NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Creating Jobs In A Clean, Equitable, Resilient Economy

    Source: US State of New York

    September 23, 2024

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s participation in the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices across the Alliance’s states and territories by 2035. Governor Hochul made the announcement today at a Climate Week NYC event, which also featured her Alliance Co-Chair New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, founding Alliance member Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

    “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” Governor Hochul said. “As a co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education and community organizations to create the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will drive innovation, create new businesses, and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for our country.”

    “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers — to meet our carbon reduction goals,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “The Executive Order I’m issuing today in conjunction with the Alliance’s new Workforce Initiative will help ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to the skills and training needed for high-quality, climate-ready jobs across New Mexico.”

    “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs that serve our communities and strengthen our economies,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “These are economy-wide jobs, not just in clean energy but building trades, land management, clean technology and more. Climate Alliance states have a track record of meeting our ambitious goals and that momentum continues today.”

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    Through the initiative, Governor Hochul and the bipartisan coalition of 23 other governors, representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, will partner to strengthen and expand pathways into a wide variety of climate-ready professions that are critical to building a clean, equitable, and resilient net-zero future.

    The initiative goals are to:

    • Advance strategies to ensure climate-ready employment pathways lead to good-paying, high-quality jobs.
    • Prioritize equity in climate-ready workforce policies and programs to expand opportunities for all workers, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
    • Foster meaningful and inclusive collaboration across government, tribal nations and communities, workforce systems, labor unions, industry, community-based organizations and educational institutions.
    • Support innovative and evidence-based approaches to help workers enter and advance in climate-ready careers through a range of supportive services.
    • Promote the development and use of stackable, portable, and industry-recognized credentials in climate-ready fields to build transferable skills, support reskilling and upskilling, and strengthen workers’ economic mobility.
    • Encourage climate-focused workforce planning that is rooted in evidence and aligns with states’ existing workforce development and education systems.

    The initiative’s launch comes as historic federal investments, combined with ambitious state climate action, have unleashed a significant expansion of good-paying and union jobs in clean energy and clean technology fields—such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and batteries—with millions more anticipated in the coming years under the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    Governor Hochul Announces $2.3 million to Support Job Training for Offshore Wind Projects

    Building on the workforce initiative, Governor Hochul announced a $2.3 million award to support training for careers in offshore wind through the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 has been selected to develop and deliver training for offshore wind-related skills to 100 pre-apprentices and 430 journeypersons in New York City.

    This funding award, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will support offshore wind career awareness training as part of IBEW Local 3’s pre-apprenticeship and journeypersons training departments. Eighty of the 100 pre-apprentices will be placed in offshore wind related apprenticeship programs, and all 430 journeypersons will receive offshore wind-specific technical training, with six to be trained as instructors in offshore wind technical training.

    The training program will identify and include the knowledge and skills that are needed for electricians in all stages of offshore wind development, from preassembly through operation and maintenance.

    The funding builds on the nearly $11 million previously awarded through OWTI to other organizations supporting offshore wind related trainings. Programs supported included those at the New York City Union Iron Workers Locals 40 and 361, Capital Region BOCES, and eight different SUNY schools. The OWTI, along with NYSERDA, has built a network of academic, community, industry and labor alliances that will prepare up to 2,500 New Yorkers for careers in renewable-energy fields. OWTI is collaborating with the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center at Farmingdale State College and the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium at Stony Brook University that is supported by NYSERDA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Additionally, as part of the New York Power Authority’s commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget to support the efforts of the Office of Just Energy Transition in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and invest annually in workforce training efforts, the Power Authority has thus far committed more than $12 million to support clean energy industry workforce development initiatives around the state.

    In July, NYPA issued a Clean Energy Workforce Training (CEWT) RFP for qualified based training providers (such as technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, manufacturers, and others) who can collaborate to develop technical training opportunities, hands-on experience, paid internships and full-time jobs for people entering the clean energy workforce. At its upcoming Oct. 8 meeting, NYPA’s Board of Trustees will vote on awarding roughly $2 million to a number of projects that would create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent for the clean energy labor market with a focus on pathways for employment in the clean energy field for residents of disadvantaged communities in the vicinity of NYPA’s facilities across New York State.

    Read more information on the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative.

    White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said, “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and catalyzing a renaissance of American-made manufacturing that is creating jobs across America. In fact, just last year, we added over 250,000 new American energy jobs — with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector. Governors across America are at the forefront of our efforts to spur growth in union jobs, expand American energy production, and invest in the economic success of our communities. Today’s announcement will help capitalize on our momentum to create a climate-ready workforce that is rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, communities, and industrial strength.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Building a clean energy economy is no small feat, and that is why this newly announced Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative is so critical. To succeed, our national and state workforces, need to be filled with expert technicians trained in the latest technologies. NYSERDA looks forward to continuing our support for workforce development and training programs through national partnerships like those being fostered by the U.S. Climate Alliance, and regional partnerships like the Offshore Wind Training Institute, as we grow New York’s industry in collaboration with other states.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “In alignment with the leadership of Governor Hochul’s and the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, the New York Power Authority’s workforce development programs are connecting New Yorkers with the skills and job training needed to power the state’s, and in turn the nation’s, clean energy future. NYPA’s investments in our own workforce, public-private workforce partnerships, and partnership with the Department of Labor are part our holistic approach to support the essential clean energy workforce and engage more New Yorkers in the clean energy economy.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s participation in the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative will further strengthen our efforts to train New Yorkers for high-quality jobs in green energy industries. Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change, with support from our federal and state agency partners, will grow the economy while creating a sustainable future.”

    New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Pairing registered apprenticeship opportunities with our environmental sustainability efforts is a win-win for workers and employers. By developing registered apprenticeships in line with clean energy goals, New York State continues to strengthen local economies in the on-going transition to a low-carbon economy. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, allowing our combined efforts to reach beyond state borders to ensure a sustainable, enduring future for our country’s workforce.”

    BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh said, “We’re excited to see governors stepping up to make sure we have the workforce needed to fill the good jobs that are being created by the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act. There is a tremendous opportunity from those federal investments to rebuild our blue-collar middle class by creating pathways into skilled, long-term careers in sectors like construction and manufacturing. This commitment from governors across the country is good for workers, good for employers, and good for the high-road clean energy economy we’re building together.”

    National Skills Coalition Managing Director of State Strategies Melissa Johnson said, “State governments have a crucial role to play in leveraging historic federal investments to create unprecedented jobs and training opportunities for the workforce while fighting climate change. It is incredible that this coalition of governors is stepping up to prioritize the diversity and economic security of the climate workforce because our climate readiness hinges on a new generation of workers having access to the education, skills training, and economic supports they need to access good jobs and careers in this booming sector.”

    International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said, “Today’s announcement on the “Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative” is a great step forward in continuing to prepare future members of the IBEW and unionized Building Trades for the green energy jobs of today and beyond. We welcome tomorrow’s apprentices from all walks of life into our ranks with open arms, ready to deliver world-class training and to prepare them for union careers with family-supporting wages and benefits. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Biden-Harris administration, US Climate Alliance, and NYSERDA for addressing the climate crisis head-on and supporting the unionized green workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Rectify Biden-Harris Admin’s FAFSA Fiasco

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a resolution yesterday along with 17 of their Senate GOP colleagues slamming the Biden-Harris Administration’s botched rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year. The resolution condemns the continued problematic rollout, calls for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to identify and fix any issues for this year, and asks leaders to testify before congressional committees regarding the disastrous rollout.

    Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.

    “Whereas the FAFSA Simplification Act was intended to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid simpler and easier to complete for the 2024–2025 academic year;

    Whereas the Department of Education reported on May 24, 2024, that it had processed more than 10,000,000 FAFSA applications for the 2024–2025 academic year;

    Whereas, in previous years, the FAFSA application for an academic year opened on October 1st of the preceding year;

    Whereas the 2024–2025 FAFSA launched on December 31, 2023;

    Whereas, in previous years, the Department sent out student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education just days after the student filed their FAFSA application;

    Whereas, for the 2024–2025 school year, the Department did not start sending student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education until the beginning of March;

    Whereas many students did not receive financial aid awards until after National College Decision Day on May 1, 2024;

    Whereas Department officials were aware of implementation challenges associated with the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act as early as December 2020;

    Whereas students in pursuit of attending institutions of higher education across the United States depend on the resources made available by FAFSA;

    Whereas the FAFSA delays have been particularly burdensome for students in foster care and youth experiencing homelessness;

    Whereas the delay in the 2024–2025 FAFSA application timeline cut down the time students had to weigh options when considering financial components for attending institutions of higher education; and

    Whereas many offices of financial aid in institutions of higher education fear that this delay will discourage students from attending a college or university in the fall of 2024: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate—

    (1) strongly condemns the delayed and problematic rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116-260);

    (2) calls for the Department of Education to take the necessary actions to identify the issues that

    led to the botched rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act and fix them for the 2025–2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid cycle; and

    (3) urges the Secretary of Education to testify before the relevant congressional committees regarding the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act.”

    The resolution was led by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and is cosponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN.), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). 

    Background:

    FAFSA historically has opened applications on October 1 of the year prior to the start of the academic school year. For the academic year of 2024-2025, the applications opened 3 months later in December. ED subsequently did not start sending FAFSA data to universities until March. Because of this delay, many students did not receive their financial aid awards until after May 1, 2024, the date that many institutions require students to commit to attending for the fall semester.

    For the academic year of 2025-2026, ED has already announced that the applications will again be delayed until December of this year.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Omar Hammoud Gallego, Assistant Professor in Public Policy, Durham University

    Latin American countries are bracing themselves for a wave of Venezuelan migrants. Sebastian Delgado C / Shutterstock

    Venezuela’s disputed election results have thrown the country into chaos. The authoritarian leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, was declared the winner in a contested vote in July and, since then, has used state violence to inhibit any hint of protest.

    The crackdown has led to the deaths of more than 20 people at the hands of Venezuela’s security services and pro-government armed groups known as colectivos, while more than 2,400 people have been thrown in jail. And the opposition candidate who is widely believed to have won the vote, Edmundo González, has fled to Spain after being threatened with arrest.

    This swift escalation has sparked widespread concern throughout Latin America and beyond. Another wave of migration may be imminent, adding to the nearly 8 million people who have already left Venezuela since 2015. Countries across Latin America, especially Colombia, have expressed concern that a new surge of displaced Venezuelans might overwhelm public services and fuel political tensions.

    It is possible that governments in the region may respond by imposing stricter border controls to stem the flow of migrants. But past experience shows that this move would both be ineffective and harmful.

    Venezuela is a nation that was once known for its vast oil wealth. However, it has endured a prolonged period of economic and political instability. The country’s democratic backsliding began under former president Hugo Chávez in the early 2000s, but it worsened dramatically after he died in 2013 and Maduro came to power.

    Maduro’s rule has been marked by rampant inflation, a 75% reduction in GDP, and widespread political repression. These conditions have led to one of the largest migrations in modern history. Nearly a quarter of Venezuela’s population have fled their homes, primarily to other South American countries.



    Read more:
    Venezuelan migrants are boosting economic growth in South America, says research

    Initially, many Latin American nations coordinated their response. Governments came together in Ecuador to sign the Quito Declaration in 2018, for example, which committed them to ensuring the safe and regular migration of Venezuelan citizens.

    However, this cooperative spirit soon began to unravel. Chile, Ecuador and Peru made it much harder for ordinary Venezuelans to enter their countries legally by introducing visa restrictions by the middle of 2019. These restrictions replaced earlier policies that allowed entry to Ecuador and Peru with just an ID card.

    The effectiveness of these restrictions has been the subject of much debate. In a recent study, I compared the experiences of countries that introduced restrictions with those of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, which kept their borders open.

    My findings suggest that restricting migration in South America has not prevented it. Migration has instead been driven underground, with significant costs both for migrants and host countries.

    The introduction of visa restrictions led to a 38% increase in the number of Venezuelan migrants who crossed borders via unauthorised routes, and a 41% rise in migrants without a regular residency permit in their destination country. The number of Venezuelan migrants who lacked legal status in their host country also jumped from less than one-in-five to more than half.

    This shift towards irregularity has had consequences. For example, I found that falling into irregularity led to a shift in migrants’ priorities away from seeking employment and towards trying to regularise their migratory status.

    There is also no evidence to suggest that migrants redirected their journeys to South American countries with more open policies. In fact, the composition of migrants remained largely unchanged after the introduction of restrictions.

    Lessons from Europe

    Before the election, a poll conducted by Venezuelan firm Meganálisis indicated that around 40% of Venezuelans would consider leaving the country if Maduro remained in power. This represents a potentially staggering increase in migration, even if we account for the gap between intention and action.

    To avoid exacerbating an already critical situation, countries in the region must adopt pragmatic policies that prioritise safe and regular migration. And they should offer regular status to migrants that already reside there.

    Europe’s response to the mass displacement caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers lessons that Latin American governments should not ignore.

    In 2022, the EU coordinated efforts to allow Ukrainian refugees free and safe movement throughout Europe, while also guaranteeing their right to work and residency, as well as access to health and educational services.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: a year on, here’s what life has been like for refugees in the UK

    Despite the massive scale of this displacement, at over 6 million refugees, there was no widely reported “Ukrainian refugee crisis” because of this cooperative approach.

    Ukrainian refugees entering Romania after crossing the border.
    Pazargic Liviu / Shutterstock

    While the refugee status of Ukrainians in Europe is guaranteed up to February 2026 (and can be extended if the European Council agrees), the story is quite different for displaced Venezuelans. Despite being considered refugees by the UN and the laws of most Latin American countries, governments in the region have largely decided not to recognise them as such.

    Nevertheless, Latin American governments should pursue a strategy similar to the one we have seen in Europe. This must include renewing their commitment to the principles outlined in the Quito Declaration, as well as establishing common standards across the region for the reception of Venezuelan migrants.

    These standards should include the possibility of allowing Venezuelans to cross borders using only their ID cards, as is still the case in Argentina and Brazil, given how costly passports and other travel documents are for many Venezuelans.

    Such requirements would significantly reduce the likelihood of irregular migration and, together with mass regularisation programmes, have a positive impact on the integration of Venezuelans into their host countries.

    As Venezuela continues to grapple with political and economic collapse, the international community – and particularly neighbouring Latin American nations – must be prepared for another surge of migration.

    But the response should not be to close borders or restrict access. Governments must instead coordinate to ensure safe, regular and humane migration routes.

    The future of millions of Venezuelans, as well as the stability of Latin America, depends on the region’s ability to manage this crisis effectively.

    Omar Hammoud Gallego has received funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council to conduct this research.

    – ref. A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe – https://theconversation.com/a-new-wave-of-venezuelan-refugees-would-threaten-a-humanitarian-crisis-latin-america-could-learn-from-europe-238345

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Starmer expresses interest in Italy’s migration approach – how different is it from the Rwanda plan?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chiara Graziani, Assistant professor, Law, Bocconi University

    One of Keir Starmer’s first actions as UK prime minister was to put an end to the controversial Rwanda asylum scheme. The plan, introduced by his predecessors, aimed to deter small boat crossings by sending those who reached the UK to Rwanda to have their claims assessed.

    So it was surprising to many observers to see Starmer visit Italy for a meeting with Giorgia Meloni about Italy’s handling of asylum seekers through an arrangement with Albania. At first glance, this approach is similar to the Rwanda plan.

    Both are examples of “externalisation” of immigration. This consists of collaborating with other countries to manage migration, often by moving immigrants who arrive on the soil of a certain country to the territory of another country. Forms of externalisation are used by several other countries, such as Australia, Canada and the US.

    The UK pursued this approach through its Rwanda scheme, under which anyone arriving irregularly in the UK to claim asylum would be moved to Rwanda to have their claims processed by Rwandan officials. In exchange, the UK had agreed to give Rwanda nearly £500 million in development funding, plus additional funds for each person moved.

    The policy faced serious political opposition and legal challenges, and ultimately never got off the ground before the general election.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

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    Italy’s partnership with Albania is different in some ways. Under a protocol signed by both countries, asylum seekers rescued at sea while trying to reach Italy will be moved to Albania for their applications to be examined. This will take place in processing centres that Italy will finance and build for this purpose.

    In those areas, however, Italian – and not Albanian – law will be applied and Italian authorities will be competent for the implementation of the process. Under the Rwanda scheme, Rwandan officials (and law) would have governed the asylum procedure once seekers were moved there. This was part of why the UK supreme court said it was not a “safe” country and ruled the plan unlawful.

    Additionally, successful applicants will be granted asylum in Italy, while the Rwanda plan would have only allowed them to stay in Rwanda (not come to the UK).



    Read more:
    Is the Rwanda plan acting as a deterrent? Here’s what the evidence says about this approach

    The Albanian programme is not up and running yet, but Starmer has praised Meloni’s “remarkable progress” in reducing irregular arrivals to Italy by 60%.

    In recent years, Italy has enacted other measures to manage migration by paying North African countries to stop illegal migration to Italy. Italy financed the construction of a maritime area where Tunisian boats can intervene and bring migrants to Tunisian soil.

    Similarly, Italy has outsourced search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean to the Libyan Coast Guard, in exchange for funding to enhance Libyan migration infrastructure and a commitment to improve conditions of reception centres.

    However, human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised serious concerns about these arrangements. In both cases, they say, reception centres amount to fully fledged detention centres, under poor conditions potentially amounting to inhumane and degrading treatment. Meloni has called such accusations “completely groundless”.

    An investigation by The Guardian newspaper, published after Starmer’s visit to Italy, detailed harsh abuse of migrants by Tunisian coast guard and border patrol. Human rights groups have been raising concerns for years about the Libyan Coast Guard’s treatment of migrants in distress at sea, including potentially conducting illegal “pushback” operations, which involve pushing boats back across a border they have crossed.



    Read more:
    The EU’s outsourced migration control is violent, expensive and ineffective

    Potential hurdles

    Starmer has said he is “interested” in Italy’s plan with Albania, and has expressed openness to other forms of externalisation. He also wants the UK to work closer with other European states to cooperate on migration.

    One positive side to the Italian model is undoubtedly that Italy does not waive its legal jurisdiction. Italian law applies in the Albanian processing centres, although conflicts with Albanian law (whose jurisdiction can’t be eliminated totally) may arise. If the UK incorporates this aspect in any future plan, it could mitigate a key weak point of the Rwanda plan.

    The Italian scheme also explicitly guarantees that the UN refugee commissioner oversees the process taking place in Albania, in theory ensuring that international human rights standards are met. However, it is certainly possible that these safeguards might be overlooked in the practical enforcement of the agreement, for example because Italian law will need to be applied by officers of a foreign country.

    It is worth nothing that Italy and the UK currently have very different geopolitical positions. Italy is an EU member state, and bound by European asylum laws and standards. This too could cause future legal issues should any of Italy’s actions in Albania violate EU law.

    Any externalisation policy will always involve balancing several interests. First and foremost, the need to comply with human rights standards, but also the fair handling of migration, and the necessity to avoid some countries taking more people than they can support.

    These pressures will be different for the UK than for Italy, and must be carefully considered. Just as the migration of people is a thorny issue, so too is the migration of policy.

    Chiara Graziani 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. Starmer expresses interest in Italy’s migration approach – how different is it from the Rwanda plan? – https://theconversation.com/starmer-expresses-interest-in-italys-migration-approach-how-different-is-it-from-the-rwanda-plan-223405

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: La Maison captures the drama, intrigue and intense rivalry of the luxury fashion world

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elizabeth Kealy-Morris, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Dress and Belonging, Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University

    With the release of dramas Cristóbal Balenciaga, The New Look and Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, the fashion drama miniseries has become a staple for streaming television in 2024.

    The latest offering, French-language drama La Maison on Apple TV, captures the essence of the drama and intrigue surrounding Maison Ledu, a fictional luxury haute couture house controlled by the Ledu family.

    The dynamics between key characters are well outlined, and explore universal themes such as love, power, ambition and betrayal, as well as a longing for connection, acceptance and identity. In this way La Maison has little to do with apparel and clothing in their materiality: the camera does not linger over sketches or runway collections. The series, instead, engages with fashion on a more abstract level, highlighting how it intersects with broader human concerns.

    Vincent Ledu (Lambert Wilson) is the celebrated designer whose scandal threatens to the future of Maison Ledu. His racist tirade against a wealthy Korean client was captured by catering staff at a pubic function and posted on social media by Ledu’s scheming nephew in a bid to ruin his uncle’s reputation.

    Perle Foster (Amira Casar) is Vincent’s former principal model and inspiration who, despite her lasting attachment to Vincent, is crucial in the house’s post-scandal revival. Paloma Castel (Zita Hanrot) is the orphaned mixed-heritage daughter of Vincent’s long-time gay lover. Neither were accepted into the family and this tension of class, race, and sexual orientation difference is central to the plot throughout the series.

    The character of Paloma, in her early 30s, represents millenial indifference to tradition, hierarchy and heritage. We meet her in the first episode as the co-designer of a Berlin-based luxury eco-focused ready-to-wear brand. It’s marking a milestone with its first runway show at Paris Fashion Week with other brands’ deadstock (unsold inventory) forming the runway collection.

    The trailer for La Maison.

    In a bid to ensure the Ledu brand makes radical shifts in creative leadership after the racism scandal, Perle seeks to sideline Vincent and draw Paloma into Maison Ledu as the next-generation designer who will bring innovation and hope to Maison’s restoration. Diane Rovel (Carole Bouquet), the iron-fisted CEO and matriarch of the Rovel Luxury Group, represents the archetype of the fashion conglomerate within fashion markets, controlled by the monetary interests of anonymous shareholders. Viewers learn early that her acquisition plans for Maison Ledu are driven by strategic interest and personal vendetta.

    The luxury fashion market

    The series effectively sets up the central conflict, the stakes involved and the potential for dramatic and strategic manoeuvres. It paints a vivid picture of the internal and external pressures faced by Maison Ledu as it struggles to navigate its crisis, a problem that has notably rocked actual luxury fashion houses in recent years. An interesting aspect of the series is the contemporary understanding of the role social media plays in creating spectacle that brings people together as well as divides.

    The luxury fashion market seeks to protect and extend agreed assumptions of how such brands function via rarity, exclusivity and uniqueness to add value to their brand DNA, products and businesses. Luxury brands must ensure coherence between values, narratives, highly skilled craft and artistic techniques, with space for both tradition and innovation. By integrating these elements harmoniously, a brand can sustain its luxury status and build a lasting impression of excellence and exclusivity.

    Luxury fashion, clothing and apparel markets depend on the objects they design becoming status symbols. But they also rely on the allure, appeal, imagination and magic promised through fashion stories that are told through photography and videography. This latest AppleTV+ fashion drama is released against the backdrop of shifting consumer expectations in the luxury sector, particularly in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

    There has been a transformative shift from traditional “show-and-tell” marketing to more immersive and interactive brand experiences. Consumers now seek to “join and experience” luxury brands rather than merely observe – and this is driving brands to create engaging content that extends beyond the product itself. This evolution has given rise to innovative strategies, including online videos, interactive events and sophisticated uses of technology to enhance post-purchase engagement.

    The rise of the fashion series is a direct response to these changing consumer preferences. By integrating high-quality media narratives with brand storytelling, these series offer a novel avenue for brands to convey their history and ethos, creating a platform for the fashion industry to captivate audiences and deepen their connection with the brand narrative.

    As streaming platforms continue to gain prominence, the collaboration between fashion houses and media producers is likely to expand. This means that in the future, the intersection of fashion and storytelling will become increasingly integral to brand identity and consumer connection.

    So while both Maison Ledu and Rovel Luxury Group are fictitious brands, shows like La Maison as a general marketing tool for real-world fashion houses and brands. Meanwhile the location of Paris for this series is testament to that city as the global centre of haute couture – and the stakes involved in it remaining so.


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    Elizabeth Kealy-Morris 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. La Maison captures the drama, intrigue and intense rivalry of the luxury fashion world – https://theconversation.com/la-maison-captures-the-drama-intrigue-and-intense-rivalry-of-the-luxury-fashion-world-239233

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kaos hinges on prophecies – historian explains the real oracles that inspired the Netflix show

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ellie Mackin Roberts, Research fellow, University of Bristol

    This article contains spoilers for series one of Kaos.

    Central to the plot of Netflix’s new series, Kaos, are four prophecies. In the lore of the series, all humans are given a prophecy, and no two can be the same. There’s just one problem – all four important prophecies in the show are identical:

    A line appears

    The order wanes

    The family falls

    and Kaos reigns.

    Each of the prophecy’s four recipients – Zeus (Jeff Goldblum), Riddy (Aurora Perrineau), Caeneus (Misia Butler) and Ari (Leila Farzad) – interprets, and therefore acts upon, the prophecy in a way that makes sense to their own lives. Their connected fates highlight the series’s theme of interconnected destinies and the inescapable nature of prophecy.

    By the end of the first series, three of the four lines of the prophecy have come true. A vertical wrinkle appears on Zeus’s forehead, driving his obsession with instilling fear of the gods into mortals once more. A hierarchy shift ends the season with Prometheus sitting on Zeus’s throne, which exemplifies the order waning. The families of each of the three mortal recipients fall apart.

    Watching the show, you may have understood the prophecies differently. After all, prophecy is open to interpretation. Or, is it?

    Priestess of Delphi by John Collier (1891), depicting Pythia.
    Art Gallery of South Australia

    In Kaos, the Fates (who the ancient Greeks called the Moirai) are responsible for making prophecies about the gods and their followers. There’s Clotho (Ché), who spins the thread of life, Lachesis (Suzy Eddie Izzard), who measures out the thread and Atropos (Sam Buttery), who cuts it off, marking the end of life.

    In ancient Greek mythology, the Moirai controlled the destiny of men and – in some instances – gods, but they were not responsible for making prophecies. This task fell to the gods, usually Apollo and Zeus, who made prophecies in response to questions people asked.

    As real people couldn’t speak to the gods directly, they went to religious officials known as oracles. The Delphic Oracle, associated with Apollo, god of music and healing as well as prophecy, was the most famous and prestigious of these oracles.

    Also known as the Pythia, she was Apollo’s high priestess and was the one who delivered the prophecies (numerous women fulfilled the role over the years). Ancient people believed the Pythia to be directly inspired by Apollo, and her words were taken to be coming from him.

    We do not fully understand how this process worked, though there have been suggestions that the Pythia went into a trance through chewing laurel leaves, which were sacred to Apollo. Another theory suggests trances were induced through toxic gasses entering the room within the temple she worked in, through a natural fissure in the rock.



    Read more:
    Hidden women of history: the priestess Pythia at the Delphic Oracle, who spoke truth to power

    Prophecies in Kaos

    It is from literary reports of oracles from Delphi that the format of Kaos’s prophecies derives.

    Although historical oracles are usually not poetic, those from literary accounts of history, such as Herodotus’s The Histories, are often presented in hexameter (a kind of poetic metrical meter consisting of six parts per line).

    One famous oracle was reportedly given to the Athenians when they were preparing to fight off the Persians:

    But a wall made of wood does farsighted Zeus to Tritogenes grant

    Alone and unravaged, to help you and your children.

    The Athenians debated the meaning of these words, just as the characters in Kaos consider the interpretations of their own prophecies. They decided that it meant one of two things: that Athens would be fine because the Acropolis used to be surrounded by hedgerows, or that they should build a fleet of ships to be a “wooden wall” against the enemy.

    Themistokles, the main proponent of the second reading, won out and the fleet was built. Athens faced the Persian fleet at the battle of Salamis (an island off the coast of Athens) in 480BC and won, therefore, in their eyes, proving that this reading of the prophecy was correct.

    Interpreting prophecy

    In Kaos, show creator Charlie Covell has presented something very true to the spirit of prophecy in ancient Greek history and mythology – even while subverting the form that prophecy takes.

    In ancient Greece, Zeus couldn’t have received an oracular prophecy, as all prophecy was thought to originate from him. But he was subject to the destinies cast by the Moirai. For example, in the Iliad, Zeus is unable to save his mortal son, Sarpedon, from his fate (dying by the hand of Patroclus) – it is ultimately out of his control.

    In Kaos, through misunderstanding, interpretation and reinterpretation, the four recipients of the Fates’ prophecy each play a crucial role in its fulfilment – but only when they (and we) read that prophecy in our own ways.

    The prophecies of ancient Greece could later be revealed to be incorrectly interpreted. When Croesus, king of Lydia, was told that if he went to war he would destroy a great kingdom, he interpreted that as the Persian kingdom, but it turned out to be his own.

    So too might our understanding of the prophecy in Kaos turn out to be a misinterpretation. By expertly weaving the Moirai and oracles into the narrative, Kaos emphasises the crucial role of fate in reshaping the destinies of people and events, emphasising their interconnectedness. In doing so, the show reflects the ancient Greek belief in the power and inescapable nature of prophecy.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Ellie Mackin Roberts 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. Kaos hinges on prophecies – historian explains the real oracles that inspired the Netflix show – https://theconversation.com/kaos-hinges-on-prophecies-historian-explains-the-real-oracles-that-inspired-the-netflix-show-238833

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The science of polarisation: our model shows what happens when political opponents lose their personal connection

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Schweighofer, Assistant Professor in Media and Communication, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

    Bob Korn/Shutterstock

    What do immigration, inheritance taxation and cannabis legalisation have in common? Not much, actually. Yet if we know somebody’s stance on one of these issues, we can make a good guess about their view on the others.

    Politics often seems to work in one dimension: parties and politicians are located on a spectrum stretching from from far left to far right. Knowing someone’s opinion on a single wedge issue is often enough to place them on this ideological dimension, which in turn makes it possible to predict their positions on other issues. And in countries such as the US we’ve seen more and more people polarised into opposing political camps at either end of this spectrum.

    One-dimensional politics can seem as natural to us as an apple falling from a tree – it’s simply how we think about politics. But just like gravity, the mysterious force shaping our politics in this way does warrant a scientific explanation.

    My colleagues and I wanted to understand how people end up so profoundly divided, and the study we published earlier this year proposes a model for how it might work. It suggests the less we are able to separate politics from personal relations, the more polarised we become.

    This is more than just an academic matter. If politics is reduced to a single ideological dimension it can keep us from finding innovative solutions to our most urgent problems.

    If, for example, the best solution to a housing crisis were a combination of deregulation and public investment, it might not be possible to enact if each half of the solution were rejected by one side of the political spectrum. That makes understanding how politics can become so polarised important on a very practical level.

    The problem is that, no matter how far we look into the past, we overwhelmingly find politics organised along one main dimension of ideological conflict: before left v right, it was Catholics v Protestants, Roundheads v Cavaliers, all the way back to Optimates v Populares in ancient Rome.

    The issues may have changed, but the basic dichotomy has remained stable. This makes it very difficult to investigate the origins of one-dimensional politics. After all, we can’t experiment with whole societies – at least not in real life.

    Simulating societies

    To overcome this limitation, we decided to opt for an unusual approach. We created virtual societies, each populated by a multitude of simulated people, known as agents.

    Each agent had a variety of opinions, represented as coordinates in a space with several dimensions. We didn’t give specific meanings to the coordinates or the dimensions, but you can think of them as representing disconnected issues like defence spending, railway nationalisation or abortion rights.

    At the start of each simulation, the agents’ positions were purely random and not organised along a single ideological dimension of left versus right. But over time, the agents interacted and influenced each other, organising themselves into new collective states.

    These simulated societies therefore provided us with a testbed for different theories used in political science, such as the assumption that people are rational, to see whether they could explain one-dimensional politics and the emergence of political polarisation.

    To do this, we translated these theories into computational protocols that governed the agents’ interactions and the way they adapted their opinions. We then checked whether these protocols were enough to trigger the emergence of a single ideological dimension.

    Initially, we modelled our agents as rational decision makers in the tradition of mainstream political science. When encountering other agents, they would either meet them halfway, or reject them, But either way, this did not give rise to a single ideological dimension. Agents would either converge on a consensus or remain scattered.

    However, politics isn’t a purely rational affair. It’s often characterised by gut feelings and anger. But political science hasn’t always been successful in integrating emotion into decision-making models. So for inspiration we looked to one of the founders of social psychology.

    In the 1950s, Austrian-born psychologist Fritz Heider coined the term cognitive balance theory, which claims that people strive for consistency in their mental patterns. For example, we find it disconcerting when two of our friends hate each other, or a friend is in love with someone we despise. Similarly, we try to avoid disagreeing with people we like just as much as we avoid agreeing with people we dislike.

    We translated this balance mechanism into our simulation. When two of our agents encountered each other, they first determined how much they agreed or disagreed on various political issues. Then, they translated agreement into sympathy and disagreement into dislike. Finally, they adjusted their issue positions in a way that increased consistency.

    If they met someone with whom they mostly agreed, they adjusted their opinions to defuse the remaining disagreements. In the opposite case, they tried to make their disagreement stronger.

    All this happened in tiny increments every time agents met. But through a myriad of interactions, agents finally self-organised into single ideological dimensions – no matter how many issue dimensions we started the simulation with.

    We should make an effort to understand each other.
    Troy Walker/Shutterstock

    Where exactly individual agents ended up on this ideological continuum depended on one crucial factor: the strength of the connection between disagreement on issues and personal dislike.

    If this connection is weak – meaning agents could dislike each other but still agree, or like each other and disagree – agents remained close to the centre. If it was strong, the simulated society broke into two opposed camps – it became polarised.

    This suggests polarisation is linked to people’s ability to connect to others on a personal level. When we lose sight of the fact that those we disagree with are usually decent human beings with good intentions, we may find ourselves diverging more and more on political issues, with less room for compromise.

    This is notable at a time when so much political debate is conducted online through impersonal or anonymous social media accounts. The real world is much more complex than a one-dimensional view of politics would suggest. And people are much more than the political views they share online.

    In the end, we will never be able to eliminate the force of cognitive balance – just as we can’t get rid of gravity. But we can find ways to increase the personal connection between people who hold different political views.

    Simon Schweighofer 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 science of polarisation: our model shows what happens when political opponents lose their personal connection – https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-polarisation-our-model-shows-what-happens-when-political-opponents-lose-their-personal-connection-239130

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who’s to blame when climate change turns the lights off?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chris Medland, PhD Candidate in Climate Change Resilience, University of Surrey

    Deadly Storm Boris has flooded large areas of central Europe and the UK, destroying homes and displacing thousands of people.

    With the flooding of sub-stations, the scouring of the foundations of pylons and river embankment failures, the rainstorm has also caused power outages many miles away. This will create yet more disruption as sewage pumping stations stall, train and tram services halt and vehicle charging points fail.

    The UK saw this ripple of infrastructure failure in the 2007 summer floods. The compound failures caused by flooding in Gloucestershire alone, a county in south-west England, left 350,000 people without mains water for over two weeks and 42,000 people without power.

    Commuters were stranded on the railway network and the M5 motorway. The floods also made thousands of people homeless. Similar floods struck the UK again in 2013 and 2020.

    All systems fail occasionally. But infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to disruptions caused by extreme weather, which is being made more severe and frequent as a result of climate change. The UK’s national risk register lists nine impacts of climate change that could seriously damage infrastructure (including storms, heatwaves and wildfires) that is increasingly complex and interconnected. A single failure can create a cascade of them.

    Risky business

    Your home may not be in the path of the next storm but the infrastructure it relies on might be. So who is responsible for making sure that the power stays on, the toilets can still flush and water keeps running from taps? Whose job is it to ensure infrastructure is resilient to climate change?

    People are responsible for their own resilience and that of their homes and private companies are responsible for the resilience of their operations. However, companies that operate services such as public transport, communications networks or utilities are overseen by regulators such as Ofgem (energy) and Ofwat (water).

    The resilience of the networks owned by companies is not subject to regulation directly, there is no minimum standard of resilience that must be maintained and no fines for failure. Instead, people affected by power outages, for example, can claim compensation after a certain degree of disruption.

    Installations were, generally, designed and built in an earlier climate.
    David Calvert/Shutterstock

    Within the government, the Cabinet Office takes the lead on planning the country’s resilience and is responsible for the government’s response to emergencies and for producing the national security risk assessment and the national risk register. Each risk is designated a lead government department, which works with agencies and public bodies that fall under its jurisdiction.

    For example, flood risk is considered by the Environment Agency which reports to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (or Defra). Advisory bodies like the Climate Change Committee and the National Infrastructure Commission make recommendations to the government and assess its performance but have no powers to enforce action.

    There are 427 public bodies and agencies working under the legal frameworks set by the 24 government departments – none have a minimum standard for infrastructure resilience.

    The previous government committed to publishing resilience standards by 2025. Such standards would instruct utility companies and infrastructure operators on what measures were needed to prevent power cuts and other failures in the future. Discussions are happening in Whitehall that will shape the quality of life of millions of people for many years to come.

    Three futures

    Without taking all infrastructure into public ownership, or without all homes generating their own power and somehow meeting their own needs, what does the future look like? Is it down to homeowners to fend for themselves while landlords assume responsibility for the power and water of their tenants? In the worst-case scenario, will people be left to their own devices in a world reminiscent of Mad Max?

    There are three possibilities. The first is that society simply accepts more frequent failures and a lower standard of living for most. The second option includes the electricity grid, roads and railways, sewage treatment plants and other national infrastructure being updated and improved, with all the attendant costs.

    The third option would see people take direct action by adapting homes and communities to make them less dependent on national infrastructure. In this scenario, services are more localised such that communities or households become self-sufficient to varying degrees, perhaps establishing autonomous off-grid settlements.

    Renewable energy technology offers its generators a degree of autonomy.
    Hazel Plater/Shutterstock

    No government would be elected promising to preside over falling living standards. The other options come with many challenges. Option two assumes a great degree of government intervention and a high level of investment in new and improved infrastructure: flood defences, additional power cables, new rail way lines. Option three implies less involvement from central government and more power to local authority and community bodies to generate electricity and treat water for example.

    The future may well be a combination of these scenarios, but doing nothing isn’t an option. It’s not a question of if serious floods will happen again, but when.


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

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

    Chris Medland 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. Who’s to blame when climate change turns the lights off? – https://theconversation.com/whos-to-blame-when-climate-change-turns-the-lights-off-236446

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joseph Janes, Lecturer in Criminology, Swansea University

    A synthetic drug cocktail known as pink cocaine, has rapidly become a major concern in Spain, the UK and beyond. Earlier this month, Spanish authorities carried out their largest ever synthetic drug bust, seizing a large quantity of pink cocaine alongside more than a million ecstasy pills. The operation targeted drug networks across Ibiza and Malaga.

    This dangerous substance has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths. The unpredictable composition and rising popularity of pink cocaine have sparked calls from European drug harm reduction organisations for urgent action to address the risks it poses.

    Despite its name, pink cocaine doesn’t necessarily contain any cocaine. Instead, it’s often a mixture of various other substances, including MDMA, ketamine and 2C-B. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a stimulant with psychedelic properties while ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic which has sedative and hallucinogenic effects. 2C drugs are classed as psychedelics but they can also produce stimulant effects.

    Typically found in powder or pill form, pink cocaine is known for its vibrant colour, which is designed to enhance its visual appeal. It’s coloured using food colouring and sometimes strawberry or other flavourings.

    The original psychedelic form of the drug dates to 1974 and was first synthesised by American biochemist, Alexander Shulgin. But the modern variant emerged around 2010 in Colombia and is a knock-off version.

    The drug gained popularity on the party scene in Latin America and has now spread to Europe. Common names for pink cocaine vary widely, from “cocaina rosada” and “tuci” to “Venus” and “Eros”.

    Russian roulette

    Today’s pink cocaine is an unpredictable mix of substances and that is where much of its danger lies. Users often expect a stimulant similar to cocaine, but the inclusion of ketamine can lead to serious health risks. Abuse of ketamine, which is widely available as a club drug, can lead to unconsciousness or dangerously laboured breathing. This in turn increases the potential dangers of pink cocaine.

    Its aesthetic look and “designer drug” status have contributed to its appeal, particularly among young people and first-time users. This mirrors the historical allure of drugs like cocaine and MDMA. It highlights a persistent trend where certain substances are glamourised despite their risks.

    Experts compare taking pink cocaine to playing Russian Roulette with substance use, underscoring the unpredictable and dangerous nature of pink cocaine.

    The drug has spread beyond Ibiza to the UK, and there is evidence that it has gained traction in Scotland, parts of Wales and England. Across the Atlantic, New York City has also seen a surge in its availability.

    Health officials across Europe are alarmed. Pink cocaine is difficult to detect through standard drug testing, particularly in Spain, where the current testing regime is not yet equipped to identify all its components.

    Warning to Brits over “Russian roulette” party drug pink cocaine | ITV News.

    The drug is sold for around US$100 per gram (£76) in Spain, and is often marketed as a high-end product. The legal response varies, with Spanish authorities working to curb its distribution.

    In the UK, pink cocaine falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which classifies drugs into three categories, class A, B, and C, based on their perceived harm. While pink cocaine itself may not be explicitly listed, the substances commonly found in it are controlled by the law. Both MDMA and 2C-B are class A drugs, while ketamine is a class B.

    Harm reduction

    One of the most urgent needs highlighted by the rise of pink cocaine is for accessible drug-checking services. Drug-checking kits are an important harm-reduction tool for people looking to test the substances they intend to consume. These kits can help users identify unknown components, offering a layer of protection in a high-risk environment.

    My own work shows how vital such harm-reduction services are. Public awareness campaigns and support services are also an important part of reducing harm.

    The growing popularity of pink cocaine is a stark reminder of the ever-changing landscape of illicit drugs, where aesthetics, social media trends and risky behaviour can combine to create new threats. While its pink hue and “designer” label may attract a younger crowd, the unpredictable cocktail of chemicals it contains presents a serious and growing danger.

    As pink cocaine continues to spread through Europe and beyond, it is crucial that authorities, health services and the public are equipped to deal with the risks it poses.

    Joseph Janes 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. Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk – https://theconversation.com/pink-cocaine-the-party-drug-cocktail-putting-a-growing-number-of-lives-at-risk-237592

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: PRESIDENT BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS ISSUE REPORT ON PROGRESS MADE TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE ONE YEAR AFTER CREATING WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE  PREVENTION

    Source: The White House

    Statement from the President: “I’ve spent countless hours meeting with families impacted by gun violence as they mourn their loved ones. They’ve all had the same simple message for their elected officials: ‘do something.’ Vice President Harris and I responded to their call: I signed the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, and we announced dozens of executive actions to reduce gun violence. But we knew more was needed. That’s why I established the first-ever White Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by the Vice President. In just one year, it has accelerated my Administration’s efforts to reduce gun violence and save lives.”

    Statement from the Vice President: “President Biden and I have worked to address the epidemic of gun violence with the urgency it demands by enacting the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years – and launching the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. In the year since President Biden asked me to oversee this Office, our administration has improved and expanded background checks, announced the single largest investment in youth mental health in history, and been an unprecedented resource to states, cities, and local communities. We have also supported, convened, and worked alongside gun violence survivors, the families of those who have lost loved ones to shootings, and other impacted individuals to tackle the trauma caused by gun violence. I am committed to continuing this urgent work to ensure that every person in our nation has the freedom to live safe from gun violence.”

    After the prior Administration oversaw the largest one-year increase in murders ever recorded, President Biden and Vice President Harris took historic action from the start of their Administration to reduce violent crime. Because firearms are used in approximately 80% of murders in the United States, addressing gun crime is essential to addressing violent crime. The President and Vice President secured funding through the American Rescue Plan—which every Republican in Congress voted against—for law enforcement and community violence interventions. President Biden and Vice President Harris announced executive actions to keep guns out of dangerous hands and, by the middle of 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration had already taken more executive action to reduce gun violence than any other administration. On June 25, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act—the most significant new gun violence prevention law in nearly 30 years. Year-over-year comparisons show that 2023 had the single largest homicide rate drop in recent history.

    After two and a half years of significant progress, President Biden and Vice President Harris’s next step was to establish a White House office dedicated to coordinating across the federal government and partnering with gun violence survivors, law enforcement, state and local officials, and community leaders on our shared goal of reducing gun violence.  After championing this issue for decades, President Biden asked Vice President Harris to oversee the White House Office of Gun Violence because he knows that she has a proven record as a leader for gun violence prevention.

    The past year, the reduction in homicide has only accelerated, with the Department of Justice reporting that, from January to June, homicides dropped 17% compared to the same time last year. In addition, data from the Gun Violence Archive indicates that the number of mass shootings to date in 2024 has decreased by 20 percent compared to the same period last year.

    Today, the White House is releasing a report on progress made by the Biden-Harris Administration to reduce gun violence in the one year since President Biden created the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The report provides a summary, but not an exhaustive list, of how the Biden-Harris Administration has taken action to fulfill the four objectives President Biden gave the office:

    1. Expedite implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and already-announced executive actions;
    2. Coordinate more support for survivors of gun violence;
    3. Identify new executive actions; and
    4. Expand our coalition of partners in states and cities across the country.

    For President Biden, this work is the culmination of well over 30 years of national leadership to reduce gun violence and save lives. He played a critical role in securing passage of the Brady Bill in 1993 and the assault weapons ban in 1994. In the early 2000s, when the National Rifle Association was experiencing growing power in Washington and claiming to “work out of [the President’s] office,” then-Senator Biden was a key voice taking votes opposing their dangerous agenda. From 2012 to 2013, then-Vice President Biden led the Obama-Biden Administration’s efforts to develop and implement over two dozen executive actions after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He has continued this work throughout his own presidency by actually establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention and forcefully calling on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban and repeal PLCAA.

    As President Biden emphasized during his State of the Union address earlier this year, Vice President Harris continues to lead the Administration’s work to address the epidemic of gun violence and keep communities safe while overseeing the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Since taking office, there have been more than 80 instances where the Vice President has put a focus on gun violence prevention. This includes mourning with families and consoling communities that have been directly impacted by gun violence across the nation – from Buffalo and Highland Park to Nashville, Monterey Park, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Parkland.

    This dedicated work is a continuation of the Vice President’s decades-long record of taking on gun violence and advancing gun safety policies. As District Attorney of San Francisco, she prosecuted homicide cases and saw first-hand the devastation of gun violence. She also invested in community violence intervention efforts by championing Community Response Networks. While overseeing the second largest Department of Justice in America as Attorney General of California, Vice President Harris worked to get illegal firearms off the street and to prosecute gun trafficking. And as Senator, she co-sponsored several pieces of gun safety legislation, including an assault weapons ban.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine drone strikes demonstrate its continuing intent to fight the long war against Russia

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    Ukraine recently launched a long-range drone strike on a Russian ammunition depot in the Tver region of Russia. Ukraine followed up the strike with additional drone strikes near Tver and Krasnador.

    These strikes were notable for two reasons. First, the destruction may represent Ukraine’s most successful drone strikes in the current phase of the Russia-Ukraine war.

    Second, Toropets, where the first strike took place, is approximately 480 kilometres from the Russia-Ukraine border.

    The success of the attack has caused considerable elation among Ukraine’s supporters.

    The drone strikes, however, will not fundamentally alter the current battlefield. But they are part of broader efforts by Ukraine to undermine Russia’s ability to wage war. These efforts are unlikely to bear fruit in 2024, but do improve Ukraine’s position for 2025 and potentially beyond.

    The failed search for fast victory

    Both Ukraine and Russia have sought rapid victories in the war.

    Russia, based on captured documents, believed that its invasion in 2022 would only take 10 days to result in total Ukrainian capitulation. Ukrainian resolve and the weaknesses of Russian armed forces, however, doomed this effort.

    Ukraine and its supporters, likewise, placed too much hope in a decisive victory in the 2023 summer offensive. But their hopes were quashed by a Russian army that was not only superior to its 2022 iteration and fighting on the defensive, but also by structural weaknesses in the newly constituted Ukrainian units as well.

    The reality of the Russia-Ukraine war is that rapid and decisive victories for either side are impractical. Instead, both Ukraine and Russia are undertaking efforts to win in 2025 and beyond.

    Russian tactical actions

    Ukraine realized it was in an existential fight from the outset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s focus on a rapid victory in Ukraine, however, meant Russia was unprepared for a protracted conflict.

    Russia, however, adapted to the prolonged war, using the mercenary Wagner Group to stabilize its position in Ukraine. Russia’s efforts to find soldiers for the war effort included giving the Wagner Group the green light to recruit from Russian prisons.



    Read more:
    Russians flee the draft as the reality of the war in Ukraine hits home

    These efforts, however, were more akin to patching holes in the Russian war effort than addressing its underlying issues. In September 2022, Putin announced a partial mobilization of Russian reservists, totalling 300,000 additional soldiers.

    A Russian recruit and his wife kiss and hug each other outside a military recruitment centre in Volgograd, Russia, in September 2022.
    (AP Photo)

    This mobilization and subsequent recruitment efforts gave Russia the personnel advantages it had at the beginning of the conflict. The reinforcements have allowed Russia to resume grinding offensive operations in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. Notably, Russian forces are now nearing the strategic city of Pokrovsk.

    Economic sanctions have affected Russia’s ability to produce high-end weapons. Nevertheless, it’s still able to acquire arms at scale from its domestic arms industry as well as from countries like Iran and North Korea.

    Combined with Russia’s diplomatic offensive in Africa, Putin is not as isolated as western countries commonly believe.

    Ukrainian morale

    The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a war of attrition, and most analyses have assumed that type of war plays to Russia’s advantage given its material superiority. A factor neglected by many analysts in wars of attrition, however, is the importance of morale.

    The Ukrainian government and armed forces have not neglected this crucial point. The recent and ongoing drone strikes help to boost declining Ukrainian morale as the war takes it toll and as hopes of a rapid conclusion have faded, both among Ukrainians themselves and their allies.

    Ukrainian efforts over the summer should be viewed through this morale lens. When doing so, it also becomes evident that Ukraine is fighting the long war versus seeking decisive victories.

    None of Ukraine’s major efforts over the summer, when viewed in isolation, have a serious chance of changing the war in a significant manner. The Ukrainian army’s occupation of parts of the Kursk region this summer brought the conflict to Russian territory. The amount of territory taken by Ukraine, however, is negligible.

    Each operation improves Ukraine’s ability to fight a protracted war, however, while simultaneously undermining Russia’s material and moral resources. They also boost the country’s morale while humiliating Putin at the same time.

    Long-term vision

    Russia staked considerable political capital and material benefits in acquiring support in Africa through the Wagner Group.

    Ukrainian special operation forces efforts in Africa against the Wagner Group undermine Russia’s ability to acquire diplomatic support and other resources.



    Read more:
    Ukrainian special operations abroad are part of its broader war effort against Russia

    Ukraine’s drone strikes will not alter Russian military supplies in a permanent way. But the strikes, using domestically produced drones, creates pressure on Ukraine’s allies to allow western weapons to be used with potentially greater effect.

    The daily news cycle focuses on the importance of individual acts. In assessing how the conflict is developing, however, it’s important to understand how these acts, ranging from drone strikes to ground offensives, are connected to an overall strategy. Each is designed to improve Ukraine’s position while undermining Russia’s during a protracted war.

    James Horncastle 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. Ukraine drone strikes demonstrate its continuing intent to fight the long war against Russia – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-drone-strikes-demonstrate-its-continuing-intent-to-fight-the-long-war-against-russia-239438

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Board of Governors Elects New Chairperson for 2024-2025

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson. (Photo: A. Barber-Huescar/IAEA)

    The IAEA Board of Governors elected Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson as the Chairperson of the IAEA’s Board of Governors for 2024–2025. His one-year term commences today. He succeeds Ambassador Holger Federico Martinsen of Argentina.

    Ambassador Johnson is the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the Agency, the United Nations Offices and other International Organizations in Vienna. Since his appointment in 2020, he has chaired the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Subsidiary Body III of the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the standing open-ended intergovernmental working group on improving the governance and financial situation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (FINGOV), the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the Vienna-based African Group. He is currently serving as Co-Chair for the preparations of the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Application and Technology and Technical Cooperation in 2024.

    A career diplomat with close to 30 years of experience, Ambassador Johnson’s first diplomatic assignment was in Liberia in 1995. He has since served in multiple Ghana Missions in Switzerland, the Russian Federation, Belgium, Canada and New York and has held numerous positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, including as the first Director of the Diaspora Affairs Bureau in 2014. Before his appointment in Vienna, he was the Director of Africa and Regional Integration Bureau and Head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) National Office from 2019 to 2020 and contributed towards Ghana’s bid to host the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the establishment of the ECOWAS Early Warning Centre in Accra.

    Ambassador Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, as well as two master’s degrees: a Master’s of International Affairs from the Legon Centre for International Affairs & Diplomacy in Ghana, and a Master’s of International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute in Switzerland. He has participated in various courses on leadership and diplomacy and was the recipient of the Best Ghana Diplomatic Mission Award for 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Professor to lead new £11.3m research centre

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 23 September 2024 at 16:30

    Emma Williams will lead ARU centre working with uniformed public services

    A new £11.3million research centre that will work with uniformed public services to help address damaging behaviours, such as misogyny and racism, has appointed a policing expert to its senior team.
     
    Professor Emma Williams has joined Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) as Professor and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services (CEEUPS). Dr Williams has spent more than 20 years in policing research specialising in professionalism, organisational fairness and the investigation of rape and sexual offending.
     
    The new centre, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will work in tandem with ARU’s established and highly acclaimed policing and military research institutes. It will work with public services such as police, fire, ambulance, military and prison services to respond effectively to challenges caused by negative workplace behaviours, develop inclusive cultures, and build public trust.
     
    Professor Williams said:

    “Equality and diversity within working environments are fundamental and enriching for the workplace and are sadly not always met. This chance to work to change and improve this situation is a challenge I really welcome.
     
    “Having the opportunity to take my experience and learning from research within the policing world and apply it to other uniformed public services is an absolute privilege.
     
    “The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services is being launched at a time when public services are under such pressure. They are commonly experiencing similar challenging issues such as problems with retention, welfare issues, fairness, public confidence and legitimacy, and diversity, alongside leadership and organisational challenges. Therefore, learning from each other to improve practice and policy is paramount.”

     
    Professor Matt Fossey, Co-Director of the Centre for Equalities in Uniformed Public Services, said:

    “We are really looking forward to working with Emma as we grow a new dynamic team of academics and stakeholders from across the uniformed public services. There is a real opportunity to make a significant difference using evidence, applied academic tools and techniques, and importantly learning between organisations.”

     
    The £11,305,900 award received earlier this year is ARU’s largest ever research grant and includes £1million of capital funding to develop a social sciences research laboratory at ARU’s Chelmsford campus.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: September 13, 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Fly-By: September 13, 2024

    Washington, September 13, 2024

    September 13, 2024

    Blocking Confucius Institutes from American Universities

    This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation to stop the Chinese Communist Party from infiltrating American university campuses.

    The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operates “Confucius Institutes” on college campuses under the guise of promoting Chinese language and culture throughout the country. In reality, these organizations are used as Trojan horses to gain access to critical American research and exert the global influence of the CCP.

    My legislation is crucial. It prevents the Department of Homeland Security from funding American universities that host a Confucius Institute or have ties with a Chinese entity of concern. We must not underestimate the credible and real threat that the CCP poses to the United States.

    Click here or below to watch my full floor remarks.

    Remembering 9/11

    Wednesday marked twenty-three years since the horrific 9/11 attacks on our country. May we never forget the 2,977 innocent American lives lost, which included many first responders who ran straight into danger.

    As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, I have sounded the alarm on the rise of activity from aggressive terrorist groups. I have introduced legislation aimed at slowing the global recruitment and planning of attacks. The terror threat landscape is as high as it has ever been, especially with hundreds of known and suspected terrorists flowing across our southern border and the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    September 11, 2001, will forever be ingrained in our minds. The fight against evil is not finished. Thank you all to my fellow servicemen and women and their families for their sacrifice. My prayers continue to remain with the families of the victims and survivors of 9/11.

    Biden-Harris Energy Agenda is Hurting Americans

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s war on fossil fuels has led to high energy bills for American families and businesses across the country. This week, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy to learn more about the impacts of the Administration’s energy policies over the last three years. We heard directly from a generational family farmer whose business is struggling due to skyrocketing inflation and increasing production costs.

    In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2024 farm income forecast painted a bleak picture for American agriculture. It projects that net farm income will decline nearly 25% in two years, with substantial losses in crop receipts and continued pressure from rising costs. Meanwhile, interest rates are at the highest level seen in 40 years.

    Congress must pass a strong Farm Bill to protect not only our farmers and ranchers but also the American food supply. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.

    2024 Angels in Adoption Honoree

    Congratulations to Matt Waller of Midland on being named a 2024 Angels in Adoption Honoree. I enjoyed visiting with him to hear about his work to establish The Attic Foster Network and the Heart Gallery of West Texas. I thank Matt for his dedication and commitment to bettering the lives of children and families across our state.

    Examining the FDA’s Role in Protecting Americans

    On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee to oversee the FDA’s regulation of food and tobacco. Since 2020, illegal disposable e-vapor products from China have flooded the U.S. market, with 65% of the market being illegal and targeting teens. The FDA has failed to stop these imports and hasn’t provided clear guidance to retailers on unauthorized products. The FDA must be held accountable for failing to protect Americans’ health. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.

    Congress Must Take Action to Secure Medical Supply Chains

    I joined Representatives Brad R. Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), Blake D. Moore (UT-01), and Mark Green, M.D. (TN-07) in releasing a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback for strengthening and enhancing domestic medical supply chains.

    Securing our nation’s medical supply chains is not just a matter of economic importance; it is a matter of national security. Congress must prioritize revitalizing our domestic medical supply chains to eliminate our reliance on adversaries, like China, for essential medical supplies. Read more about the RFI here.

    Applications Closing for Congressional Youth Advisory Council

    I am excited to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.

    Participants will have the chance to interact directly with me, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2025 (Date TBD).

    Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing an application at pfluger.house.gov/services/cyac.htm.

    The deadline for submissions is TODAY September 13, 2024.

    For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.

    Upcoming Service Academy Night

    My office will soon be hosting a Service Academy Night on September 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for high school students interested in pursuing an education and military career through the U.S. military service academies.

    The event will be held at the Angelo State University Houston Harte University Center in the CJ Davidson Conference Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive, San Angelo, Texas, 76901.

    Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to attend! If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please reach out to Mary O’Connor in my office at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.

    2024 Congressional App Challenge

    My office is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Competition. The competition is open to all 6-12 grade students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is an opportunity for students to develop their skills in computer science and STEM skills.

    The deadline is October 24th, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET. Students can register and upload their app here.

    Step-by-Step Video Guide

    The Congressional App Challenge website has a step-by-step video guide that walks students, parents, and educators through the application process. Clickhereto access the video guide.

    PRIZES

    The winner from the 11th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country. Additional sponsor prizes to be announced.

    RULES

    · Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code” will be accepted.

    · There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.

    · Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.

    Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge’s website. For more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us/or contact Kathy Keane in the San Angelo Office at Kathy.Keane@mail.house.gov.

    Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

    Rep. August Pfluger

    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, Professor of International and Diplomacy Studies, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, University of South Africa

    There is growing global consensus among the members of the United Nations that the UN security council, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, requires reform or restructuring to reflect the current balance of forces, and to improve its working methods and ability to do its work.

    There is also growing consensus among members of the African Union that Africa deserves a permanent presence at the council.

    The debate took a new turn on 13 September, when the US announced it would support the creation of two new permanent seats for African countries, and a non-permanent seat for small island developing nations. This came after a pledge in 2022 by the Biden administration to support the expansion of the security council.

    The new permanent seats would come without the power of a veto vote.

    Read more: Africa on the UN security council: why the continent should have two permanent seats

    There are several reasons why, in my view, this quest to expand the council is likely to fail. I have followed and published on the South African experience of the UN security council and believe there is need for a sober assessment of what is achievable.

    First, those with permanent seats and veto power (Russia and China, the US, the UK and France) are reluctant to share it, for fear of diluting their own interests and influence.

    Second, if there was agreement on expansion, who would be worthy to fill the extra seats, and how would they be chosen? There are many deserving candidates, from Latin America to Europe and Asia.

    Third, how would Africa go about selecting two of its own to represent the continent on the council?

    Fourth, what would prevent such newcomers from being co-opted by the powerful (in this case, the US) to support or help implement western peace and security agendas at the expense of African and global south agendas?

    To offset the attractiveness and prestige of joining the premier international security club, Africa should be mindful of the entry requirements (namely, diplomatic nous, experience with peacekeeping and the ability to finance such), lest it find itself relegated to serving the security council’s longstanding members.

    Africa would be wise to select and support candidates that have experience, resources and a credible peacebuilding track record on the continent.

    Hurdles and dangers

    It is far from obvious that the continent’s two economic giants, Nigeria and South Africa, should represent Africa. Size counts but doesn’t always translate into attractiveness or credibility at home – a key requirement for a successful role in regional and international affairs.

    The unfortunate reality is that Africa remains divided on the basis of region, language and culture. The continent struggles to speak with one voice on critical matters such as peace and security – the priority of the UN security agenda.

    Under these conditions, a drawn-out and perhaps even unsuccessful process of selecting two out of the 54 members of the African Union is likely.

    In addition, the offer by the west for Africa to take up seats should not be viewed as an act of benevolence. Bringing Africa into the western sphere of influence is a strategic calculation to counter the growing impact of Russia and China on global affairs.

    The emergence of a new world order produces stresses and strains. The west, led by the US, continues to exercise hard power but declining influence, while an assertive alliance of global south states, led by China, is bent on eventually determining international affairs.

    Read more: Pan-Africanism remains a dream: four key issues the African Union must tackle

    Prominent members of the global south are enticed or pressured to partner with one or the other power bloc.

    Africa in particular is being courted precisely because of its large voting number (54 countries can swing decisions at multilateral meetings) but more strategically, because it constitutes the reservoir of the world’s future economy. Apart from being blessed with a youthful demographic, Africa can come into central focus due to its unique endowment of green transition minerals like cobalt, lithium and nickel.

    Where to from here?

    If all obstacles are overcome, the chosen countries would have their work cut out for them. Serving – never mind shaping – the UN security council agenda is a demanding, full-time task. The chosen African countries would have to commit significant human and financial resources, peacebuilding capacity and diplomatic leadership skills.

    South Africa is arguably the best placed to meet these criteria and can play a constructive role pushing the African agenda. But it needs to be wary.

    Read more: Rating agencies and Africa: the absence of people on the ground contributes to bias against the continent – analyst

    The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was quick to respond to the US statement. On the eve of departing for the annual UN general assembly talk show he told the media

    We have been campaigning and the concept has been accepted and of course Africa continues to play through various countries on the continent, important roles, peacekeeping missions not only on our continent but around the world. So, we [have] got the capability, we know how and Africa needs to be given its rightful place in the UN system and its various structures.

    Some critical questions need to be answered by all African leaders first:

    • What are the benefits for an African country taking up a permanent seat on the UN security council?

    • How would it contribute, and what would it receive in return?

    • Would it be able to set agendas and norms, or would it be forced to carry out the tasks of those who allowed it a seat at the table?

    Africa is not unfamiliar with the workings of the United Nations system. It has benefited immensely from UN involvement as it strove for decolonialisation and overcoming the apartheid system. It works closely with the UN as it faces the challenges of underdevelopment, unequal trade, extreme weather and the ongoing exploitation of its human and natural resources.

    It is fitting and ethical for Africa to take up permanent seats at the apex institution and put the security council to work to address Africa’s peace and security challenges.

    To do so, its chosen members must chart an African course of action, supported by the other members of the council.

    – UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats
    – https://theconversation.com/un-security-council-african-countries-face-hurdles-and-dangers-in-getting-permanent-seats-239642

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: September 20, 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Fly-By: September 20, 2024

    Washington, September 20, 2024

    September 20, 2024

    Increasing Security for Presidential Candidates

    Following the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Sunday, it is clear that more protection is needed to protect President Trump and his family.

    Today, I was proud to vote for theEnhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024, introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). This bill directs the Director of the United States Secret Service to apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates.

    The Senate must immediately take up the measure and provide President Trump with increased protection.

    Biden-Harris Border Policies Invite Chaos

    This week, I chaired a joint hearing in the Committee on Homeland Security with Rep. Clay Higgins to examine the variety of terror threats to the United States because of the wide-open southern border.

    It is no secret our nation is in the midst of a dire crisis at our nation’s borders. Over the last four years, a record number of migrants from across the globe have descended on our borders and have created security challenges our nation has never experienced.

    Specifically, border encounters under the Biden administration have surpassed 10.1 million aliensencountered nationwide, with over 8.2 million encountered along the Southwest border. These are only the number of individuals encountered at one of our borders.

    Experts estimate that nearly two million individuals have evaded arrest by CBP officials and are known to be “gotaways.”

    The most glaring statistic that alarms me the most is the 382 individuals whose names appear on the terrorist watchlist were stopped trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally between ports of entry from FY2021 to FY2024 year to date. This is compared to the 11 individuals apprehended from FY2017 – FY2020.

    If we know that nearly two million individuals are considered “gotaways,” how many of these individuals also appear on the terror watch list?

    During the hearing, it was deeply troubling to hear from a former U.S. Chief of Border Patrol about how he was barred from speaking publicly about the increase in threatening individuals.

    We need strong border security now. Watch here or below for my full opening remarks.

    Celebrating the 77th Anniversary of the United States Air Force

    This Wednesday marked the 77th anniversary of the United States Air Force. For twenty years, I had the honor of serving our country in uniform as a fighter pilot. As a Member of Congress, I remain committed to advocating for all service members and their families. The U.S. House Air Force Liaison Office joined me in celebrating the significant milestone. Fly-Fight-Win!

    New Report on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unprecedented Border Crisis

    The House Committee on Homeland Security majority released a comprehensive new report documenting how President Joe Biden, Vice President and Biden-appointed “border czar” Kamala Harris, and other administration officials schemed together to open our borders, gut interior enforcement, and spark a historic flood of illegal immigration—from immediately after the 2020 election through the present day.

    Read the full report here.

    Defunding Sanctuary Cities

    Sanctuary Cities are communities and states that refuse to enforce immigration laws or cooperate with federal law enforcement and immigration officials. These policies actively incentivize illegal immigration and ignite the crises we are seeing across the country.

    In New York City alone, free hotels, healthcare, and debit cards have attracted more than 100,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, and more than 65,000 remain in the city’s care.

    Today, House Republicans passed The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act to prevent sanctuary cities from receiving federal funding that would benefit illegal immigrants and bail out sanctuary cities from the crisis they created.

    Paul Whelan is Free

    I had the honor of meeting former US Marine Paul Whelan who was wrongfully detained in Russia for the last five years. It is an incredible relief to have Mr. Whelan home sharing his story and advocating on behalf of those who remain wrongfully imprisoned around the world. The United States will not tolerate its citizens being used as political pawns.

    United States Air Force Cadets in Washington

    It was great meeting with a group of U.S. Air Force Cadets during their visit to Washington. These young men and women have heeded the call to service and are the future of our armed forces. As a graduate of the Air Force Academy, I continue to be inspired by these incredible students who have chosen to pursue a career rooted in service.

    STEP Program Enrollment

    The U.S. State Department recently enhanced its Smart Traveler Enrollment Platform, known as STEP. This is an excellent resource and free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Sign up at STEP.

    September is Passport Month

    Are you planning to travel abroad in the coming year? Now is the perfect time to start the passport application process or check your current passport’s expiration date.

    If you are having trouble renewing or are experiencing a longer than normal processing time, our six district offices are ready to help you out.

    Visit this link to get started on your application or renewal process today.

    Applications Extended for Congressional Youth Advisory Council

    I am excited to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with the government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.

    Participants will have the chance to interact directly with me, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2025 (Date TBD).

    Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing an application HERE.

    The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2024.

    For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.

    Upcoming Service Academy Night

    My office will be hosting a Service Academy Night on September 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for high school students interested in pursuing an education and military career through the U.S. military service academies.

    The event will be held at the Angelo State University Houston Harte University Center in the CJ Davidson Conference Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive, San Angelo, Texas, 76901.

    Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to attend! If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please reach out to Mary O’Connor in my office at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.

    2024 Congressional App Challenge

    My office is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Competition. The competition is open to all 6-12 grade students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is an opportunity for students to develop their skills in computer science and STEM skills.

    The deadline is October 24th, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET. Students can register and upload their app here.

    Step-by-Step Video Guide

    The Congressional App Challenge website has a step-by-step video guide that walks students, parents, and educators through the application process. Clickhereto access the video guide.

    PRIZES

    The winner from the 11th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as onCongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country. Additional sponsor prizes to be announced.

    RULES

    · Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code” will be accepted.

    · There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.

    · Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.

    Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge’s website. For more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us/or contact Kathy Keane in the San Angelo Office at Kathy.Keane@mail.house.gov.

    Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

    Rep. August Pfluger

    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan Shows Strong Results at Two-Year Anniversary

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    Innovative Saskatchewan-Based Solutions to Recruit, Train, Incentivize, and Retain Enhance Competitiveness

    This month marks the two-year milestone of Saskatchewan’s historic Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan, which has delivered extraordinary health system progress within a short period of time.

    Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan in September 2022, over $300 million has now been invested in initiatives guided by the plan’s four pillars. These initiatives have expanded the current professional workforce to keep pace with provincial growth and supported stronger, more resilient future health care teams by opening doors to more educational seats and programs.

    The HHR Action Plan has advanced critical areas of the provincial health system in the past 24 months through targeted initiatives that have attracted top specialists, family physicians, registered nurses, and other in-demand health professionals to the province.

    “When our government unveiled the HHR Action Plan, we recognized it was ambitious but necessary to stabilize and reinforce our valued healthcare professionals,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Each pillar has had major positive impacts by recruiting hundreds of high priority health care workers, adding hundreds of post-secondary training seats and new programs for students, delivering incentives to benefit health service delivery in rural and northern Saskatchewan communities, attracting specialists, and investing in supportive programs to retain our valued health care workforce.”

    The HHR Action Plan is the result of ongoing support, collaboration and partnerships between multiple ministries, health employers, health partner agencies and post-secondary institutions, as well as professional regulators. A key step was establishing the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA) to accelerate and broaden efforts to recruit physicians, nurses, and other high priority professionals.

    “The establishment of SHRA brings the recruitment of health professionals to Saskatchewan under one umbrella,” SHRA CEO Terri Strunk said. “Our sole mandate is to implement strategies and best in practice activities to facilitate the regional, national and international recruitment, retention, transition and placement of health professionals in Saskatchewan. In collaboration with provincial and local stakeholders such as our health employers, provincial regulators, local health committees, and municipalities, we have made significant progress. There is still more work to do, but with the focused strategy of the Health Human Resources Action Plan, we are attracting top talent and addressing healthcare needs across the province.”

    Recruit

    Saskatchewan has seen impressive recruitment results since September 2022, with 218 physicians being recruited to Saskatchewan from outside of the province and 35 physicians from outside the country. These efforts resulted in 87 family physicians and 131 specialists establishing their practice in the province.

    Highly sought specialized health care providers recently hired include a pediatric gastroenterologist, four new psychiatrists, two perfusionists and a new physician assistant.

    The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has hired more than 1,400 recent nursing graduates from in-and out-of-province, and nearly 400 internationally educated nurses (IENs) have arrived from the Philippines. Approximately 280 IENs have successfully completed a transition to nursing in Canada programming and been placed in over 70 communities around the province. The remaining IENs are in the clinical portion of their training to obtain licensure.

    Twenty-seven new permanent Nurse Practitioner positions are posted in rural communities, and eight have already been filled.

    Train

    Advanced Education is centered on the “Train” pillar of the HHR Plan and targeted investments into health-related training programs have been achieved over the last two years, with over $100 million already invested to create approximately 870 new training seats in 33 health care programs at post-secondary institutions across the province.

    “The Ministry of Advanced Education has been playing a significant role in supporting the Health Human Resources Action Plan since its inception, and I am very proud of the work done in partnership with our institutions to operationalize this ambitious initiative,” Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young said. “Saskatchewan students now have more opportunities than ever before to train for a career in health care, which is pivotal for the sector and the people it serves.”

    The expanded seats will produce more graduates in critical health care fields such as nursing, mental health and addictions, medical diagnostic imaging, physicians, and many other professions. Saskatchewan is also introducing four new programs not previously offered in the province: occupational therapy, speech language pathology, respiratory therapy and physician assistants.

    Expanded seats and new programs are being made available at university and polytech campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, as well as some programs offered at various regional colleges across province including psychiatric nursing at North West College in North Battleford, sonography at Suncrest College in Yorkton, Mental Health and Wellness at Northlands College in La Ronge and Continuing Care Assistants at Southeast College in Weyburn.

    Incentivize

    A range of attractive incentive programs, such as the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) that includes a return-of-service agreement with recipients, has directly benefited over 50 communities across the province with more than 350 hard-to-recruit positions successfully filled.

    The Rural Physician Incentive Program was enhanced in 2024, and new incentives were introduced to support recruitment and retention of specialists in high demand, such as anesthesia, psychiatry, breast and interventional radiology in approved sites and certain pediatric subspecialities.

    The province has also disbursed over $1.3 million in bursaries, such as nearly 150 Final Clinical Bursaries, nearly 150 paramedic bursaries and other scholarships and available grants to encourage students to pursue a health care career. In addition, many graduates are eligible for the Graduate Retention Tax Credits and student loan forgiveness programs.

    “Our competitive HHR Action Plan has attracted a diverse group of new health care professionals to our vibrant and welcoming communities across rural and northern Saskatchewan,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said. “These smaller centres provide unique opportunities to use a full range of skillsets and expertise within the workplace. It is exciting to see our young people receive rewarding employment opportunities upon graduation right here in Saskatchewan.”

    Retain

    Retention of health care staff has been a key area of focus by promoting the rewarding benefits of a career in health care, such as hiring 245 new and enhanced full-time permanent positions in high-priority occupations, including registered nurses, to stabilize staffing in rural and northern areas. Another 65 registered nurse positions have been increased from part time to full time in rural and remote locations with 36 positions filled.

    Scope of practice for pharmacists, nurse practitioners and advanced care paramedics has expanded to benefit patients and increase access to services for people living in rural communities, shorten wait times for primary care and give more options for obtaining certain health services.

    The SHA has implemented a variety of programs to enhance work environments and staff engagement opportunities including a mentorship program with over 200 participants, and actively engaging with First Nations and Métis communities and educational institutions to develop a First Nations and Métis recruitment and retention strategy.

    The SHA has also introduced multiple volunteer and career learning opportunities that are available to Saskatchewan high school students.

    “Our health care teams are the backbone of our health system,” SHA CEO Andrew Will said. “They are essential for delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality, culturally responsive and patient-centred care as close to home as possible. Our Health Human Resource strategies not only involve Saskatchewan Health Authority staff and physicians, but also leverage the strength of our volunteers, patient and family advisors, traditional knowledge keepers, and our network of community and health system partners.”

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, Professor of International and Diplomacy Studies, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, University of South Africa

    There is growing global consensus among the members of the United Nations that the UN security council, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, requires reform or restructuring to reflect the current balance of forces, and to improve its working methods and ability to do its work.

    There is also growing consensus among members of the African Union that Africa deserves a permanent presence at the council.

    The debate took a new turn on 13 September, when the US announced it would support the creation of two new permanent seats for African countries, and a non-permanent seat for small island developing nations. This came after a pledge in 2022 by the Biden administration to support the expansion of the security council.

    The new permanent seats would come without the power of a veto vote.



    Read more:
    Africa on the UN security council: why the continent should have two permanent seats

    There are several reasons why, in my view, this quest to expand the council is likely to fail. I have followed and published on the South African experience of the UN security council and believe there is need for a sober assessment of what is achievable.

    First, those with permanent seats and veto power (Russia and China, the US, the UK and France) are reluctant to share it, for fear of diluting their own interests and influence.

    Second, if there was agreement on expansion, who would be worthy to fill the extra seats, and how would they be chosen? There are many deserving candidates, from Latin America to Europe and Asia.

    Third, how would Africa go about selecting two of its own to represent the continent on the council?

    Fourth, what would prevent such newcomers from being co-opted by the powerful (in this case, the US) to support or help implement western peace and security agendas at the expense of African and global south agendas?

    To offset the attractiveness and prestige of joining the premier international security club, Africa should be mindful of the entry requirements (namely, diplomatic nous, experience with peacekeeping and the ability to finance such), lest it find itself relegated to serving the security council’s longstanding members.

    Africa would be wise to select and support candidates that have experience, resources and a credible peacebuilding track record on the continent.

    Hurdles and dangers

    It is far from obvious that the continent’s two economic giants, Nigeria and South Africa, should represent Africa. Size counts but doesn’t always translate into attractiveness or credibility at home – a key requirement for a successful role in regional and international affairs.

    The unfortunate reality is that Africa remains divided on the basis of region, language and culture. The continent struggles to speak with one voice on critical matters such as peace and security – the priority of the UN security agenda.

    Under these conditions, a drawn-out and perhaps even unsuccessful process of selecting two out of the 54 members of the African Union is likely.

    In addition, the offer by the west for Africa to take up seats should not be viewed as an act of benevolence. Bringing Africa into the western sphere of influence is a strategic calculation to counter the growing impact of Russia and China on global affairs.

    The emergence of a new world order produces stresses and strains. The west, led by the US, continues to exercise hard power but declining influence, while an assertive alliance of global south states, led by China, is bent on eventually determining international affairs.



    Read more:
    Pan-Africanism remains a dream: four key issues the African Union must tackle

    Prominent members of the global south are enticed or pressured to partner with one or the other power bloc.

    Africa in particular is being courted precisely because of its large voting number (54 countries can swing decisions at multilateral meetings) but more strategically, because it constitutes the reservoir of the world’s future economy. Apart from being blessed with a youthful demographic, Africa can come into central focus due to its unique endowment of green transition minerals like cobalt, lithium and nickel.

    Where to from here?

    If all obstacles are overcome, the chosen countries would have their work cut out for them. Serving – never mind shaping – the UN security council agenda is a demanding, full-time task. The chosen African countries would have to commit significant human and financial resources, peacebuilding capacity and diplomatic leadership skills.

    South Africa is arguably the best placed to meet these criteria and can play a constructive role pushing the African agenda. But it needs to be wary.



    Read more:
    Rating agencies and Africa: the absence of people on the ground contributes to bias against the continent – analyst

    The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was quick to respond to the US statement. On the eve of departing for the annual UN general assembly talk show he told the media

    We have been campaigning and the concept has been accepted and of course Africa continues to play through various countries on the continent, important roles, peacekeeping missions not only on our continent but around the world. So, we [have] got the capability, we know how and Africa needs to be given its rightful place in the UN system and its various structures.

    Some critical questions need to be answered by all African leaders first:

    • What are the benefits for an African country taking up a permanent seat on the UN security council?

    • How would it contribute, and what would it receive in return?

    • Would it be able to set agendas and norms, or would it be forced to carry out the tasks of those who allowed it a seat at the table?

    Africa is not unfamiliar with the workings of the United Nations system. It has benefited immensely from UN involvement as it strove for decolonialisation and overcoming the apartheid system. It works closely with the UN as it faces the challenges of underdevelopment, unequal trade, extreme weather and the ongoing exploitation of its human and natural resources.

    It is fitting and ethical for Africa to take up permanent seats at the apex institution and put the security council to work to address Africa’s peace and security challenges.

    To do so, its chosen members must chart an African course of action, supported by the other members of the council.

    Anthoni van Nieuwkerk 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. UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats – https://theconversation.com/un-security-council-african-countries-face-hurdles-and-dangers-in-getting-permanent-seats-239642

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: B. Chad Yarbrough Named Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division

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

    Director Christopher Wray has named B. Chad Yarbrough as assistant director of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Mr. Yarbrough most recently served as special agent in charge of the Dallas Field Office.

    Mr. Yarbrough joined the FBI as a special agent in 2006 and was assigned to the Dothan Resident Agency of the Mobile Field Office in Alabama, where he investigated violent crime and crimes against children. In 2010, Mr. Yarbrough transferred to the Chicago Field Office. As a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, he investigated domestic terrorism matters.

    In 2012, Mr. Yarbrough was promoted to supervisory special agent and worked in the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 2014, Mr. Yarbrough was named supervisory special agent of the Mobile Field Office’s Violent Criminal Threats squad. In 2017, Mr. Yarbrough was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh Field Office, overseeing the criminal, crisis-management, and SWAT programs.

    In 2020, Mr. Yarborough was promoted to section chief of the National Threat Operations Section. In 2021, he was named deputy assistant director in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters, overseeing the Transnational Organized Crime, Violent Crime, and Operational Support sections. 

    In 2023, Mr. Yarbrough was named special agent in charge of the Dallas Field Office. 

    Mr. Yarbrough holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Sam Houston State University in Texas. Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Yarbrough served as a special agent for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Striped Surprise

    Source: NASA

    3 min read

    NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover captured this image of a black-and-white striped rock using its Left Mastcam-Z camera. Mastcam-Z is a pair of cameras located high on the rover’s mast. This image was acquired on Sept. 13, 2024 (Sol 1268) at the local mean solar time of 12:40:29.
    NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

    Last week, team scientists and the internet alike were amazed when Perseverance spotted a black-and-white striped rock unlike any seen on Mars before. Is this a sign of exciting discoveries to come?

    It has now nearly been a month since the rover began its climb up the steep slopes leading to the crater rim, on the hunt for ancient rocks that could teach us about early Martian history. While these tricky slopes made for a slow initial ascent, drive progress has improved greatly in recent days, as Perseverance has cruised along a flatter stretch. From this overlook, the rover can now spot landmarks from earlier in the mission like the iconic ‘Kodiak’ butte on the hazy horizon, thick with dust from nearby dust storms.

    While driving across unremarkable pebbly terrain, beady-eyed team members spotted a cobble in the distance with hints of an unusual texture in low resolution Navcam images, and gave it the name ‘Freya Castle’. The team planned a multispectral observation using the Mastcam-Z camera in order to get a closer look before driving away. When these data were downlinked a couple days later, after Perseverance had already left the area, it became clear just how unusual it was! ‘Freya Castle’ is around 20 cm across, and has a striking pattern with alternating black and white stripes. The internet immediately lit up with speculation about what this “zebra rock” might be, and we’ve enjoyed reading your theories!

    The science team thinks that this rock has a texture unlike any seen in Jezero Crater before, and perhaps all of Mars. Our knowledge of its chemical composition is limited, but early interpretations are that igneous and/or metamorphic processes could have created its stripes. Since Freya Castle is a loose stone that is clearly different from the underlying bedrock, it has likely arrived here from someplace else, perhaps having rolled downhill from a source higher up. This possibility has us excited, and we hope that as we continue to drive uphill, Perseverance will encounter an outcrop of this new rock type so that more detailed measurements can be acquired.

    ‘Freya Castle’ is merely the latest in a series of intriguing rocks found recently; ever since arriving in the vicinity of the crater rim, the team has noticed an increased variety of rocks, such as the diverse collection of boulders at ‘Mount Washburn’. Could these be our first glimpses at ancient rocks uplifted from depth by the Jezero impact, now exposed on the crater rim? Only time will tell…

    Written by Athanasios Klidaras, Ph.D. student at Purdue University

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker Congratulate Three Connecticut Public Schools on Being Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker are congratulating three Connecticut public schools for being named today by the U.S. Department of Education as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. This award is given annually to select schools across the nation for demonstrating overall high achievement or success in closing achievement gaps.

    The three schools are:

    “Connecticut’s public schools are considered among the best in the nation, and that is because of the top-quality teachers and staff in our school systems who provide a high level of learning that is helping our students achieve success,” Governor Lamont said. “Every child deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for achievement. There’s no doubt that we must continue working to close persistent achievement gaps, but I firmly believe that the strong work of so many of our educators is having an impact. I congratulate these three public schools in Madison, Meriden, and Shelton on earning this national distinction and I wish them continued success.”

    “The Connecticut State Department of Education congratulates all of the schools named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “These schools exemplify Connecticut’s dedication to fostering educational environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential, preparing them for academic success as well as life and work beyond school. Congratulations to the students, educators, and school leaders on this prestigious honor and for their continued pursuit of excellence.”

    The Connecticut State Department of Education uses data from the Next Generation Accountability System to nominate schools for the National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS) award. Current recipients were nominated based on 2022-2023 accountability results. Nominated schools must complete an application process and be approved by the U.S. Department of Education. All selected schools in Connecticut were designated as Schools of Distinction. National Blue Ribbon Schools are identified in two categories: Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing and Exemplary High Performing.

    Daniel Hand High School (Madison) – Exemplary High Performing

    Daniel Hand High School serves 776 students in Grades 9 to 12. The school has demonstrated strong overall performance since the inception of the Next Generation Accountability System in 2014-2015. The school’s accountability index, which is a percentage of possible points earned, has exceeded the target of 85 every year. The accountability index in 2022-2023 was 88.4%, resulting in School of Distinction status for the second consecutive year.

    In 2022-2023, Daniel Hand High School earned all possible points on seven indicators of the accountability report. Nearly all Grade 9 students earned six or more credits, placing them on-track to high school graduation within four years (Indicator 7). Students exceeded state targets established for the percentage of students enrolling in courses that lead to college and career readiness as well as participation in arts coursework (Indicators 5 and 12). Graduation rates are strong for all students and students with high needs, a group that includes students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students from low-income families (Indicators 8 and 9). More than 80% of the class of 2022 entered a postsecondary institution within a year of graduation (Indicator 10).

    The school’s chronic absenteeism rate was 2.1% for all students and 5.6% for students with high needs (Indicator 4) in 2022-2023. These rates suggest that students at Daniel Hand High School are engaged and ready to learn. In the NBRS application, school administrators highlighted the importance of listening to and acting on student input. One approach used to learn what students need is through communication with the Student Leadership group. This group is comprised of about forty students and meets monthly with the school administration. These student representatives serving as liaisons to the student body are consulted prior to making school improvement and program decisions.

    Israel Putnam Elementary School (Meriden) – Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing

    Israel Putnam School is one of four elementary schools in Meriden serving students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Of the 482 students enrolled, approximately 80% are eligible for free or reduced priced meals and 19% are multilingual learners, speaking at least nine different languages.

    This school earned School of Distinction status for two consecutive years due to strong academic growth. In 2022-2023, students were in the top ten percent of schools in terms of growth in mathematics for all students and students with high needs, and in reading this was true for students with high needs. On average, students achieved approximately 88% of their growth targets in mathematics. The 2022-2023 growth scores in mathematics were the highest to date for this school.

    While there is a strong focus on alignment of core instruction to national and state standards, Israel Putnam educators acknowledge the importance of providing students with experiences beyond the regular curriculum during and outside of the school day. Ten years ago, they established the first Meriden Elementary School Drama Club. Club members today continue to be involved in every aspect of production fostering student confidence, communication skills, creativity, and a love for the arts. The school also offers a range of monthly enrichment opportunities for students. Staff volunteer to lead specific activities and students choose from those options. Offerings have included cupcake decorating, board games, world languages, crafts, fitness activities, science, cooking, yoga, coloring mandalas, and much more.

    Sunnyside Elementary School (Shelton) – Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing

    Sunnyside School is a small neighborhood school in Shelton. The school enrolls 224 students in Kindergarten through Grade 4. Nearly half of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and 15.6% of students are multilingual learners.

    Sunnyside has earned School of Distinction status annually since 2015-2016. In 2022-2023, academic growth for Sunnyside students was among the top ten percent of schools in mathematics and reading for all students and students with high needs. The school’s overall accountability index in 2022-2023 was 80, meaning that the school earned 80% of all possible points. Contributing to the index was overall reading and math performance that approached the designated state targets with the school earning over 90% of possible points for all students in both subjects.

    Sunnyside has developed a strong professional culture that promotes trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement through Instructional Rounds. Instructional Rounds are modeled after a similar practice used in medicine. At Sunnyside, a group of educators travels in a small group to observe teaching and learning throughout the building. The classroom visits are brief and are not evaluative. The group reflects on the instruction observed as well as student engagement in the process. Finally, the team discusses their observations and the impact on learning. This authentic professional learning activity provides teachers with the opportunity to learn from their peers.

    For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, visit nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEMORANDUM: EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-208 (Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

    Source: US State of Florida

    TO:                Members of the Press

    FROM:          Bryan Griffin, Director of Communications, Governor Ron DeSantis

    DATE:           Monday, September 23, 2024

    RE:                Executive Order Number 24-208 (Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

    Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm.

    To read the full executive order, click here or read below:

    STATE OF FLORIDA
    OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
    EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-208
    (Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

    WHEREAS, as of 11:00 AM EDT on Monday, September 23, 2024, showers and thunderstorms located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America have been associated with a broad area of low pressure, now identified as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine; and

    WHEREAS, based on atmospheric and oceanic data, highly conducive environmental conditions are forecast to organize and develop Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine into a tropical depression or tropical storm during the next day or two over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico, where further development and strengthening is expected; and

    WHEREAS, forecast models indicate that this system will have a vast areal extent, and its impact will likely extend well beyond its center, along the northeast Gulf Coast; and

    WHEREAS, there is a significant threat of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Florida Gulf Coast; and

    WHEREAS, due to the impacts from Hurricane Debby, the water tables and riverine levels across North and West-Central Florida remain above normal, and the additional incoming heavy rainfall will likely cause significant riverine flooding for an extended period; and

    WHEREAS, the incoming heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause widespread power outages due to fallen trees and powerlines; and

    WHEREAS,     these conditions could damage the operational capability of major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids and other critical infrastructure; and

    WHEREAS, as Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron DeSantis, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:

    Section 1.        Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

    Section 2.        I designate the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management (“Director”) as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency and direct him to execute the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and other response, recovery, and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency, including any logistical, rescue or evacuation operations.  Pursuant to section 252.36(1)(a), Florida Statutes, I delegate to the State Coordinating Officer the authority to exercise those powers delineated in sections 252.36(6)-(12), Florida Statutes, which he shall exercise as needed to meet this emergency, subject to the limitations of section 252.33, Florida Statutes.  In exercising the powers delegated by this Executive Order, the State Coordinating Officer shall confer with the Governor to the fullest extent practicable.  The State Coordinating Officer shall also have the authority to:

    A. Invoke and administer the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (“EMAC”) (sections 252.921-252.9335, Florida Statutes) and other compacts and agreements existing between the State of Florida and other states, and the further authority to coordinate the allocation of resources from such other states that are made available to Florida under such compacts and agreements so as to best meet this emergency.

    B. Seek direct assistance and enter into agreements with any and all agencies of the federal government as may be needed to meet this emergency.

    C. Direct all state, regional, and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to identify personnel needed from those agencies to assist in meeting the response, recovery, and mitigation needs created by this emergency, and to place all such personnel under the direct command and coordination of the State Coordinating Officer to meet this emergency.

    D. Direct the actions of any state agency as necessary to implement the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Disaster Recovery Framework.

    E. Designate Deputy State Coordinating Officers and Deputy State Disaster Recovery Coordinators, as necessary.

    F. Suspend the effect of any statute, rule, or order that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay any mitigation, response, or recovery action necessary to cope with this emergency. In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any such order, declaration, or other action shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.

    G. Enter orders as may be needed to implement any of the foregoing powers; however, the requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such orders issued by the State Coordinating Officer.  No such order shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    Section 3.        I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency.  I further order the Director of the Florida State Guard to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to this emergency.

    Section 4.        I find that the special duties and responsibilities resting upon some state, regional, and local agencies and other governmental bodies in responding to this emergency may require them to suspend or waive certain statutes, rules, ordinances, and orders they administer.  Therefore, I issue the following authorizations:

    A. Pursuant to section 252.36(6)(a), Florida Statutes, the Executive Office of the Governor may suspend all statutes and rules affecting budgeting to the extent necessary to provide budget authority for state agencies to cope with this emergency.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such suspension issued by the Executive Office of the Governor.  No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    B. Each state agency may suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of that agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any such statute, order, or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.  This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to suspend any and all statutes, rules, ordinances, or orders which affect leasing, printing, purchasing, travel, and the condition of employment and the compensation of employees.  In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any agency order, declaration, or other action suspending a statute or rule shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any such suspension issued by a state agency. No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    C. In accordance with section 252.38(3), Florida Statutes, each political subdivision within the State of Florida may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of the political subdivision by law pertaining to:

    1) Performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community;

    2) Following local procurement and contracting policies;

    3) Entering into contracts; however, political subdivisions are cautioned against entering into time and materials contracts without a ceiling as defined by 2 CFR 200.318(j) or cost plus a percentage of cost contracts prohibited by 2 CFR 200.324(d);

    4) Incurring obligations;

    5) Employment of permanent and temporary workers;

    6) Utilization of volunteer workers;

    7) Rental of equipment;

    8) Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities; and

    9) Appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

    D. All agencies whose employees are certified as disaster service volunteers within the meaning of section 110.120(2)(d), Florida Statutes, may, in accordance with section 110.120(3), Florida Statutes, release any such employees for such service as requested by the employee to meet this emergency.

    E. The Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) may:

    1) Waive the collection of tolls and other fees and charges for the use of the Turnpike and other public highways, to the extent such waiver may be needed to provide emergency assistance or facilitate the evacuation of the affected counties;

    2) Manage the flow of traffic or close any and all roads, highways, and portions of highways as may be needed for the safe and efficient transportation of evacuees to those counties that the State Coordinating Officer may designate as destination counties for evacuees in this emergency;

    3) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to section 316.545(4), Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;

    4) Waive by special permit the warning signal requirements in the Utility Accommodations Manual to accommodate public utility companies from other jurisdictions which render assistance in restoring vital services; and

    5) Waive the size and weight restrictions for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities and citrus as recommended by the Commissioner of Agriculture, allowing the establishment of alternate size and weight restrictions for all such vehicles for the duration of the emergency.  The DOT shall issue permits and such vehicles shall be subject to such special conditions as the DOT may endorse on any such permits.

    Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to allow any vehicle to exceed weight limits posted for bridges and like structures, or relieve any vehicle or the carrier, owner, or driver of any vehicle from compliance with any restrictions other than those specified in this Executive Order, or from any statute, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically waived or suspended herein or by supplemental order by the State Coordinating Officer.

    F. The Executive Director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may:

    1) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to sections 316.545(4) and 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;

    2) Waive the hours-of-service requirements for such vehicles;

    3) Suspend the enforcement of the licensing and registration requirements under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) pursuant to chapter 207, Florida Statutes, and the International Registration Plan (IRP) pursuant to section 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that are properly registered in other jurisdictions and that are participating in emergency relief efforts through the transportation of equipment and supplies or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services;

    4) Waive fees for duplicate or replacement vessel registration certificates, vessel title certificates, vehicle license plates, vehicle registration certificates, vehicle tag certificates, vehicle title certificates, handicapped parking permits, replacement drivers’ licenses, and replacement identification cards and to waive the additional fees for the late renewal of or application for such licenses, certificates, and documents due to the effects of adverse weather conditions; and

    5) Defer administrative actions and waive fees imposed by law for the late renewal or application for the above licenses, certificates, and documents, which were delayed due to the effects of adverse weather conditions, including in counties wherein the DHSMV has closed offices, or any office of the County Tax Collector that acts on behalf of the DHSMV to process renewals has closed offices due to adverse weather conditions.  Recordkeeping and other applicable requirements for existing IFTA and IRP licensees and registrants are not affected by this Executive Order.  The DHSMV shall promptly notify the State Coordinating Officer when the waiver is no longer necessary.

    G. In accordance with section 465.0275(2), Florida Statutes, pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day emergency prescription refill of maintenance medication to persons who reside in an area or county covered under this Executive Order and to emergency personnel who have been activated by their state or local agency but who do not reside in an area or county covered by this Executive Order.  In accordance with section 465.019(4)(b), Florida Statutes, a hospital that operates a Class II or Class III institutional pharmacy located in an area or county covered under this Executive Order may prescribe and dispense a supply of medicinal drug lasting up to 72 hours.

    H. All state agencies responsible for the use of state buildings and facilities may close such buildings and facilities in those portions of the State affected by this emergency, to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.  I direct each state agency to report the closure of any State building or facility to the WebEOC system utilized by the Division of Emergency Management.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct each county to report the closure of any building or facility operated or maintained by the county or any political subdivision on a daily basis to the WebEOC system.  Furthermore, I direct the Secretary of the Department of Management Services to:

    1) Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and

    2) Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

    I. All State agencies may abrogate the time requirements, notice requirements, and deadlines for final action on applications for permits, licenses, rates, and other approvals under any statutes or rules under which such application are deemed to be approved unless disapproved in writing by specified deadlines.  All such time requirements that have not yet expired as of the date of this Executive Order are suspended and tolled to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.

    J. All agencies shall implement Selected Exempt Services (SES) Extraordinary Payment Plans and Career Service Regular Compensatory Leave Payment Plans for:

    1) All essential agency personnel who are required to work extraordinary hours when state-owned or state-operated facilities are closed in response to an emergency condition.  Employees who are eligible to receive extraordinary pay under the agency’s activated plan shall accrue special compensatory leave credits for work performed during facility closures up to the number of hours in the employee’s established workday.  For these employees, any additional time worked beyond the employee’s established workday during facility closures will result in extraordinary pay;

    2) All agency personnel who are assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center and are required to work extraordinary hours; and

    3)  All agency personnel who are deployed throughout the state in response to an emergency condition and are required to work extraordinary hours.

    K. All State agencies may waive the forty-day time limit to issue a warrant pursuant to section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes.  This waiver applies to invoices and reimbursement requests arising from this emergency that were received, inspected, and approved by the agency prior to the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.  This waiver of section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes, and all waivers based upon this waiver shall expire upon the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    L. The provisions of section 934.50, Florida Statutes, excluding subsection (4), are waived for state and local agencies conducting emergency operations arising from the state of emergency for the limited purpose of capturing aerial evidence concerning the amount of damage sustained to private and public property; to assist in search, rescue, and recovery activities; and prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property.

    Section 5.        All public facilities, including elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, state universities, and other facilities owned or leased by the state, regional or local governments that are suitable for use as public shelters shall be made available at the request of the local emergency management agencies to ensure the proper reception and care of all evacuees.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct the Superintendent of each public-school district in the State of Florida to report the closure of any school within its district to the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education.  Furthermore, I direct the Commissioner of the Department of Education to:

    A. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and

    B. Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

     Section 6.        I find that the demands placed upon funds specifically appropriated to state and local agencies for disaster relief or response are unreasonably great and that such funds may be inadequate to pay the costs of coping with this emergency.  In accordance with section 252.37(2), Florida Statutes, I direct that sufficient funds be made available, as needed, by transferring and expending moneys from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.

     Section 7.        All state agencies entering emergency orders, emergency rules, or other emergency actions in response to this emergency shall advise the State Coordinating Officer contemporaneously or as soon as practicable thereafter, and, pursuant to section 252.36(3)(b), Florida Statutes, shall submit the order or declaration to the Division of Administrative Hearings within five (5) days of issuance.

    Section 8.        Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.

    Section 9. Pursuant to section 501.160, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful and a violation of section 501.204, Florida Statutes, for a person to rent or sell or offer to rent or sell at an unconscionable price within the area for which the state of emergency is declared, any essential commodity including, but not limited to, supplies, services, provisions, or equipment that is necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency.

    Section 10.        Under the authority contained in sections 252.36(6)(a), (g), and (m), Florida Statutes, I direct that, for the purposes of this emergency, the term “essentials”, as defined by section 252.359(2), Florida Statutes, shall be the same as and no more expansive than the term “commodity”, as defined by section 501.160(1)(a), Florida Statutes (hereinafter referred to collectively or alternatively as “essential commodities”).  Accordingly, any person who delivers essential commodities to a location in the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order, and when necessary to ensure that those commodities are made available to the public, may travel within evacuated areas and exceed curfews, provided the State Coordinating Officer determines, after consultation with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), that:

    A. Law enforcement officials in the declared area(s) can provide adequate security to protect the essential commodities from theft;

    B. The weight of a delivery vehicle will not jeopardize the structural integrity of any roadway or bridge located within the declared area;

    C. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact evacuation activities in the declared area(s); and

    D. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact any response or recovery activities occurring within the declared area(s).

    After consulting with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), and after consulting with local officials, the State Coordinating Officer may dictate the routes of ingress, egress, and movement within the declared area(s) that drivers must follow when delivering essential commodities.

    Provided he or she is actually delivering medications, any person authorized to deliver medications under chapter 893, Florida Statutes, qualifies as a person delivering essential commodities.

    In order to qualify as a person delivering essential commodities under this section, a person must be in the process of delivering essential commodities only.  If an individual is transporting both essential and non-essential commodities, then this section shall not provide any authorization for that individual to enter into or move within the declared area(s).

    Section 11.        Consistent with Executive Order 80-29, nothing in this Executive Order shall prevent local jurisdictions in any area not declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order from taking prompt and necessary action to save lives and protect the property of their citizens, including the authority to compel and direct timely evacuation when necessary.

    Section 12.         I authorize the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds pursuant to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, to any county, municipality, or other political subdivision located within the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order.  The authority of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds in connection with this emergency shall expire six months after the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

         Section 13.      All actions taken by the Director of the Division of Emergency Management with respect to this emergency before the issuance of this Executive Order are ratified.

    Section 14.     This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire sixty (60) days from this date unless extended.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advancing Specialty Care for Metastatic Melanoma at UConn Health

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    When patients have a concern about melanoma, a form of skin cancer, they may turn to their dermatologist for care. Fortunately, for most patients, melanoma is detected early and may be treated with simple excision and dermatologic follow-up.

    For a small number of patients with more advanced melanoma, there is an increased risk of their disease spreading into lymph nodes or other sites in the body. For these patients, specialized expertise from a surgical oncologist and a medical oncologist can provide treatments that offer better outcomes, including a better chance of a cure.

    The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center in collaboration with the Dermatology Department now offers specialized melanoma care at UConn Health and the UConn School of Medicine. With the arrival of medical oncologist, Dr. Margaret Callahan, chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology, and surgical oncologist Dr. Giao Phan, professor of surgery, joining expert medical oncologist Dr. Upendra Hegde and a well-established dermatology and dermatopathology team led by Dr. Philip Kerr and Dr. Campbell Stewart, these melanoma and skin cancer experts provide specialized expertise and comprehensive care in treating melanoma at any stage, including advanced disease. This team meets on a weekly basis to discuss new patients and review care plans in a multi-disciplinary fashion.

    Phan, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, completed surgical oncology fellowships and research at the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health and at the Moffitt Cancer Center. As a surgical oncologist specializing in melanoma and skin/soft tissue cancers, Phan’s expertise plays a crucial role in the comprehensive care of patients with these conditions. She is an expert in the spectrum of surgical tools for treating advanced melanoma, including lymph node mapping and intralesional treatments (such as the FDA-approved therapy Imlygic/T-VEC), providing a multidimensional approach to patient care. In addition to her surgical expertise, she has extensive experience with clinical research in immunotherapies including adoptive T cell therapy and radiographic surveillance of melanoma.

    Callahan, a medical oncologist, is a graduate of UConn and the UConn School of Medicine, where she received her MD and Ph.D.  She completed her oncology fellowship and served as faculty at Memorial Sloan Kettering before joining UConn as the chief of the division of hematology and oncology. With over a decade of experience focused on treating patients with advanced melanoma and leading clinical trials of novel immunotherapies, she brings a wealth of specialized melanoma knowledge and clinical insight to her practice. She also leads a translational research team focused improving the immunotherapy treatment options for patients.

    UConn’s expanded team of melanoma and skin cancer experts and researchers creates a hub for melanoma expertise and patient-focused research in Connecticut. This initiative offers a modern multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer, while teaching the next generation of cancer specialists.

    “Having a team of specialized melanoma specialists within one organization allows for a comprehensive approach to the treatment and management of melanoma, with all team members working collaboratively,” says Phan. “This collaboration leads to more effective and personalized care for patients dealing with melanoma, as they can benefit from the expertise of all specialists. The team of experts reflects a commitment by UConn Health to providing state-of-the-art care for patients with melanoma.

    “I’m delighted to be returning to my alma mater, UConn,” says Callahan. “Working together with Drs. Phan and Hegde and bringing some of my experience in advanced melanoma and in clinical trials to the team, I hope will be a great way to give back. I’m also looking forward to being part of the vibrant academic community and helping to train the next generation of clinicians and clinician scientists. UConn has an excellent immunology department, led by Dr. Anthony Vella, and they have had a longstanding commitment to immunotherapy research.”

    Phan, Callahan, and Hegde treat a wide spectrum of melanoma and skin cancer patients, starting with patients who could be cured with surgery alone to those with more advanced disease who might need multimodality therapy, such as patients whose disease has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs like the lung, liver, or brain. Surgical interventions, such as lymph node removal, aim to address localized spread, while systemic therapies play a crucial role in targeting cancer cells throughout the body. Immunotherapy and targeted inhibitors have improved outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma, often providing effective treatment options that often control the disease.

    Additionally, Callahan and Phan are excited about continuing their passion and expertise in immunotherapy research and working to bring innovative therapies and new clinical trials to UConn Health patients. They look forward to working with medical students, fellows and research collaborators and highlight the strength of the immunology department and the opportunities for translational research in the future.

    For referrals call the melanoma navigator at 860-692-8455.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Service Fire in Wheeler County

    Source: US State of Oregon

    span dir=”ltr”>The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized resources to the Service Fire in Wheeler County overnight as the fire, pushed by gusty winds and critical fire conditions, rapidly grew Monday. The lightning-sparked fire is estimated to be 15,000 acres as of Monday night. The Wheeler County Sheriff has issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices. You can find the latest on evacuations here.

    Over the weekend, two task forces assigned to the Shoe Fly Fire were reassigned to the Service Fire through Immediate Response. Two additional task forces from Marion and Clatsop counties arrived Monday night, bringing the total to four task forces.

    The OSFM will coordinate structural protection resources with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2, which is managing the Service Fire.

    “We are anticipating cooler weather over the next week and that should decrease fire behavior. The OSFM continues to use every tool at our disposal to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure from wildfire,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “This has been a challenging summer for our hardworking firefighters, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant.”

    A community meeting for the Service Fire is planned for Wednesday, September 11 at the Fossil Elementary School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. Please use the west entrance.

    This is the 17th time the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked this year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: National Groups Applaud Graves-Spanberger Discharge Petition Reaching 218 Signatures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Garret Graves (6th District of Louisiana)

    Following the discharge petition led by U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) reaching the 218 signatures necessary to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on their bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to eliminate both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), several organizations representing the interests of America’s public servants celebrated this progress, applauded the lawmakers who led and supported this effort, and urged swift votes in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.

    Earlier this month, Graves and Spanberger filed a discharge petition to force a vote on their bipartisan legislation that would eliminate both the WEP and GPO. These two provisions unfairly reduce or eliminate earned Social Security benefits for approximately 2.8 million Americans who’ve devoted much of their careers to public service — including police officers, firefighters, educators, and federal, state, and local government employees.

    After this major milestone was reached, the National Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, National Treasury Employees Union, Senior Citizens League, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, American Federation of School Administrators, Peace Officers Research Association of California, and California Retired Teachers Association shared their strong support.

    “For 40 years, millions of public servants have seen their benefits stolen by a grossly unfair system. Now, the ‘Social Security Fairness Act’ is guaranteed to receive a vote on the floor on the U.S. House of Representatives. If the bill passes, we will be one step closer to the full repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. I want to thank the bill’s sponsors, Representatives Garret N. Graves (R-LA) and Abigail D. Spanberger (D-VA), for their instrumental roles in helping get us to this point. It is a momentous occasion,” said Patrick Yoes, National President, National Fraternal Order of Police. “We need the vote in the House and then we need to get time on the Senate floor.”

    “For decades, Social Security benefits have been stolen from retired fire fighters simply because they chose a career in public service. We are excited to see a majority of House Members clearly demand that we stop this shameful denial of benefits. The success of this discharge petition is a historic event and sends the message that our nation values retired fire fighters and fairness,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters. “We now turn our focus to the House Floor to demand the passage of H.R. 82. The IAFF also applauds Representatives Spanberger and Graves for their courageous and bipartisan leadership to ensure our retirees have a dignified and secure retirement.”

    “WEP and GPO penalize hardworking Americans for serving their communities, states, and country, simply because they earned a pension through that service. With 218 signatures on the discharge petition to bring H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, to the House floor, public servants will finally get the vote they deserve,” said William “Bill” Shackelford, National President, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. “I would like to express heartfelt appreciation to every member of the House who signed the petition. You give voice to the millions to public servants impacted by these penalties. I would also like to thank the legion of grassroots advocates from NARFE and other allied organizations who engaged with their members of Congress to make sure they heard the views of their constituents on this issue. Your efforts made this achievement possible.”

    “For too long, countless public service workers and their families have unjustly been denied the Social Security benefits they earned. And too often, they’ve been forced to work well into their golden years to survive,” said Lee Saunders, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “We celebrate the progress made on bringing the Social Security Fairness Act to the front of the agenda, and we urge the House and Senate to move quickly and vote to pass this critical, bipartisan legislation. After a lifetime of strengthening our communities, our nation’s public service workers deserve what they sacrificed for – the freedom to retire with dignity.”

    “The National Association of Letter Carriers appreciates Rep. Graves and Rep. Spanberger’s leadership on this issue that affects many retired letter carriers. We are grateful to every single member who signed the discharge petition and look forward to their support when the bill comes to the House floor for a vote,” said Brian Renfroe, President, National Association of Letter Carriers. “For far too long, letter carriers and our fellow retired public servants have been robbed of their hard-earned retirement benefits. We are closer than ever to righting this wrong, and NALC is committed to continuing our advocacy to finally get this bill signed into law.”

    “The NRLCA applauds Rep. Graves and Rep. Spanberger for their leadership on repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset,” said Don Maston, President, National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. “We would also like to thank all the Members who signed the discharge petition to end the unjust penalties that impact many of our retirees by reducing their hard-earned retirement benefits.

    “NTEU appreciates all of the hard work Reps. Graves and Spanberger have done leading on H.R. 82 and we want to thank every Member of Congress who signed on to the discharge petition,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President, National Treasury Employees Union. “We look forward to seeing the full House finally vote to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.”

    “The discharge petition for H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, with the necessary 218 signatures, is applauded by The Senior Citizens League. This bipartisan petition and its signers are helping to restore faith in government among those affected by the WEP and GPO,” said Shannon Benton, Executive Director, The Senior Citizens League. “This effort demonstrates that the government can take meaningful action, cares about its public servants impacted by this issue, and is committed to making a difference. The league looks forward to the bill getting to the House floor for a vote!”

    “For far too long educators, school support staff and public employees have seen their Social Security benefits decimated by the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. Yesterday, because of the ceaseless organizing of activists from across the country, 218 members of Congress signed a discharge petition demanding that a bill repealing WEP and GPO be voted on, so hardworking folks and retirees aren’t subject to benefit reductions that impact their ability to afford basic necessities,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers. “This is a historic milestone in the fight for economic dignity in retirement, and it’s time for Congress to get the job done and finally pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82).”

    “Educators dedicate their lives to public service, but when it’s time to retire, far too many find that they have been stripped of Social Security and retirement benefits due to an unjust and morally wrong penalty. Not only do the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) exclusively punish educators, firefighters, and police officers, but these laws discourage people from pursuing public service careers,” said Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association. “Today marks a major milestone brought forth by the tireless advocacy of educators and other public servants. On behalf of the 3 million members of the National Education Association, I urge Congress to bring up the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act as soon as possible because this bill would help eliminate the unfair penalty for retirement benefits. Record levels of Americans are demanding a change to these archaic and punitive laws. The time to act is now because everyone should be able to retire with dignity and receive the benefits they earned through a lifetime of public service.”

    “The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) fully endorses the Social Security Fairness Act because repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) is essential to restoring fairness for educators and other public employees. For decades, these dedicated workers have been unfairly penalized in retirement. It’s time to eliminate these unjust penalties and restore the retirement security of those who have devoted their careers to serving the public and their communities,” said Len Pugliese, President, American Federation of School Administrators. “The bipartisan support for this legislation shows widespread recognition that public servants have been disproportionately harmed by these provisions. Representatives Spanberger and Graves deserve high praise for their leadership in overturning decades of harmful policy.”

    “We are witnessing a historic moment as the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) secures enough signatures on a discharge petition allowing Congress to vote on this issue, which has been debated for more than forty years. As a police officer with 24 years of service, I have seen firsthand how the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) has penalized the retirement security of those dedicated to public service,” said Brian R. Marvel, President, Peace Officers Research Association of California. “These provisions have unjustly slashed benefits of peace officers and public employees they’ve earned simply because they receive a government pension. This landmark achievement brings us closer than ever to restoring fairness and financial stability for our nation’s heroes. I am deeply grateful to Representatives Graves and Spanberger, all those who cosponsored and signed this discharge petition, and our coalition advocates who have fought tirelessly to right this long-standing wrong.”

    “As President of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), I’m thrilled to announce that the discharge petition for H.R. 82 has reached the 218 signatures needed, marking a significant step in our fight to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Graves, Congresswoman Spanberger, and all California Congress members who supported HR 82. Some missed the chance to sign today before the petition was locked, but their commitment remains unwavering,” Suzie Dixon, President, California Retired Teachers Association. “This victory is a testament to the relentless efforts of numerous organizations working together non-partisanly. Together, we contacted officials and stood firm in our cause. I am incredibly proud to work such a dedicated group of advocates who have demonstrated the power of unified action in repealing these unjust penalties. THE TIME IS NOW.”

    BACKGROUND

    Graves and Spanberger reintroduced the Social Security Fairness Act in January 2023 at the start of the 118th Congress. In November 2023, Spanberger and Graves urged the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee to hold a hearing on reforms to the WEP and GPO — and a hearing was held later that month in St. George, Louisiana. In March 2024, the lawmakers urged the Committee to take the next step to eliminate the WEP and GPO by holding a markup on their bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act. Graves and Spanberger have consistently pushed for a vote on the bill.

    Currently, the WEP reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. For example, educators who do not earn Social Security in public schools but who work part-time or during the summer in jobs covered by Social Security have reduced benefits, even though they pay into the system just like others. Likewise, the GPO affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees — including police officers, firefighters, and educators — if the job is not covered by Social Security. The GPO reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension.

    The WEP currently impacts approximately 2 million Social Security beneficiaries, and the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Last Two Defendants in the Violent Kennedy Street Crew Case Plead Guilty to Narcotics and Firearms Counts

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

    The KDY Crew Operated Open-Air Drug Markets in Northwest Washington D.C.

               WASHINGTON – Khali Ahmed Brown, 23, Keion Michael Brown, 21, members of the violent Kennedy Street Crew (KDY), pleaded guilty today to narcotics and firearms charges for their roles in a massive drug trafficking organization that operated open-air markets in Northwest Washington D.C. 

               Khali Brown, aka “Migo Lee,” of Washington D.C., who many view as the face of KDY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, fentanyl, and oxycodone. He also pleaded guilty to charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and assault with a dangerous weapon for his role in a November 18, 2022, shooting just outside Jackson-Reed High School.

               His brother, Keion Michael Brown, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and oxycodone and a charge of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell scheduled sentencing on December 12, 2024, for both men. 

               The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, ATF Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Washington Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office.

                “The prosecution targeted leaders and key members of the KDY street crew–one of the largest, oldest, and most violent street crews in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “With these guilty pleas, every defendant charged in connection with this investigation has now pled guilty to charges that will ensure that they will be removed from, and no longer driving violence in, our community.”

                “DEA’s top operational priority is combatting the current fentanyl crisis and the drug-related violence that is devastating the very foundation of our community and family structures,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division.  Today’s guilty plea clearly shows that Mr. Brown, aka “Migo Lee,” and his associations with violent criminal drug trafficking networks like the Kennedy Street Crew showed little respect for the wellbeing of the community.  We are taking a strong stance and implementing strict measures to protect every city neighborhood.”

               According to court documents, KDY members operated open-air drug markets on an 11-block stretch of Kennedy Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., as well as surrounding streets. Like many drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), KDY armed itself with fire power to facilitate its drug trade and defend its territory from rival crews. During the charged conspiracy, from June 2019 to June 2023, on KDY territory there were five homicides, resulting in the deaths of seven and the wounding of six additional individuals, one assault with intent to kill with three wounded, and 19 assaults with a deadly weapon.

               Khali Brown was among the charged defendants who played a key role in smuggling bulk quantities of marijuana from the West Coast to the DMV area, which allowed the crew to sell at significant profits and thereby fuel its operations.

               Both defendants maintained stash houses of KDY’s controlled substances and fire power.  By way of illustration, on January 26, 2023, law enforcement conducted an interdiction at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) in anticipation of several KDY members, including Khali Brown, smuggling marijuana back to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area through BWI via an overnight flight from LAX. During the interdiction, law enforcement seized five of the checked bags containing 39.2 kilograms of marijuana, but Khali Brown and his co-defendant Herman Signou evaded law enforcement with some of their luggage and  traveled to a stash house at the 1700 block of D Street NE.

               Hours later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence, where officers found Khali Brown, Keion Brown, and co-defendants Tristan Ware, Jovan Williams, and Herman Signou, among other KDY associates. Inside, law enforcement seized ten firearms (including two machine guns), assorted ammunition, 21 kilograms of marijuana, 39.5 grams of fentanyl-laced pills, and oxycodone pills in suitcases consistent with those taken from the airport during the BWI interdiction. Among the firearms recovered was the Glock 17 9mm firearm that Khali Brown and his co-conspirators had used in the November 18, 2022, shooting outside Jackson-Reed High School.

               When Khali Brown and two co-defendants were arrested on June 26, 2023, at yet another stash house in the 1300 block of 5th Street NW, inside the residence were approximately 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, $2,710 in cash and five machine guns, and one firearm. 

              Keion Brown was a wanted fugitive when, on November 17, 2023, officers tracked him and his associates, including Jovan Williams, to a laundry room on the 4700 block of Benning Road NE. Law enforcement arrested Keion Brown, Jovan Williams, and an associate and found four firearms concealed within the laundry room, including Keion Brown’s machine gun.

               This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-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.

               It was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA’s Washington Division, ATF’s Washington Field Division, with assistance from FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Office.

               It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi, of the of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Lynch.

    DEFENDANTS

    NAME

    AGE

    CHARGES
    Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga 27 Pleaded Guilty 9/15/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or more of Cocaine Base, and a Detectable Amount of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Khali Ahmed Brown, aka “Migo Lee” 23 Pleaded Guilty 9/20/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, Fentanyl, and Oxycodone; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
    Miasiah Jamal Brown, aka “Michael Jamal Crawford” 21 Sentenced 8/16/2024, to 60 Months for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Keion Michael Brown 21 Pleaded Guilty 9/20/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Cocaine Base; Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Tristan Miles Ware, aka “Greedy” 23 Pleaded Guilty 7/11/2024 to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Jovan Williams, aka “Chewy” 19 Pleaded Guilty on 9/5/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana and Armed Carjacking.
    Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou, aka “Herman Signour” 23 Sentenced 3/22/2024, to 40 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana.
    Cameron Xavier Reid 26 Sentenced 5/31/2024, to Five Years for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana.
    Aaron DeAndre Mercer, aka “Curby” 27 Sentenced 9/13/2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and Cocaine Base.
    David Penn, aka “Turtle” 30 Pleaded Guilty 6/27/2024, to Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams of Fentanyl and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Ronald Lynn Dorsey, aka “Ron G” and “HBGeezy” 29 Sentenced 9/13/2024, to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Antonio Reginald Bailey, aka “Boy Boy,” and “Fellow King” 22 Sentenced 2/8/2024, to 24 Months for Receiving a Firearm While Under Indictment.
    Anthony Trayon Bailey, aka “Fat Ant,” and “Bizzle” 27 Sentenced 4/26/2024, to 15 months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base.
    Angel Enrique Suncar, aka “Coqui” 29 Pleaded Guilty 6/12/2024, to Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Warren Lawrence Fields, III, aka B-Dub 26 Sentenced 5/16/2024, to 90 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense and for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Juwan Demetrius Clark, aka “Juan” and “Squirrel” 28 Pleaded Guilty 9/17/2024, to Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
    Adebayo Adediji Green 30 Sentenced 8/16/2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense.

    Defendant Cameron Reid is from Falmouth, VA. Green is from Hyattsville, MD. All remaining defendants are from Washington, D.C.

    23cr0202

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Partners with Rick Hansen Foundation for Accessibility Training

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Rick Hansen Foundation to deliver education and training on accessibility to public sector bodies and government employees, investing up to $160,000 as announced in the 2024-25 provincial budget. 

    “Our government is dedicated to fostering strong, inclusive communities and securing a brighter future by removing barriers that limit the full participation of individuals with disabilities,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. “Through our partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation, we will raise awareness in the public sector and work to identify and address accessibility challenges.”

    The Accessible Saskatchewan Act and regulations, which came into effect on December 3, 2023, designate certain organizations as public sector bodies. Public sector bodies are organizations funded by the Government of Saskatchewan that provide or oversee services for citizens. Under the Act, government is also moving forward with its accessibility plan, which will be publicly posted by December 3, 2024.

    The Rick Hansen Foundation is committed to improving accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities by raising awareness, dismantling barriers, and promoting universal access. Through accessibility ratings, educational initiatives, and advocacy, the Foundation strives to create a society where people of all ages and abilities can fully participate.

    “We are pleased to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services and grateful for their continued leadership and commitment to improving accessibility in the province through accessibility training,” Rick Hansen Foundation CEO Doramy Ehling said. “With almost 30 per cent of people in Saskatchewan identifying as having a disability and our aging population, the need to ensure our communities are barrier-free is more important than ever. Education is key to changing design culture and this funding will go a long way toward empowering change.”

    For more information about The Accessible Saskatchewan Act and related regulations, visit the Accessible Saskatchewan website.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF and philanthropic partners invest more than $18M to prioritize ethical and societal considerations in the creation of emerging technologies

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Awardees will contribute to the responsible advancement of emerging technologies to promote the public’s well-being and mitigate potential harms

    The U.S. National Science Foundation announced an inaugural investment of more than $18 million to 44 multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams across the U.S. through the NSF Responsible Design, Development and Deployment of Technologies (NSF ReDDDoT) program. NSF ReDDDoT invests in the creation of technologies that promote the public’s well-being and mitigate potential harms by seeking to ensure that ethical, legal, community and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation and use. NSF launched this program in collaboration with leading philanthropic partners including the Ford Foundation, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and Siegel Family Endowment.

    “NSF is committed to creating mutually beneficial research collaborations among diverse partners who contribute their expertise and resources to accelerating technology innovation that positively addresses pressing national, societal and geostrategic challenges,” said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “Through a robust public-private partnership with philanthropies, NSF’s investment in ReDDDoT aims to ensure that TIP advances the design, development and deployment of new technologies responsibly. This investment is consistent with the ‘CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,’ in which Congress called upon TIP to invest in exactly this approach when pursuing the key technology areas listed in that law.”

    NSF awarded 30 teams Phase 1 funding: 21 teams will receive planning grants of up to $300,000 each for up to two years to facilitate collaborative transdisciplinary and multi-sector activities to plan for submission of larger proposals, while an additional nine teams will receive Phase 1 funding of up to $75,000 each to plan and host workshops designed to raise awareness and identify relevant approaches and needs in the key technology areas identified in the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.”

    Additionally, NSF awarded Phase 2 funding to 14 teams that demonstrated maturity in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or natural and anthropogenic disaster prevention or mitigation, key technology areas in the statute that TIP emphasized for ReDDDoT funding. Each Phase 2 team will receive up to $1.5 million over three years to expand upon their identified experience in use-inspired and translational activities in responsible design, development and deployment of innovative technology.

    The ReDDDoT program invited proposals from teams that examined and demonstrated the principles, methodologies and impacts associated with ethical, legal, community and societal considerations of technology’s creation and use, especially those specified in the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.”NSF anticipates issuing a second ReDDDoT funding opportunity in the future that will build on this round of funding to ensure ethical, legal, community, and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation.

    NSF ReDDDot Awardees

    Awardees are grouped by award type and then listed in alphabetical order by organization. The full award list can be found on NSF Award Search webpage.

    Planning grants:

    • Carnegie Mellon University: Responsible AI Across the Transportation Sector (NSF award 2427699).
    • Case Western Reserve University: Designing a Responsible AI-enabled Digital Service Ecosystem in Finance and Healthcare (NSF award 2427505).
    • Data & Society: Assessing Environmental Impacts of AI Through Participatory Methods (NSF award 2427700).
    • DePaul University: AI-Enabled Support Services for Transplanted Populations: A Community-Centered Design and Development Approach (NSF award 2427713).
    • Georgetown University: Piloting a Framework to Measure the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Government Agencies (NSF award 2427748).
    • Harvard Medical School: Piloting an Impact Accelerator Model for Cultivating Equity and Ethics in Genetics Innovation (NSF award 2427533).
    • Michigan State University: Supporting Culturally Centered Artificial Intelligence Literacy through Community-Engaged Partnerships (NSF award 2427697).
    • New York University: Collaborative award: AI Summer Institute on Communities (NSF award 2427677).
    • North Central College: Collaborative award: AI Summer Institute on Communities (NSF award 2427678).
    • Northeastern University: An AI toolkit for Designing Inclusive Digital Activities for Older Adults (NSF award 2427714).
    • Pennsylvania State University: Prioritization of Housing & Behavioral Health Services to Individuals and Families (NSF award 2427737).
    • Rutgers University: Writing Education through Design-Oriented AI (NSF award 2427646).
    • TERC Inc.: Alternative Systems for Human Waste Management (NSF award 2427679).
    • Texas Tech University: Building Community-Driven Resilience and Empowerment through Adaptive Manufacturing Technologies (NSF award 2427747).
    • University of Akron: Materials Advancement through a Precede-Proceed framework for Safety (NSF award 2427693).
    • University of California Santa Cruz: Destigmatizing Disfluencies in Speech AI with Grassroots Stuttering Communities (NSF award 2427710).
    • University of Florida: Treatment Technologies for Phosphorus Mitigation (NSF award 2427542).
    • University of Michigan: Bridging Past and Future: Fostering Community-Researcher Synergy through Planning NSF award 2427332).
    • University of Wisconsin: Novel Cellular Technologies in Ecosystem Preservation: Ethics, Data Sovereignty and Implementation (NSF award 2427636).
    • Vanderbilt University: Towards Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of a GenAI-Enabled System for Dispatcher Training in Emergency Response (NSF award 2427711).
    • Virginia Tech: Facilitating Responsible, Ethical, and Explainable Ergonomic Exposure Assessments When Using Artificial Intelligence Methods (NSF award 2427599).

    Workshops: 

    • Arizona State University: Indigenous Approaches to Computational Futures (NSF award 2427641).
    • Association of Science-Technology Centers: Exploring Roles of Science and Technology Centers and Museums in Facilitating Public Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (NSF award 2427449).
    • Case Western Reserve University: Employing Public Interest Technologies to Promote Access in Education and Employment for People who have Physical Disabilities (NSF award 2427587).
    • Michigan State University: Generative AI Ethics Module Design Sprint for STEM Educators (NSF award 2427666).
    • Texas A&M University: Artificial Intelligence and Biosecurity: Technologies and Policy Options to Leverage Opportunities and Mitigate Risks (NSF award 2427760).
    • UC Berkeley: Workshop Towards the Promise of Open-Source AI Models – A Workshop to Co-Create a Vision for Responsibility and Corresponding Research Roadmap (NSF award 2427618).
    • UCLA: Responsible Quantum Innovation (NSF award 2427775).
    • University of California, Davis: Responsible Artificial Intelligence to Promote Sustainability, Climate Resilience, and Equitable Access to Healthy Food in US Food Systems (NSF award 2427769).
    • Virginia Tech: Situating Network Infrastructure with People, Practices, and Beyond (NSF award 2427606).

    Phase 2:

    • Columbia University: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data (NSF award 2429841).
    • Columbia University: Leveraging Urban AI as a Communal Tool for Connection and Exchange in Harlem (NSF award 2429672).
    • Development Gateway: The Digital Governance Design Project (NSF award 2429815).
    • Fred Hutchison Cancer Center: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data (NSF award 2429840).
    • Georgetown University: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data NSF award 2429838).
    • Indiana University: Collaborative award: Inclusive American Language Technologies (NSF award 2429338).
    • Iowa State University: Empowering Resilience: Innovations in Rural Electric Network Disaster Preparedness and Response (NSF award 2429602).
    • Louisiana State University: Climate-Informed Flood Risk Mitigation Sandbox (NSF award 2429888).
    • Michigan State University: Collaborative award: A User-Centered Platform for Digital Content Integrity (NSF award 2429836).
    • Mozilla Foundation: Collaborative award: Inclusive American Language Technologies (NSF award 2429337).
    • Rice University: Responsible Multi-Modal AI Systems for Multi-Hazard Resilience and Situational Awareness (NSF award 2429680).
    • Rochester Institute of Technology: Collaborative award: A User-Centered Platform for Digital Content Integrity (NSF award 2429835).
    • The University of Mississippi: Collaborative award: A User-Centered Platform for Digital Content Integrity (NSF award 2429837).
    • University of Maryland: Collaborative award: Enabling Participatory Privacy Protections for AI Training Data (NSF award 2429839).

    About NSF ReDDDoT

    The NSF ReDDDoT program is a collaboration with philanthropic partners and crosses all disciplines of science and engineering. The program seeks to ensure ethical, legal, community and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation and use. The program supports research, implementation and education projects involving multi-sector teams that focus on the responsible design, development or deployment of technologies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden Commemorates Historic Climate Legacy during Climate Week  NYC

    Source: The White House

    President Biden will deliver remarks tomorrow highlighting his climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda, which is lowering costs, creating good-paying and union jobs, and reducing harmful emissions

    Meanwhile, House Republicans continue reckless attempts to roll back climate, conservation, and clean energy investments

    When President Biden took office, he pledged to restore America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Every day since, the Biden-Harris Administration has led and delivered on the most ambitious climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda in history, including securing the largest ever climate investment and unleashing a clean energy manufacturing boom that has attracted hundreds of billions of dollars in private sector investment; created hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs; and lowered energy costs for families while delivering cleaner air and water for communities across the country.

    As business leaders, government officials, young people, and other advocates from around the world gather in New York City to participate in Climate Week, tomorrow President Biden will deliver remarks in New York City highlighting his Administration’s unprecedented progress in tackling the climate crisis, cutting energy costs for everyday Americans, and creating good-paying union jobs.

    Meanwhile, as President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to implement their Investing in America agenda, many Congressional Republicans continue to deny the impacts of climate change and are actively working to roll back this Administration’s historic and urgent climate investments – in fact, House Republicans have voted more than 50 times to repeal parts of President Biden’s climate investments. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.

    From replacing toxic lead pipes and modernizing our electric grid to reducing air pollution and conserving our nation’s lands and waters, President Biden and Vice President Harris have positioned America to lead the global effort against climate change and protect the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities and our environment for generations to come. 

    Biden-Harris Administration’s Top Climate Accomplishments

    Deploying Clean, Affordable Electricity and Strengthening America’s Power Grid
    Through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden has secured unprecedented investments in a clean power sector, unleashing a boom in American solar, wind, battery storage, nuclear, and other clean energy technologies that are creating good-paying jobs and saving families money on utility bills. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry, transmission buildout and other power grid upgrades, residential solar for low-income households, investments in clean electricity across rural America, efficient permitting to get new projects built, and American manufacturing of clean energy technologies. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the US has added more than 100 gigawatts of new clean energy – enough to power more than 25 million homes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, clean energy project developers get access to expanded tax incentives if they pay workers prevailing wages and employ registered apprentices,  build their projects with domestic content, or locate projects in historic energy communities—provisions that are helping make more clean energy jobs good-paying and union jobs, supporting American manufacturing, and driving clean energy investment to the places that can benefit the most.

     
    Bolstering Climate Resilience and Adaptation

    The Biden-Harris Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing climate impacts, including through Federal climate adaptation planning and integrating consideration of climate impacts into Federal policies, programs, and funding. The Administration released a National Climate Resilience Framework and President Biden secured more than $50 billion for climate resilience and adaptation investments that are upgrading aging roads and bridges, including critical evacuation routes; restoring critical waterways, forests, and urban greenspaces; building forest health and reducing wildfire risk; bolstering water infrastructure and drought resilience across the American West; reducing the risk to federal assets from future floods; and modernizing our electric grid. Through portals like Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) and Heat.gov, the Administration is equipping communities with the information and resources they need to assess climate risks and implement adaptation actions in their communities. With historic investments from the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Administration stabilized the short-term security of the Colorado River and is making investments to ensure the long-term stability of the Colorado River Basin.
     
    Accelerating a Clean Transportation Future

    Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a landmark strategy for eliminating nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. transportation sector by 2050. The Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act invest tens of billions to decarbonize maritime,  trucking, transit, rail, and aviation, all while making communities more walkable, bikeable, and connected. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also investing $7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of convenient, reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along corridors and within communities, and $5 billion to put clean school buses on our roads. In addition, the President rallied automakers and autoworkers around a historic goal of having electric vehicles account for at least 50% of new passenger vehicles sold by 2030. To support this goal while driving down consumer costs, the Administration secured tax credits that reduce the cost of new or used clean vehicles by thousands of dollars directly at the dealership as well as tax credits to deploy EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure to support clean vehicle deployment needs for individuals and businesses within rural and low income communities. The Administration is also leading by example to electrify the federal vehicle fleet, including 66,000 U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles over five years.

     
    Cutting Energy Costs and Pollution at Homes, Schools, and in Communities

    Last year, 3.4 million American families saved $8.4 billion from IRA home energy tax credits for heat pumps, insulation, solar, and other clean energy technologies, and today states across the US are rolling out IRA rebates of up to $14,000 per household to help low- and middle-income families afford cost-saving electric appliances and energy efficiency improvements. The President established a $20 billion national clean energy financing network that will support tens of thousands of clean energy projects and cost-saving retrofits, reducing or avoiding up to 40 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually over the next seven years. The Biden-Harris Administration has also strengthened energy efficiency standards to save households and businesses money, with standards updated by DOE for dozens of appliances expected to provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years, saving the average household more than $100 a year while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 billion metric tons. Schools across the country are using IRA clean energy tax credits and elective pay to install solar, energy storage, and ground source heat pumps.

    Revitalizing American Manufacturing for the Clean Economy

    President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has helped catalyze historic manufacturing growth, with factories opening across the nation. The private sector has committed over $910 billion in investments in American manufacturing and clean energy, including sectors central to our industrial strength. The President’s agenda is helping to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world. The Inflation Reduction Act is investing more than $6 billion to slash climate pollution and support workers and community health at U.S. factories producing the steel, aluminum, cement, and other materials that form the backbone of our economy, nearly $2 billion to support shuttered or at-risk auto facilities retain or re-hire workers to support manufacturing in the electric vehicle supply chain, over $3 billion to bolster battery manufacturing, and over $4 billion through the Federal Buy Clean Initiative to bolster markets to buy cleaner materials. The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic steps to reduce super-polluting methane and hydrofluorocarbons are also harnessing American innovation and creating good-paying union jobs. 
     
    Advancing Environmental Justice

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to environmental justice. The President signed a historic Executive Order that mobilizes the federal government to bring clean energy and healthy environments to all and mitigate harm to those who have suffered from pollution and environmental burdens like climate change. Through the Justice40 Initiative, over 500 programs across 19 federal agencies are being reimagined and transformed to maximize the benefits of President Biden’s unprecedented investments – from clean energy projects to floodwater protections to wastewater infrastructure – to communities that need them most. At the same time, the Administration is taking unprecedented action to protect communities from PFAS pollution, accelerate Superfund and brownfield cleanups, tighten standards for hazardous air pollutants, and enhance air quality enforcement. To ensure the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of communities with environmental justice concerns are heard in the White House and reflected in federal priorities, policies, investments, and decision-making, President Biden also created the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
     
    Delivering Clean Water and Replacing Lead Pipes

    President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting to ensure a future where every American has access to clean, safe water. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $50 billion in upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure – the largest investment in clean water in American history. The Administration has already launched over 1,700 projects to expand access to clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, improve wastewater and sanitation infrastructure, and remove PFAS pollution in water. The Biden-Harris Administration invested over $1 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda to specifically accelerate the delivery of drinking water and community sanitation infrastructure projects in Indian Country, where almost 50% of communities are lacking this basic human right. President Biden has also made a commitment to replace every toxic lead pipe in the country within a decade, protecting families from lead poisoning that can irreversibly harm brain development in children.


    Empowering Every Community to Advance Climate Solutions

    The historic set of federal actions that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken are supporting communities across the country in seizing opportunities in the clean energy economy. The Administration has mobilized billions of dollars in investment in the energy communities and workers that have powered our nation for generations. To help young people access skills-based training for good-paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy, the Administration launched the American Climate Corps, which will mobilize a new, diverse generation of more than 20,000 Americans. And with direct support from the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, more than 45 states and more than 200 Tribes, territories, and metro areas have now developed their own Climate Action Plans. All of these foundational efforts will support climate solutions in the near-term and for years to come, helping the nation achieve the goal of reducing climate pollution by 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030 and reaching a net-zero economy by no later than 2050.

    Conserving our Lands and Waters

    President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative is supporting and accelerating voluntary, locally led conservation and restoration efforts across the country, and with 42 million acres already protected under President Biden, the U.S. is on track to meet the first-ever national goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. The Biden-Harris Administration has established or expanded eight national monuments and restored protections for three more; created five new national wildlife refuges and significantly expanded five more; established two new national marine sanctuaries and begun the process to designate or expand protections for five more; created one new national estuarine research reserve; protected the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, the nation’s most visited wilderness area; safeguarded Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska from the impacts of mining; protected the Arctic Ocean from oil and gas development; and withdrawn Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Thompson Divide in Colorado from further oil and gas leasing which will protect pristine lands and thousands of sacred sites. The Administration also directed the conservation of old-growth and mature forests, put conservation on equal footing with development in managing our public lands, launched the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of our nation’s river and streams, protected vast areas of caribou habitat in the Western Arctic for future generations, and is advancing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California.
     
    Rallying Leaders of the World’s Largest Economies to Raise Global Climate Ambition

    President Biden has restored America’s climate leadership at home and abroad. Under his leadership, the Administration is securing commitments from more than 155 countries to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030; successfully galvanizing other countries at COP28 to commit, for the first time, to transition away from unabated fossil fuels, stop building new unabated coal capacity globally, and triple renewable energy globally by 2030 and nuclear energy by 2050; launching a new Clean Energy Supply Chain Collaborative to work with international partners to diversify supply chains that are critical to a clean and secure energy transition; mobilizing other governments to follow the U.S. lead and commit to achieve net-zero government emissions by 2050 through a new Net-Zero Government Initiative; and becoming a world leader in innovative debt-for-nature swaps that have helped countries restructure over $2 billion in debt and unlock hundreds of millions of new financing for nature and climate.

    Accelerating Federal Permitting to Deliver Clean Energy and Infrastructure More Quickly

    The Biden-Harris Administration has taken action to accelerate clean energy infrastructure and deliver other critical projects by securing and directing long overdue resources to improve and accelerate permitting and environmental reviews. The Administration also finalized the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule to address climate change, protect public health, encourage better environmental outcomes, and promote meaningful public input on Federal decisions and projects.

    House Republicans Continue Attempting to Roll Back Climate Protections

    As President Biden and Vice President Harris implement the most ambitious and impactful climate and conservation agenda in history, House Republicans are taking action right now that would roll back investments in climate, clean energy, and public health. House Republicans’ efforts to gut climate protections through a variety of avenues – including appropriations bills, Congressional Review Act resolutions, and other legislative actions – would raise consumer energy costs, undermine public health protections, worsen the impacts of extreme weather events, and destroy environmental safeguards for our lands and waters.

    Ongoing attempts by Congressional Republicans to roll back climate and environmental protections would:

    Raise Consumer Energy Costs, including by:

    Gut Public Health Protections, including by:

    • Trying to overturn Biden-Harris Administration rules that protect communities from coal plants’ water pollution, air pollution, and waste disposal.
    • Trying to overturn a Biden-Harris Administration rule that will reduce by 96% the number of people with elevated cancer risk near certain chemical plants, by reducing emissions of toxic chloroprene and ethylene oxide from those facilities.
    • Rolling back the Clean School Bus program that will reduce climate pollution and provide cleaner air for our nation’s children.
    • Undermining clean air progress by trying to overturn rules that reduce pollution from power plants, cars and trucks , and industrial sources.
    • Taking steps to block new Biden-Harris Administration rules to protect coal and other miners from toxic silica dust.

    Destroy Protections for Our Lands and Waters, including by:

    • Trying to eliminate Presidential authority to establish national monuments altogether.
    • Working to dismantle President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative.
    • Threatening to expose cherished landscapes to new drilling, including 13 million acres of special areas in the Western Arctic.
    • Planning to reduce accountability for oil and gas companies.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Fights the Woke Agenda of the Biden-Harris Administration

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This week, the Republican-led House took several important steps to expose and fight the woke agenda of the Biden-Harris Administration.

    “This week, the House passed three comprehensive anti-woke legislative packages, along with several key individual bills, to counter the woke, wasteful, and weaponized agenda of the Biden-Harris Administration. Americans want our banks to be fiduciaries, not social justice warriors. And they want our schools to be places of education, not indoctrination. These key pieces of legislation expose the Democrats radical agenda that’s hurting our students, our banks, and our country,” Speaker Johnson said.

    “From enhancing transparency at the SEC and safeguarding retirement plans so Americans can secure their futures without interference from radical agendas, to challenging divisive DEI mandates that prioritize identity over merit and protecting free speech on our college campuses – House Republicans are working to restore common-sense and accountability in our federal government.”

    Below is a complete list of legislative packages and individual bills passed this week:

    H.R. 5339 – Protecting Americans’ Investments from Woke Policies Act 

    H.R.5339 – RETIRE Act

    H.R.5338 – No Discrimination in My Benefits Act

    H.R.5337 – Retirement Proxy Protection Act

    H.R.5340 – Providing Complete Information to Retirement Investors Act

    H.R. 3724 – End Woke Higher Education Act 

    H.R.3724 – Accreditation for College Excellence Act

    H.R.7683 – Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act

    H.R. 4790 – Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act

    H.R.4790 – Guiding Uniform and Responsible Disclosure Requirements and Information Limits Act

    H.R.4655 – Businesses Over Activists Act

    H.R.4767 – Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings from Politics Act

    H.R.4823 – American FIRST Act

    H.R. 5717 – No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act 

    H.J. Res. 136 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles”

    MIL OSI USA News –