resilience in the region.

“This Government is focused on delivering tangible outcomes through the recently established Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group and Gisborne District Council-led Transition Advisory Group.

“The Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group made up of forestry owners, farming interests, Māori landowners and council officials, is working to accelerate the clean-up in the region, remove debris and sediment, address the legacy issue of wood that poses future risk and help to implement best practice for forestry.

“The Gisborne District Council-led Transition Advisory Group is working together to support landowners make the changes required to a more sustainable land-use.

“Central government will continue to stay closely engaged in regionally led initiatives through existing work programmes. This will ensure efforts to align with Government priorities and support the Crown’s Treaty relationships.”

“Forestry has an important role in Tairāwhiti, but it will be done differently in the future to ensure risks are well managed.

“The Government recognises the importance of the forestry sector to the regional economy. Proposed changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry will enable council to implement rules to ensure land use is appropriate, but also give certainty and confidence to the forestry sector.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Six defendants arrested in retail theft ring, charged with stealing and selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that six defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, transportation and sale of stolen goods in interstate commerce, money laundering, and conspiracy, for their roles in a retail theft ring in the Rochester, NY, area. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaint are:

•              Shabon Banks, 41

•              Amanda Reeves, 40

•              Chad Lewis, Jr., 20

•              Chanc Lewis, 22

•              Dominic Sprague, 40

•              James Civiletti, 33, all of Rochester, NY.

Defendant Shabon Banks is also charged with aggravated identity theft.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, in November 2023, the Greece Police Department began an investigation after it became aware that serial larcenist, Shabon Banks, had been engaged in an unusually large number of transactions at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop in Greece. The investigation uncovered a theft ring involving defendants Banks, Reeves, Lewis, Jr., and Lewis (the larcenists), who have been engaged in an ongoing retail theft conspiracy involving the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop and its operators, defendants Sprague and Civiletti, since December 2021. As part of the scheme, the larcenists stole new-in-box items from store shelves, which they then sold to Sprague, Civiletti, and others at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop, for a fraction of the actual retail value. Sprague and Civiletti then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits for the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop. The merchandise was stolen from various stores including Home Depot, Target, Lowes, Walmart, and Kohls.

Since December 7, 2021, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop has purchased 37,936 new-in-box items from the larcenists on more than 670 occasions, paying the larcenists $290,000.00. The investigation determined that the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop paid the larcenists 30% of the actual retail value of the stolen items. Therefore, the actual losses to the victim-retailers and resulting profit to the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop are estimated to be much higher.

Sprague and Civiletti engaged in multiple financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud in violation of federal money laundering statutes. In total, between January 2022, and August 7, 2024, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn shop resold more than 48,000 new-in-box items via eBay for $2,467.847.46, the majority of which are believed to have been stolen.

The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

# # # #

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson City Man Sentenced for $26 Million Bank Fraud Scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for a multi-million dollar bank fraud scheme that included fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for four businesses.

Tod Ray Keilholz, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to a total sentence of 12 years in federal prison without parole.

On March 28, 2024, Keilholz pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Keilholz was the sole owner of TRK Construction, LLC, TRK Valpo, LLC, TL Builders, LLC, and Project Design, LLC.

By pleading guilty, Keilholz admitted that he engaged in a bank fraud scheme from Jan. 1, 2018, to Jan. 7, 2021.

Prior to the bank fraud scheme, Keilholz obtained three business loans totaling $3,526,771 from Hawthorn Bank between Aug. 31, 2017, and Sept. 21, 2018. One of these loans financed the purchase of property in Valparaiso, Indiana. As Keilholz’s businesses failed, these loans fell into default and sub-contractors sued him for unpaid invoices during 2019 and 2020. In February 2020, Hawthorn Bank initiated foreclosure proceedings. Keilholz delayed the foreclosure proceedings and paid off these loans and other past due debts with fraudulent PPP loans.

The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the PPP authorized forgivable loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.

Keilholz received a total of $12,430,932 in PPP loans for his four businesses. In each of those loan applications, Keilholz admitted, he failed to disclose his ownership in the other three businesses, and made materially false and fraudulent claims in the loan applications and supporting documentation. Keilholz falsely stated the businesses were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, and eligible for PPP loans. He inflated the income of those businesses and claimed payrolls for employees who did not exist or no longer worked for him. Additionally, Keilholz applied for a $7,818,705 PPP loan for TRK Valpo but the loan was denied by the bank.

Keilholz received a $1,706,260 PPP loan for TRK Construction, a $3,618,815 PPP loan for TL Builders, a $3,903,857 PPP loan for Project Design, and a $3,202,000 PPP loan for TRK Valpo.

Keilholz admitted that he used PPP loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes other than legitimate payroll, lease and mortgage interest, and utilities as required by the PPP. Keilholz, through TRK Construction, had accrued substantial and delinquent indebtedness to a number of lenders, and all or part of these debts were satisfied by PPP loan proceeds.

The conviction for aggravated identity theft is related to Keilholz’s use of a former TRK Construction employee whose name and Social Security number were used without his knowledge or authorization on wage reports in connection with a fraudulent PPP loan application for TRK Valpo.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Keilholz must forfeit to the government any property involved in, or derived from the proceeds of his bank fraud scheme, including a money judgment of $12,430,932, two properties in Jefferson City, one property in Valparaiso, one property in La Porte, Ind., four vehicles (a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, two 2021 Chevrolet Silverados, and a 2019 BMW X5), a 2020 John Deer ZTrak, a 2020 John Deere Tractor, a Kubota Compact Track Loader, a Gents 43mm IWC Schaffhausen Perpetual Chronograph wristwatch, two Gents stainless steel Rolex Sea-Dweller self-winding automatic diver’s watches, and a Gents Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-controlled world time self-winding automatic watch with sapphire crystal.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General; the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; the FBI; and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025

Call Date:	Thursday, November 7, 2024
Call Time:	11:00 am a.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m. Central Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time

*Record Date*	*Payable Date*	Distribution Per Equity Share
October 31, 2024	November 15, 2024	$0.14

*Record Date*	*Payable Date*	Distribution Per Preferred Share
October 31, 2024	November 15, 2024	$0.18

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Ministry approves ₹1255.59 crore for the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass

The new bypass will ease traffic congestion, enhance regional connectivity, and promote the efficient movement of goods and logistics.

India emerging as Content Hub: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to host WAVESummit, offering 27 challenges for content creators

Government focusing on AVGC Sector and promoting content production through streamlined single-window system; To ensure Ease of Doing business: Dr. L. Murugan

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