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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ludwig: in this comic BBC detective drama, puzzles are key to solving a murder – and understanding other people

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Deborah Klika/Klikova, Academic Portfolio Lead in Film & Television Production, University of Greenwich

    “It makes no sense. It’s impossible to solve” – so decries John “Ludwig” Taylor (David Mitchell) when trying to solve a murder using puzzle techniques in the new six-part BBC detective series, Ludwig.

    Each week puzzle designer John uses his skill to solve a crime. The show, also starring Anna Maxwell Martin, is guided by the thematic question: “how do we solve life’s puzzles?”

    John’s twin brother James (also portrayed by Mitchell) has suddenly gone missing. Enlisted by his sister-in-law Lucy (Maxwell Martin) to help find James, John reluctantly moves in with her and her son, leaving behind his ordered and self-contained (but lonely) world. Lucy wants John to pose as his brother to get some information from James’ office about a case that he was working on, which she suspects is related to his disappearance.

    What begins as a benign task very quickly escalates into John taking on James’ role as DCI James Taylor with Cambridge’s Major Crime Squad. John is swept along to crime scenes wherein he proceeds to solve murders using various puzzle techniques: logic puzzles, spot the difference, coincidences (three to be statistically relevant) and even reverse chess (where maths, probability and reason are used to determine prior moves in the middle of a chess game).

    The situation creates a bind plot. John wants the love of a family – specifically James’ family – but if he finds James, he will lose the “family” he has found. He is caught between his want (to have a family and Lucy) and his flaw (to learn to engage with people and the world).

    In my research, I posit that the bind plot is more prevalent in comedy than in drama. The tension between the want and the flaw is what underpins the comedy.

    John is navigating life on two levels: as an imposter detective and as a lonely man with signs of neurodiversity, such as an inability to understand and express feelings, and the need to follow certain rules. This results in misunderstanding and confusion for some of those around John, but not for John himself.

    The trailer for Ludwig.

    This duality is a common technique in comedy writing. As comic writer Steve Kaplan notes in The Hidden Tools of Comedy (2013), comedy emerges in the gap between the wavy-line character (the confused one) and the straight-line character (with a fixed view on life).

    What is interesting in Ludwig is John’s character arc. He begins as a straight-liner, but both his interactions with Lucy and her determination to find her husband force him to question his own life. His increasing confusion about, and interaction with, other people result in him becoming a wavy-line character.

    In my book Situation Comedy, Character, and Psychoanalysis (2019) I label the straight-liner as “echo characters”. That’s because they echo the unconscious fear of the main character, while maintaining their own fixed view of the world. It is because the main character is unconscious of this behaviour in themselves that such characters become “trapped” in their dynamic.

    These kinds of relationships define the sitcom. Think Phoebe in Friends, who echoes Rachel’s fear of commitment. In the first episode of Friends, Rachel is a runaway bride and Ross is recovering from a failed marriage, setting both these characters up as commitment-phobic. Phoebe, however, embraces life and all its alternatives, no matter how kooky or off-beat.

    Moss in The IT Crowd, echoes in a different way. His attention to detail and focus are the antithesis of Roy’s approach to work and Jen’s lack of knowledge of anything to do with IT. Roy fears work and Jen fears being exposed as ignorant, making Moss their perfect echo character.

    Maintaining the pretence

    The challenge for Ludwig’s head writer and creator, Mark Brotherhood, is to ensure that John can keep up the pretence of being his twin brother, while at the same time ensuring the pretence is believable.

    Brotherhood’s previous credits (Father Brown, Death in Paradise, Benidorm and Mount Pleasant) have shown his ability to merge genres such as crime and drama with comic moments.

    Set-ups such as characters having recently joined the crimes unit (who did not know James), and fleeting interactions with other characters (who do know James), save John from exposure. But they also distract the audience from the central question – “why don’t other people see that John is a different person?”. Instead we are drawn into the world of puzzles and how they can help solve crimes – and maybe help us solve problems in our own lives.

    Dramatic irony enables the audience to be in on the conceit. We know John is not James, but we also know that John is a puzzle master, and we revel in his ability to solve crimes. However, being in on the deception prompts the question: what will happen when John is exposed?

    In the vein of Poirot or Miss Marple, John is dedicated to solving murder through reasoned logic as well as increasingly astute observations of human behaviour – something he has avoided until now.

    Ludwig is an engaging (and at times puzzling) drama with comic moments, governed by a thematic premise – to understand puzzles is to understand life.


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    Deborah Klika/Klikova 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. Ludwig: in this comic BBC detective drama, puzzles are key to solving a murder – and understanding other people – https://theconversation.com/ludwig-in-this-comic-bbc-detective-drama-puzzles-are-key-to-solving-a-murder-and-understanding-other-people-239626

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The rise of the ‘megapub’: is bigger really better?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael. E. Rees-Jones, Lecturer in Strategy, University of South Wales

    shutterstock niksdope/Shutterstock

    Wetherspoons has unveiled its latest venture at London’s Waterloo Station – a vast new pub called The Lion & The Unicorn. This so-called “Superspoons” is part of a growing trend in the UK’s hospitality industry, where ever-larger venues are reshaping traditional experiences.

    With its prime location and expansive layout of 5,000 sq ft and almost 600 seats, the venue’s opening marks what some business commentators are describing as the dawn of the “megapub” era, where bigger seems to mean better for chains like Wetherspoons.

    Megapubs are designed to offer more than just a quick pint. These vast, multi-purpose venues aim to cater to a variety of needs throughout the day, from morning coffee and business lunches to evening meals and live entertainment. The inclusion of extensive seating, diverse menus and designated zones for different activities – such as socialising or working on a laptop – aim to attract a broad range of customers.

    By offering an all-in-one experience, they are deliberately designed to stand apart from the traditional pub model. And they are positioning themselves as destinations rather than typical pubs.

    True to Wetherspoons’ business model, the new megapub promises competitive prices on food and drink, which may make it an attractive option for budget-conscious customers. By offering a variety of experiences under one roof, megapubs are attempting to tempt customers inside with convenience, variety and affordability all in one package, while also feeling part of a community.

    What could it mean for the hospitality sector?

    One major concern over the onset of the megapub is the potential impact on smaller, independent pubs and restaurants. Over the last ten years, pubs have been closing at an alarming rate, as publicans struggle with rising supply costs and overheads. A growing number of young people are also choosing to abstain from alcohol. Such factors have reduced the demand for traditional pubs.

    Megapubs, with their size and pricing power, could exacerbate these challenges by drawing customers away from independent venues that struggle to compete on price or scale. This may be especially true of those relying on niche markets or unique experiences.

    While it is still early days, and the effects of the megapub are yet to unfold, experts are already questioning whether this could change the way we socialise. By combining affordability with a range of amenities, megapubs like the new “Superspoons” may set new expectations for what a pub experience should be. Instead of visiting multiple locations for different activities, people may prefer to spend their leisure time in a single, multi-functional venue where they can socialise, dine and work.

    Wetherspoons is not the only company experimenting with this new model. Across the hospitality and retail sectors, businesses are increasingly seeking to create more versatile spaces to attract a broader customer base.



    Read more:
    Youth drinking is declining – myths about the trend, busted

    So, could we see more companies following Wetherspoons’ lead? Given the current economic conditions, where many consumers are tightening their belts, it seems probable. This could be the beginning of a long-term shift towards larger, multi-functional venues. Of course, it may just be a temporary response to the challenges of the present market.

    Economically, this concept appears to be well-suited to the financial challenges and uncertainty of our current times, as increasingly isolated people look for cost-effective ways to dine and socialise. Offering both affordability and a wide range of options, these venues could thrive during economic downturns by drawing in budget-conscious consumers.

    Whether you’re a fan of the traditional pub or intrigued by new concepts like the “Superspoons”, it’s clear that the way we socialise is evolving. As hospitality businesses continue to push boundaries, we may see a significant change in how we spend our leisure time and money.

    Rachael. E. Rees-Jones 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. The rise of the ‘megapub’: is bigger really better? – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-the-megapub-is-bigger-really-better-238629

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exploding pagers and walkie-talkies are a reminder of how easily your devices can be hacked – here’s how to make sure they are safe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Hajli, AI Strategist and Professor of Digital Strategy, Loughborough University

    Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock

    The recent attacks on walkie-talkies and pagers in Lebanon have highlighted the hidden vulnerabilities in everyday technology. These incidents underscore the need for individuals to understand the potential risks associated with their devices and to take proactive steps to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world where safety can be compromised.

    Research shows that many people have significant concerns about security and privacy as technology advances. Statistics reveal an alarming rise in cyber threats and privacy breaches, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach worldwide reached US$4.88 million (£3.65 million) in 2024, demonstrating the severe consequences of technological vulnerabilities.

    So, are our smartphones and devices truly safe? With numerous reports of data breaches and privacy violations linked to technological development – especially concerning artificial intelligence (AI) – the recent attacks in Lebanon raise new concerns about the security of technology in an era where AI introduces complex challenges.

    The pressing question for consumers is whether any of our devices can genuinely be deemed safe. If Israel can launch such an attack (and it has not confirmed it was behind the device attacks – but neither has it denied widespread reports insisting it was) other states may very well follow suit.

    The Lebanon device attacks should serve as a crucial wake-up call regarding the vulnerabilities in devices we often take for granted. Part of the challenge lies in the less discussed impact of AI, which can track, analyse, and act on information in ways that pose risks to privacy and security. While AI brings substantial benefits to society, it also creates complex challenges, particularly in terms of democratic integrity and personal safety.

    As technology increasingly becomes an indispensable part of our everyday lives – through smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices – it’s really important to understand the risks associated with our dependency on this tech. There are some practical steps that we can all take to enhance our security and take control of our digital lives.

    What you can do

    1. Be careful who you buy from: One critical lesson is to be mindful of where you purchase your products. As technology advances, consumers often turn to price comparison apps to find cheaper options. But these less expensive products frequently originate from distant countries with complex supply chains. For example, in 2020, it was revealed that some Huawei and ZTE devices used in telecom infrastructure contained back doors, which led to allegations of espionage and resulted in some countries banning or limiting their use.

    It’s worth thoroughly researching the manufacturer before making a purchase. Before buying, check reviews and security certifications, and find out if the company has a history of security breaches or privacy concerns. Ensuring the manufacturer is reputable adds an extra layer of protection.

    It’s vital to ensure the security of your mobile device is not compromised.
    OLE.cnx/Shutterstock

    2. Understand potential risks: Older devices, such as pagers, often lack modern security features such as regular updates, making them more vulnerable to interception. Additionally, recent advances in AI raise concerns about the security of newer devices. For instance, AI algorithms used in smart home devices can learn user patterns and behaviours.

    If these devices are compromised, hackers could use this information to orchestrate targeted attacks or gain unauthorised access to homes. It’s crucial to assess the risks associated with both old and new technologies – and if you think them unsafe, it’s best to just not use them.

    3. Update devices regularly: Ensure you regularly update your software and firmware to benefit from the latest security patches. Stick to devices that are still supported by their manufacturers, as unsupported devices may stop receiving vital security updates, leaving them vulnerable.

    4. Keep your eyes on your tech: Anyone who is able to gain physical access to your device could tamper with it. Always store your devices securely when not in use, minimising the risk of unauthorised access.

    5. Stay informed on cybersecurity issues: Keep yourself updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and learn how attackers exploit various technologies. Familiarise yourself with basic defensive practices, such as using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Remember that many modern devices are interconnected, making them potential gateways for attacks. For example, a compromised smartphone could potentially infect your laptop or other devices on the same network.

    Exercise caution with smart devices such as speakers, cameras, and wearables by ensuring they are properly configured, using encrypted connections, and limiting unnecessary data sharing.

    By taking these steps, you can enhance your security and navigate the complexities of our technology-driven world with greater confidence.

    Nick Hajli 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. Exploding pagers and walkie-talkies are a reminder of how easily your devices can be hacked – here’s how to make sure they are safe – https://theconversation.com/exploding-pagers-and-walkie-talkies-are-a-reminder-of-how-easily-your-devices-can-be-hacked-heres-how-to-make-sure-they-are-safe-239657

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Russians at War’ documentary: From the Crimean to the Iraq War, soldier images pose questions about propaganda

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martin Danahay, Professor, English Language and Literature, Brock University

    A British publisher commissioned photographs of the army in the Crimean War to be used as the basis for oil paintings. Cornet Wilkin, 11th Hussars, by Roger Fenton. (Roger Fenton/Library of Congress)

    Questions surrounding the film Russians at War linger following controversy surrounding it at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

    TIFF faced protesters at a Sept. 17 screening of the “first person” documentary by Russian Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova. The festival had “paused” public screenings following an earlier media and industry screening, as festival staff reported receiving “significant threats” to festival operations and safety. Protesters said the film was pro-Russian propaganda.

    Trofimova told CBC her film was an attempt to humanize Russian soldiers as a way to combat further anger and violence.

    I have not seen the film, but as a researcher who has long examined the ambiguous meanings of soldier images, I’m not surprised the film has been criticized as propaganda. In my book War without Bodies: Framing Death from the Crimean to the Iraq War, I examined how images that omit their political context can be viewed as implicitly supporting the war effort.

    First photographs: Crimean War

    This ambiguity can be found in the first photographs of the British army at war. These were taken by photographer Roger Fenton during the 1853-56 Crimean War, in which British, French and Ottoman military attacked Russia and besieged Russian forces on the Crimean Peninsula.

    Fenton was commissioned by a Manchester, U.K. publisher, Thomas Agnew and Sons, to photograph the British army in Crimea, focusing on officers and any other participants he found interesting.

    His photographs were to be used as the basis for oil paintings by the artist Thomas Barker. The publisher didn’t reproduce photographs, but made them into woodcuts or as source material for paintings.

    Fenton also photographed the landscape and foreign fighters like French Zouaves — French military units originally formed from the Zouaoua Berber tribe from the coastal mountain Djurdjura region of North Africa after the French invaded and conquered Algeria — but the majority of his subjects were British officers.

    Shared social class

    Fenton wasn’t commissioned by the government, but he had a letter of introduction from Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. He was of the same social class as the officers he photographed, and dined with high-ranking officers such as Lord Raglan.

    Fenton’s photographs gave the appearance of a competent and functioning military led by skilled officers. Photographs such as one taken of Cornet Wilkin looking smart and capable on his horse suggest the traditional posed style of military portraiture seen in commissioned tribute paintings.

    The photograph His Days’ Work Over: Lieut.-Colonel Hallewell and Servant shows a reclining officer being waited on by his manservant. The image indicates the class status of the officer and depicts leisure rather than war.

    ‘His Days’ Work Over: Lieut.-Colonel Hallewell and Servant,’ photograph by Roger Fenton.
    (Library of Congress)

    The Cookhouse of the 8th Hussars similarly shows a group of cavalry with one reclining and others grouped around a man serving food.

    ‘The Cookhouse of the 8th Hussars,’ photograph by Roger Fenton.
    (Library of Congress)

    The photograph omits any visual evidence that would acknowledge that these are the survivors of an infamous British military blunder, the Charge of the Light Brigade, where cavalry were mistakenly ordered to charge directly at Russian artillery and suffered disastrous casualties.

    Long exposure, composed photographs

    Fenton could not photograph combat given the amount of time needed to capture an image using the wet collodion process, which required a long exposure.

    He could, however, have documented other aspects of the situation in Crimea which were covered by reporter William Howard Russell, who Fenton also photographed in 1855.

    Russell’s dispatches on the terrible conditions suffered by British troops and the ravages diseases like cholera combined with letters published by the soldiers caused a scandal in Britain. These reports led to the downfall of a government and to Florence Nightingale organizing a cohort of nurses to tend to the sick and wounded.

    Russell’s reporting revealed what was omitted from Fenton’s photographs of the war. The photographs served as the first demonstration of how such images could present positive images of war that belied the reality of death and suffering.

    Fenton’s photographs indirectly supported the war effort by showing only positive images of individual soldiers.

    Vietnam, Iraq War

    Media coverage of the American war in Vietnam, often referred to as the “first television war,” is often credited with turning public opinion against the conflict.

    Images of dead soldiers and civilians were transmitted to the viewing public. The “Saigon execution” photograph of a man being shot in the head was particularly shocking.

    To avoid mages such as this, according to Jessica M. Fishman, a behavioural scientist who has examined how media censors and displays the dead, major networks like CNN, Fox News and NBC largely followed an informal agreement to avoid showing graphic images of dead American soldiers during the Iraq War. In addition, reporters were embedded in military units and formed close relationships with the troops who were the subject of their reports.



    Read more:
    Three images that show wartime photographs can have greater impact than the written word

    The result was sanitized coverage of the war which, at least initially, helped maintain public support for the conflict. Images of drone strikes in particular suggested that the military was using precision weapons and “surgical” strikes that did not include civilian casualties.

    Just as reporting by Russell contradicted Fenton’s images of a competent military, photographs of the torture of prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison by American solders in 2004 helped change public perception of it as a “just war.”

    Trust with soldiers, personal ties

    Trofimova, in an interview with CBC, said she does not support the war and wanted to break stereotypes of Russian soldiers as motivated by hate.

    She pointed out that Russia has conscription and that many soldiers may have been drafted and are not supportive of the war. She also stated that she had no support from the Russian government and gained access to soldiers because she built up trust with them.

    The parallels with Fenton are instructive because he did not have support from the British government, and relied on personal connections to obtain his portraits.

    Excluding crucial information

    As with Fenton, the image of the Russian army conveyed by the interviews with soldiers may be as significant for what it leaves out about the war as much as what it tells us about them as individuals.

    When the CBC interviewer asked Trofimova about a statement made by a Russian soldier that they were incapable of committing war crimes, which Tromifova did not correct,
    she replied that “once you start trying to make this an analytical documentary that is going to provide you with stories that you have not documented yourself, then this becomes something else.” In March 2024, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine announced it had new evidence Russian authorities have committed violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law, and corresponding war crimes.



    Read more:
    Putin’s war on history is another form of domestic repression

    Both Fenton’s photographs and a documentary that focuses on Russian soldiers’ perspectives exclude crucial information that would help lead the viewer to question the conduct of the war or how it is being justified.

    Martin Danahay receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

    – ref. ‘Russians at War’ documentary: From the Crimean to the Iraq War, soldier images pose questions about propaganda – https://theconversation.com/russians-at-war-documentary-from-the-crimean-to-the-iraq-war-soldier-images-pose-questions-about-propaganda-239340

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can cryptocurrencies ever be green?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jean Bessala, Lecturer in Finance, Salford Business School, University of Salford

    Mabeline72/Shutterstock

    Cryptocurrencies have been condemned over their environmental record at a time when
    traditional investments have been rapidly moving towards greener environmental, social and governance (ESG) values. So how long will it be until crypto earns its green credentials?

    Green investments are assets like bonds that pay for projects with positive environmental and social outcomes. Green bonds for example, contribute to cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, an increase of renewable energy capacity and uptake in clean transport infrastructures.

    Crypto investments on the other hand are widely seen as environmentally unfriendly, mainly because of crypto mining and the huge energy it demands. Mining in the context of crypto refers to a mechanism called “proof of work” (POW) where crypto “miners” use specialised computers to solve complex mathematical equations to secure transactions and create new coins. This is where the energy use comes in.

    Agencies and organisations like the International Energy Agency and the United Nations have raised concerns about the effects of crypto mining – particularly Bitcoin, the best-known crypto asset.

    The environmental footprint of crypto

    The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health estimated that in 2020-2021, Bitcoin networks had significant carbon, water and land footprints. Bitcoin’s carbon footprint was equivalent to burning 38 billion tonnes of coal, while its water footprint (mainly used for cooling systems) would have met the domestic water needs of more than 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The Cambridge Blockchain Network Sustainability Index puts the electricity consumption of Bitcoin networks above those of several developed countries, including Norway and Sweden. For investors who are serious about achieving ESG goals, this aspect of crypto would likely be a deal-breaker.

    It is also made difficult by the lack of regulations around crypto activities. After years of being on the fringes of financial markets and being considered a “get-rich-quick” venture, crypto investments are becoming mainstream. But there is still little regulation to protect investors and ensure participants adopt practices that are in line with ESG values.

    Sceptics point out the major issues plaguing these markets including the use of cryptocurrencies and platforms for money-laundering, scamming, and price manipulation.

    So it is certainly hard to make a green case for crypto. But at the same time, it would be misleading to look only at one side of the coin. The fact is that crypto has a challenging but reachable path towards being widely accepted as green.

    Decarbonising the crypto industry

    First and foremost, the industry itself has recognised the need to change practices and processes to become more sustainable. In 2021, a significant number of players in the crypto industry signed the crypto climate accord (CCA) with the long-term target of decarbonising the global crypto industry by 2040.

    The CCA set two interim objectives. The first was the development of standards and technologies to have 100% renewably powered blockchains as soon as 2025. The second aim states that signatories should achieve net-zero emissions from electricity consumption by 2030.

    Recent developments in technology suggest the industry has started putting plans into action, with the appearance of sustainable tools and infrastructures.

    Several companies such as Mara and Argo are working on technologies like energy-efficient immersion cooling systems that significantly reduce the energy consumption required for mining.

    When cryptocurrency Ethereum changed its processes, it cut its energy use by close to 100%.
    rafapress/Shutterstock

    These companies are also developing systems that can recycle heat produced by digital assets and from data centres, and redirect it to provide energy to communities. The implementation of these technologies is facilitated by the relative mobility of crypto miners and the opportunities that some governments and regions offer to them.

    In addition, the crypto industry has seen the emergence of self-proclaimed environmentally friendly cryptocurrencies, such as Cardano public blockchain and Powerledger. These currencies use a less energy-intensive mechanism called “proof-of-stake” (POS) rather than POW.

    Unlike POW, POS miners must stake their holdings (the amount of cryptocurrency) when validating and verifying transactions and records. So if a miner tries to falsify records, they could potentially lose their stake. The process removes the need for the complex computer calculations and so cuts the energy use dramatically. In fact, in 2022, the cryptocurrency Ethereum transitioned from POW to POS, reducing its energy consumption by nearly 100%.

    The path towards green crypto is being eased by institutions like the Financial Stability Board, which is taking steps to provide frameworks for understanding, compliance and achievements of ESG goals and values.

    Together, these elements could open the door to a future where conscious investors can take a chance on cryptocurrencies.

    Jean Bessala 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. Can cryptocurrencies ever be green? – https://theconversation.com/can-cryptocurrencies-ever-be-green-238359

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DURING NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH, CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN DELIVERS $1.25 MILLION TO COMBAT YOUTH DRUG USE, CRACKDOWN ON FENTANYL IN HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Ryan (New York 18th)

    During National Recovery Month, Congressman Pat Ryan Delivers $1.25 Million to Combat Youth Drug Use, Crackdown on Fentanyl in Hudson Valley Communities

    Ryan secured $625,000 for the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County’s Tri-County Prevention Coalition and $625,000 for The Council on Addiction, Prevention, and Education of Dutchess County, Inc. to implement comprehensive strategies and programming to combat youth drug use over the next five years, including keeping out deadly fentanyl 

    WASHINGTON DC –  Today, Congressman Pat Ryan secured $1.25 million in federal Drug Free Community (DFC) funding to combat youth drug use in Orange and Dutchess County communities. Ryan delivered $625,000 for the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (ADAC) of Orange County’s Tri-County Prevention Coalition (TCPC) and $625,000 for The Council on Addiction, Prevention, and Education of Dutchess County, Inc. to implement comprehensive strategies and programming to combat youth drug use over the next five years. Each coalition will receive $125,000 per year for the next five years. The funding comes during this month’s National Recovery Month that promotes awareness of drug addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. Last year, Ryan secured $125,000 in DFC funding for the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition to combat youth addiction in the Warwick Valley Central School District. 

    “Addiction is tearing Hudson Valley families apart and stealing the bright futures of our kids with gut-wrenching frequency. I’m pushing to end that vicious cycle,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “During National Recovery Month, I’m proud to deliver this crucial funding that will help prevent Hudson Valley youth from ever falling into the spiral of addiction and keep deadly fentanyl out of our communities. I look forward to continuing to work with community partners and local officials as we fight to end youth drug use.” 

    “The Northern Dutchess Community Coalition (NDCC), and its fiscal agent the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County, are eager to enhance our work after securing a five-year continuation of the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant,” said Dana Nalbandian, Interim Agency Director and Staff Accountant for the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County, Inc. “The new funding will help the coalition expand its use of evidence-based prevention practices, increase public awareness of substance use trends, and continue efforts to prevent and reduce underage drinking, vaping, and the use of marijuana and other drugs. The coalition also aims to enhance the well-being of local youth and families through strong community bonds, collective action, and advocacy for policy change.”

    “Research shows that PREVENTION is the most effective tool we have to reduce the consequences associated with underage drinking and drug use among young people,” said Alayne Eisloeffel, Program Director and Project Coordinator for TCPC. “This funding will allow the Tri-County Prevention Coalition to better engage and involve the community to steer more young people toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives.”

    Congressman Ryan secured the $1.25 million in funding from the Fiscal Year 2024 White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug-Free Communities Support Program grants, in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2023, Ryan secured $125,000 for the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition from the same program.

    With the funding, the Council on Addiction, Prevention, and Education of Dutchess County, Inc.’s Northern Dutchess Community Coalition looks to establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use. The coalition will achieve its goals by implementing strategies that focus on youth alcohol use, tobacco and marijuana use, the opioid epidemic, increased community awareness, greater access to information, and infrastructural and policy reforms promoting a drug-free lifestyle. The Coalition serves Amenia, Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Barrytown, Millerton, Hyde Park, Millbrook,  Annandale-on-Hudson, Pleasant Valley and Pine Plains, New York. This area encompasses a

    population of 65,282 residents. 

    The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (ADAC) of Orange County’s Tri-County Prevention Coalition plans to use the $625,000 in funding to establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use. The coalition will achieve its goals by implementing these strategies: 

    • Mobilizing key adult and youth stakeholders to challenge and address risk factors of community norms around substance use, low perception of risk, and easy access to substances by promoting and rewarding healthy choices and lifestyles
    • Increasing protective factors of opportunities and rewards for prosocial involvement and social skills by supporting and expanding inclusive prevention programs and clubs in and out of schools
    • Enhancing skills to identify and address local conditions contributing to youth substance use
    • Supporting policies/laws that reduce access to alcohol and marijuana by minors, and increasing opportunities for youth to engage in needs assessment and strategic planning  activities, act as role models, and provide leadership around substance abuse prevention.

    The Tri-County Prevention Coalition will specifically work to address underage drinking and marijuana use among youth through environmental strategies. The coalition includes diverse representation from all sectors of the community, including the Pine Bush Central School District, Town of Wallkill and Town of Crawford Police Departments, the Towns of Wallkill and Crawford, the Pine Bush Chamber of Commerce, The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (ADAC) of Orange County, Wallkill East Rotary, Mid-Hudson Prevention Resource Center, STOP-DWI of Orange County, POW’R Against Tobacco, Orange County Department of Mental Health, local hospitals, parents, business owners, and students. Its mission is to engage collaborative partners in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies that prevent youth substance use. 

    Congressman Pat Ryan has delivered major investments to combat drug trafficking and use in Hudson Valley communities, including $400,000 for the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office crisis intervention ORACLE team that tackles drug trafficking, addiction, and the overdose epidemic in Ulster County. Ryan has repeatedly called for increased funding to address drug trafficking and use, in particular the opioid and fentanyl crisis currently gripping Hudson Valley communities. He cosponsors the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act and the END FENTANYL Act and has demanded that any comprehensive border security legislation must include funding and provisions to stop the flow of fentanyl across the southern border. Congressman Ryan introduced the Public Safety and Community Support Act to use Byrne-JAG funds for deflection and pre-arrest diversion programs to help local law enforcement combat drug addiction

    A key component of Congressman Ryan’s recently introduced Youth Agenda is preventing youth drug use and addiction. Ryan is a member of both the Congressional Dads Caucus and the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force. Ryan cosponsors the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act and the Mental Health Services for Students Act to make mental healthcare more accessible for youth, as well as the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act to bolster the mental healthcare workforce to treat drug addiction. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen to visit Winnipeg and Montreal

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Longueuil, Quebec, — From to , Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be in Winnipeg to talk about the Artemis II mission, during which he will become the first Canadian to fly around the Moon. After that, he will be in the Montreal area on .

    He will speak to students, give presentations to the public, and grant media interviews.

    Journalists who wish to attend one of the events listed below or request an interview with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen are asked to contact the Media Relations Office.

    Winnipeg

    Time What Where
    12:30 p.m. CT Presentation to 350 members of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and to students at the RBC Convention Centre RBC Convention Centre
    375 York Ave.
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    R3C 3J3
    7:00 p.m. CT Presentation to the general public (about 200 people) at the Manitoba Museum Manitoba Museum
    190 Rupert Ave.
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    R3B 0N2
    Time What Where
    2:00 p.m. CT Presentation to the general public (150 to 175 people) at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
    2088 Wellington Ave.
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    R3H 1C5

    Montreal

    Time What Where
    10:20 a.m. CT Presentation to 100 students at Cedar Street School Cedar Street School
    250 Cedar St.
    Belœil, Quebec
    J3G 3M1

    Additional information

    – 30 –

    Contact information

    Canadian Space Agency
    Media Relations Office
    Telephone: 450-926-4370
    Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca
    Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
    Follow us on social media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Calls on GaDOE to Strengthen Standards and Expand Access of African American Studies Courses

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, alongside Georgia’s congressional Democrats, Reps.  Hank Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Lucy McBath (GA-07), sent a letter to State Superintendent Richard Woods urging him to expand and strengthen instruction of African American Studies courses.

    “Home to the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia’s connection to Black history and culture cannot be understated,” said Congressman David Scott. “While GaDOE should be commended for its recent adoption of social studies diversity course offerings, the lack of standards and materials associated with teaching the Introduction to African American/Black Studies course is deeply concerning. Disparate training levels across dozens of school districts have resulted in of some educators lacking any training or qualification altogether. Superintendent Woods must work with educators, experts, and other important stakeholders to develop stronger standards and expand the number of school districts that offer the course.”

    Since 2020, Georgia’s Introduction to African American/Black Studies course has been included in the catalogue of state-funded courses. However, the lack of any standards associated with the course requires school districts to develop their own curriculum and materials, including textbooks, leading to wide discrepancies in rigor and content between school districts. The lack of standards and uniform curriculum, along with a lack of supplemental training for educators, presents a barrier to some districts that lack the resources to develop new curriculum, materials, and supplemental training. Developing standards for the course will lift the burden from school districts to expand and improve instruction of African American Studies courses in Georgia.

    Further, in July, Superintendent Woods declined to recommend the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course for approval for the 2024-2025 academic year. Instead, he recommended that school districts use an existing course code associated with an existing Introduction to African American/Black Studies class, suggesting that teachers and schools develop their own curriculum for the course. Even though Superintendent Woods ultimately reversed his decision by allowing state funding for the AP African American Studies course, his decision came too late, as some school districts already began instruction for the year. Others were forced to reduce the number of AP African American studies courses they could offer. Superintendent Woods must be fully committed to helping school districts increase the number of AP African American Studies classes offered.

    The text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trash to Treasure: Could energy wastewaters be a viable source of lithium?

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Global demand for lithium has skyrocketed as the need grows for batteries to power electric vehicles and store energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels. 

    USGS estimates show that there is likely enough lithium in the Earth’s crust to meet demand several times over, but accessing it can require large amounts of energy, water and infrastructure. The challenge is getting lithium quickly, efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.

    That’s why USGS scientists are looking for it in a surprising place.  

    In 2023, over 10 times as much lithium was produced from mines than in 2003. This increase in production reflects the rising demand for lithium.

    From Trash to Treasure?  

    Each year, billions of gallons of saline water are pumped from deep underground to the surface during oil and gas production. These brines, known as “produced waters”, can be ten times saltier than seawater and can be contaminated with oils, greases and heavy metals that must be pumped back into the ground or intensively treated.  

    But these waters also contain lithium and other valuable materials.   

    “Treating waste as a potential resource is a crucial shift for the energy and mineral fields,” said Sarah Ryker, PhD, USGS Associate Director for Energy and Minerals. “Every state, and every country, has legacy waste from extractive industries. A key question is how much of that waste could be put to use to strengthen energy and mineral supply chains.”  

    Lithium is typically difficult to access. The highest concentrations of lithium are in rocks called pegmatites formed deep under the ground, often at the edge of ancient and vast volcanic systems. Mining these pockets of lithium-rich minerals is expensive, energy and water intensive and can impact local water and air quality.  

    Instead, much of the lithium produced in the world comes from the briny waters within arid salt flats. Here, lithium-rich fluids are caught in low-lying areas and concentrated over time by high evaporation rates. Producing lithium from brines is typically less expensive and energy intensive than mining hard rock, but still requires considerable infrastructure including a large network of evaporation pools.

    Recovering lithium during oil and gas production could provide a new way to meet demands for lithium and other valuable minerals.

    To understand how feasible this method might be, however, scientists must know where lithium-rich produced waters might be, and how much lithium they could contain.   

    Studying the Brines 

    USGS scientists are working to understand the geologic conditions that create lithium-rich brines and identify locations with potentially high lithium concentrations.  

    One tool in this hunt is the U.S. Produced Waters Database, a compilation of geochemical information from roughly 113,000 produced water samples analyzed by USGS, academia, private industry, and other federal and state agencies.  

    Madalyn Blondes, PhD, co-lead of the has worked on the database for over a decade and explains that many of these samples were taken before lithium was in demand, but that the routine lithium measurements are now proving invaluable.  

    “This database lets us look across the nation to identify national and regional trends in lithium concentration, as well as understand resource availability at the local scale,” Blondes said.  

    The USGS U.S. Produced Waters Database is an important tool for understanding the potential for recovering valuable commodities, including lithium, during oil and gas production. This map shows the locations of more than 6500 measurements of lithium concentration in oil and gas wastewaters. 

    This extensive dataset can also be combined with machine learning algorithms to predict how much lithium is in locations that haven’t been sampled. Katherine Knierim, PhD, USGS research hydrologist has been working on estimating the total lithium that could be recovered from oil and gas production in the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas, a hotspot of petroleum production with promising lithium concentrations. 

    “We’re at a really exciting time where we have both the computing power and the incoming data to run these models and predict where energy and mineral commodities may occur at significant concentrations,” said Knierim.  

    Down the hall from Knierim, a more micro approach is in action. Here, scientists in the USGS Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory painstakingly measure the concentrations of lithium and other commodities in samples taken at oil and gas wells. Scientists also heat up fragments of rocks taken from deep underneath the ground to mimic the geologic conditions that leach lithium into underground fluids.  

    “At the USGS, we have both the technical knowledge of how to analyze the samples and an understanding of the geologic context from our research,” said Blondes.  

    Researchers are beginning to understand how rock-type, chemistry and pressure interact to create valuable brines.  

    “I think lithium recovery from energy wastewaters has real potential,” Blondes said, “The data are showing that there are high concentrations of lithium in places across the country where it could be a really important resource. And the infrastructure to produce it is already there.” 

    USGS scientists process samples of brines from an oil and gas production site in the Smackover Formation in Southern Arkansas. These samples are transported to Reston, VA where scientists will use them to estimate how much lithium or other mineral commodity is concentrated in the brines. 

    This research can also be applied beyond petroleum production: USGS scientists are using the same principles to identify locations where geothermal energy and lithium could be produced side-by-side. 

    One location is of particular interest: the Salton Sea in California.  

    In 2021, USGS partnered with the Department of Energy in an initiative known as GeoFlight to send low-flying aircraft across the area to gather magnetic, radiometric and elevation characteristics of rocks above and below the ground.   

    USGS scientists are currently analyzing these data to understand how heat and fluids are generated and transported through the earth, and what locations could be both geothermal and lithium hotspots.  

    Science for the Future 

    Ryker explains this research is not only illuminating a potential avenue to help meet demands for lithium and low-carbon energy: it also demonstrates the power of thinking about any geologic resource as a circular economy, where wastes can feed back into production.  

    “Our science is identifying ways to turn waste into an opportunity, not only a liability,” said Ryker. “Our goal is to bring this science to bear on both clean-up at legacy waste sites and waste management at present-day sites.” The USGS is also researching the potential of recovering minerals from wastes left behind historic mines, and from modern-day mining. 

    Several companies have already launched pilot programs to recover lithium and other valuable materials from produced waters. If scaling up recovery of minerals from energy wastes proves to be economically and technologically feasible, produced waters, long seen as streams of waste, may be seen with new eyes as streams of resource.  

    In which case, USGS science will be more important than ever in deciding how best to use the resources below our feet.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn and Eversource Host Third Annual Sustainable Clean Energy Summit

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Electric grid decarbonization and emerging technologies in clean energy were the focus at this year’s Sustainable Clean Energy Summit at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. The annual summit, hosted by UConn and Eversource, was a featured event of Connecticut’s first ever Sustainability & Resiliency Week. A keynote address by Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity, U.S. Department of Energy kicked off the event. Academic and state leaders as well as energy industry experts led panel discussions on various clean energy topics following opening remarks by UConn President Radenka Maric and Eversource Executive Vice President, Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner.

    From left, Tilak Subrahmanian, vice president of energy efficiency and electric mobility for Eversource Energy, Interim Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations Stan Nolan, UConn President Radenka Maric, and Penni McLean-Conner, executive vice president of customer experience and energy strategy for Eversource Energy, sign a memorandum of understanding between UConn and Eversource during the Sustainable Clean Energy Summit in the Student Union Theater on Sept. 23, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    In addition to the panel discussions, Eversource and UConn celebrated recent federal funding from the Department of Energy for the “Power Up New England” multi-state proposal, allowing Eversource to commit $4 million to establish the Connecticut Institute for Sustainable Energy at UConn Avery Point. The Institute will help to expand the sustainable energy workforce in the state and region through scholarships, real-world engagement on offshore wind projects, and certificate programs relating to offshore wind, with a particular focus on engagement with individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

    During the summit, Eversource and UConn signed a three-year memorandum of understanding designed to advance the university’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, moving the UConn campus from a focus on LED lighting energy-saving projects to measures that involve studies, building controls, HVAC equipment and other decarbonization or carbon mitigation measures across all UConn campuses and UConn Health.

    “I want to give great recognition to our students,” said Maric. “Without our students saying, ‘Here are our priorities, here are our needs,’ we would probably not have the scholarships from Eversource and all the critical initiatives that we started. Besides being an educational institution, we are an innovation institution. Innovation happens here. Our goal is to create a dedicated sustainability academic unit in the coming years. Creating this unit will be a team effort.”

    “Eversource and UConn have a proven track record of working together towards our shared decarbonization goals while advancing a more sustainable future for the state, and we look forward to building on those efforts to maximize the benefits of a clean energy future for all residents and businesses,” said Conner. “Our partnership is building the workforce of the future and preparing students to tackle the critical clean energy and sustainability challenges facing Connecticut and the Northeast – setting a strong example for the progress that can be made through collaboration.”

    The winners of the Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program (CESIP) Student Challenge Award stand onstage with Bill Quinlan, left, president of transmission & offshore wind projects for Eversource Energy, during the Sustainable Clean Energy Summit in the Student Union Theater on Sept. 23, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Four student-led finalist teams from the Eversource-sponsored Clean Energy and Sustainability Innovation Program (CESIP) presented their innovative research ideas to reduce carbon footprints and prepare for climate extremes at the local, state and regional levels with one finalist team receiving funding and mentorship to bring their idea to life over the next year.

    This year, that finalist team included Zhiqing “Lucy” Li, Steven Matile, and Meshach Ojo. Their project was titled “Potential Micro-Hydropower Retrofits at Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants.” The student team was supported by UConn mentor Diego Cerrai, assistant professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Associate Director and Program Manager, Eversource Energy Center; and Eversource mentor Nick Pellon, Senior Engineer, Transmission Interconnections.

    Eversource will continue their sponsorship of the CESIP to provide more UConn students with the opportunity to develop new ideas to advance a clean energy future.

    The day’s first panel explored innovations for grid decarbonization, climate adaptation, and modernization to manage extreme weather and intermittent renewable energy challenges through a policy lens. The second panel showcased the opportunities and challenges faced by diverse energy sources such as offshore wind, geothermal, nuclear and hydrogen and their integration to the modern electric grid.

    Closing remarks by President Maric and Emmanouil Anagnostou, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and Director, Eversource Energy Center, were followed by the Clean Energy Engagement Fair, a career fair-style event for students to meet with Eversource and other employers and learn about UConn curriculum opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charter School Founder Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $73,000 from Former School in Concord

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

    CONCORD – A Boscawen woman pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing over $73,000 in U.S. Department of Education funds from the former Capital City Public Charter School in Concord, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Stephanie Alicea, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a program receiving federal funds. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2025.

    Alicea was the founder of the Capital City Public Charter School (“Capital City”) in Concord, New Hampshire. Capital City offered classes to several dozen students during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. Alicea oversaw the school’s finances and day-to-day operations.  Capital City received federal charter school grant funds, which were to be used solely for education-related expenses.

    In spring 2020, an external auditor detected irregularities with Capital City’s finances.  Specifically, the auditor found that Alicea had spent some of the grant funds on expenses that were personal in nature, including gambling, dining, and travel. In total, Alicea stole $73,253.36 in federal grant funds from Capital City. 

    Capital City closed after the 2019-20 school year, surrendered its charter in February 2021, and declared bankruptcy in March 2021. 

    The charge of Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A Soldier’s Journey: new first world war memorial in Washington revitalises classic image of the ‘American doughboy’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alice Kelly, Assistant Professor of Literature and History, University of Warwick

    America’s inaugural national memorial marking the first world war was unveiled this month in Washington DC, on the birthday of war commander General John J. Pershing – 106 years after the end of the war. We don’t often get to see a new memorial to a century-old war, especially one that has been deliberately designed in a century-old style.

    Its sculptor, Sabin Howard – who was recently referred to as a “self-appointed bulwark against the scourge of modern art” – rejects the vogue for abstract commemorative art seen in memorials such as Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1982). The centrepiece of the new memorial is Howard’s 58-foot panoramic sculpture, A Soldier’s Journey. Five connected scenes tell the story of an American everyman who enlists as a volunteer, fights in Europe, then returns home.

    The 38 realist figures were painstakingly sculpted from costumed models before being cast in 25 tonnes of weather-resistant bronze. Howard wanted to “tell a story” about the first world war and how it affected Americans, to make the conflict more visible to viewers today and in the future.

    In an episode of Cheers from 1983, when a first world war veteran comes into the bar, Coach asks: “Is that the war with Clark Gable or Gary Cooper?” I’m not sure American knowledge of the war has come much further in the past 40 years.

    In every other participating nation, the centenary of the war was marked by a pageant of commemorative activity – think of the 5 million people who went to see the ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. But in the US, despite having a culture of venerating veterans, the first world war is notoriously a “forgotten” war. It tends to be overshadowed by the civil war on one side, and the second world war on the other.

    Perhaps this blindspot is because the American experience of the first world war was much shorter. For the US, it lasted just 19 months from the declaration of war in April 1917 to the signing of the armistice in November 1918. And the fighting – as the song goes – was “over there” rather than on the home front, as it was in Europe. American losses, although high at 116,516 men (plus several hundred women who lost their lives while serving as nurses), were much lower than those of European nations. Britain, for example, lost 880,000 servicemen – 6% of the adult male population at the time.

    But the role this war played in the development of the “American century” is incomparable. The first world war destabilised the European powers – already in imperial decline – to the extent that the US grew to become the pre-eminent financial and military power after the war.

    The sacred and the dead

    The first world war hasn’t always been forgotten in the US. Indeed, in the 1920s and ’30s, American commemoration of the war was at its most “supercharged”, as scholar Steven Trout has shown. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, was interred in 1921 – a commemorative form borrowed from Europe after the first “unknowns” were interred in London and Paris in November 1920.

    Arlington is now the site for national memory of all wars, woven into the fabric of US political life. The recent controversy over a confrontation between Donald Trump staffers and cemetery officials demonstrates its continuing role in ensuring the sacred place of war dead in American culture.

    Across the nation, Americans have sought to remember their war dead in myriad forms, including memorial halls, parkways, plazas, opera houses, arches, gymnasiums, parks, trees and bell towers. There were so many memorials erected in New York City in the 1920s and ’30s – including parks, sculptures and the planting of memorial trees – that after the second world war, New York City’s commissioner for parks and recreation, Robert Moses, effectively banned new monuments being built, considering them “monstrosities”.

    Many memorials are still peppered across America, hidden in plain sight but instantly recognisable, even if viewers don’t know the context. The Spirit of the American Doughboy, designed by sculptor E.M. Viquesney and copyrighted in 1920, features a “doughboy” (recruit) holding his rifle with fixed bayonet and a grenade in his other hand – deliberately echoing the Statue of Liberty.

    ‘American doughboy’: a memorial to the Americans who served in the first world war, designed by E.M. Viquesney.
    Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock

    Advertised as an affordable tribute that could be bought by towns as their local memorial, there are currently 135 originals and replicas on public display across the US. I find it impossible not to think of those doughboys when I look at the soldiers in Howard’s memorial.

    Commentators may well criticise Howard’s figurative sculpture as old-fashioned, but the debate over appropriate memorial forms and the question of “taste” is not new. In fact, it was a very live debate in the first world war’s immediate aftermath.

    In attempting to correct the historical omission of a national memorial, it seems appropriate that Howard’s figurative sculpture looks like – and recalls – first world war sculpture of the time.

    Will it earn the war its place in American memory that it deserves? I’m not sure. But in giving old form to an old war, it will make it visible to generations of Americans unfamiliar with it – and help the rest of us remember it anew.

    Alice Kelly 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. A Soldier’s Journey: new first world war memorial in Washington revitalises classic image of the ‘American doughboy’ – https://theconversation.com/a-soldiers-journey-new-first-world-war-memorial-in-washington-revitalises-classic-image-of-the-american-doughboy-239757

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK oil and gas workers risk becoming the ‘coal miners of our generation’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Freddie Daley, Research Associate, Centre for Global Political Economy, University of Sussex

    Grangemouth oil refinery is set to close in 2025 with the loss of 400 jobs. orxy / shutterstock

    At the end of September, the UK’s last remaining coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, will be retired. The closure of the plant should – and will – be celebrated by environmentalists, as the move away from coal has made Britain’s electricity much cleaner over the past decade. It is on this basis that the UK claims climate leadership.

    In the 1950s, coal provided the overwhelming majority of British energy, and as recently as 2012 it still generated 40%. By 2022, it was less than 2%. In a month’s time, it will be zero.

    Phasing out coal was a brutal and profound process. Organised labour was decimated, entire regions were forced into decline, and communities were left with sustained economic, social and health problems. The towering ghosts of power stations like Ratcliffe-on-Soar will haunt Britain’s ongoing effort to phase out North Sea oil and gas and replace it with clean energy.

    Towering ghosts: Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.
    The Exposure / shutterstock

    And we are witnessing this haunting in real-time. After the Labour government announced its plans to end new licenses for oil and gas in British waters – necessary to meet the Paris Agreement – workers and trade unions feared history would repeat itself in terms of job losses and blighted communities.

    The general secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham, noted that without a more thorough plan, the policy risked creating “the coal miners of our generation”. A recent motion at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) gathering in Brighton called for no ban on oil and gas licensing before a fully funded jobs guarantee is agreed. The motion narrowly passed.

    Workers and unions are demanding a “just transition” from polluting industries into the clean industries of the future. But to achieve this, the UK government must learn from what happened with coal.

    Many places still rely on oil and gas jobs

    Although oil and gas are not as embedded throughout British life as coal once was, there are many settlements and larger areas still dependent on energy jobs. Grangemouth in central Scotland is a good example. In November 2023, the owner, Petroineos, announced plans to close the town’s oil refinery in 2025, bringing a century of production to an end at the cost of 400 jobs.

    Even if the UK government did issue new oil and gas licences, the North Sea faces structural decline. Production peaked around the turn of the century. Since 2014, as many as 200,000 jobs have been lost either offshore or along the supply chain onshore.

    From gas to wind?

    Planning for the end of fossil fuels is therefore an urgent endeavour. The dominant strategy for protecting skilled jobs is to transition workers into the industries set to replace North Sea production: wind energy and other low-carbon technologies.

    However, though Britain has developed a large wind power sector, it remains a major importer of turbines. Domestic manufacturing makes only a small contribution, and developers are not required to use British-made turbines or other parts, despite the jobs this would create.

    This has left Grangemouth workers discontented. When one of us (Ewan Gibbs) and Riyoko Shibe interviewed young refinery workers at Grangemouth earlier this year, many commented that there were relatively few jobs in renewables. When jobs were visible on LinkedIn and comparable job sites, one told us that “you’ll see there’s a big difference in terms and conditions”.

    Wind farms are relatively easy to run once installed, so most jobs are in building them.
    Kevin Shipp / shutterstock

    In its current form, the UK wind industry will find it hard to provide the types of secure ongoing employment that oil and gas historically has. Most jobs are in the construction and maintenance of wind farms, with the latter threatened by automation. Without public investment and a targeted industrial policy, Britain will remain a net importer of wind technology, and the phasing out of North Sea oil and gas will prove costly in job terms.



    Read more:
    Grangemouth job losses are a stark reminder of the cost of a greener industrial future

    More investment needed

    Britain’s lack of state intervention is not the norm. After all, more than half of British wind farms are state-owned, though less than 1% are owned by the UK government. Swedish, Norwegian, French, Irish and German state-owned entities are major players, but the biggest is Denmark’s Ørsted, a former oil company turned renewables giant which is mostly state-owned. In the UK’s most recent offshore wind auction, 70% of the projects were awarded to Ørsted.

    The newly launched Great British Energy could give the state a foothold in the North Sea once more. This publicly owned company plans to focus on domestic manufacturing and will invest in ports and other infrastructures to “unlock strategic bottlenecks”.

    But if such projects are to be meaningfully incorporated into a just transition, they will need to offer continuity and security to oil and gas workers. As one Grangemouth worker put it, referring to his colleagues facing the choice of either remaining unemployed locally or relocating to use their skills:

    They’re moving to the Middle East, they’re moving to the north-east of Scotland. They’re moving offshore, they’re moving to the Shetlands, and therefore it’s not a just transition, in my view, if we’re moving to these jobs.

    Another worker highlighted the risks that Grangemouth could join the coalfields in becoming “stranded” communities:

    We’ve got a community that’s been built round the site, we’ve got skills and we’ve got people that work there, we’ve got the infrastructure there – why should we not have these jobs when the time comes to move to these industries? Why can we not have it at Grangemouth?

    Britain’s push to phase out oil and gas is urgent and necessary, but it cannot follow the same trajectory as Britain’s exit from coal – lessons must be learned. The opportunities presented by the transition away from fossil fuels will only be fully realised if workers are at its centre.

    Freddie Daley receives funding from UKRI for the SUS-POL project at the University of Sussex, which explores fossil fuel phase-outs around the world. Freddie also campaigns on demand reduction with Badvertising.

    Ewan Gibbs received funding from a British Academy Wolfson Fellowship that supported this research (grant number: WF21210099).

    – ref. UK oil and gas workers risk becoming the ‘coal miners of our generation’ – https://theconversation.com/uk-oil-and-gas-workers-risk-becoming-the-coal-miners-of-our-generation-239262

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Keir Starmer’s party conference speech – what he said and what it meant

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ben O’Loughlin, Professor of International Relations, Royal Holloway University of London

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer was under immense pressure to announce some big policies in his 2024 party conference speech. Those who felt the agenda had been captured by stories of scandal and discontent in Number 10 saw a major new offering as a potential way to distract. But Starmer chose a different path – one that he overtly described as the more difficult one.

    This, for him, is not about policies. Starmer is offering Britain a choice about how it thinks about politics. In his speech, he rejected what he called a politics of “easy answers” offered in the “cowardly fantasy” of populists. He asked the British public to ignore the “whims of Westminster” that see a politician stirring uproar to hide their lack of action.

    Looking back at the last government, he said: “Take Rwanda, a policy they knew from the beginning would never work, was never supposed to work. £700 million of your money, frittered away on something that was never a credible option because politically it was an easier answer.”

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    What is required is for politicians to address difficult challenges directly, not duck them, he said, adding: “If this path were popular or easy we would have walked it already.” The public must therefore be prepared to debate difficult challenges. This is a difficult version of politics.

    Will people like it?

    Easy-answers politics is quick and based on the performance of utter certainty. X is wrong, Y will fix it. If government doesn’t do Y, it is betraying the country. A flight to Rwanda will solve global migration patterns caused by climate, conflict and the way the world economy works. We don’t want to even think about climate, conflict and the way the world economy works. This is how Starmer characterised the Conservative government of the last 14 years.

    Take the rough with the smooth

    Starmer is offering a performance of seriousness and trying to create an expectation he will deliver a serious politics. He called this a “renewal” because Britain has done serious politics before, generations ago, and it is in British people’s blood: “We will turn our collar up and face the storm,” he said. British people will all contribute, all participate in that renewal, because “this is a country with fairness in the water”.

    This entails being open to debate with other citizens who we disagree with, in a spirit of collective endeavour, not self-interest. You want security? Prisons may be built near you, he said. You want cheaper electricity? Then we’ll build pylons overground. You want government to have some control in the immigration process? We’ll make it function properly. But you must accept that in that fair and proper process, some people will be granted asylum. Agree to disagree, but, more fundamentally, agree that disagreement is OK, because we are equal citizens.



    Read more:
    Know your place: what happened to class in British politics – a new podcast series from The Conversation Documentaries

    The British public must be persuaded to trust this government and this renewal project because they understand government not as aloof partying liars. Look to my government, Starmer said, to see politicians in service to the country of Britain and the British “working people”. But for government to show it thinks it is in the service of the public, it struck me that it can’t be accepting free tickets to watch Arsenal.

    Do we have a narrative yet?

    Starmer addressed the question of whether he has a story to tell about the country. Since he came to government, it has felt as though he lacks one. He said Britain’s dilemma is “our story is uncertain. Hope is beaten out of us.”

    Yet the world thinks of Britain as a great nation, he said, of scientific genius, the industry of its working people, and pragmatism about the complexity of global relations. He said this shows Britain was capable of writing “our own story and that of the world”. He called for Britain to do this again.

    For this to happen, citizens need to be able to see a connection through time. It begins with the government saying it is serious and trustworthy. Then, at a certain point in time, the public needs to be able to look back and see the actions that government has taken. Finally, at a later time, citizens decide whether they’ve seen the results of those actions in their lives.

    This is how the story of a nation is built. But it is where enormous patience is needed. And while his narrative was more successful than previous attempts, there was a piece missing from the puzzle. Will building prisons or electricity pylons provide conditions that allow companies to create economic growth?

    This is not a fully coherent story based on a clear plan – at least not one that has been made public. It is more a wager Starmer is calling on Britons to make. Bet now, and wait. And that’s a lot to ask.

    Ben O’Loughlin 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. Keir Starmer’s party conference speech – what he said and what it meant – https://theconversation.com/keir-starmers-party-conference-speech-what-he-said-and-what-it-meant-239766

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Help Ease the Burden of Student Loans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to help college graduates reduce the burden of student loans through a tax-free employer contribution. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would permanently extend a provision of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to exempt up to $5,250 from tax annually in student loan repayments that employers contribute on their behalf. The original provision was included in the bipartisan CARES Act and later extended through January 2026. Before the expansion of the provision, employers were only allowed to contribute toward continuing educating — not student loan repayments — in a way that is tax-free to the employee. The bill’s original sponsors are Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD).
    “Student loans are an essential financial tool to help people in Maine and across the nation access and afford higher education,” said Senator King. “However, as we seek to tackle the cost of living in America, if we can cut costs for college graduates, those extra dollars can help them afford apartments, cars or even set aside savings. The bipartisan Employer Participation in Repayment Act is a commonsense step forward to ease the burden of student loan debt, while also creating a valuable recruiting and retention tool for employers. It’s not just smart policy, it’s a win-win for Maine workers and businesses.”
    According to a report from Federal Student Aid, an office of the Department of Education, it is estimated that Americans owe a combined $1.74 trillion dollars in student loan debt. This debt is a significant financial burden that not only influences the way the American workforce saves and spends, but also has a stifling effect on the economy. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would update an existing federal program so that it works better for employees living with the reality of burdensome student loan debt.
    From day one in the Senate, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers, working to ease the heavy debt burden that impacts thousands of Maine people. Earlier this year, he joined his colleagues in urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to consider a pause for student loan borrowers who are nearing their final payments during the Department’s transition to additional student loan servicers. In April 2019, Senator King joined Senators Coons and Portman to introduce Domenic’s Law, bipartisan legislation which would allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan forgiveness. After an alarming report in 2019 from National Public Radio (NPR) which found that hundreds of thousands of Americans with qualifying disabilities have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department’s Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process for Americans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hockey in Canada: Can it still bridge divides in an era of political polarization?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joseph Dick, PhD Student in Sport Management, University of Guelph

    Contemporary ice hockey was pioneered in Canada, and the sport has historically been watched and played by Canadians. (Shutterstock)

    Hockey has played a significant role in shaping Canada’s culture and identity over the years. As sport scholar Tony Patoine once put it, “hockey has become more than a simple pasttime: it is a true Canadian tradition, a quasi-religion.”

    This deep attachment to the game is reflected in Bill C-212, which acknowledges hockey as Canada’s official winter sport. Modern ice hockey was, after all, pioneered in Canada, where it has historically been watched, played and been perceived as a unifying force that transcends linguistic and ethnic divides.

    Despite these perceptions, however, we question the strength of such unification potential amidst recent changes to hockey culture. Can hockey continue to unify all of Canada?

    ‘Communitas’

    Hockey’s purported sense of unity closely relates to the concept of “communitas,” coined by anthropologist Victor Turner, which describes the strong bonds of comradery that form between members of a group — and sometimes between members of disparate groups — where rank and status disappear.

    However, not everyone experiences this sense of unity equally. Since social groups establish behaviours required for group membership, those who don’t align with these norms may feel excluded.

    Former Hockey Night in Canada commentator, Don Cherry, was once praised for upholding values characteristic of hockey, including the promotion of violence, hyper masculinity and an overall adherence to “ideas of loyalty, fraternity, and mutual respect.” These values, once normalized within the hockey community, shaped how both players and fans were expected to act.

    But as the game continues to evolve and these values are increasingly considered archaic and out of sync with the broader political culture fostered within Canada, we as Canadian sport and political science researchers, respectively, question if hockey still provides that sense of communitas for all of Canada.

    Hockey in French Canada

    Although Canadians often view hockey as a monolithic, universally adopted sport across Canada, a closer look reveals patterns of non-uniformity. Nowhere are such differences more apparent than in the historical development of the sport in Québec versus the rest of Canada.

    As historian Emmanuel Lapierre wrote, “French Canadians appropriated hockey in their own manner and used it to tell a story about themselves,” a story that is, like the province of Québec itself, unique within the Canadian federation.

    For much of Canadian history, Anglophone hockey players represented the in-group, while Francophone hockey players were often seen as outsiders. In the 1950s, for example, Francophone players in the NHL believed they were treated more harshly when it came to suspensions and fines.

    Québec society, during this time, faced an endemic struggle of oppression against an Anglophone-dominated society controlled by the Catholic Church. Francophone resistance to this was linked to the Richard Riot that occurred during the 1954-55 NHL season.

    Maurice Richard scoring his 500th goal on Oct. 19, 1957. At the time, he was the first and only professional NHL player to achieve such a feat.
    (Wikimedia Commons)

    After Montreal Canadiens’ player Maurice “Rocket” Richard was suspended from the playoffs in March 1955 for punching an official, a massive riot broke out among fans. They raged through downtown Montréal, targeting Anglophone-owned buildings. This riot became a symbol of Francophone resistance to Anglophone dominance, serving as a stepping stone towards the Quiet Revolution and renewed French Canadian nationalism.

    This, in turn, strengthened the sense of unity around hockey in Canada. Francophone hockey players began to be viewed as more equal to, and at the very least not controlled by, Anglophone players. Hockey was used to forge a sense of communitas amongst French Canadians, serving as a transcendent unifier in Canada.

    But that was then, and it occurred within the context of a province historically rich with connections to French Canadian culture, where hockey’s unification potential was, therefore, heightened. Does this similar sense of communitas still exist in the rest of Canada with respect to hockey? Or has the sport’s ability to unite the nation become weakened in an era of unprecedented political polarization?

    Hockey today

    Hockey fandom remains strong in Canada, with about 31 per cent of Canadians still following the sport — the highest of any sport in the country. This is re-enforced by the recent success of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the near-record Canadian viewership of the most recent Stanley Cup finals.

    However, hockey participation has seen a notable decline, dropping 33 per cent since its peak in 2010 amidst high participation costs. Additionally, Hockey Canada has been accused of fostering a culture of misogyny and sexual assault.



    Read more:
    Hockey Canada scandal highlights toxic masculinity in sports

    In 2023, Hockey Canada’s former CEO acknowledged the need to address racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination in hockey culture. “Each topic, or part of culture that we’re trying to get at, that will determine who the audience is as we move forward,” he said.

    As hockey navigates these changes, it must adapt to the growing emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion, alongside the impacts of an increasing immigrant population and the globalization of the game.

    This evolution could mean the demise of “traditional” hockey values, and perhaps that is a good thing: misogynistic, “rock ‘em and sock ’em” mentalities don’t align with the values of a modern liberal democracy like Canada.

    Still, for communitas to transcend division, hockey must also find a way to bring traditional fans along, who may have enjoyed the undertones of violence and masculinized definitions of loyalty, fraternity and respect, without alienating them.

    Where should hockey go now?

    Hockey’s role as a unifying force in Canada is well established. Not only is it still Canada’s official winter sport, but as outlined above, it has also served as a unifier for French and English Canada. Hockey has, moreover, unified Canadians during other key moments, such as Canada’s victory over the USSR in the 1972 Summit Series, which symbolized democracy’s triumph over communism.

    However, hockey’s role as a unifying force has diminished over the years. For many Canadians, hockey is no longer “the best game you can name,” as Stompin’ Tom Connors once sang.

    If hockey is to maintain its historic place as a contributor to Canadian nationalism and communitas, the sport must evolve. While some traditional values — such as teamwork, loyalty and respect — should be preserved, outdated notions like hyper masculinity and aggression no longer align with today’s values.

    As Canada changes, so too must hockey. Canadian hockey culture and policies must better adapt to meet contemporary Canadian values like diversity and inclusivity.

    The question for Canadians isn’t just the future of hockey, but what can unite us in today’s world. Communitas need not be confined to hockey, let alone a sport. Hockey has traditionally filled this unification role, but if it fails to keep up, what will take its place?

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

    – ref. Hockey in Canada: Can it still bridge divides in an era of political polarization? – https://theconversation.com/hockey-in-canada-can-it-still-bridge-divides-in-an-era-of-political-polarization-238277

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Visits Winnipeg and Montreal

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    Longueuil (Quebec), September 24, 2024 – From September 27 to 29, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be in Winnipeg to speak about the Artemis II mission during which he will be the first Canadian to fly over the Moon. He will then pass through the Montreal region on October 1.

    He will speak to students, give presentations to the general public and give interviews to the media.

    Journalists wishing to attend one of the presentations or request an interview with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen should contact the Media Relations Office.

    Winnipeg

    Friday, September 27, 2024

    Hour What Or
    12:30 p.m. (CT) Presentation to 350 Chamber of Commerce members and Winnipeg students RBC Convention Centre375 York AvenueWinnipeg, ManitobaR3C 3J3
    7:00 p.m. (CT) Presentation to the general public (approximately 200 people) at the Manitoba Museum Manitoba Museum190 Rupert AvenueWinnipeg, ManitobaR3B 0N2

    Sunday, September 29, 2024

    Hour What Or
    2:00 p.m. (CT) Presentation to the general public (150 to 175 people) at the Royal Western Canadian Air Force Museum Royal Western Canadian Air Force Museum2088 Wellington AvenueWinnipeg, ManitobaR3H 1C5

    Montreal

    Tuesday, October 1, 2024

    Hour What Or
    10:20 a.m. (CT) Presentation to a hundred students from Cedar Street School Cedar Street School250 Cedar StreetBeloeil (Quebec)J3G 3M1

    Additional information

    – 30 –

    Information

    Canadian Space AgencyMedia Relations OfficeTelephone: 450-926-4370Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.caWebsite: www.asc-csa.gc.caFollow us in the social media!

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bamboo Eagle: ‘Upping our game’ for Great Power Competition

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada  –  

    Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 integrated U.S. Airmen, Guardians, Sailors, Marines, and allies from Australia and the United Kingdom into a combined force to train for a possible conflict in the era of Great Power Competition. Last month, the exercise conducted live-fly operations in the eastern Pacific and a simultaneous 24-hour live, virtual, and constructive, or LVC, rolling scenario, tackling issues involving distributed command and control, communications degradation, logistics and sustainment challenges, and fighting through the tyranny of distance.

    Bamboo Eagle 24-3 provided advanced expeditionary airbase training in a combat-representative environment utilizing distributed locations, or spokes, along the western United States. Red Flag and Agile Flag units were dispersed from hubs into spokes while maintaining sortie generation utilizing a centralized C2 force element, or C2FE. Agile combat employment, or ACE, concepts were incorporated into the exercise to provide full spectrum movement and maneuver and multi-hub operations under a singular operational C2 structure.

    “The Bamboo Eagle exercise series is so much more than Red Flag over water,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Power, 505th Combat Training Squadron commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “The combination of an LVC environment spanning more than 850,000 square miles in a synthetic battlespace delivers the scope and scale necessary to prepare both tactical-level and operational-level warfighters for competition with the pacing challenge.”

    During Bamboo Eagle 24-1, the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center-led exercise focused on tactical operations while operational-level of war elements such as the air operations center, or AOC, Air Force forces staff and the Commander, AFFOR and Combined/Joint Forces Air Component Commander, were replicated by 505th CTS from Hurlburt Field. In a first for the Bamboo Eagle exercise series, the USAFWC called for the deployment of a fully resourced combat representative AOC and AFFOR to exercise and support multi-domain operations in a disaggregated high-end conflict during Bamboo Eagle 24-3.

    “Bamboo Eagle 24-3 built upon 24-1 in the operational C2 structure that assured the C2FEs had the operational echelon above them to provide critical guidance, support, and sustainment as the ACE scheme of maneuver was executed,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jesse Friedel, USAFWC deputy commander and Bamboo Eagle COMAFFOR and C/JFACC, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The large-scale combat-representative exercise was successful at executing the C2 structure for Great Power Competition, focusing on mission command where there was centralized command and key distributed control, along with critical decentralized execution to assure we were synchronizing efforts to improve interoperability with our Nation’s joint force.”

    Another first for the Bamboo Eagle exercise series in 24-3 was incorporating operational-level planning and execution by subject matter experts from the entire wing and wing staff, including the 505th Training Squadron and 705th Training Squadron. Instructors from both training squadrons supported the AOC, AFFOR, air expeditionary wings, and COMAFFOR and C/JFACC.

    U.S., Australian, and U.K., tactical and operational C2 experts integrated to provide national expertise, independent/contingency communications, and to further development of tactics, techniques and procedures within Bamboo Eagle’s AOC.

    Air Operations Center

    “Generally, as an Air Force, we focus on the tactical aspect of war; exercises like Red Flag focus on tactics, but the level above that is the operational level of war, which we don’t practice very well,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Hayde, 505th Command and Control Wing commander and Bamboo Eagle AOC director. “Standing up a fully manned AOC allowed us the ability to synchronize efforts over time and space and to focus on the scale and scope in an Indo-Pacific large-scale conflict, which only the operational level of war is going to be able to solve, which is critical to winning the logistics fight, C2 fight, and long-range kill chain fight against a peer-to-peer adversary.”

    Exercise Bamboo Eagle saw momentous progress towards coalition integration within operational C2 since its first iteration in January 2024.

    “The significance of our coalition partners’ involvement during Bamboo Eagle cannot be overstated,” remarked Hayde. “Due to some breakthroughs in access, our partners were able to fight on our systems and lead AOC shifts, filling the top three AOC leadership roles.”

    During the exercise, simulated combat scenarios and live joint training operations provided a unique opportunity for military personnel from the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., to work closely together and enhance their collective capabilities.

    “U.K. and Royal Australian Air Force participants benefitted from unprecedented access to U.S. systems. This demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of multinational cooperation in achieving shared military objectives,” said Royal Air Force Wing Commander Richard Kinniburgh, U.K. exchange officer to the 505th CCW and Bamboo Eagle U.K. Detachment commander. “I, alongside my Australian counterpart, will endeavor to build upon these successes into exercise BE 25-1 and support the U.S. Air Force in sharing the access processes as best practice to enhance FVEY [Five Eyes] integration as widely as possible.”

    RAAF Squadron Leader Sean Bedford, Bamboo Eagle RAAF detachment commander, said, “The access to U.S. systems was beneficial. Individual (AOC) divisions seemed to appreciate the fact that we were there and actively working to integrate with our U.S. and U.K. counterparts. The opportunity to network and be inside the 613th AOC was a high point. Learning about and actively experiencing working within a U.S. AOC was an important aspect of the exercise. The good relationships between the three nations present were evident. U.S. members were happy to listen and consider what we had to say”.

    “Bamboo Eagle 24-3 has set a new standard for coalition integration for exercises and methodology that will be shared across the U.S. Air Force as best practice,” said Hayde.

    Air Force forces staff, also known as the AFFOR battle staff

    To provide a more robust combat-representative training environment for the AEWs, an AFFOR staff supported the dual-hatted COMAFFOR and C/JFACC’s operational and administrative control over Bamboo Eagle’s forces from the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis’ operations floor.

    “While the AOC and live-fly garner a lot of attention in these exercises, our ability to successfully operate ACE in the Indo-Pacific is critically reliant on the ability of the AFFOR. No longer is the AFFOR staff able to just focus on ‘deploy, sustain, and redeploy’…they are now more than ever critical to the employment of airpower!” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Lee, 705th TRS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida

    “During a high-end conflict, communication between the deployed combat wings, the AOC and AFFOR battle staff is going to be critical to synchronize operations and maintain initiative,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Wild, 99th Air Base Wing deputy commander, and Bamboo Eagle AFFOR battle staff director, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “Bamboo Eagle provided the perfect training ground to get much-needed repetition in executing operational C2.”

    Scope and Scale

    While Bamboo Eagle’s live environment introduced mission generation FEs, or MGFEs, to the challenges of ACE and synchronization of multi-domain effects, the virtual and constructive environments stressed the challenges of logistics and resource management for both the air component and subordinate wings and associated C2FEs.

    “If the all-domain combat power pulses answer the ‘so what?’ of generating combat air power, the operational environment at the scope and scale of the Indo-Pacific AOR [area of responsibility] of the synthetic battlespace begs the question ‘so how?’” said Power.

    Power continued, “…the complex live environment of Bamboo Eagle presented wing commanders with significant MG and combat application challenges. Yet, sortie generation and mission planning alone do not provide the combat-representative environment our warfighters need in preparation for Great Power Competition. Pairing live training audiences with a broad constructive and virtual wrap-around replicates the look and feel of major combat operations.”

    Live, Virtual, and Constructive

    The 705th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Distributed Mission Operations Center, at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, synchronized LVC environments and delivered robust training. The DMOC provided reps and sets for the entire C2 battle management enterprise, including aircrew flying strike aircraft and C2 platforms within a realistic combined scenario at a scope and scale not possible in the live-fly alone.

    This exercise included the first-ever lead wing participants at the DMOC, connected through a simultaneous LVC environment. During the exercise, the training audience addressed the challenges of tyranny of distance, time, and logistical strains of an Indo-Pacific Command fight within the constructive and virtual components, which were spread out over prolonged vulnerability periods or pulses.

    The 1st Fighter Wing participated as an expeditionary Lead Wing, engaging with live participants through a virtual environment representing realistic USINDOPACOM basing at the DMOC. The 1st FW managed dispersed operations while maintaining C2 and sortie generation through a centralized C2FE. ACE concepts were incorporated into the exercise to provide maneuver and multi-hub operations under a singular operational C2 structure.

    “In this iteration of Bamboo Eagle, we were able to provide a unique and challenging venue to train a lead wing C2FE, I think this is definitely a growth area for the DMOC that will meet an unfilled training need for wings as they prepare to for high-end conflict,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Jones, 705th CTS/DMOC commander, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.

    Network Architecture

    The 805th Combat Training Squadron’s, also known as the ShOC-N, ability to manage the network architecture in real time ensures that the LVC blends seamlessly into a single common operational picture. This ability took constructive data from the 505th CTS and virtual data from the 705th CTS and combines that with live instrumented range data from across multiple live-fly operating areas.

    “Exercise participants, regardless of echelon, are participating in a training construct that mimics adversary orders of battle, blue dispositions, and the tyranny of distance like no other exercise has to date,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Finney, 805th CTS/ShOC-N commander, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The result is a combat-representative depiction of the scope and scale of peer conflict.”

    Importance of Communications

    Bamboo Eagle 24-3 marked the first utilization of the 613th AOC C2 Training Suite with strong support and collective ownership provided by the 56th Air and Space Communications Squadron and 505th Communications Squadron teams. The effective coordination and collaboration between these units played a crucial role in two main aspects. Firstly, it facilitated the development of Mission Ready Airmen, through scale and speed, with training focused on command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, or C4I, skillsets needed for critical wartime operations. Secondly, it accelerated the development, integration, and testing of the communications and intelligence capabilities by utilizing models and simulations overlays into a comprehensive battlespace picture, becoming more combat representative by displaying unfolding events.

    “Meeting operational demands in an era of Great Power Competition by ensuring that the C2 architecture (systems, networks, satellite communications, and warfighting applications) captures evolving air, sea, space, and cyberspace challenges is my team’s goal,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Crystal Lusardi, 505th CS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

    Mission Under Test

    A key part of the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron effort involved developing and executing the squadron’s first-ever mission-under-test observation and tactics investigation plan. This plan provided an end-to-end look at the complex process of planning and executing long-range kill-chains across 11 different lines of effort.

    “Executing our first-ever Mission Under Test observation and tactics investigation plan during Bamboo Eagle was a significant step forward for the 605th TES. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gain an unprecedented understanding of the complexities involved in planning and executing long-range kill chains, ultimately enabling us to identify vulnerabilities and improve coordination across the entire battlespace,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Short, 605th TES commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “Our team’s efforts in evaluating non-traditional C2 and ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] tactics demonstrated the incredible adaptability and ingenuity of our Airmen. We witnessed firsthand how these innovations can dramatically improve targeting and execution speeds on the battlefield.”

    Future of Bamboo Eagle

    “As the Air Force is reoptimizing for Great Power Competition, with a focus on realistic scenarios and large-scale exercises to identify gaps and weaknesses, the 505th Command and Control Wing must adopt an all-in mindset to address operational C2 potential peer-to-peer threats,” said Hayde. “As we prepare for REFORPAC [exercise Return of Forces Pacific], we will continue to robust our AFFOR and AOC contribution to further integrate operational-level C2 into future iterations of Bamboo Eagle to ensure that we practice how we’re going to fight.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Announce Nearly $11 Million in Federal Funding for Health Care Research in Illinois

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    September 24, 2024
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] –  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $10,906,668 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) medical research grants for Illinois institutions. The federal funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be put toward research programs across the state to support medical advancement in various fields, ranging from lung diseases to mental health research.  
    “Investing in our world-renowned medical research facilities and institutions is a critical part in helping ensure high quality health care for all Illinoisans,” Duckworth said. “I will keep working with Senator Durbin to make sure our health organizations have the federal support they need to continue improving mental health research and advancing medical treatments for patients and families across Illinois.”
    “Federal investments in medical research pushes our society forward, bringing us new treatments for the serious conditions that impact so many American families,” said Durbin. “Illinois’ world-class research institutions will make good use of this federal funding to make devastating diseases more treatable.” 
    Recipients of HHS grants include:  
    Chestnut Health Systems, Inc (Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs): $759,748
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Research for Mothers and Children): $718,900
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Nursing Research): $827,872
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine): $671,176
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Lung Diseases Research): $2,803,961
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Human Genome Research): $745,930
    Northwestern University (Aging Research): $388,067
    Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (Mental Health Research Grants): $535,696
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Aging Research): $1,536,774
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Cancer Treatment Research): $90,538
     
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE MARKS NAZARETH UNIVERSITY’S 100TH BIRTHDAY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    (Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of the centennial of Nazareth University, a premier liberal arts university in Rochester, New York. His remarks will appear in the Congressional Record, and the transcript is below.

    “I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Nazareth University—led by my dear friend President Beth Paul—which was founded in 1924 by members of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a group with which I proudly share a name.

    The five founding Sisters saw the school as an opportunity to ‘respond to the needs of the time’ and provide women with educational opportunities.

    On September 24, 1924, Nazareth’s initial class of 25 began their studies in the ‘glass house’ on Lake Avenue, a date we now recognize as ‘Naz Day.’

    They set out to create success ‘against all odds,’ and by every measure, it has been an outstanding success.

    100 years later, they’ve grown to a 150-acre campus, with nearly 2,500 students in more than 80 academic programs.

    The legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph lives on through Nazareth’s success, and I’m proud to support their continued growth and prosperity.

    Here’s to the next 100 years!”

    Video footage is available and can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Profile: Fuelling Success – Gloria Kwong’s Path to Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Gloria Kwong during a panel at the ATOMEXPO International Forum held from 19-21 June 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: Rosatom)

    The IAEA profiles employees to provide insight into the variety of career paths that support the Agency’s mission of Atoms for Peace and Development and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or STEM-adjacent fields. Read more profiles of women at the IAEA.   

    Growing up in a conservative, Chinese household in Canada, Gloria Kwong was raised to avoid taking risks and to prioritize her education to help ensure her success.  

    Throughout her professional journey, which has led her from Canada to Austria via France, Kwong has always remained committed to her work in the areas of nuclear waste, decommissioning and environmental remediation. During her career, she has navigated challenges in a male-dominated industry and advises young women to follow their passions and embrace new opportunities, even when they come with challenges or risks. 

    As a young girl, Kwong aspired to become a professional chef, but her parents encouraged her and her four siblings to focus on their academic studies. After high school, Kwong earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada, and within a few years, she advanced to a managerial role at a leading telecommunications company. However, she realized that her passion was in more technically demanding work, eventually leading her to her current role as Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section at the IAEA.   

    “It may surprise people that my experience working in a managerial position for a telecommunications company impacts my work at the IAEA. Although technical competency is essential, good decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills are no less important, and this is something that comes in hand every day when I work with my team and colleagues at the Agency. An unconventional professional background does not limit you, but instead provides you with more tools to succeed,” said Kwong. 

    Seeking to broaden her horizons, Kwong transitioned to the nuclear field as a design engineer at the Ontario Power Generation Darlington Power Station (OPG) in Toronto. While working as a Senior Engineer at OPG, Kwong pursued her PhD in materials engineering from Imperial College London. It would be years later before Kwong took another career leap – this time across the Atlantic. After over a decade at OPG, which later became the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, she was offered the position of Radioactive Waste Management Specialist at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in Paris, France. 

    Kwong’s career at the NEA was marked by her willingness to take on new challenges and leadership roles. For over 11 years, she held various managerial positions, including Acting Head of the Radioactive Waste Management Division and the Nuclear Technology Development & Economics Division. Her leadership skills and technical insight were recognized, leading to other roles as Deputy Head of the Office of Policy and Coordination, Head of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, and eventually, Senior Advisor to the Director-General. 

    Like other women working in a male-dominated industry, Kwong made a concerted effort to establish her credibility and earn the respect of her peers. Her career has been filled with professional milestones and unique international experiences, but it has not been without challenges. 

    “A big hurdle for women has always been work-life balance and prioritizing career development , but I see more employers, like the IAEA, addressing these matters through educational scholarships that relieve financial burdens, flexible professional development programmes and new, accommodating HR policies, thereby attracting more women to the nuclear sector,” said Kwong. 

    After over a decade at the NEA, Kwong left Paris and moved to Vienna to join the IAEA as the Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section. She and her colleagues strive to promote nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation by supporting sustainable nuclear energy development. They encourage countries to integrate circular economy principles into national decommissioning and radioactive waste management policies, and they facilitate knowledge sharing to promote the efficient use of resources and the safe reuse of materials. 

    “I want to contribute to narrowing the energy equity gap to ensure more people can access affordable, sustainable and clean energy. I believe that nuclear power can elevate its contribution to complement other clean energy sources, which is why I believe in the mission and work of the IAEA,” Kwong said.  

    Her piece of advice to young women considering a career in the nuclear field: 

    “Follow your heart in decision making. Explore other opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take some risks.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—At 9:30AM today, Governor DeSantis was joined by Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), for a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on Tropical Storm Helene. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties, which allows for state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

    As of 11AM ET, Tropical Storm Helene officially formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea.

    Watches and warnings in effect include:

    Hurricane Watch: Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Coastal Collier, DeSoto, Gulf, Hardee, inland Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, inland Manatee, eastern Marion Mainland Monroe and Middle Keys (Monroe County), Orange, Osceola, Polk inland Sarasota, Seminole, and Sumter counties

    Tropical Storm Warning: Lower Florida Keys & Dry Tortugas (Monroe County)

    Tropical Storm Watch: Citrus, eastern Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Jefferson, Liberty, Leon, Levy, Coastal Manatee, western Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Coastal Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties

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

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

    State Preparedness Efforts

    • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 on Tuesday, September 24 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
    • FDEM is hosting twice-daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.
    • Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to facilitate ongoing resource requests for counties, including requests for water, generators and support personnel.
    • Nearly 500 missions are being facilitated by the State Emergency Response Team to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like prestaging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
    • The Florida State Guard (FSG) has prepared the following:
      • 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
      • 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
      • 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
      • 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
      • 12 UTV’s
      • 15 Cut and toss crews
      • 7 search and rescue teams
      • 1 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions
    • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is making plans to ensure continuity of operations in several critical areas including Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse and the Watch Desk.
    • FDLE logistics teams are moving and staging assets.
    • FDLE is identifying squads for deployment and staffing for local emergency operations centers.
    • FDLE’s mutual aid team is at the State Emergency Operations Center coordinating law enforcement missions.
    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding.
    • The FWC is fully integrated into the State Emergency Operations Center, and local FWC law enforcement representatives are coordinating closely with county and city emergency operations centers.
    • FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
      • Airboats
      • Shallow draft boats
      • ATVs/Side-by-sides
      • Larger platform vessels
      • Four-wheel vehicles
    • FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
    • FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
    • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is monitoring the storm and preparing mitigation measures, including:
      • Mobilizing evacuation assets
      • Locating areas of evacuation
      • Establishing liaisons in our local county and municipal EOCs for storm assistance
    • The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) offices and facilities are finalizing storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth.
      • These actions include fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
    • The Florida Department of State has been monitoring the storm for potential impacts and making preparations to secure historical properties.
    • The Florida Department of State, Division of Elections has been monitoring the storm and has been providing updates and information to Supervisors of Elections about potential impacts and resources available to their offices.
    • All Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)  7 Districts, Central Office, and FDOT’s Turnpike Enterprise initiated statewide internal preparedness conference calls beginning Monday, September 23, which continue daily.
    • FDOT continues close coordination with State EOC officials and partners.
      • FDOT team members have begun staffing the State EOC.
      • Responding to county requests for personnel and assets.
    • FDOT Statewide Preparedness Efforts Include:
      • 667 team members working in offices, and EOCs conducting pre-storm preparations.
      • 490 team members working in the field conducting pre-storm preparations.
      • 193 pieces of heavy equipment being used for pre-storm preparations.
      • 164 team members staged for cut and toss operations
      • 90 bridge inspectors staged for deployment
      • 28 team members staged for UAV (drone) deployment
      • 20 large pumps staged
      • 634 generators staged to assist with traffic signal power
      • 4 ITS trailers staged.
      • Clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU).
      • Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
      • Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
      • Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations.
        • Howard Frankland Bridge barges and cranes anticipated to be fully secured by Wednesday, 9/25
      • Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
      • Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
      • Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
      • Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
    • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
      • Seaports are open and preparing for storm.
      • Airports are open and monitoring the storm.
      • Railroads are open and monitoring the storm.
      • Transit agencies are open and monitoring the storm.
      • Spaceport partners are open and monitoring the storm.
    • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has alerted the home administrators of its nine State Veterans’ Homes of the approach of the coming storm. They are implementing their hurricane preparation checklists.
    • FDVA’s facilities have main generators in case of loss of power.
    • FDVA is in contact with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs leadership in Florida to coordinate potential clinic closure announcements.
    • Volunteer Florida has begun the following preparation efforts:
      • Daily Coordination calls with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD);
      • Identifying partner capabilities, needs and gaps;
      • Ongoing coordination efforts with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT); and
      • Identifying pre-staging locations of flood/cleanup kits, hygiene kits and tools.
      • Key Messaging to Partners:
        • Emphasizing the importance of “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategy.
        • Promoting volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Connect.
        • Encouraging documentation of all donated resources and Volunteer hours.
        • Current rate of volunteer hours in the state of Florida is $31.61.
    • Florida Department of Management Services (FDMS) are working to identify potential evacuation shelter sites for special needs and pet friendly evacuees as far east as Lake City and west as Panama City.
    • FDMS identified a specific location to land helicopters and staff to potentially COOP from the EOC to Escambia County
    • FDMS is making early preparations with their vendors and have commenced for commodities as well as services.

    Health and Human Services

    • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is hosting calls with regional leadership and partners to provide storm information and determine any anticipated unmet needs.
    • APD is preparing policy documentation for anticipated storm event actions and providing regional staff with curfew letters for providers in potential counties with issued curfews.
    • The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Communications is distributing information on social media platforms regarding emergency health topics, including flood water safety, special needs shelters, boil water notices and more.
    • DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-209. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains and health care providers.
    • DOH is deploying over 130 emergency response vehicles. Staging is currently in Leon and Osceola counties.
    • The Pinellas County WIC office will close at 12:00 p.m. on 09/24/2024 and plan to re-open on 09/26/2024.
    • DOH’s Healthy Start program is reaching out to coalitions and providers located in areas of potential impact to ensure continuity of care for clients. Additionally, Healthy Start is alerting clients of potential weather impacts and connecting them to resources.
    • DOH’s Bureau of Women, Infant and Children (WIC) is alerting coordinators in areas of potential impact and preparing for remote operations, if needed.
    • DOH’s Bureau of Childcare Food is alerting providers in areas of potential impact and having them prepare for grab-and-go meals for clients post-landfall.
    • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has been in communication with health care facilities as they are evaluating any potential evacuation plans.
    • AHCA will hold and participate in provider calls for TS9 preparation ahead of landfall. As of 10am today there are 4 facilities (3 ALFs and 1 nursing home) reporting that they are evacuating.
    • E-PLUS update:
      • 34 of the 41 (83%) counties in the EO have access to E-PLUS
      • Outreach is being conducted for counties with no access
      • Monitoring of the system will ramp up today
      • ENS Subscribers were notified of Special Needs Shelters Encounters that they may receive

    Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

    • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is Relocating FHP command bus from Jacksonville to Washington County for staging for post-landfall use due to the State EOC possibly being in the storm’s path.
    • Communication established with Troop Commander’s in the potential impacted areas.
    • FHP is staffing ESF-16 with four (4) sworn members and one (1) non-sworn member effective today 7:00 a.m.
    • FHP high-water rescue vehicles are prepared for use.
    • FHP is preparing high-water rescue vehicles.
    • Florida Highway Patrol’s Quick Reaction Force teams consisting of more than 120 members statewide stand ready to provide immediate response.
    • FHP remains in close communication with law enforcement and transportation partners and stands ready to assist with any potential impacts across the state.
    • FLHSMV issued Emergency Order 24-05, which: waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is preparing for Tropical Storm Helene and has secured supplies should the Hope Bus need to be deployed.
    • DCF is working with the Community-Based Care Lead Agencies to contact foster families and group home providers to ensure preparedness.
    • The State Mental Health Treatment Facilities have activated their disaster preparation plans and are assessing facility readiness.
    • DCF has begun contacting adult protective services clients to assess any needs and to ensure they have a plan in place.
    • DCF has begun contacting Continuums of Care, licensed child care facilities, and licensed Substance Use Disorder treatment facilities to ensure they are prepared.
    • DCF’s behavioral health staff and the Managing Entities stand ready to deploy behavioral health resources, as needed.
    • Through ESF 6, DCF is making preliminary preparations for staffing shelters, delivering emergency supplies, and directing generators to critical human services infrastructure.
    • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) contacted all our Area Agencies on Aging partners and received the following updates:
    • Elder Options (PSA 3)
      • Staff have initiated call-downs to clients to assess their needs.
      • Providers have ordered emergency meals in case meal sites close.
      • You Thrive Florida meal sites in Hernando, Lake, and Sumter counties will be closed on Thursday and Friday, and clients will receive shelf-stable meals.
    • ElderSource (PSA 4) 
      • Staff have initiated call-downs to clients to assess their needs.
      • Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. (PSA 5)
      • Staff have initiated call-downs to clients to assess their needs.
      • Clients who require assistance with registering for the special needs registry are receiving assistance.
    • Senior Connection Center (PSA 6) 
      • Staff have initiated call-downs to clients to assess their needs.
      • Shelf-stable meals are being provided to individuals who express a need in case meal delivery services are disrupted later this week.
    • Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. (PSA 8) 
      • Staff have initiated call-downs to clients to assess their needs.
    • The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is contacting all school districts to assess needs in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene. For more information on school closures, visit https://www.fldoe.org/em-response/storm-info.stml.
    • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network, the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
    • All significant hazardous waste facilities in potentially affected counties are being notified to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.
    • DEP has completed pre-storm beach surveys in all shoreline counties and staff are beginning to develop their post-storm response plan.
    • Florida’s water management districts are engaging to engage local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and Florida’s water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm’ develops.
    • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

    Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumer

    • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide, who are ready to deploy once it is safe to complete damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.
    • DBPR has begun preparing personnel and securing and preparing fleet and resources ahead of potential impacts. DBPR is positioned to initiate continuity of operations protocols in all offices statewide.
    • Today, DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 137,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.
    • DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
    • FloridaCommerce is communicating and coordinating with private sector partners, encouraging them to review their emergency plans for their businesses and prepare their employees in advance of the weather event.
    • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
    • CareerSource Florida hosted a call with 21 Local Workforce Development Boards and 38 Community Action Agencies across the state to prepare teams to assist local employees and employers after the weather event. To find your local career center visit careersourceflorida.com.
    • FloridaCommerce is working with private sector partner, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, to assist with sheltering needs in advance of the storm.
    • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is coordinating with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida, as well as with Florida’s agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.
    • The Florida Forest Service is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, to support recovery operations.
    • The Insurance Commissioner Yaworsky of the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has begun calling property and casualty insurance companies with consumers in the projected path of Tropical Storm Helene and directed insurers to be prepared to implement their disaster claims-handling procedures and be able to provide prompt and efficient claims-handling service to impacted policyholders.
    • Insurers have been put on notice that the OIR is monitoring for appropriate and timely claims handling, and reminded of OIR’s fine authority for noncompliance.
    • The OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-208. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
    • The OIR’s IMT has been activated.

    Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Tropical Storm Helene.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the 2024-25 school year begins across Western Pennsylvania, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced today that the 2024 Congressional App Challenge is open to all eligible high school students in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. 

    Teachers across Western Pennsylvania are encouraged to have their students participate. The deadline for students to submit their app online is October 24, 2024. However, students are encouraged to register online before September 30, 2024. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.

    “This contest is a great way for students pursuing a career in engineering or computer science to showcase their skills and to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom,” Rep. Kelly said. “STEM is an incredibly important part of a student’s education as they prepare for college and the workforce. I encourage all eligible students in the 16th Congressional District to participate and test their skills.”

     
    Below are some of the criteria to participate in this 2024 Congressional App Challenge:

    • You must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission.
    • Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team. 
    • Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in.
      If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating in.

    For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us or email program coordinator Julie Swartfager, Julie.Swartfager@mail.house.gov.
     

    You can learn more about the competition here:

    Below are the winners of the 2023 competition for Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District:

    1st Place:
    Project: “The Funny”
    Team: Quinlin Howison & Elijah Seybert
    School: Knoch High School
     
    2nd Place:
    Project: “Homeworker”
    Team: Gavin Danehy, Daniel Bogacz, Kaidyn Curran
    School: Knoch High School

    3rd Place (tie):
    Project: “Frogs on a Pond”
    Team: Abby Markiewicz & Talon Smith
    School: Knoch High School

    3rd Place (tie):
    Project: “Help the Fish Escape!”
    Team: Elliot McMeekin & Tristen Janoski
    School: Knoch High School

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minutes of the Council of Ministers of September 23, 2024.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    The Council of Ministers adopted the following individual measures:

    On the proposal of the Prime Minister:

    – the functions of Director of International, Strategic and Technological Affairs at the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security exercised by Ms. Caroline FERRARI, State Administrator, are terminated as of September 16, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of the Interior:

    – the functions of Prefect of Eure exercised by Mr. Simon BABRE, State Administrator, are terminated as of September 16, 2024;

    – the functions of delegated prefect for equal opportunities with the prefect of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, prefect of the South defense and security zone, prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, exercised by Mr. Baptiste ROLLAND, State administrator, are terminated as of September 9, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of National Education and the Minister of Higher Education and Research:

    – the functions of rector of the Grand Est academic region, rector of the Nancy-Metz academy, exercised by Mr. Richard LAGANIER, chancellor of universities, are terminated as of September 16, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of Labor and Employment:

    – the functions of general delegate for employment and vocational training exercised by Mr. Jérôme MARCHAND-ARVIER, State Councilor, are terminated as of September 17, 2024.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assistant Leader Neguse Unveils Series of Bills to Improve Wildfire Mitigation, Research, and Management

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus announces proposals to support communities impacted by the wildfire crisis. 

    Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, unveiled a series of impactful reforms aimed at improving wildfire prevention, mitigation, and management in affected communities. The bills are derived from recommendations put forth by the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, and consist of the bipartisan Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, the Wildfire Coordination Act, and the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act. The entire legislative package is co-led by Congressman Josh Harder (D-CA). Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) also co-lead the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, and Rep. Marc Molinaro additionally co-leads the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act. 

    “Today, as wildfires continue to ravage communities across America, I’m proud to be joined by a bipartisan coalition of Members in introducing a series of bills that will implement urgent new approaches to addressing this growing challenge. These initiatives are rooted in the non-partisan work of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, and take important steps to mitigate against the impact of wildfires in our communities. This package will ultimately invest in wildfire science and the overall resilience of our communities to reduce the future threat of these disasters.” said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse. 

    “We’re in the middle of a wildfire crisis and we can’t afford to wait to tackle this threat,” said Rep. Josh Harder. “This isn’t a partisan political issue – fires and their toxic smoke affect everyone. America’s top firefighters and wildfire experts came together to tell us what they need to tackle the wildfire crisis and the package of bipartisan bills we’re introducing today are in direct response to the needs of our firefighters. They endure hellish conditions to keep us safe and they deserve our full support. Our families and our communities are counting on us to get this done.”

    “As we introduce this bill, firefighters are working around the clock to contain the Airport fire on federal land in the Cleveland National Forest in Trabuco Canyon and surrounding communities. We also saw earlier this week how a fire miles away can negatively impact the air quality in our area,” said Rep. Young Kim, co-lead of the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act. “Reducing barriers to wildfire mitigation can save lives. The Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act aims to bridge any barriers to wildfire mitigation and ensure our first responders can do their jobs as effectively as possible. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense effort with Reps. Neguse, Harder, and Molinaro, and I will keep doing all I can to keep our communities safe and support first responders.”

    “As recent wildfires to the North have demonstrated, wildfires pose an ongoing threat to Upstate New York communities and our legislation mitigates these risks by ensuring wildfire prevention and response is effective and efficient. I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on these crucial steps to identifying gaps and improvements in wildfire management and strengthening federal agency interaction to improve wildfire preparedness,” said Rep. Marc Molinaro. 

    As wildfires continue to devastate communities nationwide, the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has been tasked with bringing together federal agencies, state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as representatives from the private sector to come up with solutions for best addressing this crisis. Co-chaired by the Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency this commission unites a rare diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, including several members from Colorado

    Last year, the Commision submitted their report to Congress: “ON FIRE: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission,” which included strategies to improve aerial firefighting efforts and meet equipment needs through 2030. Based on this report, the bills introduced by Assistant Leader Neguse, include the reforms outlined below: 

    • The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA),  Young Kim (R-CA), and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) will help inform recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation by identifying gaps and opportunities in current federal rules and regulations and supporting increased collaboration across agencies and land boundaries.

    • The Wildfire Coordination Act, co-led by Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), establishes an advisory board composed of members from various federal, State, local, Tribal, and non-federal partners that will be responsible for coordinating federal wildfire research, translating it into practical applications, and developing future research.

    • The Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY)  requires a comprehensive review of the wildfire landscape in the United States every four years, outlining the changes in environments, assessing wildfire management challenges, and evaluating the intersection of wildfires and public health. This federal review will help inform the development of long-term strategies to enhance wildfire preparedness and response and strengthen interagency coordination. 

    Find a one-pager on the wildfire legislative package here. 

    Find endorsements and quotes of support here. 

    Background

    Assistant Leader Neguse has made tackling the wildfire crisis and improving working conditions for federal firefighters a consequential issue for his office since first being elected to Congress in 2018. Earlier this week, Neguse helped to host a Special Order Hour where he called for Congress to enact permanent pay increases for federal wildland firefighters. He also recently partnered with Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Scott Franklin (R-FL) in introducing a landmark piece of legislation to improve fire readiness through the implementation of a first-of-its-kind approach to modernizing how the United States combats the wildfire crisis.

    The Colorado Congressman has also shown continued support for cross-boundary collaborative efforts, including by leading his colleagues in a letter to House Appropriators on the importance of supporting the work being conducted by the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute to help restore and reimagine fire-adapted forest landscapes. Neguse has also spoken to the work being conducted by Colorado State University’s Colorado Forest Restoration Institute (CFRI). 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More Than Two Dozen Individuals From Erie Area Indicted on Drug and Firearms Violations

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

    ERIE, Pa. – An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has led to charges against a total of 26 defendants across nine separate but related Indictments for violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    The Indictments charge a network of overlapping regional drug dealers based out of Erie, Pennsylvania, with trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl powder and pills, substantial quantities of methamphetamine, and cocaine. During this long-term wiretap investigation, several firearms were seized from drug distributors who were prohibited from possessing firearms or possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking. Investigators also seized multiple Glock conversion devices—commonly referred to as “Glock switches”—which are designed to convert a semiautomatic Glock pistol into an automatic machinegun.

    The Indictments, all unsealed September 18, 2024, include:
    – an 11-count Indictment returned on September 10, 2024, charging 14 defendants with obtaining and redistributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around Erie County and other areas of the Western District of Pennsylvania;
    – a two-count Indictment returned on September 10, 2024, charging four defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute varying quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine;
    – a one-count Indictment returned on September 10, 2024, charging two defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, and
    – six additional one-defendant Indictments charging one to three offenses involving drugs, firearms, or both. These Indictments were returned between July 30, 2024, and September 10, 2024.

    A list of the defendants, charges, and maximum penalties is included at the bottom of this release. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    “The combination of guns and illicit drugs—like fentanyl and methamphetamine—leads to tragic consequences for communities in the Erie area and across our district,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today’s charges against 26 defendants reinforce a core message: if you peddle deadly drugs in the Western District of Pennsylvania, you should expect a visit from law enforcement. Our office and our law enforcement partners will not sit idly by and allow drug traffickers and those who carry devices capable of turning semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons to operate with impunity. Simply put, we are unrelenting in our resolve to keep ordinary citizens safe and secure in their own homes and neighborhoods.”

    “The message to those who think they can continue trafficking cartel poison in our communities at will is the FBI and our partners with the EAGLE Safe Streets Task Force will not stop until we break the cycle of drug violence,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Your operations will be dismantled, your drug-fueled profits will be seized, and you will be brought to justice. This marks the third large-scale operation in the Erie area in the last three years. The FBI’s resolve, and that of our partners, in combatting drugs on our streets will not change.”

    “Operation Hot Block is the epitome of a joint investigation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay. “Working hand in hand, HSI and FBI, along with multiple federal agencies, state, county, and city police, all contributed to the significant enforcement action today. Through these collective efforts, a dangerous criminal organization that dealt in violent crime and supplied deadly drugs like fentanyl to victims in northwestern Pennsylvania has been dismantled. Residents of northwestern Pennsylvania are safer due to the efforts of all law enforcement professionals that helped bring this investigation to fruition.”

    “The Erie Police Department is proud to participate on the FBI EAGLE Task Force,” said Erie Police Department Chief Daniel Spizarny. “Working together with other law enforcement agencies in the region, we strive to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our city. The damage these drugs do to our community, our friends, our neighbors, and our families must be stopped. A safer city for all is our goal.”

    Assistant United States Attorneys Molly Anglin and Paul Sellers are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

    This prosecution is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Erie Resident Agency Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force—which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, United States Customs and Border Protection, Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Millcreek Police Department, Oil City Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and Erie School District Police Department—conducted the investigation leading to the indictments, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations; the Internal Revenue Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Drug Law Units; Erie County Detectives; and Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

    The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative, which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021. The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States. The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, EAGLE Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other participating agencies.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    List of Defendants

    Name

    Age

    City

    Charges

    Maximum Penalty

    Colone Dwayne Roberts

    33

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

    Life imprisonment

    Amajaeon Depree Moore

    20

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    30 years imprisonment

    Onyeah Lashay Roberts

    32

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Shaliel Dupree Wall

    26

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fluorofentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    40 years imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

    Life imprisonment

    Dajuwon Brown Faulkner

    22

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    Oliver Deshawn Williams

    31

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Jamaine Jarrel Gambill

    38

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Noah Devon Thomas

    35

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Desmar Deshawn Samson

    34

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Kory Paul Durfey

    36

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Michael Ray Nelson

    34

    Unknown

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    John Allen Lauver

    46

    Altoona, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    Deborah Lea Bean

    43

    Corry, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Terrell Lamont Stonewall

    49

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Thomas Devon Moffett

    32

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Jaymil Avon Davis

    33

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Elisabeth Mae Burger

    43

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Paul Scott Denning

    32

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Lee Earl McLaurin

    37

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    30 years imprisonment

    Miciah Rashaid McLaurin

    35

    Erie, PA

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    30 years imprisonment

    Christopher Elliott Barnes

    37

    Erie, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    Darrian M. Brooks

    35

    Farrell, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    Life imprisonment

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

    15 years imprisonment

    Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

    Life imprisonment

    Oarmell Burrell Douglas

    46

    Erie, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    Life imprisonment

    Oujacquan Akeem Jones

    41

    Erie, PA

    Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine

    40 years imprisonment

    Brendon Malone

    35

    Erie, PA

    Possession of a machinegun

    10 years imprisonment

    Aaquil Pacley

    27

    Erie, PA

    Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl

    20 years imprisonment

    Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine

    40 years imprisonment

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GAO Reports on Botched FAFSA Rollout Reveal New Failures, Harm to Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    The preliminary findings showed that more than 400,000 fewer students, disproportionately those from low- and middle-income families, did not utilize the FAFSA last year due to the Department of Education’s failures, which included an abysmal 25% support call center answer rate, and the application taking on average nearly 700 times longer to complete than the Department had advertised.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, responded to the two statements released as part of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) preliminary findings reviewing the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) failure to roll out the updated and simplified 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The first statement of the two focused on the impact this failure had on students and schools, and the second reviewed the technical problems that led to this failure. Last month, the ED announced that the 2025-2026 FAFSA form will again not be available nationwide by the traditional release date of October 1.
    In January of this year, Senator Collins was part of the bicameral group that called on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct these investigations into the Department of Education’s failure to implement the 2024-2025 FAFSA program. The final report is estimated for release in 2025. Last week, Senator Collins has joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning the botched implementation by the Department of Education of the 2024-2025 FAFSA and the requirements mandated by the FAFSA Simplification Act.
    “These statements confirm much of what was already assumed, that the failures of the ED and its leadership have led to hundreds of thousands fewer students, many of them from low- and middle-income households, filling out a FAFSA application. The Department’s failures have directly led to many young people foregoing a traditional college education, for no reason other than lack of affordability,” said Senator Collins. “In my time working at Husson University, I learned firsthand the devastating impact a failure of this sort has on Maine students and families—whose decision of whether to send their children to college, especially for aspiring first-generation college students, is directly tied to the costs of doing so. With these reviews, it is clear that the Department must be held accountable for failing the American people in one of their most fundamental duties as a federal education agency. Maine families cannot make significant financial decisions for their children if they do not know what student aid is being made available to them, and the leadership of the Department must answer for these unacceptable mistakes.”
    The negative outcomes of the botched 2024-2025 FAFSA rollout described in the GAO statements include:
    Over 432,000 fewer students utilized the FAFSA, a 3% decrease from the previous year.
    The most significant decrease was amongst households who make between $30,000-$48,000 a year, where FAFSA applications were down 11%.
    The ED has reported and advertised that the new FAFSA form would only take between 15-20 minutes to complete. The actual average completion time for dependent first-time applicants was 5 days. The longer it takes for a student to complete a FAFSA, the less likely students and families are to finish it.
    74% of calls made to the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Call Center went unanswered.
    Additionally, the FSA waited 5 months before increasing call center staffing after the delayed launch.
    For those who submitted a paper FAFSA, FSA did not confirm receipt of forms. Those who submitted paper FAFSAs had to wait between 7 and 8 months before knowing if FSA had even received their application.
    ED mistakenly did not allow an applicant whose parent did not have a social security number to complete a FAFSA until 2 months after the form was launched. Then, ED grossly underestimated the work to verify the identity of parents who are non-citizens, required by law by 63 times. As a result, they suspended the requirement. It also did not allow for the automatic transferring of tax information for non-citizens with Individual Tax Identification Numbers (TIN). ED still has not timeline for fixing this issue.
    34,000 students who submitted paper FAFSAs did not receive confirmation of the receipt of their FAFSA until 7 months after it was submitted.
    ED does not have any comprehensive communication plan that includes steps to provide FAFSA applicants with timely updates on the status of their application and solutions to technical barriers.
    There are over 20 technical issues with the FAFSA processing system as of August 2024.
    The online form submission system was demonstrated to have an extremely high rate of defects. After deploying the system, 7 of the 55 discovered defects were categorized as “critical.”
    In 2020, Senator Collins co-sponsored the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, which passed Congress, and required the Department of Education to roll out a new simplified FAFSA program by January 1, 2024. Despite having three years to prepare, the application was only made available for borrowers for 30 minutes on December 30, 2023 and then one additional hour on December 31, 2023. The application was then only accessible for sporadic periods until it became fully live on January 6, 2024. After the FAFSA went fully live, it was still plagued with issues, including delivering incorrect applicant data to colleges.
    In April of this year, Senator Collins questioned Secretary of the Department of Education Miguel Cardona on the Department’s failure to implement the FAFSA Simplification Act during an Appropriations hearing. Following the hearing, Senator Collins and a bipartisan, bicameral group of 10 Committee leaders in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Secretary Cardona urging the Department to prioritize the timely rollout of the 2025-2026 FAFSA form. Yet still, In August, the ED again announced that the release of the 2025-2026 FAFSA form will also be delayed, this time, until December 1, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fears and regrets expressed by Gabriele Mazzini about the Artificial Intelligence Act – E-001729/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001729/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    The combined share of artificial intelligence (AI) patents awarded between 2010 and 2022 shows that only 2% originated from the EU and the UK, while 61% came from China, 16% from the United States and 21% from the ‘rest of the world’[1]. In January, the Commission launched measures to ‘support European startups and SMEs in developing trustworthy AI that respects EU values and rules’[2]. Parliament adopted the AI Act in March 2024[3].

    Everyone agrees that the dangers of unethical use of AI need to be recognised, but European countries also need to remain competitive with Chinese and US giants in this crucial area.

    Gabriele Mazzini, the lead author at the Commission of the proposal for an AI Act, has apparently stated that ‘the regulatory bar may have been placed too high’, fearing that legal uncertainty will paralyse European firms, benefiting in particular the US tech giants[4].

    Does the Commission share Mr Mazzini’s fears and regrets?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] The AI index report, Measuring trends in AI – Stanford University – https://aiindex.stanford.edu/report/
    • [2] Commission launches AI innovation package to support Artificial Intelligence startups and SMEs – European Commission press release – 24 January 2024.
    • [3] Artificial intelligence: MEPs adopt landmark legislation – European Parliament press release – 13.3.2024.
    • [4] ‘Europe Has US Tech in Its Sights. It Might Miss,’ Lionel Laurent – Bloomberg – 1.8.2024.
    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s government plans to lift a ban on gene tech outside the lab – here’s what people think

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marie McEntee, Senior Lecturer, School of Environment, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    The government’s recently announced plan to end New Zealand’s effective ban on the use of gene technologies outside the laboratory has reignited debate about this historically contested topic.

    While the government aims to pass legislation and introduce a gene tech regulator before 2026, opposition parties want broad conversations with New Zealanders to gauge their opinions.

    As our research shows, such conversations are complex. They must include a diverse range of people because discussions about gene technology bring strong reactions based on people’s values and beliefs.

    We found this to be especially pointed when talking about the use of these technologies in conservation, environmental protection and food.

    But participants valued the opportunity to have open conversations and to discuss potential scenarios when provided with clear and accessible information. Our research gives insights into what safe and responsible environmental genetic innovation means for New Zealanders.

    Genetic innovation isn’t only a technology issue

    Our research was conducted over 18 months before the government’s announcement and supported by the now defunded Biological Heritage National Science Challenge. It was carried out in two streams. The Māori Biodiversity Network Te Tira Whakamātaki engaged with Māori thought leaders, while social scientists engaged with the wider public and interest groups.

    Both streams used processes that enabled participants to deliberate in groups about specific environmental contexts where genetic tools could be applied. We considered a range of technologies, from gene editing to gene silencing, and a range of possible uses.

    The research used potential scenarios to give context to public deliberations.
    Author provided, CC BY-SA

    Many participants saw the potential of gene technologies. However, deliberations did not result in simple yes or no responses, nor was people’s decision-making primarily focused on the technologies. Instead, it was careful, considered, contextual and connected to personal values.

    Public participants were presented with scenarios that included chromosomal changes (reducing wilding pines and eradicating rats) and scenarios using gene silencing that does not alter chromosomal DNA (management of the plant pathogen myrtle rust and the bee parasite varroa mite). But they did not simply favour the latter. Instead, the scenario context was a significant driver in the deliberations.

    The management of the bee parasite varroa is one scenario for which gene technologies could be considered.
    Sebastian Gollnow/dpa via Getty Images

    The use of gene silencing to control the varroa mite raised considerable concerns about human health because of the connection to honey production and food consumption. Genetic engineering for myrtle rust was greeted more favourably due to a dislike of the fungicides used currently.

    When presented with a scenario to make kūmara more resistant to insects, Māori participants strongly opposed any modification. They were cautiously more supportive of gene technologies used on invasive rather than native species, but only with strong regulation.

    Participants in the public stream were generally more supportive of gene technologies to manage plants compared with animals. But people’s decisions were affected by their acceptance of the problem.

    While rats were perceived as a significant ecological threat, this was not always the case for wilding pines. Some people thought of them as an economic opportunity or environmental benefit to offset carbon emissions.

    Gene technologies could be used to control wilding pines, but some see them as an opportunity to offset emissions.
    Flickr/Jon Sullivan, CC BY-SA

    For Māori, whakapapa (genealogy) and tikanga (customs) formed the core of any discussion about genetic technologies. The potential for unforeseen consequences required tikanga-based processes to guide discussions, although this did not necessarily guarantee acceptance of use.

    Māori participants preferred processes rooted in local tikanga that have successfully guided decision making for generations. Such processes needed significant resourcing into education about tools and the inclusion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in any regulations proposed by the Crown.

    High levels of caution

    Participants in both streams openly discussed inherent risks and unknowns of gene technologies. Public participants saw the technologies’ potential to address the challenges of current environmental management, such as animal welfare concerns around toxins used in predator control.

    However, they sought high levels of regulation and oversight, especially where there are significant unknowns and ethical concerns. In all contexts, people sought more and continuous research, particularly in contained environments, to monitor and evaluate the impacts of genetic technology.

    The further away and more uncertain the technology was, the more regulation mattered. Participants sought considerable controls, regulation and governance throughout the entire cycle of development. Many public participants also wanted Māori representation at all levels of governance.

    Who do people trust?

    Among public participants, there was widespread trust in the methods of science. But when it came to institutions and specific scientists, trust became more nuanced. In communities where trust was low, complex science became contested science.

    A survey undertaken by Te Tira Whakamātaki found Māori trusted scientists the most to provide information about genetic tools, followed closely by iwi leaders or authorities. Elected officials and the media were trusted the least.

    Public participants expressed concern about the influence of commercial interests on science innovation and the governance of technologies. There was widespread concern over who might own and control the technologies.

    People sought more information about gene technologies to come to an informed view. They wanted science organisations engaging in genetic research to be more visible and transparent.

    Scientists and policymakers need to understand that this request for more information is not about educating the community towards a pre-determined outcome. It is about undertaking innovation responsibly. This means allowing the broader community to have a say in decision making and a responsible approach to innovation as technologies are developed.

    Our research demonstrates that discussions about the liberalisation of rules governing genetic technology in New Zealand are complex. However, they need not be marked by conflict, if people’s views and values are genuinely considered.

    The authors received funding for this work from the now defunded Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.

    – ref. NZ’s government plans to lift a ban on gene tech outside the lab – here’s what people think – https://theconversation.com/nzs-government-plans-to-lift-a-ban-on-gene-tech-outside-the-lab-heres-what-people-think-239707

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Announce Nearly $11 Million In Federal Funding For Health Care Research In Illinois

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    09.24.24
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $10,906,668 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) medical research grants for Illinois institutions. The federal funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be put toward research programs across the state to support medical advancement in various fields, ranging from lung diseases to mental health research.  
    “Federal investments in medical research pushes our society forward, bringing us new treatments for the serious conditions that impact so many American families,” said Durbin. “Illinois’ world-class research institutions will make good use of this federal funding to make devastating diseases more treatable.” 
    “Investing in our world-renowned medical research facilities and institutions is a critical part in helping ensure high quality health care for all Illinoisans,” Duckworth said. “I will keep working with Senator Durbin to make sure our health organizations have the federal support they need to continue improving mental health research and advancing medical treatments for patients and families across Illinois.”
    Recipients of HHS grants include:  
    Chestnut Health Systems, Inc (Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs): $759,748
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Research for Mothers and Children): $718,900
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Nursing Research): $827,872
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine): $671,176
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Lung Diseases Research): $2,803,961
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Human Genome Research): $745,930
    Northwestern University (Aging Research): $388,067
    Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (Mental Health Research Grants): $535,696
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Aging Research): $1,536,774
    Northwestern University at Chicago (Cancer Treatment Research): $90,538
    Durbin has long been a strong advocate for robust medical research.? His legislation, the American Cures Act, would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America’s top four biomedical research agencies: NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program. Thanks to Durbin’s efforts to increase medical research funding, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent funding increase over the past nine years.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –