NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates outbreak of acute gastroenteritis involving study tour of primary school

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 4) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) involving a study tour organised by a primary school in Tuen Mun between November 1 and 2, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
         
         The outbreak involves 26 pupils, comprising 15 boys and 11 girls aged 10 to 11. They developed vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever since November 1. Two of the affected pupils sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All patients are in stable condition.

         The CHP’s epidemiological investigation revealed that one of the pupils in the outbreak had first vomited during their visiting activity on November 1. Other pupils exposed to the vomiting incident developed gastrointestinal symptoms subsequently. The CHP considers that the outbreak may be caused by person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination. Investigations are ongoing.

         A spokesman for the CHP reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, e.g. norovirus. Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
     

    Ensure proper personal hygiene;
    Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
    Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
    Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
    Maintain good indoor ventilation;
    Pay attention to food hygiene;
    Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
    Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
    Drink boiled water; and
    Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.

         
         The public may visit the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Releases Strategy to Secure Province’s Mineral Future

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    November 4, 2024

    Manitoba Government Releases Strategy to Secure Province’s Mineral Future

    – – –
    Responsible Mining, Opportunity Ready: Mineral Powerhouse Strategy Sets Path Forward to Spur Mineral Economic Growth: Moses, Bushie

    The Manitoba government has released its Securing Our Critical Mineral Future strategy to stand up critical minerals projects faster, while respecting the environment and forming strong Indigenous partnerships, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses and Municipal and Northern Relations and Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie announced today. 

    “This Critical Minerals Strategy will solidify Manitoba as a world leader in responsible mineral development – which in turn brings good jobs to Manitoba,” said Moses. “No matter the result of tomorrow’s US election, our strategy will ensure Manitoba is a secure and responsible trade partner for years to come.” 

    Home to 30 of 34 critical minerals identified by the federal government as critical for promoting green energy and sustainable economic success, Manitoba is positioned to supply the materials needed to power the North American low-carbon economy, noted Moses. The strategy aims to attract investment and create good jobs in Manitoba. Key actions include the creation of a dedicated, single window Critical Mineral Office, investments in high-priority regional infrastructure projects and the development of a provincial revenue-sharing model for mining in partnership with Indigenous nations. 

    “Indigenous and northern communities can be the backbone to a successful mining sector, setting those communities and the Manitoba economy on the best path forward,” said Bushie. “By taking a nation-to-nation approach, this strategy will unlock the benefits of critical minerals for Indigenous nations through healthy resource development. This strategy will ensure Indigenous Peoples’ voices are heard and that they receive fairer financial value within the resource sector in order to advance economic reconciliation.” 

    “Manitoba needs to get new mines brought online faster,” said John Morris, co-director, Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI). “MAMI agrees that by streamlining policy and regulation, permitting will improve with the new single-desk Critical Minerals Office. MAMI looks forward to working with the Province of Manitoba as we develop many of the action items contained in this strategy.” 

    The Manitoba government will continue to engage with rights holders, communities and business as work on the action items from the strategy begins to be implemented, said Moses. 

    The Manitoba Critical Minerals Strategy is available at www.manitoba.ca/minerals. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Invests in Mineral Development Future

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    November 4, 2024

    Manitoba Government Invests in Mineral Development Future

    – – –
    Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, Modernized Early Mineral Exploration Guidelines, Infrastructure Study Will Help More Companies and Projects Thrive: Moses

    The Manitoba government is announcing an additional intake of up to $2 million in funding through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) to spur immediate economic growth, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced today. 

    “Our government is growing the critical mineral sector and creating good jobs for Manitobans by enabling the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund to advance projects in Manitoba,” said Moses. 

    Administered through the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, the MMDF strategically funds economic development and mining projects of up to $300,000 per project that create Indigenous partnerships, increase local employment and stimulate investment in northern Manitoba. Since 2020, $14.7 million has been provided to 90 projects. This has leveraged over $128 million in private sector capital, generated over 660 jobs and 128 community and Indigenous partnerships. 

    “The MMDF has been an overwhelming success in providing funding that has resulted in increased opportunities for partnerships and development along with employment opportunities that have strengthened and greatly benefited communities in the north and across the province,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, and chair of the MMDF board. “The Manitoba government’s ongoing commitment to supporting and investing in projects that contribute to sustainable mineral development will help position Manitoba as a leader in the mineral sector.” 

    The Manitoba government has also partnered with the Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. to revise and modernize the guidelines for early mineral exploration. The guidelines provide clear direction to industry for undertaking early mineral exploration in the province to support and educate companies as they plan early mineral exploration projects to the highest environmental and industry standards. The new guidelines will also serve as a reference tool for Indigenous communities and regulatory bodies evaluating mineral exploration projects in Manitoba, said Moses. 

    The federal government has identified 34 minerals as critical for promoting green energy and sustainable economic success. Manitoba, which is sixth on the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies’ Investment Global Attractiveness Index, has 30 of these 34 critical minerals. Critical minerals are crucial for Manitoba’s growth as a low-carbon leader and are essential to developing clean technologies, energy storage systems, electric vehicles and other technologies that advance net-zero targets, noted the minister. 

    For more information on critical minerals in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/minerals. For more information on the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund and the next intake, visit https://mmdf.ca/. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nursing Faculty Receive Funding for Health Equity Across the Lifespan Research

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Nurse researchers from the School of Nursing will investigate on health equity with the receipt of seven grant awards totaling over $1.2 million from July to October, 2024. 

    “At UConn Nursing, our research focus is on health equity across the lifespan. Multi–contextual factors influence health beginning early in life and accumulate over time contributing to health inequities. To achieve health equity, research eliminating health disparities among diverse populations is a nursing research priority, especially as these populations grow in number and proportion,” says Dean Dickson.

    Zuri, the trauma-informed sexual health app   

    Dr. Christina Ross’ research focuses on understanding how youth-serving professionals can address adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, promote their positive development by using their internal and external assets, and significantly lower the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Dr. Ross’ interest involves health promotion and risk reduction among vulnerable adolescents locally and globally, SRH, and health disparities.  

    During her time at the University of Virginia, Dr. Ross knew that her niche was in sexual health but wanted to find her focus. She says that we know how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, but there is still a disproportionate gap in sexual health education and an elevated risk amongst Black adolescent females. Furthermore, that gap widens when examining young women and girls in foster care.  

    “Most girls go to biological parents for support like dating, understanding their bodies, and contraceptive use, but in the foster care system, these girls don’t know who to turn to,” says Dr. Ross. “Some rely on partners or social media or peers. A lot of these girls also struggled with mental health, abuse, and neglect. I took this information and decided to work on intervention.”  

    At first, Dr. Ross worked with the Department of Social Services to study these inequities, but there was limited support. Then, when Dr. Ross came to Connecticut, she continued her work and teamed with the Department of Fine Arts at UConn. Together with Joel Salisbury and Ting Zhou, they are currently developing a digital app called Zuri, initially funded by the STEAM Innovation Grant through UConn.  

    Most recently, Dr. Ross (principal Investigator and fellow) was awarded $500,000 over a 3-year period from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in support of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship Program for Nurse Leaders and Innovators.  

    The goal of this project, Assessing the Feasibility of Zuri App to Promote Sexual Health, is to develop and study this culturally sensitive, trauma-informed mobile health application. This app promotes safe sex, communication with partners about sexual needs, and contraceptive use negotiation skills among Black female adolescents and young women and girls in foster care.  

    Zuri is a sexual self-efficacy app, something that is totally different than what already exists. There is a profound need for an app like this that is culturally sensitive. – Dr. Ross

    In this app, the user can create an avatar that looks like you – skin tone, hair, clothes – that acts as a “digital big sister”. There are games, video content, and different learning modules around pregnancy, STIs, and hygiene. The end goal is that users can communicate about their needs to caregivers, partners, and providers which will empower them to make informed decisions about their own bodies when it comes to sexual health. While still in discussion, the aim for this app is to be free for all users, therefore increasing availability to evidence-based resources that build self-efficacy and remove barriers to health care access. 

    While in development, Dr. Ross and her team are collecting preliminary data from potential users from ages 18 to 23 to design a prototype. The target demographic for this app is Black adolescent females ages 13 to 18 in foster care and out of foster care, but this focus group of caregivers and young adults allows retroactive research into what they have experienced.  

    During this phase, data helps users make better choices. Feedback from other institutions like the National Institute of Health (NIH) may allow the team to apply for consent waivers as they enter the next phase of the study. In addition, this grant provides professional development opportunities that will assist Dr. Ross in exploring these health inequities further.  

    There will be a randomized control trial after launch, which is estimated for spring of 2025. Dr. Ross and her team are working with the DXG Design Group and the UConn Accelerate Program, which helps student and faculty innovators to become actualized. 

    Dr. Ross’s team includes Dr. Sherry Pagoto, professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences and director of the Center for Health and Social Media (mentor), Dr. Elizabeth Aparicio, associate professor of Behavioral and Community Health at the University of Maryland and Ting Zhou, assistant professor, School of Fine Arts Digital Media and Design (collaborator). The app’s development is spearheaded by Joel Salisbury, adjunct instructor in web/interactive media design at the UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media. 

    Early testing of a support intervention for Black breast cancer survivors    

    Dr. Maurade Gormley’s new K23 Training Career Development Award funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research and totaling almost $500,000 is centered on developing and conducting early testing of a peer-led support intervention for Black breast cancer survivors experiencing distress in the survivorship period.   

    Building upon her clinical experience as a pediatric oncology nurse, Dr. Gormley’s research aims to optimize the psychosocial health and well-being of cancer survivors as they face the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis and experience health disparities.  

    Survivorship begins at the time of diagnosis, but after treatment ends, many people experience psychosocial challenges and may feel ‘lost in translation’ as they work to establish a ‘new normal’. – Dr. Gormley

    “Therefore,” Gormley continues, “our goal is to optimize well-being during this survivorship phase, which often involves less frequent support and structure from the healthcare system.”  

    Dr. Gormley points out that Black breast cancer survivors have a 41% higher mortality rate than white women and experience worse psychosocial outcomes, such as greater distress and lower health-related quality of life. Psychosocial support interventions can reduce distress among breast cancer survivors.  

    However, these interventions are often not culturally sensitive to Black breast cancer survivors who are not only underrepresented in breast cancer research, but also report inadequate supportive care and the need for greater emotional and informational support from other Black breast cancer survivors.  

    Therefore, Dr. Gormley aims to design an intervention that will be delivered by peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences in hopes that peers will foster the strongest connections and support. The intervention will be co-designed with other Black breast cancer survivors to identify the preferred content, format, and delivery of the intervention. Once the intervention is finalized, it will be tested in a randomized controlled trial. 

    Dr. Gormley’s team for this award is comprised of Dr. Nancy Redeker, senior associate dean for research and professor at UConn School of Nursing (primary mentor); Dr. Adana Llanos, associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University (co-primary mentor); Dr. Crystal Park, professor at the Department of Psychological Sciences at UConn (co-mentor); Dr. Keith Bellizzi, professor of gerontology in the Department of HDFS at UConn (co-mentor); Dr. Stephen Walsh, associate professor and biostatistician at UConn School of Nursing (collaborator); and Dr. Andrew Salner, medical director of the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute (consultant).   

    Other Funding Awarded to the School of Nursing 

    NRSA F31 Fellowship Grant examines effects of disadvantaged and equitable neighborhoods on sleep in young children

    Pre-doctoral student Hannah Scheibner received a National Research Services Award (NRSA) F31 Fellowship grant from the National Institute of Health. Her project aims to inform future community and family-level interventions and policy to reduce health inequities related to structural racism. 

    Scheibner’s mentorship team is led by Dr. Nancy Redeker, senior associate dean for research and professor at UConn School of Nursing (sponsor); and includes Dr. Eileen Condon, assistant professor at UConn School of Nursing (co-sponsor); Dr. Chuanrong Zhang, professor at Department of Geography at UConn (co-sponsor); and Dr. Sangchoon Jeon, senior research scientist at Yale University (collaborator/statistician). 

    Dr. Gee Su Yang awarded not just one, but two recent grants

    The first grant explores the impact of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) on cognitive function in older cancer survivors. 

    The primary objective of this longitudinal pilot study is to examine changes in cognitive function, as well as genetic and neurodegenerative factors that best predict cognitive changes among older adults with cancer on ICIs compared to cancer survivors not treated with ICIs. This is a $60,000 one-year project funded by the Office of the Vice President (OVPR) for the clinical Research and Seed Program (CRISP) Award. 

    Assistant professor Dr. Gee Su Yang is the principal investigator collaborating with Dr. Upendre Hegde (co-principal investigator), professor of medicine, UConn Health Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center Division of Hematology and Oncology; Dr. Breno Satler Diniz (co-principal investigator), associate professor of psychiatry, UConn Health UConn Center on Aging; and Dr. Nancy Redeker (co-principal investigator), senior associate dean for research and professor at UConn School of Nursing. 

    Dr. Gee Su Yang (principal investigator) was also awarded $48,000 for her pilot research: Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Gut Microbiome Patterns in Black and White Breast Cancer Survivors. As part of the 2024-2025 Breast Cancer Project with the CT Breast Health Initiative, the purpose of this study will examine the influence of racial differences on gut microbiome patterns and lifestyle, including diet, physical activity, and stress, that may predispose breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitors to musculoskeletal pain.  

    “Connecticut is one of the U.S. states with the highest incidence rate of new breast cancer,” says Dr. Yang. “I recently attended a CT Breast Health Initiative event that recognized survivors, volunteers, donors, and health care providers for their dedication to raising breast cancer awareness and seeing how much effort they put into promoting screening, prevention, and improving survivorship in our community was inspiring. I appreciate their contributions and the opportunity to support their efforts through research.” 

    InCHIP grants awarded to Drs. Ruth Lucas and Eileen Carter

    Dr. Ruth Lucas (principal investigator) received a two-year $10,000 faculty seed grant to revise and expand the Breastfeeding Self-Management (BSM) intervention modules to better meet the needs of women most impacted by breastfeeding inequities. The project title is WIC Partnership to Revise and Expand Pain Self-Management Intervention with Breastfeeding Women. Dr. Lucas is working with Dr. Shayna Cunningham (co-investigator), assistant professor of Public Health Sciences at UConn Medical Center. 

    InCHIP also awarded a two-year $10,000 Community-Engaged Health Research Seed Grant to Dr. Eileen Carter (principal investigator) and her team to determine the acceptability of penicillin allergy testing in school-based health centers as perceived by parents and primary care providers in school-based health centers. Dr. Carter is supported by Dr. Kelsey Kaman, assistant professor of Pediatrics Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Fights to Bring More Healthcare Providers to Indian Country

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) introduced the IHS Provider Expansion Act, which establishes an Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS). This legislation would expand the existing IHS Residency Program, building from the Shiprock-University of New Mexico (SUNM) Family Medicine Residency which is the first in the nation. 

    “Access to healthcare should not be determined by history or geography,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “The IHS Provider Expansion Act is a vital step towards ensuring that Native and Indigenous communities can access healthcare and grow the number of medical professionals serving Native communities. By investing in medical education within the Indian Health Service, we can help expand healthcare and bridge the gap in healthcare disparities that have persisted for far too long.”

    In New Mexico, which is home to 23 Tribal Nations and a population that is nearly 12% Native, access to healthcare services is a pressing issue. Currently, IHS provides services in 37 states to about 2.2 million out of 3.7 million Indigenous people in the country. 

    This bill is projected to directly impact millions of people across the country served by the IHS to improve access to healthcare and medical professionals who understand the unique health challenges faced by Tribal communities. 

    By expanding access through IHS, this bill will also help to address the significant deficit of rural primary healthcare providers across the country. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows rural areas across the country face a significant deficit in primary care providers, with more than 80 million Americans living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).  

     By expanding graduate medical education opportunities through IHS, we can expect an increase in the number of physicians willing to practice in these underserved regions. 

     Key Provisions of the Legislation: 

    • Establishment of the Office: The Secretary of Health makes permanent the Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs to oversee residency and fellowship initiatives within the IHS. 
    • Creating a Pipeline: The Office will facilitate opportunities for future healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and other health-related workers to engage in residency and fellowship programs. 
    • Oversight of Residency Programs: The Office will oversee existing residency and fellowship programs at IHS facilities and support the creation of additional programs aimed at recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. 
    • Coordination with Academic Institutions: The Office will work in collaboration with academic institutions to strengthen educational ties and enhance training opportunities. 
    • Interagency Working Group: An interagency working group, involving various federal agencies, will assist in the implementation and sustainability of the Office, ensuring ongoing support and resources. 

    Read the bill here. 

    View the press conference here.   

    Other statements of support: 

    “Investing in healthcare for Indian Country means supporting the professionals who provide it. This legislation will help address critical clinical shortages by creating a pipeline of well-trained, culturally competent providers for our tribal communities. We know long-standing vacancies have a negative effect on patient access, quality of care, and employee morale,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “By establishing an Office of Graduate Medical Education through IHS, we are taking steps to bridge the gap in care and make sure Native communities have the medical support they deserve.” 

    “With Tribal communities in Arizona and across the country facing a critical shortage of health care professionals, it’s vital that we pass theIHS Provider Expansion Act,”said Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). “This legislation will address health care worker recruitment and retention challenges at IHS facilities and establish a much-needed pipeline of health care professionals. I’m proud to support fully funding IHS and providing the resources, personnel, and training required to serve Indian Country’s health care needs.”

    “Tribal communities across the country face unacceptable barriers to accessing quality health care—a crisis that is exacerbated by chronic understaffing at the Indian Health Service. As Ranking Member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees IHS, I’ve heard firsthand how provider shortages lead to delayed care for patients and expensive travel contracts,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). “By establishing an Office of Graduate Medical Education at IHS that focuses on a dedicated pipeline to recruit and train talented physicians in tribal health systems, this legislation will help build a robust, sustainable workforce tailored to the unique needs of Native communities. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor. Together, we can tear down barriers to quality, culturally-competent care in tribal health systems from Maine to New Mexico and beyond.”

     “The University of New Mexico Health Sciences is very supportive of this legislation that seeks to increase the number of physicians who work caring for Native American populations by supporting residency and fellowship training in Indian Health Service facilities,” said Dan Waldman, MD Vice Chair of Education Department of Family & Community Medicine University of New Mexico.  “The proposed Office of Graduate Medical Education within the Indian Health Service would provide much-needed federal programmatic infrastructure and help create partnerships with academic institutions such as UNM.  Where physicians train has an important impact on where they choose to work after they complete their training, and it can also impact their cultural knowledge of the populations they will ultimately work with.  UNM also recognizes the potential value of expanding “grow your own” professional pipelines, including new opportunities for our local Indigenous medical residents and fellows to remain closer to home.  Attracting, educating, and retaining New Mexico’s health professional talent remains a top priority for UNM Health Sciences educational administration.”

    “First Nations Community HealthSource supports Representative Stansbury’s Indian Health Service (IHS) Provider Expansion Act,” said First Nations Community HealthSource CEO Linda Stone. “First Nations Community HealthSource is New Mexico’s Urban Indian Health Center in Albuquerque. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive healthcare delivery system that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of urban Indigenous people and other underserved populations in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. First Nations Community HealthSource faces significant shortages of healthcare professionals, a national and state-wide challenge. The IHS Provider Expansion Act will help alleviate these shortages and improve access to essential healthcare services in American Indian communities.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Traffic Survey Action Plans Monday 04 November 2024

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Media Release

    Date:  4th November 2024

    GSC rolls out Action Plan following major traffic survey

    Alderney’s General Services Committee at its meeting of November 1st unanimously agreed to implement a phased traffic improvement programme following comprehensive consultation and a public survey.

    Survey responses covered issues such as parking, the number and size of vehicles, policing and abandoned vehicles. Proposals have been presented in consultation with the States Works Department and Bailiwick Law Enforcement.

    Now GSC has approved short, medium and long-term plans which will be communicated to the public as they are rolled out.

    Initial short-term action includes:

    ·         Identifying areas for improved road markings and signage.

    ·         Trial pedestrianisation of the lower end of Victoria Street (Les Roquettes to Ollivier Street junctions) on four consecutive Saturday mornings from December 14th to create a better shopping experience for residents and visitors. This will serve as a “soft opening” before an additional trial will take place during the island’s busier periods – the community will have the opportunity to feed back to the States.

    ·         Continuation of Problem Orientated Policing (POP) instigated by local Police to educate the public on how traffic and parking missteps can be resolved with better understanding of the consequences.

    ·         A proposed ‘Active Travel to Work’ campaign to include messages such as ‘Walk to Work Day’ and ‘Cycle to Work Week’ to discourage vehicle usage and town parking.

    ·         Liaison with Alderney’s new Planning Officer to review parking space allocation at new developments.

    ·         A review of recent requests for more disabled parking spaces will be submitted to GSC.

    Meanwhile, disincentivising the import of large private vehicles is being implemented by the Policy and Finance Committee via the fees ordinance and by subsequent legislation.

    Medium-term action agreed by GSC will look to address the problem of abandoned vehicles and the Committee will liaise with Bailiwick Law Enforcement to conduct average speed checks using recording devices in areas where the speed limit is less than 35mph, and use this data to consider installing physical deterrents to speeding.

    In the longer term, proposals are being considered for a permit parking system for residents in order to distinguish between residents and consumers where there is a mix of commercial and residential properties in St Anne town. The permit system will seek to limit long-term parking in the inner and outer town areas to a maximum of 28 days, after which a vehicle would be considered abandoned.

    The biggest concerns from the 267 survey responses, which represent 503+ driving licence holders and 405+ drivers of vehicles, were the increase in larger vehicles (73%) and the issue of abandoned vehicles (53%).

    However, the figures indicate that a number of people who own more than one car per household park their vehicles both on their driveway and on public roads, contributing to congestion in St Anne’s residential streets.

    The States has worked collaboratively with its associated partners to understand the community’s views and the Traffic Improvement Programme seeks to provide solutions to well evidenced issues through a manageable progressive programme.

    Ends

    States of Alderney media enquiries:Alistair.Forrest2@gov.gg

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Welcome $7.5 Million in Federal Funding to Deliver Clean Water to Ute Mountain Ute

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Funding comes from senators’ Inflation Reduction Act
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) announcement of $7.5 million in federal investment to expand clean drinking water access for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Specifically, the funding will help the Ute Mountain Ute plan and complete 18 miles of a 22-mile waterline to connect Cortez and Towaoc and deliver clean water to the community.
    Two weeks ago, the senators urged the Bureau of Reclamation to explore new opportunities for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to access federal funding for drought and water supply management.
    “Our tribal communities have long lacked adequate resources to reliably access clean drinking water,” said Hickenlooper. “Thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act, we’re changing that. This $7.5 million will connect Cortez and Towaoc to deliver clean drinking water and create good-paying jobs for the Ute Mountain Ute.”   
    “When the federal government established reservations for Native American Tribes, it promised a permanent and livable homeland for those it had displaced from their ancestral lands. At a time when our country’s Tribes still lack reliable access to clean and safe water in the 21st century, that promise clearly has been denied and critical tribal water infrastructure like this pipeline should be a priority for the federal government,” said Bennet. “This funding is an important step forward to ensure more members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe can continue to access clean water, and I’m grateful to the Biden/Harris administration for working to fulfill our nation’s promises.”
    “Investing in water infrastructure projects is crucial to ensuring the health, safety and economic prosperity of Indigenous communities,” said Secretary Haaland. “This new program, funded by the President’s Investing in America agenda, will help us ensure all Tribal families and communities have access to the clean, safe drinking water they need in order to thrive.”
    “The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe considers water and its watersheds as a sacred and vital element to life. Stewardship of the environment allows life to flourish and is an obligation of our tribe and people. This grant is a crucial step in finishing the project that we’ve been working on for over 14 years to make sure everyone in our community has access to drinking water,” said Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Chairman Manuel Heart.
    The Ute Mountain Ute’s project is one of 23 projects the DOI selected to receive $82 million from the Inflation Reduction Act’s $550 million allocated for domestic water supply projects for historically disadvantaged communities.
    Hickenlooper and Bennet fought for $8 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
    Full list of selected projects available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Administrator Guzman Highlights Record Federal Contracting Certifications in FY24, Unveils Streamlined Certification Process for FY25

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced a single-year record for federal contracting certifications for FY24, in which the SBA certified more than 17,000 small businesses—a nearly 40 percent increase over FY23, across its certification programs for women, veterans, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, and HUBZones. Further, the SBA also announced that its new MySBA Certifications online platform is live and accepting applications. The announcement comes as the Administrator proposes a new procurement rule to further supercharge small business participation in government contracting by expanding the number of small business set aside opportunities. The proposed rule, “Small Business Contracting: Increasing Small Business Participation on Multiple Awards,” expands the ‘Rule of Two’ to multiple-award contracts.

    “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has taken bold action to ensure that more small businesses than ever before can compete for and win valuable government contracts,” said SBA Administrator Guzman. “To increase opportunities for America’s small business owners, the SBA has rolled out MySBA Certifications, a streamlined technology tool that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to apply for multiple certifications with a single application. However, we don’t just want to certify more firms – we want those firms to have more contracts to pursue. That’s why we’re also proud to announce our proposed increase of small business set aside opportunities with a potential expansion of the ‘Rule of Two’ to multiple award contracts. All of these actions help further the SBA’s mission of driving competition, innovation, and opportunity in federal contracting.”

    During the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has consistently exceeded its government-wide contracting goal and is projected to again exceed the 23% goal with over 28% awarded to small firms in FY24. In FY23, 28% of prime contracts went to small businesses, representing a $178.6 billion investment in the small business economy – an increase of $15.7 billion from FY22 fiscal year and a new all-time high.

    Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have proudly championed the federal government’s record-high level of small business contracts, especially those owned by veterans and individuals who have traditionally been disadvantaged. Under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the SBA has worked tirelessly to fuel the nation’s economy by leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and ensuring fair competition in federal contracting. With the newly announced MySBA Certifications platform, the already-growing number of certifications is expected to increase further, thanks to the overall improvements to the customer experience embedded within the platform.

    Currently, per the SBA’s existing ‘Rule of Two,’ government agencies must set aside a contract for small businesses when there are two or more small businesses expected to submit offers at reasonable prices. Today’s new rule proposal would apply the ‘Rule of Two’ to multiple award contracts, which are becoming more prevalent in federal procurement. The SBA estimates that full implementation could increase contracting with small businesses by up to $6 billion annually.

    Small businesses and other interested parties may submit comments on the proposed ‘Rule of Two’ during the next 60 days using regulations.gov. The SBA will review those public comments before finalizing the rule. For further information please contact Donna Fudge, Lead Procurement Policy Analyst in the SBA’s Office of Policy Planning and Liaison, at donna.fudge@sba.gov.

     

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality.  As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. Learn more at www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Windows Server 2025 now generally available

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Windows Server 2025 now generally available

    Generally available today, Windows Server 2025 builds on our mission to deliver a secure and high-performance Windows Server platform tailored to meet customers’ diverse needs. This release will enable you to deploy apps in any environment, whether on-premises, hybrid environments, or in the cloud.

    Windows Server 2025

    Investing in your success with Windows Server

    Advanced multilayered security 

    In an era where cybersecurity is of utmost importance (see the Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024 and the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Healthcare Ransomware Report), Windows Server 2025 stands out with a suite of security features designed to safeguard your data and infrastructure. Here are a few key capabilities: 

    • Active Directory (AD): The gold standard for identity and authentication only gets better with new security capabilities to help fortify your environment against evolving threats with greater scalability and improvements in protocols, encryption, hardening, and new cryptographic support. 
    • File services/server message block (SMB) hardening: Windows Server 2025 includes SMB over QUIC to enable secure access to file shares over the internet. SMB security also adds hardened firewall defaults, brute force attack prevention, and protections for man in the middle attacks, relay attacks, and spoofing attacks. 
    • Delegate Managed Service Accounts (dMSA): Unlike traditional service accounts, dMSAs don’t require manual password management since AD automatically takes care of it. With dMSAs, specific permissions can be delegated to access resources in the domain, which reduces security risks and provides better visibility and logs of service account activity. 

    These advanced security features make Windows Server 2025 a robust and secure platform for your IT infrastructure that you should begin evaluating immediately.

    Cloud agility anywhere

    Windows Server 2025 introduces several advanced hybrid cloud capabilities designed to enhance operational flexibility and connectivity across various environments. Key features include: 

    • Hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc: Customers operating fully in the cloud have inherent modern security advantages like automatic software updates and back-up and recovery.  Now we’re bringing some of those capabilities to Windows Server 2025 for on-premises customers with a new hotpatching subscription service, enabled by Azure Arc. With hotpatching, customers will experience fewer reboots and minimal disruption to operations. Hotpatching delivers security updates for Azure Arc-enabled Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter running on physical machines, virtual machines, on-premises, or multicloud servers. Hotpatching, currently in preview, will require a monthly subscription. The hotpatching feature remains no additional cost for Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition virtual machines.
    • Easy Azure Arc onboarding: Windows Server 2025 brings Azure’s powerful capabilities directly into your datacenter through Azure Arc. This integration simplifies the onboarding process to Azure’s hybrid features and enhances operational flexibility, allowing you to manage and secure your hybrid and multicloud environments more effectively. 
    • Software-defined network (SDN) multisite features: The software-defined network (SDN) multisite features offer native L2 and L3 connectivity for seamless workload migration across various locations, coupled with unified network policy management. 
    • Unified network policy management: This capability allows for centralized management of network policies, making it easier to maintain consistent security and performance standards across your hybrid cloud environment.

    These hybrid cloud capabilities make Windows Server 2025 an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure and leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud environments.

    AI, performance, and scale 

    Windows Server 2025 is designed to handle the most demanding workloads, including AI and machine learning. Here are some key capabilities: 

    • Hyper-V, AI, and machine learning: With built-in support for GPU partitioning and the ability to process large data sets across distributed environments, Windows Server 2025 offers a high-performance platform for both traditional applications and advanced AI workloads with live migration and high availability. 
    • NVMe storage performance: Windows Server 2025 delivers up to 60% more storage IOPs performance compared to Windows Server 2022 on identical systems. (Based on 4K randread using Diskpsd 2.2 with Kioxia CM7 SSd) 
    • Storage Spaces Direct and storage flexibility: Windows Server supports a wide range of storage solutions such as local, NAS, and SAN for decades and continues to this day. Windows Server 2025 delivers more storage innovation with Native ReFS deduplication and compression, thinly povisioned Storage Spaces, and Storage Replica Compression now available in all editions of Windows Server 2025.
    • Hyper-V performance and scale: Windows Server 2025 introduces massive performance and scalability improvements that come from Azure. Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V virtual machine maximums: 
      • Maximum memory per VM: 240 Terabytes* — (10x previous) 
      • Maximum virtual processors per VM: 2048 VPs* — (~8.5x previous) 

    *Requires Generation 2 VMs

    Windows Server 2025 delivers major advancements across the board for Hyper-V, GPU integration, Storage Spaces Direct (software defined storage), software-defined networking, and clustering. These improvements make Windows Server 2025 an excellent option for organizations looking for a virtualization solution and for organizations looking to leverage AI and machine learning while maintaining high performance and scalability.

    System Center 2025 is available now

    By delivering System Center 2025 concurrently with Windows Server 2025, management of Windows Server at scale is available immediately. This allows organizations to make the most of new Windows Server features. Designed to enhance agility, performance, and security, this release is set to enhance how organizations optimize their infrastructure and virtualized software-defined datacenters. We encourage you to visit the System Center 2025 post learn more. 

    Microsoft Ignite 2024

    We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing these and other Windows Server 2025 features in our sessions and at our booth at Microsoft Ignite in Chicago, November 19-21. For those of you who can’t make it, many sessions, including our Windows Server breakout titled Windows Server 2025: New Ways to gain cloud agility and security, will be available for online viewing. 

    We are also excited to bring new features to customers on existing Windows Server versions like 2016, 2019, 2022, as well as 2025. Windows Server Software Assurance or active subscription customers can access Azure management tools like Azure Update Manager, Azure Policy Guest Configuration, Disaster Recovery, Change Tracking and Inventory, and more, with access to many features coming at no additional cost**. Tune into Microsoft Ignite where we will show more demos and information on how to access these new offerings.

    Additional Windows Server resources

    Notes

    1. ** Note: compute and storage may incur additional fees. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US. Why does that matter?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney

    David MG/Shutterstock

    The United States Department of Agriculture last week reported that a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon was infected with bird flu.

    As the bird flu situation has evolved, we’ve heard about the A/H5N1 strain of the virus infecting a range of animals, including a variety of birds, wild animals and dairy cattle.

    Fortunately, we haven’t seen any sustained spread between humans at this stage. But the detection of the virus in a pig marks a worrying development in the trajectory of this virus.

    How did we get here?

    The most concerning type of bird flu currently circulating is clade 2.3.4.4b of A/H5N1, a strain of influenza A.

    Since 2020, A/H5N1 2.3.4.4b has spread to a vast range of birds, wild animals and farm animals that have never been infected with bird flu before.

    While Europe is a hotspot for A/H5N1, attention is currently focused on the US. Dairy cattle were infected for the first time in 2024, with more than 400 herds affected across at least 14 US states.

    Bird flu has enormous impacts on farming and commercial food production, because infected poultry flocks have to be culled, and infected cows can result in contaminated diary products. That said, pasteurisation should make milk safe to drink.

    While farmers have suffered major losses due to H5N1 bird flu, it also has the potential to mutate to cause a human pandemic.

    Birds and humans have different types of receptors in their respiratory tract that flu viruses attach to, like a lock (receptors) and key (virus). The attachment of the virus allows it to invade a cell and the body and cause illness. Avian flu viruses are adapted to birds, and spread easily among birds, but not in humans.

    So far, human cases have mainly occurred in people who have been in close contact with infected farm animals or birds. In the US, most have been farm workers.

    The concern is that the virus will mutate and adapt to humans. One of the key steps for this to happen would be a shift in the virus’ affinity from the bird receptors to those found in the human respiratory tract. In other words, if the virus’ “key” mutated to better fit with the human “lock”.

    A recent study of a sample of A/H5N1 2.3.4.4b from an infected human had worrying findings, identifying mutations in the virus with the potential to increase transmission between human hosts.

    Why are pigs a problem?

    A human pandemic strain of influenza can arise in several ways. One involves close contact between humans and animals infected with their own specific flu viruses, creating opportunities for genetic mixing between avian and human viruses.

    Pigs are the ideal genetic mixing vessel to generate a human pandemic influenza strain, because they have receptors in their respiratory tracts which both avian and human flu viruses can bind to.

    This means pigs can be infected with a bird flu virus and a human flu virus at the same time. These viruses can exchange genetic material to mutate and become easily transmissible in humans.


    The Conversation, CC BY-SA

    Interestingly, in the past pigs were less susceptible to A/H5N1 viruses. However, the virus has recently mutated to infect pigs more readily.

    In the recent case in Oregon, A/H5N1 was detected in a pig on a non-commercial farm after an outbreak occurred among the poultry housed on the same farm. This strain of A/H5N1 was from wild birds, not the one that is widespread in US dairy cows.

    The infection of a pig is a warning. If the virus enters commercial piggeries, it would create a far greater level of risk of a pandemic, especially as the US goes into winter, when human seasonal flu starts to rise.

    How can we mitigate the risk?

    Surveillance is key to early detection of a possible pandemic. This includes comprehensive testing and reporting of infections in birds and animals, alongside financial compensation and support measures for farmers to encourage timely reporting.

    Strengthening global influenza surveillance is crucial, as unusual spikes in pneumonia and severe respiratory illnesses could signal a human pandemic. Our EPIWATCH system looks for early warnings of such activity, which can speed up vaccine development.

    If a cluster of human cases occurs, and influenza A is detected, further testing (called subtyping) is essential to ascertain whether it’s a seasonal strain, an avian strain from a spillover event, or a novel pandemic strain.

    Early identification can prevent a pandemic. Any delay in identifying an emerging pandemic strain enables the virus to spread widely across international borders.

    Australia’s first human case of A/H5N1 occurred in a child who acquired the infection while travelling in India, and was hospitalised with illness in March 2024. At the time, testing revealed Influenza A (which could be seasonal flu or avian flu), but subtyping to identify A/H5N1 was delayed.

    This kind of delay can be costly if a human-transmissible A/H5N1 arises and is assumed to be seasonal flu because the test is positive for influenza A. Only about 5% of tests positive for influenza A are subtyped further in Australia and most countries.

    In light of the current situation, there should be a low threshold for subtyping influenza A strains in humans. Rapid tests which can distinguish between seasonal and H5 influenza A are emerging, and should form part of governments’ pandemic preparedness.

    A higher risk than ever before

    The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the current risk posed by H5N1 to the general public remains low.

    But with H5N1 now able to infect pigs, and showing worrying mutations for human adaptation, the level of risk has increased. Given the virus is so widespread in animals and birds, the statistical probability of a pandemic arising is higher than ever before.

    The good news is, we are better prepared for an influenza pandemic than other pandemics, because vaccines can be made in the same way as seasonal flu vaccines. As soon as the genome of a pandemic influenza virus is known, the vaccines can be updated to match it.

    Partially matched vaccines are already available, and some countries such as Finland are vaccinating high-risk farm workers.

    C Raina MacIntyre receives funding from NHMRC (L3 Investigator grant and Centre for Research Excellence) and MRFF (Aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 experimentally and in an intensive care setting) currently. She currently receives funding from Sanofi for research on influenza and pertussis. She is the director of EPIWATCH®️, which is a UNSW, Kirby Institute initiative. She has been an invited speaker at the 2024 Options for The Control of Influenza at four symposia organised by Moderna, Pfizer, Sanofi and Seqirus respectively.

    Haley Stone receives funding from The Balvi Filantropic Fund. Haley Stone would like to acknowledge the support through a University International Postgraduate Award from the University of New South Wales.

    – ref. Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US. Why does that matter? – https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-has-been-detected-in-a-pig-in-the-us-why-does-that-matter-242688

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio Calls Out PwC for Appeasing Communist China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to increase scrutiny of Western auditing and consulting firms, including global consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

    Instead of distancing itself from Communist China, PwC has opted to strengthen its relationship with the regime. Notably, PwC’s China division has consulted for government officials in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where Beijing is committing genocide against Uyghurs and other groups, appointed an apparent CCP member to the head of its China operations, and aligned itself with Beijing’s strategic goals by openly supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to PwC Global Chairman Mohamed Khande expressing concern over the company’s ties to the CCP and demanding answers on the threat those ties pose to U.S. interests.  

    • “Simultaneous engagements with foreign adversaries are unacceptable. PwC’s apparent deep connections with CCP-controlled entities raise questions about conflicts of interest that could preclude PwC from executing any contract for U.S. federal and state government agencies with fidelity.
    • “Global firms, such as PwC, who have grown prosperous from a free and democratic order governed by American values, can no longer seek to cater to, and profit from, both sides of this conflict.”

    The full text of the letter is below.

    Dear Mr. Khande:

    I write with regard to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s (PwC) relationship with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese government, including Chinese provincial and local government entities, and state-owned companies in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Recently, media outlets have offered noteworthy coverage of the $62 million fine levied on PwC by China’s Ministry of Finance (MOF). While PwC’s questionable auditing work for Evergrande certainly deserves heightened scrutiny, reports have not adequately grappled with conflicts of interest seemingly rising from PwC’s deep entanglements with CCP-controlled and – affiliated entities, and, potentially, the Chinese government.

    PwC and its U.S. subsidiaries have a history of providing consulting services for U.S. federal agencies. Yet, mounting evidence suggests that PwC’s East Asia and China division (PwC China) has consulted government officials in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), where Beijing is engaged in an active genocide against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, contracted for numerous state-owned enterprises in China, and openly supported CCP efforts to undermine U.S. economic interests through support for in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    It is no secret that Chinese regulatory authorities have heightened scrutiny around PwC in the wake of its failure to identify $78 billion in misreported revenues by Evergrande. Key decisions made by PwC’s global leadership during this time suggest a pattern of catering to CCP goals when met with regulatory hostility. Until recently, PwC China boasted dozens of the largest Chinese state-owned enterprises on its list of auditing clients, including the Bank of China, China Railway Group Ltd., PetroChina Co. Ltd., People’s Insurance Company of China, and many others. PwC has lost many of these contracts in recent months, as Chinese regulators have discouraged China-based companies from contracting with PwC for auditing services amid the Evergrande fallout. Yet, to my surprise, as Chinese regulators have taken an increasingly hostile posture toward your firm—and sought to wrest control over Western auditors’ operations in mainland China—PwC has responded with attempts to appease the CCP, rather than decouple and de-risk from communist influence.

    In July 2024, amidst the height of Chinese regulatory scrutiny over PwC’s flawed Evergrande audits, PwC leadership appointed Daniel Li as Chairman of its China and East Asia practice. Li appears to be a member of the CCP and serves on the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The CPPCC is a political instrument that serves atop the CCP’s “united front” system—which is designed to cultivate ties with the entities the Party views as friendly—and steers the CCP’s policy aims. As such, Li’s appointment was a clear effort by PwC to win the trust of CCP authorities amid heightening tension by placing an individual with deep ties to the CCP at the helm of your firm’s China operations. While Hemione Hudson was selected to replace Li at the helm of PwC China last month, Li retains a significant role for PwC China—overseeing your firm’s auditing efforts in China.

    PwC’s deepening ties with the CCP are also evident in your firm’s consulting client selection. The Wall Street Journal reports that, last month, as PwC China’s auditing practice faced hostile regulatory actions over its Evergrande audits, your firm’s consulting unit signed a $200,000 contract with local government authorities in the XUAR. As you know, Beijing is actively committing genocide against Uyghurs and other predominately Muslim ethnic groups in the region. China’s abhorrent oppression of Uyghurs includes modern-day concentration camps, cultural reprogramming efforts, forced labor, and physical torture. Years of mounting evidence now places the reality of these atrocities beyond a shadow of doubt.

    Perhaps most concerning, PwC appears to have acted to publicly align its client engagements with CCP ambitions. PwC’s website openly boasts of the firm’s “Belt and Road United” project, started by your firm in 2017, with the expressed purpose of supporting China’s BRI. A document describing the initiative plainly states, “PwC aligns with the strategy through ongoing support for the Belt & Road Initiative.” In the same document, PwC further claims to be an “enabling influence,” and declares that PwC will “assist government departments and regulators in constructing and improving financial markets and regulatory systems in favor of the B&R Initiative.” The document also openly references the global reach of PwC’s client base, professing that “PwC is dedicated to sharing the full range of resources and practical experience sourced from across our expansive global network” to support BRI.

    PwC’s “Belt and Road United” project appears to have generated several spin-off initiatives in other PwC offices across the globe. For example, PwC Italy’s webpage advertises your firm’s “China Business Group”—a division of PwC with the self-described aim to “support Chinese companies doing business in Italy and successfully develop their external growth strategy in the Italian market.” The document claims that PwC stands at the ready to “support Chinese/Italian government organisations” and “introduce investment opportunities in Italy for potential Chinese clients.” This language appears to be a thinly-veiled attempt of PwC to court the favor of the CCP and secure contracts with Chinese state-owned enterprises by working to expand the influence and reach of Communist China around the globe.

    As noted, PwC and its U.S. subsidiaries consult for many leading U.S. industries, and the company has received substantial revenue from contracts with the U.S. government. When U.S. federal agencies hire private entities for consultation, it is an expectation that contractors will prioritize the best interests of the United States above all others. Simultaneous engagements with foreign adversaries are unacceptable. PwC’s apparent deep connections with CCP-controlled entities raise questions about conflicts of interest that could preclude PwC from executing any contract for U.S. federal and state government agencies with fidelity.

    Accordingly, I ask that you provide responses, along with supporting documentation, to the following questions no later than November 15, 2024:

    1. Please describe the extent of any existing contracts retained by PwC, or its U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates, to provide consulting services for U.S. state and federal government agencies.
    2. Do PwC, or any of its U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates, intend to pursue contracts with U.S. federal agencies in the future?
    3. Has the CCP, or any direct subdivision of the CCP, ever been a client of PwC or any of its subsidiaries?
    4. Has PwC ever provided consulting services for a China-based client that has concurrently been included on the U.S. Department of Defense’s 1260H List, the Department of Treasury’s Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, or the Department of Commerce’s Entity List? If so, please provide the following information for each client:
      • Name of the company
      • Nature of the company’s work
      • Nature of company’s relationship with the PRC and CCP
      • Duration of PwC’s consulting relationship with the company
      • Nature of PwC’s work on behalf of the company
    5. Do any of PwC’s current or past China-based clients work in the following sectors: military and civil defense, aerospace and aviation, energy and power generation, critical mineral mining and refining, steel and aluminum, new materials, shipbuilding, electric or gas combustion vehicle production, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, microelectronics, telecommunications, biotechnology, or high-speed rail? If so, please provide the following information for each client:
      • Name of the company
      • Nature of the company’s work
      • Nature of company’s relationship with the PRC and CCP
      • Duration of PwC’s consulting relationship with the company
      • Nature of PwC’s work on behalf of the company
    6. As noted above, brochures and materials on PwC’s website openly boast about the firm’s support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and its work advancing BRI goals in its consulting engagements abroad. Has PwC ever modified or intentionally crafted its consulting recommendations to U.S. clients, including U.S. federal agencies, in order to recommend cooperation with the BRI or portray the PRC’s BRI in a positive light?
    1. PwC performs hundreds of millions of dollars of work each year on behalf of the U.S.
      Government and American taxpayers. Please describe in detail all policies and safeguards PwC has implemented to ensure that work done on behalf of the United States government does not inform the work that your firm does for Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises.
    2. PwC’s website lists statistics describing the firm’s work in the “Taiwan region.” Does PwC recognize Taiwan as a free and independent nation state?

    The United States of America, our allies, and Western businesses like PwC, face a fundamental threat. As my office has documented, for more than ten years, the CCP has acted on a concerted plan to supplant the United States as the ascendant global economic power, dominating global trade in the industries that will define the 21st century economy.6 This is not just a conflict over size of economies alone, it is also about which values will define our world. The CCP has been all too willing to commit genocide, oppress and censor citizens, and violate economic norms in its pursuit of power. Yet, it seeks to replace American values for the dignity of the human person and representative government with a global system that reflects its own character. Global firms, such as PwC, who have grown prosperous from a free and democratic order governed by American values, can no longer seek to cater to, and profit from, both sides of this conflict.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Criticizes FBI for Continued Failures in Handling Child Abuse Investigations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After an audit found that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continues to mishandle investigations into allegations of child sexual abuse, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined her colleagues in calling out FBI Director Christopher Wray for failing to sufficiently reform after the agency’s failures with handling Larry Nassar.
    In 47% of cases reviewed, FBI employees did not comply with mandatory reporting requirements to state and local law enforcement, and for social services, that figure rose to 50%. 
    “Despite your assurances following the Larry Nassar scandal that the FBI would do ‘everything in [its] power to make sure [the Nassar investigation failures] never happen[ed] again,’ this audit reveals little, if any, progress has been made. Under your leadership, the FBI has not only failed to implement effective changes but has instead continued to mishandle cases of child sexual abuse with disturbing frequency,” the senators wrote.
    “According to the OIG, child sexual abuse cases were flagged with concern due to ‘a lack of recent investigative activity’ and ‘lack of logical investigative steps.’ Ignoring child exploitation investigations for political expediency is a grave betrayal to the victims who depend on the FBI’s expertise and resources,” the senators continued. 
    “The $138.7 million settlement stemming from the Nassar case should have been a turning point for the FBI, a stark reminder of the human toll caused by your agency’s failures. Instead, it is clear the reforms you promised have been grossly insufficient. Despite your public reassurances, the FBI has shown that it is incapable of learning from its mistakes,” the senators concluded.
    Read the full letter here.  
    Background:
    Following the sentencing of Dr. Larry Nassar who admitted to molesting female gymnasts and minors for years under the guise of medical treatment, Ernst called for the creation of a select committee to investigate the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics in 2018.
    Ernst’s SAFESPORT Act, which is now law, ensures the resources designated for investigating abuses of Olympic and amateur athletes are safeguarded. Ernst successfully passed the bipartisan Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act which would address all forms of abuse and begin restoring trust and integrity within the U.S. Olympic system.
    Ernst is also a proud cosponsor of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in February 2018.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Indicted for Posting Threats on the Internet

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    An indictment was unsealed charging Nathaniel James Holmes, 51, of Jacksonville, Florida, with four counts of transmitting interstate threats to injury other persons. If convicted on all counts, Holmes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

    According to the indictment, on four dates in October, Holmes transmitted threats to injure others, including threats to kill three particular victims, the children of one victim, and Jewish and African American individuals generally. A federal grand jury charged Holmes in a sealed indictment on Oct. 24. He was arrested on Nov. 1, made his initial appearance in court, and ordered detained pending a competency evaluation.

    The FBI; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly S. Milliron and Michael J. Coolican for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Turkish National Arrested for Allegedly Conspiring to Violate Venezuela-Related Sanctions

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Taskin Torlak, 37, of Turkey, was arrested in Miami, on Nov. 2 for allegedly conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions as part of a scheme to transport oil from Venezuela for the benefit of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), Venezuela’s state-owned oil and natural gas company.

    “As alleged, the defendant conspired to evade U.S. sanctions imposed on PdVSA, deploying deception to smuggle black-market oil from Venezuela,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those involved in criminal efforts to circumvent sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime.”

    “This defendant allegedly conspired to illegally sell Venezuelan oil, using deceit and trickery to hide the fact that this oil originated from Venezuela,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. “Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PdVSA, was sanctioned by the U.S. government to prevent the current regime from further depleting the nation’s resources while it unlawfully remains in power.  We remain dedicated to prosecuting violations of these sanctions until the government of Venezuela takes the necessary steps for these sanctions to be lifted.”

    Torlak was arrested as he attempted to depart the United States to return to Turkey. He is charged by complaint with one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). According to the complaint, Torlak conspired with others to cause U.S. financial institutions to process transactions connected to the transport of Venezuelan oil for the benefit of PdVSA, which the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated as a Specially Designated National (SDN) in January 2019.

    According to the complaint, beginning at least in or around November 2020, Torlak and others devised and implemented a complex scheme to violate and evade U.S. sanctions related to petroleum products from Venezuela and Iran. The scheme included obfuscating the identities of tankers moving the oil by re-naming and re-flagging vessels, covering vessel names with paint or blankets, and turning off the electronics that track vessels’ locations for the safety of ships and their crews. Torlak and his co-conspirators allegedly received tens of millions of dollars from PdVSA in payment for transporting Venezuelan oil, and hid the ultimate beneficiaries of the related transactions from U.S. financial institutions, who then unwittingly processed payments in furtherance of the scheme. The complaint further alleges that Torlak and his co-conspirators explicitly discussed the need to hide their conduct from the U.S. Government and its agencies, including OFAC, as well as commercial maritime entities.

    Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Sean Heiden and Chantelle Dial of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dingwall & Seaforth place planning community event 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A public drop-in session is being held on Thursday 7 November from 12 noon until 7pm in The Royal British Legion, Dingwall with displays of options for the future masterplanning for the Dingwall & Seaforth area.  Council officers and other partners will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions.  

    An integral part of the day includes the Mid-Ross Community Partnership hosting its Community Networking Event from 2pm – 4pm.  Local groups and organisations will be available to showcase their activities and projects, with the opportunity to network, connect and explore potential partnership working. 

    Communities & Place Committee Chair, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “The collaborative community event this Thursday is an excellent opportunity for the public to come along and find out more about the future masterplanning for the area and ask questions and suggest ideas. It also opens the opportunity to connect and discuss further partnership working within our communities.”

    Plans on display and for discussion are:

    Highland Investment Plan – A Masterplan for Dingwall – In May 2024 Highland Council approved the £2.1 billion twenty-year Highland Investment Plan.

    This is a highly significant, long term infrastructure investment programme for the Highland area and is a radical solution to the significant challenges the Council faces in reducing, maintaining, and renewing our asset base, and is closely linked to plans to modernise Council service delivery.  A key element of this approach will be to establish Community Points of Delivery which will be places where a wide range of Council services, including education, can be delivered alongside other partner and community services as part of a future integrated operating model for partnership working.

    Dingwall has been selected as one of the priority locations to develop a local place-based masterplan and this event will provide an opportunity to view the work that has been carried out to date and to gather feedback from members of the community.

    There will be short presentations on the Highland Investment Plan (HIP) at 12.30pm and 4.30pm.  As well as the drop-in event on 7 November, two virtual online public events have also been arranged for 12 and 13 November at 7pm on MS Teams. A presentation will be shown online and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Anyone wishing to join can request a link to the meetings from CLestates@highland.gov.uk 

    For those unable to attend the session on Thursday or the on-line events, there will be information available at https://engagehighland.co.uk/hub-page/dingwall-and-seaforth where you can answer questions or leave ideas

    Highland Local Development Plan (HLDP) – The Highland Council is gathering evidence including the views of the public and local organisations to help formulate a new, statutory land use plan for Highland. This Plan will shape future planning application and other building investment decisions. This event will display and present the information we think is relevant to the future planning of Dingwall, Conon Bridge, Maryburgh, Muir of Ord, Tore and the wider area but we want your views on what else we should consider. Planning staff will be available to discuss the Plan and explain how to find out more and make comment. There will be short presentations on the HLDP at 1pm and 5pm.  For those that can’t make the event then more details of the Plan are available via www.highland.gov.uk/hldp

    Dingwall & Seaforth Area Place Plan (APP) – Final drafts of the Dingwall & Seaforth Area Place Plan will be available.  This plan captures the priorities for the area set out in other plans and those identified through the past 5 months community engagement sessions.  The APP provides the basis for place-centred service delivery and will act as a tool for funders, guiding investment into the area.  There will be timed presentations on the APP at 2.30pm and 6pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Hearing of Commissioner-designate Maroš Šefčovič

    Source: European Parliament

    On Monday, the International Trade and Constitutional Affairs committees questioned Šefčovič, Slovak candidate for Trade and Economic Security/ Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

    The committee chairs and political group coordinators will meet without delay to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate.

    In his introductory statement, Mr Šefčovič reminded MEPs that trade is “marked by stark competition over disruptive new technologies,  and the weaponisation of economic dependencies”, making trade a “geostrategic tool”.  With the US election imminent, the Commissioner-designate said: “Regardless of the outcome of the US elections, I will put forward an offer of cooperation”. He added that the EU will have to solve its disputes with the US, citing steel and aluminium, and protectionist elements in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

    On inter-institutional relations, he committed to enhancing the Commission’s cooperation with Parliament, not least through the soon to be revamped Framework Agreement. Mr Šefčovič also referred to a Commission’s commitment to follow-up on Parliament’s indirect legislative initiatives, ensure that comprehensive justification would be provided for the use of the extraordinary procedure of Article 122, and facilitate progress on Parliament’s call for a full right of inquiry. Further, he announced an expansion of the EU’s Transparency Register’s scope “to all managers”.

    China

    Mr Šefčovič described China as the most challenging trading partner, one with which the EU needs to rebalance its relationship. He told MEPs that, after EU’s duties on electric vehicles made in China, in place since last week, Commission negotiators are now in talks with Chinese counterparts on price undertakings. “EU is not interested in trade wars, we are looking for rebalancing our relationship with China in areas where we feel our relationship is not fair,” Mr Šefčovič said, citing overcapacity, subsidies, and the lack of level playing field.

    Mercosur, Israel  and FTAs

    MEPs grilled the Commissioner-designate over the ongoing negotiations with Mercosur countries, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Mr Šefčovič pledged to continue work on free trade agreements (FTA) with Mexico and Australia, and said he wants the EU to be more present in Thailand, the Philippines and India. Responding to MEPs, he pointed to the Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) with Angola and the Economic Partnership Agreement with Kenya as new types of agreements that could help the EU.

    Asked by MEPs if the EU was breaching international law as it keeps its trade ties with Israel under the EU-Israel association agreement, Mr Šefčovič said that the agreement “can be changed only by unanimity” among member states.

     

    Priorities for interinstitutional relations

    Many MEPs highlighted the importance of treaty change based on Parliament’s proposals which were inspired by the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Commissioner-designate said that the key to moving forward on this is getting a clear position by the European Council: they will work with the new presidency of Antonio Costa to this aim.

    The debate revolved around the need for reforms to prepare for enlargement and to activate the “passerelle” clause in key policy areas, as well as transparency, with some MEPs bringing up worrying reports about Commission practices. Other topics included better cooperation with national parliaments and applying the findings of the Draghi report in the EU’s institutional architecture.

    Press point

    At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Committees of International Trade, Bernd Lange, and Constitutional Affairs, Sven Simon, held a press point outside the meeting room: watch it here.

    Next steps

    Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.

    The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — RCMP investigate a vehicle entering open water on Lake Laberge

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Content warning this information may be distressing.

    Whitehorse RCMP received a report on January 25, 2025 at 1:06 am that a vehicle had submerged in Lake Laberge with occupants inside. Whitehorse RCMP, Whitehorse Fire Department, and Yukon Emergency Medical Services responded.

    A group of people using two separate vehicles were ice fishing on Lake Laberge. It was reported to police that one vehicle drove into open water with three occupants inside. The vehicle submerged and only two occupants were able to safely make it from the vehicle.

    Police continue to investigate this tragic event with the assistance of the Yukon Coroner’s Service.

    Whitehorse Detachment General Investigation Section recommends, if possible, to avoid Lake Laberge while investigators are on scene. This investigation will involve a complex and lengthy recovery operation that will likely span over several days and will involve assistance of the British Columbia RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.

    Our thoughts go out to the family, and those involved, at this most difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Greece wind power collaboration boosts renewable energy transition

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Four wind farms nestled in the mountains of northern Greece have become prominent landmarks in the area. These wind farms are part of the Thrace Wind Power Project, led by China Energy Guohua Investment Europe Renewable Energy S.A..

    Since commencing operations in 2019, the project has generated approximately 160 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying power to more than 30,000 households in Greece.

    Speaking ahead of the International Day of Clean Energy, the company’s deputy general manager, Wu Bate, told Xinhua that the Thrace Wind Power Project was launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between China and Greece under the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.

    As China’s first wind power investment in Greece, the project comprises four wind farms equipped with 34 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 78.2 megawatts.

    “The project reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 150,000 tons annually and saves 53,000 tons of standard coal, equivalent to planting 360,000 trees,” Wu said. “It has played a pivotal role in supporting Greece’s energy transition.”

    In recent years, Greece has accelerated its shift toward renewable energy. According to the Greek government’s revised National Energy and Climate Plan, renewable energy is projected to account for 75 percent of electricity generation by 2030, increasing further to 95 percent by 2035. Data from the Hellenic Wind Energy Association shows that wind power contributed 23.5 percent of Greece’s total electricity generation in 2023.

    “The cooperation between Greece and China on renewable energy has been remarkable,” said Konstantinos Loukidis, the company’s development manager.

    “Developing renewable energy projects not only optimizes Greece’s energy mix and enhances energy independence, but also attracts investment, fosters innovation, creates jobs, and drives economic growth,” he added.

    Currently, Chinese companies are actively participating in investment and construction in Greece’s renewable energy sector.

    Wu Bate highlighted the significant potential for further cooperation between China and Greece in the renewable energy sector.

    “In the future, both sides will build upon this platform to deepen collaboration in areas such as wind power and photovoltaics, achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes while injecting powerful momentum into the global green transition,” the deputy general manager said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sequels of popular franchises gear up for Spring Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    As the Year of the Snake approaches, the festival film market is heating up with fierce competition, as six big-budget movies are set to premiere on Wednesday, the first day of the Chinese New Year.

    Widely regarded as a sign of the maturation of the domestic film industry, five of these titles are sequels to popular franchises, with Hong Kong director Tsui Hark’s martial arts tentpole Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants standing as the sole exception.

    The film, starring pop idol Xiao Zhan as Guo Jing, a skilled martial artist, saw its presale box-office revenue surpass 10 million yuan ($1.37 million) in just 40 minutes after online booking began at 9 am on Jan 19, propelling it to the top of the Spring Festival’s advance ticket revenue charts. It is also the first martial arts film to compete during the festival, the country’s most lucrative box-office season in recent years.

    Many industry insiders attribute its commercial success to the star power of Xiao, who is followed by millions of fans on the popular social platform Sina Weibo, as well as to the influence of the movie’s archetype.

    Adapted from seven chapters of one of the most renowned novels, The Legend of the Condor Heroes, by the late wuxia writer Jin Yong, pen name of Louis Cha Leung-yung (1924-2018), the tale recounts the adventures of Guo Jing and Huang Rong, the protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime lover, in the martial arts world as they team up to fight and defend the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

    In addition to Legends of the Condor Heroes leading by a significant margin in presales, three other films have closely followed in presale revenue: the animated film Nezha 2, the suspense comedy Detective Chinatown 1900, and the mythological epic Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, occupying the second, third and fourth positions, respectively.

    Marking itself as a spinoff prequel to filmmaker Chen Sicheng’s Detective Chinatown franchise, the new film features actors Liu Haoran and Wang Baoqiang as an unlikely duo, following their mystery-solving adventures in San Francisco in 1900.

    As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Nezha, Nezha 2 depicts the resurgence of the titular hero and his friend, Aobing, the prince from a dragon clan. The tale follows their journey as they overcome a series of difficulties while confronting an unprecedented crisis: The leader of the dragon clan releases thousands of sea monsters to threaten the existence of humankind.

    Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force picks up where the first movie left off, following Ji Fa, the brave son of a lord, as he returns to his hometown to lead a rebel army in fighting against the tyranny of Yin Shou, whose archetype is King Zhou, the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC).

    Interweaving mythology and history, the highlight of the film centers on battles among people, celestial beings and monsters. Director Wuershan revealed that a main challenge was representing the 12-meter-tall four sibling giants of the Mo family, powerful figures in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods), which serves as a major inspiration for the movie.

    The other two are the military-themed Operation Hadal, a follow-up to Operation Red Sea (2018), and the animated film Boonie Bears: Future Reborn, the 11th installment of the Boonie Bears franchise.

    Chen Jin, an analyst of Beacon, Alibaba Pictures’ real-time information tracker, says the movies competing for this year’s Spring Festival showcase a diverse range of themes and genres, and all are adorned with special-effects scenes. He analyzes that the holiday will serve as a barometer for the entire year’s film market, leading the Chinese film industry toward a better recovery this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Iowa Bridges Will Benefit from $44 Million Grassley-Backed Federal Investment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today announced Iowa will receive $44,640,000 to replace eight bridges across seven counties, including Cedar Rapids’ Arc of Justice bridge. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the resources through its Bridge Investment Program, which was established in the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

    “Iowans consistently raise concerns about the safety of our bridges, and rightfully so – our bridges need upgrades. That’s one of the reasons I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law,” Grassley said. “These grants will improve commuter safety and flood resilience, and strengthen our regional supply chain to help get Iowa products to market.”

    Award Details:

    Washington County will receive $38,640,000 to remove and replace seven bridges in Washington, Hamilton, Buchanan, Jones, Cedar and Monroe counties. 

    The City of Cedar Rapids will receive $6,000,000 to replace the 86-year-old Arc of Justice bridge with a new, cable-stayed design. This will help raise the bridge above potential flood waters and improve hydraulic flow, reducing the height of Cedar Rapids’ upstream floodwall.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Watson Coleman & County Executive Benson Celebrate $47 Million Federal Grant for Mercer to Replace Lincoln Avenue Bridge in Trenton

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

    October 31, 2024

    Trenton, NJ (Thursday, October 31, 2024)  — Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced a $47 million federal grant award to replace the Lincoln Avenue Bridge in Trenton.

    The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP), a Biden-Harris Administration initiative to replace, rehabilitate, improve, and preserve bridges across the country. The program is a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Rep. Watson Coleman voted for, and President Biden signed. At the beginning of this year, Rep. Watson Coleman sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, encouraging the Department to approve Mercer County’s application for this grant. Senator Cory Booker also strongly advocated for Mercer County’s grant application, providing letters of support for three consecutive years, including in January of this year.

    As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Rep. Watson Coleman works tirelessly to ensure the Department of Transportation has the resources necessary for grant programs like the BIP.

    “I am so excited to announce this significant investment from the Biden-Harris Administration to replace the Lincoln Avenue Bridge,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “This funding will replace the existing structure with a safer, more reliable, and more durable passage across Assunpink Creek. Thousands of Trentonians rely on the Lincoln Ave bridge, which provides a key footpath to Trenton Central High School. I’m incredibly grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, Secretary Buttigieg, Mercer County, and the City of Trenton for their partnership.”

    “The Lincoln Avenue Bridge has served Trenton’s residents for generations but has now reached the end of its lifespan,” said Senator Booker. “I am proud to have helped secure this unprecedented $47 million investment to replace this century-old bridge, and ensure everyone in Mercer County has access to safe and reliable infrastructure for years to come.”

    “I’m pleased to see such dedicated investment in our nation’s infrastructure thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Senator George Helmy. “It’s imperative that the safety of New Jersey commuters is a top priority and this funding from the Department of Transportation’s Bridge Investment Program ensures that drivers and passengers alike can feel secure traveling across the Lincoln Avenue Bridge. I would like to thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for their tireless work in updating our nation’s infrastructure, as well as Congresswoman Watson Coleman, Trenton Mayor Gusciora, and Mercer Country Executive Dan Benson for fighting on behalf of their constituents and their needs.”

    Spanning 687 feet, the Lincoln Avenue Bridge is the longest county-owned bridge in Mercer, and at ninety-three years it is also one of the oldest. The bridge crosses both the Assunpink Creek and Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor Rail Line, connecting neighborhoods and serving as a primary conduit for students on their way to and from Trenton Central High School.

    Mercer County began Concept Development on the Bridge Replacement Project in 2015, as it became clear that the current structure was reaching the end of its lifespan. The Federal BIP grant will cover most of the project’s estimated $63 million cost, with the remainder coming from Mercer County and from funds provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).

    “I want to thank Senator Booker and Congresswoman Watson Coleman for partnering with us to procure the largest infrastructure grant in Mercer County history,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “For nearly a century, the Lincoln Avenue Bridge has tied together neighborhoods in our Capital City, and by replacing the aging structure we ensure that this corridor remains safe and accessible to Trenton residents for generations to come. We’re excited to kick off another major public works project for Mercer County, and we look forward to using local union labor to build under a Project Labor Agreement.”

    Planning on the project is expected to finish next year, and has included input from various stakeholders, including the City of Trenton, Amtrak, NJ Transit, The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The bridge will be replaced in phases so that one lane will remain open at all times.

    “The DOT’s Bridge Investment Program funding is essential for advancing the Lincoln Avenue Bridge project,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. This funding will not only enhance accessibility and safety for our community, but will also ensure that our infrastructure is equipped to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. We are grateful for this investment in our Capital City.”

    “In 2024, Mercer County has made significant strides to ensure our financial house is in order,” said Mercer County Commissioner Chair John Cimino. As an engineering professional, I recognize that a $47 million grant for a single bridge is an uncommon achievement. I look forward to many more successes like this in the future.”

    “New Jersey appreciates the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure to improve our local communities,” said NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor. “This $47 million federal grant to replace the Lincoln Avenue Bridge over Amtrak and the Assunpink Creek in Trenton provides critical funding to get this project to construction to ensure we have a safe transportation system for all users – whether they are driving, biking, walking, or riding a train.”

    “The residents of Trenton and greater Mercer County lead busy lives, which has put strain on our aging infrastructure. This substantial federal grant to replace the Lincoln Avenue Bridge will help ensure that every trip made is safe and efficient for years to come,” said Senator Shirley K. Turner. “I thank Rep. Watson Coleman and County Executive Benson for their dedication to this project and their commitment to improving our community’s transportation system.”

    “This is a sterling example of when government and community partners come together to do big things for the benefit of the community they serve,” said Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli. “Repairing, replacing, and maintaining infrastructure like the Lincoln Ave. Bridge is critical to bring social and economic equity to the local neighborhood, the City of Trenton, and Mercer County as a whole. Thank you, County Executive Benson and our federal partners, for their leadership and financial support of the critical endeavor.”

    “Today’s announcement is a victory for Trenton residents and for all who travel through our community. I am so grateful to see local, county, state, and federal partners coming together in support of this grant, this is what good government looks like” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “This project is an investment in our future; it ensures that our infrastructure evolves to meet the needs of our growing community and literally and figuratively keeps our residents more connected.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: South Bow Recommends Shareholders Reject TRC Capital’s Below-market “Mini-tender” Offer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) has received an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer from TRC Capital Investment Corp. (TRC Capital) to purchase up to 3 million South Bow common shares, or approximately 1.4% of South Bow’s outstanding common shares, at a below-market price of C$31.95. South Bow does not endorse TRC Capital’s unsolicited offer, has no affiliation with TRC Capital or its offer, and does not recommend or endorse this unsolicited mini-tender offer.

    South Bow cautions shareholders that the mini-tender offer has been made at a below-market price for the South Bow common shares. TRC Capital’s unsolicited offer price of C$31.95 per share represents a discount of 4.6% to the closing price of the South Bow common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 28, 2024, the last trading day before the mini-tender offer was commenced, and a discount of 7.4% to the closing price on Nov. 1, 2024.

    Shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for their shares, consult with their broker or financial advisor, and exercise caution with respect to TRC Capital’s unsolicited offer. Shareholders who have already tendered their shares should consider taking actions to withdraw them, including reviewing the withdrawal procedures in TRC Capital’s offering documents.

    TRC Capital has made similar unsolicited mini-tender offers for shares of other public companies. Mini-tender offers are designed to avoid many investor protections like disclosure and procedural requirements applicable to most take-over bids and tender offers under Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have expressed concerns about mini-tender offers, including the possibility that investors might tender to such offers without understanding the offer price relative to the actual market price of their securities.

    The SEC states that “bidders make mini-tender offers at below-market prices, hoping that they will catch investors off guard if the investors do not compare the offer price to the current market price.” The SEC has published investor tips about mini-tender offers, which can be found at www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/minitend.htm.

    Brokers, dealers, and other market participants are encouraged to exercise caution and review the letter regarding broker-dealer mini-tender offers dissemination and disclosures at www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/minitenders/sia072401.htm.

    Comments from the CSA on mini-tender offers can be found at http://www.osc.gov.on.ca/en/SecuritiesLaw_csa_19991210_61-301.jsp.

    South Bow requests that this news release be included in any distribution of materials relating to TRC Capital’s mini-tender offer for South Bow common shares.

    About South Bow

    South Bow safely operates 4,900 kilometres (3,045 miles) of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast through our unrivalled market position. We take pride in what we do – providing safe and reliable transportation of crude oil to North America’s highest demand markets. Based in Calgary, Alberta, South Bow is the spinoff company of TC Energy, with Oct. 1, 2024 marking South Bow’s first day as a standalone entity. To learn more, visit www.southbow.com.

    Contact information

    Investor Relations Media Relations
    Martha Wilmot Katie Stavinoha
    investor.relations@southbow.com communications@southbow.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Swift Current — Swift Current Municipal RCMP: males wanted after serious assaults

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 25, 2024, Swift Current Municipal RCMP responded to a report of a firearm discharged during an altercation on Herbert Street in Swift Current, SK. Officers responded and no injuries were reported to police. Swift Current RCMP continued to investigate.

    On October 29, 2024 at approximately 6:00 a.m., Swift Current Municipal RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter at a residence on 10 Avenue NW in Swift Current. Investigation determined multiple individuals entered the residence with a firearm and assaulted two occupants inside. The firearm was not discharged. The suspects stole an amount of cash as well as a vehicle. The vehicle was recovered shortly after; however, the suspects remain outstanding.

    Both of these incidents are not believed to be random. Swift Current Municipal RCMP have identified and charged two males in relation to both of these incidents and warrants for their arrest have been issued.

    35-year-old Nicholas Belanger from Medicine Hat, AB and 28-year-old Mathew Neufeld from Swift Current, SK are each charged with:

    • one count, break and enter, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, assault causing bodily harm, Section 267(b), Criminal Code;
    • one count, theft over $5000, Section 334(a), Criminal Code;
    • one count, theft under $5000, Section 334(b), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, disguised with intent to commit offence, Section 351(2), Criminal Code.

    Nicholas Belanger is additionally charged with:

    • one count, robbery with a firearm, Section 344(1)(a), Criminal Code;
    • one count, assault with a weapon, Section 267(a), Criminal Code;
    • one count, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, pointing a firearm, Section 87(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, dangerously discharged a firearm, Section 244(1), Criminal Code; and
    • six counts, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code.

    Investigators have reason to believe Nicholas Belanger and Mathew Neufeld may be in the Swift Current or Medicine Hat areas, but their current whereabouts are unknown. If you see Nicholas Belanger or Mathew Neufeld, do not approach them. Report any sighting of them or information to your nearest police by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Freddie “Bankroll Freddie” Gladney, III Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison Following Guilty Verdict at Jury Trial on Firearm and Drug Trafficking Charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

          LITTLE ROCK—Freddie “Bankroll Freddie” Gladney, III, will spend the next 150 months in federal prison after being convicted of multiple narcotics offenses, including a firearms offense, which involved a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of marijuana in and around central Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.

          Following a four-day trial, Gladney, 30, of Helena, was convicted by a federal jury on April 12, 2024. The jury found Gladney guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

          In addition to the 150 months’ total imprisonment, which is more than twelve years, Judge Moody sentenced Gladney to three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gladney was also ordered to pay a $242,000 money judgment as part of his conviction. 

          Gladney was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2023, in a 32-count superseding indictment that charged him with numerous offenses related to a conspiracy that was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

          Two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang, were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. The investigations focused on rival gangs responsible for violence throughout central Arkansas, with one operation focused on the EBK or Every Body Killas gang and resulting in the indictment of 35 defendants.

          An investigation revealed that on April 14, 2022, an Arkansas State Police trooper observed a black truck speeding and conducted a traffic stop in Marion. The trooper noted the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and asked Gladney to exit the vehicle. Gladney began to exit the vehicle but then reentered and started reaching for something in the vehicle. Because Gladney refused to exit the vehicle, the trooper was forced to remove him.

          During a search of Gladney’s vehicle, law enforcement officers located in the passenger seat near the area where Gladney had been reaching, a Romarm/Cugie Model Micro Draco 7.62x39mm caliber firearm and a Polymer 80 Model PF940C, 9mm privately made firearm (also known as a “ghost gun”). Additionally, during a search of the back seat of the vehicle, law enforcement officers located a duffle bag containing 21.4 pounds of high-grade marijuana and $33,662, which was located in the center console along with seven magazines, five of which were extended and fully loaded.

          At sentencing, Gladney received a 4-level increase for being an organizer or leader of criminal activity that involved five or more participants. Gladney received a 2-level increase in his guideline range for obstruction of justice related to a May 25, 2021, wiretap call in which he instructed a codefendant to remove guns and scales used for weighing illegal drugs from his Helena residence in anticipation that it would be searched by law enforcement. 

    GLADNEY III:           So where, what you got in the house in Helena?

    CODEFENDANT:     I got everything out of there.

    GLADNEY III:           You got everything out of there already?

    CODEFENDANT:     Yeah.

    GLADNEY III:           Scales and everything?

    CODEFENDANT:     Naw, I gotta, gotta, lemme call them. Send em back in to get that. I gotta find out where all they at.

    GLADNEY III:           Scales and shit. Get everything out the house. Any guns, anything.

    CODEFENDANT:     Alright, let me..

    GLADNEY III:           Where that MAK-90 at?

    CODEFENDANT:     It’s not there.

    GLADNEY III:           Alright get everything else out that house before they go search that b***h.

    CODEFENDANT:     Alright.

          Judge Moody cited the ghost gun in increasing Gladney’s sentence 2.5 years above the guidelines range. Judge Moody noted that based on trial testimony, it was apparent that Gladney’s ghost gun, which did not have a back plate, was either ready to receive a “switch,” or had recently had a “switch” on it, that would turn the ghost gun from a semi-automatic firearm to a fully-automatic firearm. Judge Moody also recognized that Gladney was on probation from a drug and gun case in Memphis at the time he was intercepted on the wiretap in this case. 

          This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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.

          The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department. FBI’s GETROCK Task Force was formed in 2017 in response to the escalation in gang and gun violence in Little Rock. The unit’s investigations and operations are coordinated out of FBI Little Rock’s field office, and GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkansas. Additional support was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Inspection Service; Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug Joint Task Force; and the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie Peters, Amanda Fields, and Reese Lancaster.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Provides Unaudited Balance Sheet Information and Announces Its Net Asset Value and Asset Coverage Ratios at October 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) today provided a summary unaudited statement of assets and liabilities and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as of October 31, 2024.

    As of October 31, 2024, the Company’s net assets were $2.2 billion, and its net asset value per share was $12.97. As of October 31, 2024, the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 675% and the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to total leverage (debt and preferred stock) was 483%.

     STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
    OCTOBER 31, 2024  //  (UNAUDITED)
     
        (in millions)
    Investments   $ 3,002.2  
    Cash and cash equivalents     35.7  
    Accrued income     11.2  
    Current tax asset, net     6.6  
    Other assets     0.5  
    Total assets     3,056.2  
         
    Notes     409.7  
    Unamortized notes issuance costs     (2.8 )
    Preferred stock     163.1  
    Unamortized preferred stock issuance costs     (1.3 )
    Total leverage     568.7  
         
    Payable for securities purchased     5.1  
    Other liabilities     13.3  
    Deferred tax liability, net     275.1  
    Total liabilities     293.5  
         
    Net assets   $ 2,194.0  
         
     

    The Company had 169,126,038 common shares outstanding as of October 31, 2024.

    Long-term investments were comprised of Midstream Energy Companies (96%), Utility Companies (3%) and Other Energy (1%).

    The Company’s ten largest holdings by issuer at October 31, 2024 were:

          Amount
    (in millions)*    		   % Long Term
    Investments
    1. The Williams Companies, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)   $             309.5   10.3 %
    2. Energy Transfer LP (Midstream Energy Company)     281.1   9.4 %
    3. MPLX LP (Midstream Energy Company)                    273.6   9.1 %
    4. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (Midstream Energy Company)     258.3   8.6 %
    5. ONEOK, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     226.8   7.6 %
    6. Targa Resources Corp. (Midstream Energy Company)     220.0   7.3 %
    7. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     194.5   6.5 %
    8. Kinder Morgan, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     184.9   6.2 %
    9. Western Midstream Partners, LP (Midstream Energy Company)     138.6   4.6 %
    10. Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Midstream Energy Company)     132.3   4.4 %
    * Includes ownership of common and preferred units.

    ###

    Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice. The mention of specific securities is not a recommendation or solicitation for any person to buy, sell or hold any particular security. You can obtain a complete listing of holdings by viewing the Company’s most recent quarterly or annual report.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offenders Plead Guilty in Separate Drug Trafficking Investigations

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ALBANY, Ga. – Two Albany residents, both with lengthy criminal histories in the community, pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from separate drug trafficking investigations in Southwest Georgia.

    Roderick Terrell Ferrell, 37, and Kerry Lamont Davis, 42, each pleaded guilty in separate cases to one count of distribution of cocaine before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Oct. 30. Due to their criminal histories, both Ferrell and Davis qualify as federal career offenders and each face a maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release and a maximum $2,000,000 fine. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Both defendants have lengthy criminal records and have repeatedly disregarded the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These cases demonstrate how federal, state and local law enforcement are working together to make our communities safer and hold career offenders accountable.”

    “The FBI is proud to work with our local law enforcement partners in helping to convict these repeat offenders at the federal level, where they face stiffer penalties and no opportunity for parole,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the FBI Atlanta’s Albany office.

    “Our communities remain under attack by career criminals with no regard for the destruction they cause,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This investigation demonstrates the DEA’s commitment to protecting our community.”

    “Our message is clear: individuals with histories of criminal behavior who continue to engage in illegal activities will be met with the full force of the justice system. We are dedicated to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who choose this path face serious consequences,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Atlanta Field Division.

    “Eliminating drug trafficking in our communities requires a united front,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The successful convictions of these repeat offenders are a demonstration of the effectiveness of our collaboration across federal, state and local agencies to hold individuals accountable and ensure safer neighborhoods.”

    According to court documents and statements made public in court in the Ferrell case, federal, state and local law enforcement received information from various confidential sources that Terrell was distributing cocaine and was supplied by a metro-Atlanta unnamed co-conspirator. Due to COVID-19’s impact on drug supply at the time, Ferrell was charging $1,400 an ounce for powder cocaine. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at another dealer’s residence, seized cocaine, and discovered that Ferrell had sold at least 18 ounces of powder cocaine. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) then conducted a controlled buy from Ferrell on Nov. 8, 2021, where Ferrell sold two ounces of powder cocaine for $2,150. In addition, Ferrell reported that he had been pulled over by local law enforcement on Oct. 13, 2022, and was in possession at the time of $30,000 from a recent drug transaction. On Nov. 30, 2023, a patrol officer pulled Ferrell over and found ten pounds of marijuana in ten plastic vacuum-sealed bags in the rear cargo area. Ferrell said he was transporting the drugs to Camilla, Georgia. During the investigation, agents discovered that Ferrell filed only one tax return between tax years 2019 and 2023, in which he claimed a negative income in 2022. DEA conducted a concealment money laundering investigation to look at how Ferrell was dispersing his drug trafficking money. Agents found that between Aug. 2021 and Dec. 2023, Terrell received and moved $383,057 through his and his co-conspirators’ CashApp accounts and bank accounts, despite having no employment or declaring any income on his taxes. Credit card and bank statements also showed that Terrell and his girlfriend used drug proceeds to purchase luxury goods from Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saks, Gucci and Balenciaga, as well as took luxury vacations and invested in a business that was never operational. Terrell also has several prior felony convictions including robbery by force, terroristic threats and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court.

    According to court documents and statements made public in court in the Davis case, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to Ridgemont Road in Albany on March 26, 2023, about a suspicious auto parked in the middle of the road. Officers found Davis asleep in the driver’s seat. After Davis handed the officers his driver’s license, he fled at a high rate of speed and crashed his car. He then attempted to run away, but he was quickly apprehended. Inside the car, APD officers found a semiautomatic pistol, a semiautomatic rifle, a revolver, nearly four kilograms of vacuumed sealed marijuana, a distributable quantity of ecstasy and cocaine, a digital scale, plastic baggies and $25,039. Davis has two prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court.

    The Ferrell case was investigated by the DEA, FBI and GBI.

    The Davis case was investigated by the ATF and APD.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the cases for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Florida Labor-Staffing Companies Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Caused a Tax Loss to the United States of more than $9.5M

    MIAMI – A Ukrainian national pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to the court documents and statements made in court, between April 2008 and July 2021, Oleksandr Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in southern Florida, including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC. Through these staffing companies, Yurchyk and others facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in the hospitality industry who were not authorized to work in the United States and helped evade the assessment and collection of federal income and employment taxes. Yurchyk and his co-defendants also laundered more than $11 million of proceeds from their scheme.

    Yurchyk is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit money laundering and five years in prison for the conspiracy to defraud the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida and Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Matthew B. Hicks and Wilson R. Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DONELL LEBANKS (“LEBANKS”), a/k/a “Shorty,” age 39, of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 170 months incarceration, five (5) years of supervised release, and payment of a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of a  superseding bill of information.

    Count 1 charged LEBANKS with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) and, 846.  Count 2 charged LEBANKS with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).  Count 3 charged LEBANKS with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Count 4 charged LEBANKS with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

    According to court records, during 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) New Orleans Gang Task Force (“NOGTF”) investigated suspected drug sales on Touro Street, in New Orleans.  Using surveillance, FBI agents observed LEBANKS conducting possible hand-to-hand drug sales.  To confirm such drug sales, NOGTF agents made controlled purchases of fentanyl from LEBANKS.  On October 25, 2022, NOGTF obtained a search warrant for a residence as well as for LEBANKS’ vehicle. NOGTF members executed the search warrants and detained LEBANKS and detained him so they could effectuate the search warrant.  Inside the vehicle, agents recovered a nine-millimeter Glock handgun, with an extended magazine, tucked between the driver’s seat and the center console.  Additionally, agents recovered 180.7 grams of marijuana from the front passenger side of the vehicle.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: RDAs focus on big challenges, big opportunities in Busselton

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    This week, collaboration, networking and celebrations were in order as members from Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees nationwide met in Busselton for the 2024 RDA National Forum and inaugural Awards Dinner.

    The inaugural awards celebrated strategies to drive economic growth and resilence in our regions, and acknowledged the significant contribution RDAs make to supporting local economies, places, people, and services. 

    As representatives for their local communities, RDAs collaborate with regional stakeholders to forge new opportunities and to help build a better future.

    In a competitive field, four winners were crowned for initiatives and projects undertaken by their respective committees in the past 12 months: 

    • RDA Pilbara was the winner in the Investing in Industries and Local Economies category for the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub – delivering significant benefits by driving economic growth and diversification through large-scale renewable hydrogen production and export. 
    • RDA Tropical North was the winner in the Investing in Places category for their Tropical North Economic Development Strategy – this strategy will lead to sustainable growth, enhance economic diversity, and improve infrastructure through targeted investments.
    • RDA Townsville and North West Queensland was the winner in the Investing in People category for their Coordinated Approach to Strategic Workforce Planning – a framework to build a resilient workforce for regional growth.
    • RDA Loddon Mallee was the winner in the Investing in Services category for their Digital Summit – enhancing connectivity, fostering digital job creation and building capacity, ultimately driving economic growth and resilience in the region.

    More than 150 members reconvened for the National Forum, collaborating on regional solutions and innovative ideas specific to this year’s theme of Big Challenges, Big Opportunities. 

    The forum hosted three panels focussing on areas critical to regional development: Innovation and Connectivity, Housing and Skills, and Net Zero and the Energy Transition. 

    Expert speakers provided insights and strategies to not only tackle issues, but turn them into opportunities for economic and skills growth in local comunities.

    To view the full list of 2024 RDA Awards winners, runners-up and special commendations, visit: https://www.rda.gov.au/awards. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “Our regions are home to innovative and talented individuals that are committed to harnessing opportunities in their own backyard – with this year’s inaugural RDA Awards a real testament to this.

    “From diversifying economies, to supporting industries with their transition to net zero – the expertise of RDAs is ensuring we continue to build a better future in our regions.

    “They’re not doing this work for a pat on the back, but it’s important we take the time to celebrate their positive and proactive contribution to regional Australia – congratulations to this year’s award winners.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese carmaker BYD launches premium brand DENZA in Thailand

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Workers operate at an assembly line of BYD’s new plant in Rayong province, Thailand on July 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese carmaker BYD officially launched its premium brand DENZA in Thailand on Friday in a move to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian country’s upscale automotive market.

    Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Thailand Board of Investment, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of the entry of the DENZA brand into the Thai market, which marks a milestone in the development of Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.

    Narit noted that the debut of the DENZA brand not only reflects the confidence of international brands in the Thai market, but will also inject new impetus into Thailand’s economic development. Thailand will continue to support the development of the EV industry and provide a good investment environment for enterprises.

    Thailand has long been a regional automotive manufacturing and export hub. With the government’s investment promotion efforts, the nation aims to convert 30 percent of its annual auto production into EVs by 2030.

    Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific auto sales division, said BYD has currently sold 56,000 EVs in the Thai market, adding that the introduction of the DENZA brand is another important strategic plan for BYD after it opened its Thailand factory this year.

    As an automotive industry center in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a mature luxury car market. Liu believed that the DENZA brand which combines luxury and sustainable technology will be recognized by Thai consumers.

    As a world-leading automobile manufacturer and a pioneer in China’s EV industry, BYD has vigorously expanded overseas markets in recent years.

    BYD’s EVs are currently sold in 88 countries and regions around the world. In addition to Thailand, BYD also has production bases in Brazil, Hungary, Uzbekistan and other countries.

    MIL OSI China News –