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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New funding to support autistic and learning-disabled people in Westminster | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    A charity in London will support the “hidden population” of autistic and learning-disabled people in Westminster, thanks to new funding. 

    Learning Disability Network London (LDN London) currently runs a community centre, the Enablement Hub, on the Harrow Road in Westminster. With support from Westminster Council the charity will expand its current community programme to Victoria, giving advice and running workshops at a second Hub at Victoria Library.

    The charity will grow its team to help more people in the local community.   

    LDN London’s Enablement Hubs support learning disabled and autistic people who get little or no support to manage their lives. They take part in workshops about life skills, including health and relationships, finance, and safety, make friends, and join in activities and events.

    With this funding from Westminster Council’s Fairer Westminster Investment Programme, LDN London will be able to reach more learning disabled and autistic people across Westminster who want help in their daily lives.

    On Friday 13 September, LDN London and Westminster Council officially opened the new Enablement Hub at Victoria Library with a ribbon-cutting and a workshop.  

    Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, attended the event. She said:

    “I am so pleased that we are funding LDN London to provide much-needed support, advice, and activities for learning disabled and autistic residents. This is an important step towards ensuring learning disabled and autistic residents are empowered to extend their independence, learn new skills and participate in activities they enjoy.”

     

    Kym, a local resident who regularly goes to the Enablement Hubs, said:

    “I really enjoy coming along to the sessions, especially the sports, dancing and singing sessions. I’ve also enjoyed helping and volunteering. It’s been great socially too and meeting other residents.”

    LDN London will also recruit five new team members as part of this programme, including two autistic or learning disabled apprentices.

    The charity will hire two community outreach workers to give up to 25 hours one-to-one help, supporting people with managing bills, going to health appointments, and completing forms. LDN London will also employ a community engagement worker to lead on initiatives for autistic people.

    Sally, who is one of the interns for LDN London’s Enablement Hub, said:

    “I’ve enjoyed the sessions and as part of it I’ve been given the opportunity to be an intern at LDN London focusing on community engagement. I’ve learnt quite a lot”.

    LDN London has been supporting learning disabled and autistic people in London for over 60 years. The charity was previously named The Westminster Society.

    The Enablement Hubs are tackling inequalities faced by learning disabled and autistic people. Those who don’t qualify for support often must do tasks they find difficult on their own. They also face many challenges in their daily lives because of a lack of the right support and prejudice in society- including poor healthcare, higher rates of mental health problems, loneliness and being victims of crime and hate crimes.

    The charity’s aim for The Enablement Hubs is to support people with learning disabilities to overcome social isolation, be more independent and to be fully included in the community.

    Mandy Crowford, Assistant CEO at LDN London, said: “Too many learning disabled, and autistic people don’t get the support they want and need, and we hope to change that. We want to help this hidden population to live safe, happy and healthy lives.”

    Luana Baptista, head of community engagement at LDN London, said: “We are grateful for this funding, which means we can reach even more learning disabled and autistic people and help them to be fully included in our communities.”

    The workshops at The Enablement Hubs focus on life skills that help people to live independently and have healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Recent workshops have been on voting, having healthy relationships, inclusive trips to The British Museum, as well as regular men’s and women’s groups.

    If you would like to find out more about The Enablement Hubs, visit Learning Disability Network London’s website:

    LDN Community Hubs

    LDN London’s Hubs are based at 389A Harrow Road and at Victoria Library.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: VanEck Launches $30M Fund to Support Innovation in Fintech, Crypto and AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Fund is available to Qualified Purchasers Only, is subject to significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandum before investing.

    NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VanEck, a leading global investment management firm, announces the launch of VanEck Ventures, a $30 million early-stage fund dedicated to investing in visionary founders operating at the intersection of fintech, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. This launch marks VanEck’s strategic expansion into venture capital, building on its long-established record of identifying and supporting transformative markets.

    “From pioneering an approach to gold investing in 1968 to recognizing the disruptive potential of Bitcoin in 2017, embracing a long-term view on transformative opportunities has always been part of our investment philosophy. This fund extends that vision into the early-stage venture space,” said Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck. “We look forward to supporting founders of what we believe are some of the most disruptive companies in fintech—those building the future of finance.”

    VanEck Ventures invests in category-defining founders pushing the boundaries of financial applications and markets leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and large language models. The fund’s investment philosophy focuses on supporting exceptional teams building at the application layer while maintaining an infrastructure-agnostic approach. The fund’s core investment themes include tokenized assets, internet native financial marketplaces, and next-generation payments building on stablecoins and tokenized capital markets.

    The fund is led by Wyatt Lonergan and Juan Lopez, both seasoned investors with experience in fintech and crypto ventures. Previously, Lonergan and Lopez headed Circle Ventures, the venture arm of USDC-issuer Circle, where they successfully invested over $50 million in early-stage companies ranging from infrastructure to consumer applications. Their leadership, combined with VanEck’s strong reputation in asset management, positions VanEck Ventures as a valuable partner for emerging innovative startups. VanEck’s global workforce and senior leadership support the fund from an operational and advisory perspective.

    “Three inflection points core to our investment thesis are starting to reshape the foundation of the internet: stablecoins emerging as an open-source banking layer, the commoditization of blockspace, and AI breakthroughs. The convergence of these is creating unprecedented opportunities for globally connected, user-centric financial experiences, and we are excited to back founders building on these innovations,” said Wyatt Lonergan, General Partner at VanEck Ventures.

    The fund expects to make 25 to 35 investments with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, focusing on companies that offer both strategic and financial upside. The fund has already made 4 investments yet to be announced.

    “Over the past few years, we’ve seen stablecoins enable seamless, large-scale value storage and transfer along with Linux-like composability,” said Juan Lopez, General Partner at VanEck Ventures. “As several on-chain utilities, focused on programmability and compliance, come to market with growing regulatory clarity, it’s never been a more exciting time to build. Our goal is to be a long-term partner to bold founders defining the next phase of blockchain utility.”

    About VanEck

    VanEck has a history of looking beyond the financial markets to identify trends that are likely to create impactful investment opportunities. We were one of the first U.S. asset managers to offer investors access to international markets. This set the tone for the firm’s drive to identify asset classes and trends – including gold investing in 1968, emerging markets in 1993, and exchange traded funds in 2006 – that subsequently shaped the investment management industry.

    Today, VanEck offers active and passive strategies with compelling exposures supported by well-designed investment processes. As of August 31, 2024, VanEck managed approximately $113.9 billion in assets, including mutual funds, ETFs and institutional accounts. The firm’s capabilities range from core investment opportunities to more specialized exposures to enhance portfolio diversification. Our actively managed strategies are fueled by in-depth, bottom-up research and security selection from portfolio managers with direct experience in the sectors and regions in which they invest. Investability, liquidity, diversity, and transparency are key to the experienced decision-making around market and index selection underlying VanEck’s passive strategies.

    Since our founding in 1955, putting our clients’ interests first, in all market environments, has been at the heart of the firm’s mission.

    General Disclosures

    This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned is unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees.

    The Fund is available to Qualified Purchasers Only. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandum before investing. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. There is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its investment objective and investors may lose their entire investment. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

    The Partnership’s investment program is speculative and entails substantial risks. There can be no assurance that the Partnership’s investment objective will be achieved.

    An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk, including, without limitation, uncertain returns, market risk, risks associated with Limited Partner default, indemnification risks, illiquidity, possible lack of diversification, lack of management control, tax risks and potential conflicts of interest. There is no guarantee that the Funds’ investment objectives will be achieved.

    VANECK ABSOLUTE RETURN ADVISERS CORPORATION (“VEARA”), THE INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE FUND, IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO NFA’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. VEARA HAS ENGAGED OR MAY ENGAGE IN UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS IN THE FUND. ALTHOUGH NFA HAS JURISDICTION OVER VEARA, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY FOR UNDERLYING OR SPOT MARKET VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS. YOU SHOULD ALSO BE AWARE THAT GIVEN CERTAIN MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING LACK OF A CENTRALIZED PRICING SOURCE AND THE OPAQUE NATURE OF THE VIRTUAL CURRENCY MARKET, THERE CURRENTLY IS NO SOUND OR ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE FOR NFA TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY THE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF A VIRTUAL CURRENCY OR THE VALUATION ATTRIBUTED TO A VIRTUAL CURRENCY BY VEARA.

    General Digital Asset Risks

    Cryptocurrencies and digital assets are not suitable for all investors. Investments in digital assets and Web3 companies are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. These risks include, but are not limited to: the technology is new and many of its uses may be untested; intense competition; slow adoption rates and the potential for product obsolescence; volatility and limited liquidity, including but not limited to, inability to liquidate a position; loss or destruction of key(s) to access accounts or the blockchain; reliance on digital wallets; reliance on unregulated markets and exchanges; reliance on the internet; cybersecurity risks; and the lack of regulation and the potential for new laws and regulation that may be difficult to predict. Moreover, the extent to which Web3 companies or digital assets utilize blockchain technology may vary, and it is possible that even widespread adoption of blockchain technology may not result in a material increase in the value of such companies or digital assets.

    Digital asset prices are highly volatile, and the value of digital assets, and Web3 companies, can rise or fall dramatically and quickly. If their value goes down, there’s no guarantee that it will rise again. As a result, there is a significant risk of loss of your entire principal investment.

    Digital assets are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank and are not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance. Accounts at digital asset custodians and exchanges are not protected by SPIC and are not FDIC insured. Furthermore, markets and exchanges for digital assets are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in traditional equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing.

    Digital assets include, but are not limited to, cryptocurrencies, tokens, NFTs, assets stored or created using blockchain technology, and other Web3 products.

    Web3 Companies include but are not limited to, companies that involve the development, innovation, and/or utilization of blockchain, digital assets, or crypto technologies.

    © Van Eck Associates Corporation

    ©️ Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation
    666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
    Phone: 800.826.2333
    Email: info@vaneck.com

    Media Contact

    Garret J. Shaw
    +1 517.213.3180
    garret@serotonin.co
     

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c23f9cc-2c26-4460-975f-b5b0c214c2e9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Air Capital Wealth Management Launches with LPL Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC (Nasdaq:LPLA) announced today that financial advisors Michael Caffrey, CRPC®, Derek Keller, CFP®, CPFA®, CRPC®, MBA, and Gabriel Parham have launched a new independent practice, Air Capital Wealth Management, through affiliation with LPL Strategic Wealth Services, a supported independence model. The team reported having served approximately $685 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Merrill Lynch.

    Based in Wichita, Kan., known as the Air Capital of the World, the advisors are longtime colleagues who each bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the team. Caffrey was mentored by his father, Ron Caffrey, and has earned recognition on several Forbes lists**. Parham also grew up in the business and recalls making 50-cents an hour as a child to help his mother file — a job that sparked his interest in investments early on. Keller has nearly two decades of experience guiding clients’ financial lives. Together, with support from two assistants, the advisors share a commitment to providing comprehensive services and personalized advice to their clients.

    “Our mission is to help each individual client with their financial goals by simplifying the complexities, making it easier for them to understand,” said Parham, who noted their client base spans from doctors, engineers and pilots to farmers, teachers and small business owners. “We are passionate about building deep relationships with clients and providing them with personalized financial strategies.”

    As they continue to honor the legacy of the firm’s early leaders, Ron Caffrey, Janet Johnson and Deborah Rowley, all who have since retired, the Air Capital team decided the independent model would best suit the growing needs of their business.

    “We want to be able to focus on clients, their goals and objectives, not corporate mandates,” Caffrey said. “LPL provides us with the flexibility and resources we need to make our own decisions and build our business how we want. We also have several new options across the board within LPL’s open architecture platform, including more planning software, which allows us to provide even more comprehensive and personalized experiences for our clients.”

    The team was drawn to LPL’s comprehensive supported independence solution, LPL Strategic Wealth Services (SW), which combines the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship with hands-on business services and support to help practices thrive, both operationally and strategically. In addition to having access to LPL’s innovative wealth management platform and sophisticated resources, SW advisors benefit from a truly integrated service that includes simplified pricing, technology and dedicated support to launch their practice. Then, after the transition is complete, SW teams receive ongoing operations support managed by their team of experienced professionals including a business strategist, marketing partner, CFO and administrative assistant. Advisors have one point of contact, a dedicated team and priority access to advocacy and project management for complex business issues, ultimately allowing them to stay focused on the enduring needs of their clients and the culture and evolution of their practice.

    “We truly appreciate all of these dedicated resources and sophisticated capabilities behind the scenes to allow us to run the business as we see fit while also ensuring clients are getting the best care,” Keller said. “We look forward to having more time to interface with clients and providing them with differentiated experiences.”

    Outside the office, all three advisors are active in the community. Keller is a Boy Scout leader, member of Shriners International and proud supporter of his alma mater, Wichita State University. Parham is a member of The American Legion and Fuse Foundation. He also supports Kansas Honor Flight and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Caffrey supports several organizations including the Wichita Wagonmasters, East YMCA Men’s Club, Senior Services of Wichita and St. Thomas Catholic Church. As independent advisors, they look forward to expanding their local presence by using Wichita-based vendors and investing more back into the community.

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome Mike, Derek and Gabe to LPL and congratulate them on the launch of their new independent business. We are committed to being a long-term partner to the Air Capital team — and all our advisors — by delivering a leading wealth management platform that supports the full lifecycle of their business.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Air Capital Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    ** Forbes “2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors,” “2024 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams,” and “2024 Next-Gen Best-in-State.”

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #639367

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Update: New Stock Picker Appointed for Alliance Witan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Alliance Witan PLC (the “Company”)
    LEI: 213800SZZD4E21OZ9W55

    Portfolio Update: New Stock Picker Appointed for Alliance Witan

    Alliance Witan PLC (“Alliance Witan” or the “Company”) announces that its investment manager, Willis Towers Watson (“WTW”), has appointed Jennison Associates (“Jennison”) as an additional stock picker for its multi-manager global equity portfolio, taking the total number of stock pickers to eleven.

    New York and Boston-based Jennison was founded in 1969. It has $210 billion of assets under management (as of 30 June 2024) and specialises in investing in companies with exceptional growth prospects. Jennison previously managed part of the multi-manager global equity portfolio of Witan Investment Trust (“Witan”) before the latter’s combination with Alliance Trust plc to create Alliance Witan (the “Combination”), which completed on 9 October.

    Jennison’s allocation of approximately 5% of the Company’s portfolio has been largely filled from a subset of the stocks which it managed within Witan. Most of the balance of Witan’s portfolio transferred pursuant to the Combination has been handed to BlackRock, which is acting as transition manager, for realignment. However, with two managers in common between Alliance Trust and Witan – Veritas Asset Management and GQG Partners – there have also been some other in specie transfers of stock which will be retained.

    The overall risk profile of the Alliance Witan portfolio will remain largely unchanged from that of the Alliance Trust portfolio before the Combination, reflecting the continuation of the distinctive multi-manager approach previously employed. There will be no major regional, style or sectoral biases relative to the market, with most of the added value designed to come from stock picking. Details of allocations by manager will be available in the next factsheet.

    Craig Baker, Chief Investment Officer of WTW and Chair of the Alliance Witan Investment Committee, said: “Jennison has long been one of our highest-rated managers and will diversify our exposure to growth stocks. The combination with Witan gives us the opportunity to transfer them in largely in-specie, hence with relatively low transaction costs.”

    For more information, please contact:    
    Mark Atkinson
    Senior Director
    Client Management, Wealth & Retail
    Willis Towers Watson    		   Sarah Gibbons-Cook/Nick Croysdill

    Quill PR
    Mark.Atkinson@wtwco.com   AllianceTrust@quillpr.com
    Tel: 07918 724303   Tel: 020 7466 5050

    9 October 2024

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Physician and Medical Practice Agree to Pay $625,000 to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Dr. Eric Troyer, of Landis, North Carolina, and his medical practice, Troyer Medical Inc. P.C. (TMI), have agreed to pay $429,254 to the United States to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. Troyer and TMI will pay an additional $195,746 to the State of North Carolina, which jointly funded claims paid by the North Carolina Medicaid program. Troyer and his practice have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “Kickbacks to healthcare providers can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs and medical decision making,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue those who pay or receive illegal financial inducements, including unlawful inducements for laboratory testing.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from August 2015 to November 2021, Troyer and his medical practice received kickbacks from a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, in return for Troyer’s referrals to that laboratory. According to the settlement, the kickbacks to Troyer and his medical practice allegedly were disguised as payments for purported phlebotomy services, rental of office space and the lease of a chemistry analyzer machine and resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    “Patients should be able trust that their healthcare provider’s recommendations are for their well-being and not for the provider’s financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of the healthcare system by giving or receiving kickbacks.”

    “This resolution demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to addressing violations that undermine the public’s trust in our healthcare systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, remains committed to ensuring healthcare professionals provide transparent and ethical standards of service.”

    “Kickback arrangements aimed at improperly influencing medical decisions will remain a top investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts in this area are focused on protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and preventing schemes that could improperly manipulate the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors.”

    “Improper financial relationships between physicians and laboratories undermine patient healthcare and trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Kickbacks should never be a consideration in a medical practice selecting a company for laboratory testing. DCIS will continue to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer and wellbeing of our Warfighters.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, FBI and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

    Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina handled the case. The United States previously resolved allegations that other physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas received kickbacks from the same laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IMF Staff and Tajikistan Authorities Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 9, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Tajikistan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the authorities’ policy frameworks, and support their efforts to foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
    • Macroeconomic performance remains favorable with real GDP growth at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, and twelve-month inflation slowing to 3.6 percent in August. The current account remained in surplus in the first half of 2024, with international reserves at comfortable levels.
    • Policy priorities are to enhance revenue mobilization, rationalize tax exemptions, modernize FX and public debt markets, enhance banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and improve governance and transparency of SOEs and other entities to strengthen the favorable business climate.

    Dushanbe, Tajikistan: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Matthew Gaertner held discussions with the Tajikistan authorities during September 23-October 4, 2024, for the first review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) [[1]].

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gaertner issued the following statement:

    “The IMF mission held productive discussions with the Tajikistan authorities and reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the first review under the PCI. The successful completion of the review is subject to approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board. Consideration by the Board is expected in November 2024.

    “Real GDP continued to grow at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, supported by strong growth in services and construction. Inflation declined to 3.6 percent in August from 3.8 in December, remaining below the lower bound of the National Bank of Tajikistan’s target range. The current account remained in surplus during the first half of 2024 with strong financial inflows supporting comfortable levels of FX reserves. The authorities recorded a fiscal deficit well below the program’s target in the first half of the year, anchoring a continued reduction in public debt. The banking system is stable, with robust growth in deposits and credit. Strong GDP growth and low inflation are expected to continue in 2025 but geopolitical and climate risks create uncertainty over the medium-term outlook.

    “Program implementation has remained on track, with most of the quantitative targets for end-June 2024 being met and all reform targets being observed. The quantitative targets on net international reserves and the fiscal deficit were met comfortably. Improvements in revenue mobilization and debt management remain central to program objectives. Fiscal reforms have focused on quantifying losses from inefficient tax exemptions and implementing a Medium-Term Revenue Plan aiming to increase fiscal space for priority social and development spending. In line with the updated Debt Management Strategy, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has started issuing government securities at market-based rates to diversify financing sources.

    “Under the PCI, the authorities have improved monitoring of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOE), bringing all companies with state ownership of at least 20 percent under the monitoring of the MOF. Monetary and exchange rate policy reforms have centered on improving the functioning of the FX market by rationalizing the system supporting remittances and money transfers through the banking system and improving the mechanism for executing government FX transactions to better reflect prevailing market rates.

    “Looking ahead, the authorities will aim to continue to rationalize tax exemptions and tax administration, modernize FX and public debt markets, improve banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and enhance governance and transparency of SOEs and other public and private entities to support a favorable business climate and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Enhanced exchange rate flexibility is essential to strengthen resilience to shocks and support the transition to an interest-rate based framework. The authorities have proposed to expand the fiscal reform agenda through new measures aiming to develop a plan to streamline tax exemptions and including all companies with a minimum of 20 percent state ownership in the 2024 Statement of Fiscal Risks.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation and constructive discussions.”

    [[1]] The IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PCI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Monitoring Impact of Hurricane Milton on Capital Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission is closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton on investors and capital markets. The SEC also continues to monitor the prior impact of Hurricane Helene.

    The SEC divisions and offices that oversee companies, accountants, investment advisers, mutual funds, brokerage firms, transfer agents, and other regulated entities and investment professionals will continue to closely track developments. They will evaluate the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the storms. Entities and investment professionals affected by Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene are encouraged to contact SEC staff with questions and concerns:

    • Division of Examinations staff in the SEC’s Miami Regional Office can be reached by phone at 305-982-6300 or email at miami@sec.gov
    • Division of Examinations staff in the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office can be reached by phone at 404-842-7600 or email at atlanta@sec.gov
    • Division of Corporation Finance staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-3500 or via online submission at http://www.sec.gov/forms/corp_fin_interpretive
    • Division of Investment Management staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-6825 or email at imocc@sec.gov
    • Division of Trading and Markets staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5777 or email at tradingandmarkets@sec.gov
    • Office of Municipal Securities staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5680 or email at munis@sec.gov

    Individuals experiencing problems accessing their securities accounts or with similar questions or concerns relating to either hurricane are encouraged to contact the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by phone at 1-800-SEC-0330 or email at help@sec.gov.

    Investors should be vigilant for Hurricane Milton-related and Hurricane Helene-related securities scams and check the background of anyone offering them an investment by using the free and simple search tool on Investor.gov. The SEC’s Division of Enforcement will vigorously prosecute those who attempt to defraud victims of the storms. The SEC is asking investors to report any suspicious solicitations at http://www.sec.gov/complaint/tipscomplaint.shtml.

    More information about the SEC’s monitoring of the impact of Hurricane Helene can be found here.

    FOR HURRICANE MILTON:

    What DHS and FEMA are doing

    https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-milton

    Español: https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hurricane-milton

    What the U.S. government is doing

    https://www.usa.gov/hurricane-milton

    Español: https://www.usa.gov/es/huracan-milton

    FOR HURRICANE HELENE:

    What DHS and FEMA are doing

    https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-helene

    Español: https://www.fema.gov/es/helene

    What the U.S. government is doing

    https://usa.gov/hurricane-helene

    Español: https://usa.gov/es/huracan-helene

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff and Tajikistan Authorities Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 9, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Tajikistan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the authorities’ policy frameworks, and support their efforts to foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
    • Macroeconomic performance remains favorable with real GDP growth at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, and twelve-month inflation slowing to 3.6 percent in August. The current account remained in surplus in the first half of 2024, with international reserves at comfortable levels.
    • Policy priorities are to enhance revenue mobilization, rationalize tax exemptions, modernize FX and public debt markets, enhance banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and improve governance and transparency of SOEs and other entities to strengthen the favorable business climate.

    Dushanbe, Tajikistan: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Matthew Gaertner held discussions with the Tajikistan authorities during September 23-October 4, 2024, for the first review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) [[1]].

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gaertner issued the following statement:

    “The IMF mission held productive discussions with the Tajikistan authorities and reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the first review under the PCI. The successful completion of the review is subject to approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board. Consideration by the Board is expected in November 2024.

    “Real GDP continued to grow at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, supported by strong growth in services and construction. Inflation declined to 3.6 percent in August from 3.8 in December, remaining below the lower bound of the National Bank of Tajikistan’s target range. The current account remained in surplus during the first half of 2024 with strong financial inflows supporting comfortable levels of FX reserves. The authorities recorded a fiscal deficit well below the program’s target in the first half of the year, anchoring a continued reduction in public debt. The banking system is stable, with robust growth in deposits and credit. Strong GDP growth and low inflation are expected to continue in 2025 but geopolitical and climate risks create uncertainty over the medium-term outlook.

    “Program implementation has remained on track, with most of the quantitative targets for end-June 2024 being met and all reform targets being observed. The quantitative targets on net international reserves and the fiscal deficit were met comfortably. Improvements in revenue mobilization and debt management remain central to program objectives. Fiscal reforms have focused on quantifying losses from inefficient tax exemptions and implementing a Medium-Term Revenue Plan aiming to increase fiscal space for priority social and development spending. In line with the updated Debt Management Strategy, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has started issuing government securities at market-based rates to diversify financing sources.

    “Under the PCI, the authorities have improved monitoring of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOE), bringing all companies with state ownership of at least 20 percent under the monitoring of the MOF. Monetary and exchange rate policy reforms have centered on improving the functioning of the FX market by rationalizing the system supporting remittances and money transfers through the banking system and improving the mechanism for executing government FX transactions to better reflect prevailing market rates.

    “Looking ahead, the authorities will aim to continue to rationalize tax exemptions and tax administration, modernize FX and public debt markets, improve banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and enhance governance and transparency of SOEs and other public and private entities to support a favorable business climate and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Enhanced exchange rate flexibility is essential to strengthen resilience to shocks and support the transition to an interest-rate based framework. The authorities have proposed to expand the fiscal reform agenda through new measures aiming to develop a plan to streamline tax exemptions and including all companies with a minimum of 20 percent state ownership in the 2024 Statement of Fiscal Risks.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation and constructive discussions.”

    [[1]] The IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PCI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/09/pr-24361-tajikistan-imf-and-authorities-reach-agreement-on-1st-rev-of-pci

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the President of the AIIB

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), H.E. Jin Liqun, on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR today. SG Dr. Kao commended the AIIB’s efforts in advancing connectivity and infrastructure development and looked forward to having deeper cooperation between ASEAN and AIIB in enhancing connectivity in the region.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the President of the AIIB appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Physician and Medical Practice Agree to Pay $625,000 to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: US State of California

    Dr. Eric Troyer, of Landis, North Carolina, and his medical practice, Troyer Medical Inc. P.C. (TMI), have agreed to pay $429,254 to the United States to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. Troyer and TMI will pay an additional $195,746 to the State of North Carolina, which jointly funded claims paid by the North Carolina Medicaid program. Troyer and his practice have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “Kickbacks to healthcare providers can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs and medical decision making,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue those who pay or receive illegal financial inducements, including unlawful inducements for laboratory testing.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from August 2015 to November 2021, Troyer and his medical practice received kickbacks from a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, in return for Troyer’s referrals to that laboratory. According to the settlement, the kickbacks to Troyer and his medical practice allegedly were disguised as payments for purported phlebotomy services, rental of office space and the lease of a chemistry analyzer machine and resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    “Patients should be able trust that their healthcare provider’s recommendations are for their well-being and not for the provider’s financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of the healthcare system by giving or receiving kickbacks.”

    “This resolution demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to addressing violations that undermine the public’s trust in our healthcare systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, remains committed to ensuring healthcare professionals provide transparent and ethical standards of service.”

    “Kickback arrangements aimed at improperly influencing medical decisions will remain a top investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts in this area are focused on protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and preventing schemes that could improperly manipulate the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors.”

    “Improper financial relationships between physicians and laboratories undermine patient healthcare and trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Kickbacks should never be a consideration in a medical practice selecting a company for laboratory testing. DCIS will continue to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer and wellbeing of our Warfighters.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, FBI and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

    Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina handled the case. The United States previously resolved allegations that other physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas received kickbacks from the same laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sky Quarry Announces Closing of Public Offering of $6.7 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Shares to Begin Trading on NASDAQ on October 10, 2024, Under the Ticker Symbol “SKYQ”

    WOODS CROSS, Utah, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sky Quarry Inc. (“Sky Quarry,” “SKYQ,” or the “Company”), an oil production, refining, and development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and the remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils, today announced it raised $6,708,030 through the sale of 1,118,005 shares of its Common Stock priced at $6.00 per share. Sky Quarry expects the stock to begin trading on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SKYQ” on October 10, 2024.

    “I would like to thank our 10,000+ individual investors who have believed in our Company and helped us get to this point in our journey. Looking ahead, we believe that our ECOSolv technology enables Sky Quarry to reduce the more than 15 million tons of waste asphalt shingles generated annually, the vast majority of which is dumped into U.S. landfills. By conserving resources, reducing landfill waste, and minimizing emissions, we are actively leading the energy transition towards more sustainable methods,” said David Sealock, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Quarry Inc.

    Digital Offering, LLC, acted as the lead managing selling agent for the offering. “As pioneers in Regulation A+ and the JOBS Act for years, having developed a methodology that allows companies to reach a diverse audience of investors and trade on a National Securities Exchange, we are thrilled to be a part of this historic moment for Sky Quarry. Companies that utilize Regulation A+ for their initial capital raises can graduate to National Securities Exchanges to access the capital markets while providing liquidity to the initial supporters and investors,” said Mark Elenowitz, Managing Director of Digital Offering.

    About Sky Quarry Inc.

    Sky Quarry Inc. and its subsidiaries are, collectively, an oil production, refining, and a development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and the remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils. Our waste-to-energy mission is to repurpose and upcycle millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste, diverting them from landfills. By doing so, we can contribute to improved waste management, promote resource efficiency, conserve natural resources, and reduce environmental impact. For more information, please visit http://www.skyquarry.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may include ”forward-looking statements.” All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as “expect,” “look forward to,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “project,” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and factors, including but not limited to those described in disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the offering statement filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained.      

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    SKYQ@mzgroup.us
    http://www.mzgroup.us

    Company Website

    http://www.skyquarry.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Virginia529 Rebrands as Invest529 and Commonwealth Savers to Reflect Expanded Mission

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Richmond, Va., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virginia529, one of the nation’s largest and most highly rated education savings programs, is rebranding its flagship education savings plan as Invest529 and rebranding the organization as Commonwealth Savers. This rebrand reflects an expanded mission that has grown beyond tax-advantaged savings options for education, to include disability and retirement, positioning the organization as a national leader in comprehensive financial wellness.

    In addition to Invest529, Commonwealth Savers (formerly Virginia529) oversees ABLEnow one of the country’s largest savings programs for individuals with disabilities, and RetirePath Virginia, a retirement savings program. Both ABLEnow and Invest529 are available to individuals nationwide. Commonwealth Savers also manages SOAR Virginia, a statewide initiative that aims to make post-high school education more affordable and accessible to all.

    While Invest529 long has been the name of the organization’s education savings program, in Virginia, the name Virginia529 has long been synonymous with education savings, largely due to the popularity of the organization’s legacy college savings program, Prepaid529. This rebrand helps clarify that while Commonwealth Savers continues to provide the same trusted education savings options, its mission has expanded to include additional savings opportunities beyond education.

    “As we change our name and expand our offerings, some things will never change. We remain dedicated to empowering savers to be capable, confident, and in control of their future,” said Mary Morris, CEO of Commonwealth Savers. “Our commitment to providing great service to every customer remains at the core of what we do. Our new name reflects our expanded mission and means we now offer even more accessible, affordable, and tax-advantaged ways to save for life’s important milestones—from education to disability and retirement savings.”

    The new Invest529 and Commonwealth Savers brands will soon appear across the organization’s website and materials, representing a seamless transition into the future of financial wellness. The organization remains focused on helping families nationwide secure a strong financial foundation, regardless of where they are on their savings journey.

    About Commonwealth Savers

    Commonwealth Savers, formerly Virginia529, is a financial organization that helps individuals and families achieve financial wellness through a variety of tax-advantaged savings programs. With over $100+ billion in assets under management and 3+ million accounts, Commonwealth Savers is the nationwide leader in 529 education savings programs. The organization manages Invest529, a flexible, affordable education savings program, and CollegeAmerica®, the largest advisor-sold 529 plan in the nation. Through SOAR Virginia®, the organization administers a variety of scholarship and access, affordability, and attainment initiatives to foster inclusion in educational access and make postsecondary education more affordable and accessible to all. Commonwealth Savers also administers ABLEnow, a national savings program for individuals with disabilities, and ABLEAmerica, an advisor-sold disability savings option. Its newest program offering, RetirePath Virginia, helps workers across the Commonwealth save for retirement. For more information on Commonwealth Savers’ savings options, visit Commonwealthsavers.com or call 1-855-4SAVEVA. All investments are subject to risk, and prospective participants are encouraged to consult with financial professionals. For non-Virginia residents, consider whether your home state offers benefits specific to its own savings programs. ©2024 Commonwealth Savers Plan. All Rights Reserved.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Publication of a Prospectus and Relevant Related Party Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE IN ANY JURISDICTION, INCLUDING IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN OR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA.

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT A PROSPECTUS.

    HARGREAVE HALE AIM VCT PLC

    LEI: 213800LRYA19A69SIT31 

    9 October 2024

    Publication of a Prospectus and Relevant Related Party Transaction

    Offer for Subscription

    Further to the announcement on 18 September 2024, the Board of Hargreave Hale AIM VCT plc (the “Company“) is pleased to announce that the Company has today published a prospectus (the “Prospectus“) in relation to an offer for subscription under which the Company is seeking to raise up to £20 million (the “Offer“).

    The Offer is now open and will close at 12.00 p.m. on 12 August 2025 (unless fully subscribed by an earlier date or closed at the Directors’ discretion). Persons intending to apply for ordinary shares under the Offer for the 2024/25 tax year should note that the deadline for such applications is 5.00 p.m. on 21 March 2025.

    Persons wishing to participate in the Offer must complete an Electronic Application Form (available at http://www.hargreaveaimvcts.co.uk) accompanied by electronic payment and follow the instructions given. The Board is of the view that the Electronic Application Form is the most efficient and cost-effective way for investors to participate in the Offer.

    Early Bird Discount

    Canaccord Genuity Asset Management Limited (“CGAM“) will offer an “early bird discount” of up to 2 per cent. on the initial fee for those applications received by CGAM by 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 29 November 2024, subject to a maximum aggregate subscription under the “early bird offer” of £10 million. The 2 per cent. discount (to the standard 3.5 per cent. initial fee) will only apply to applications which do not trigger the payment of introductory commission to a Financial Intermediary. In such cases, the available discount will fall to 1 per cent. Discounts are paid through the allotment of additional Offer Shares to the Investor. CGAM reserves the right to vary the terms of the “early bird offer”, including to revoke such offer, at any time and in its sole discretion.

    Relevant Related Party Transaction

    As part of the Offer, the Company has entered into an offer agreement with CGAM, dated 9 October 2024 (the “Offer Agreement“). Under the Offer Agreement, CGAM has agreed to administer the Offer, act as receiving agent to the Company in relation to the Offer and to use its reasonable endeavours to procure subscribers for shares in the Company. As consideration for the services to be provided under the Offer Agreement, the Company shall pay CGAM a fee of 3.5 per cent. of the gross proceeds of the Offer. Out of this fee, CGAM shall pay all costs and expenses of and incidental to the Offer and the preparation of the Prospectus.

    The investment manager of the Company is CGAM. Under the Listing Rules of the FCA, a related party of a closed-ended investment fund includes the investment manager of the fund. As such, the arrangement under the Offer Agreement constitutes a relevant related party transaction as defined in UKLR 11.5.4R. The Board considers the arrangement under the Offer Agreement to be fair and reasonable as far as the shareholders of the Company are concerned having been so advised by the Company’s sponsor, Howard Kennedy Corporate Services LLP.

    The Prospectus is available to download from the Company’s website, http://www.hargreaveaimvcts.co.uk, subject to certain access restrictions. The Prospectus will also shortly be available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism, https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    All capitalised terms used and not defined in this announcement shall have the same meaning as in the Prospectus.

    For further information please contact:

    Oliver Bedford, Canaccord Genuity Asset Management Limited

    Tel: 020 7523 4837

    Important Information

    This announcement is an advertisement for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA“) and is not a prospectus. This announcement does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or to acquire, any ordinary shares in the Company in any jurisdiction, including in or into Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South Africa, the United States or any member state of the EEA (other than any member state of the EEA where the Company’s securities may be lawfully marketed). Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any ordinary shares referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the Prospectus in its final form, published today by the Company in connection with the Offer and the proposed admission of new ordinary shares to the Official List of the FCA and to trading on London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities. A copy of the Prospectus is available for inspection, subject to certain access restrictions, from the Company’s registered office, for viewing at the National Storage Mechanism at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the Company’s website (http://www.hargreaveaimvcts.co.uk). Approval of the Prospectus by the FCA should not be understood as an endorsement of the securities that are the subject of the Prospectus. Potential investors are recommended to read the Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with a decision to invest in the Company’s securities.

    The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute, and may not be construed as, an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to acquire or subscribe for, securities of the Company in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful or would impose any unfulfilled registration, qualification, publication or approval requirements on the Company or Howard Kennedy Corporate Services LLP. The offer and sale of securities of the Company has not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South Africa or the United States. Subject to certain exemptions, the securities of the Company may not be offered to or sold within Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South Africa, the United States or any member state of the EEA or to any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South Africa, the United States, or any member state of the EEA.

    This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any national, resident or citizen of the United States. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. In addition, the Company has not been and will not be registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

    The information in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy or completeness. The material contained in this announcement is given as at the date of its publication (unless otherwise marked) and is subject to updating, revision and amendment. In particular, any proposals referred to herein are subject to revision and amendment.

    This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the Company or the Offer. The price and value of securities and any income from them can go down as well as up. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and prospective investors may not receive any return from the Company. Before purchasing any securities of the Company, persons viewing this announcement should ensure that they fully understand and accept the risks set out in the Prospectus. Information in this announcement or any of the documents relating to the Company or the Offer cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Potential investors should consult a professional adviser as to the suitability of the Offer for them.

    Howard Kennedy Corporate Services LLP, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA, is acting only for the Company in connection with the matters described in this announcement and is not acting for or advising any other person, or treating any other person as its client, in relation thereto and will not be responsible for providing the regulatory protection afforded to clients of Howard Kennedy Corporate Services LLP or advice to any other person in relation to the matters contained herein.

    Neither Howard Kennedy Corporate Services LLP, the Company, or any of their respective parents or subsidiary undertakings, or the subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings, or any of such person’s respective directors, partners, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers or any other person (“their respective affiliates”) accepts (save where required by law) any responsibility or liability whatsoever for/or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to this announcement, including the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Caldwell U.S. Dividend Advantage Fund Declares Distributions for Q4 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES
    OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caldwell Investment Management Ltd., the manager of Caldwell U.S. Dividend Advantage Fund (the “Fund”), is pleased to announce the payment of distributions on the actively-managed ETF Series of the Fund to unitholders of record as indicated below. The monthly distribution rate of CAD $0.038 per unit of the ETF Series represents an attractive annualized yield on net assets of approximately 2.7%.

    Record Date Payment Date Distribution per Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 6, 2024 CAD $0.038
    November 29, 2024 December 5, 2024 CAD $0.038
    December 31, 2024 January 7, 2025 CAD $0.038
         

    ETF Series unitholders also have the option to participate in the distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) offered by the Fund, which provides investors with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions and realize the benefits of compounded growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    The ETF Series of Caldwell U.S. Dividend Advantage Fund trades on the TSX under the ticker symbol UDA.

    For further information, please visit our website at http://www.caldwellinvestment.com or contact us at 416-593-1798 or 1-800-256-2441.

    The Fund was first offered to the public as a closed-end investment on May 28, 2015 and was converted into an open-end mutual fund effective as of November 15, 2018, with all outstanding units designated as Series F units. The ETF Series of the Fund was launched on March 18, 2020.  Performance of the Fund prior to the conversion date would have differed had the Fund been subject to the same investment restrictions and practices of the current open-end mutual fund.

    Investors are strongly encouraged to consult with a financial advisor and review the Simplified Prospectus and Fund Facts documents carefully prior to making investment decisions about the Fund. Caldwell Investment Management Ltd. makes no representations or warranties on the accuracy and completeness of the information included herein. Certain statements herein contain forward looking information based on certain historical information of the Fund and represent current expectations as of the date of this press release. Actual future results may differ materially due to but not limited to prevailing market conditions, there being no assurance of realizing capital gains and no assurance that issuers held in the portfolio will pay dividends or distributions on their securities. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a fund’s performance, rate of return or yield. If distributions paid are greater than the performance of the fund, your original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a fund, and income and dividends earned by a fund, are taxable in your hands in the year they are paid. Your adjusted cost base (“ACB”) will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital and should your ACB fall below zero, you will have to pay capital gains tax on the amount below zero.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) Continues Uninterrupted Operations Amid Hurricane Milton Impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Naples, FL , Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), a leading diversified music rights management company, announces the temporary closure of its Naples, Florida office due to the impact of Hurricane Milton. While the office remains closed to ensure the safety of staff and comply with local evacuation orders, the company confirms that operations remain fully functional, with no disruption to services.

    In preparation for potential emergencies, Music Licensing, Inc. has long maintained robust contingency plans, including remote work capabilities and redundant systems, which have allowed us to transition seamlessly during this time. Our team continues to manage operations remotely, ensuring that all clients, partners, and stakeholders continue to receive the highest level of service without interruption.

    “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Milton,” said Jake P. Noch, CEO of Music Licensing, Inc. “We have implemented our business continuity protocols to maintain the operational integrity of our services and ensure that our clients experience no lapse in the quality of support they rely on. The safety of our team and community remains a priority, and we are committed to staying fully operational during this challenging time.”

    Music Licensing, Inc. appreciates the understanding and support of its partners and clients during this temporary disruption. The company will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com)

    Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as artificial intelligence (A.I.) created music.

    Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) owns royalty stakes in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and musical works by artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and numerous others.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

    Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

    This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

    Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

    This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication.

    Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

    SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. Announces Date of Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, N.C., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (“Live Oak”) (NYSE: LOB) today announced that it will report its third quarter 2024 financial results after U.S. financial markets close on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

    In conjunction with this announcement, Live Oak will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results and business outlook on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. ET.

    The call will be accessible by telephone and webcast using Conference ID: 04478. A supplementary slide presentation will be posted to the website prior to the event, and a replay will be available for 12 months following the event.

    The conference call details are as follows:

    Live Telephone Dial-In
    U.S.: 800.549.8228
    International: +1 646.564.2877
    Pass Code: None Required

    Live Webcast Log-In
    Webcast Link: investor.liveoakbank.com
    Registration: Name and Email Required
    Multi-Factor Code: Provided After Registration

    About Live Oak Bancshares
    Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB) is a financial holding company and parent company of Live Oak Bank. Live Oak Bancshares and its subsidiaries partner with businesses that share a groundbreaking focus on service and technology to redefine banking. To learn more, visit http://www.liveoakbank.com. 

    Contacts:
    Walter J. Phifer | CFO
    910.202.6929

    Claire Parker | Investor Relations
    910.597.1592

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Defendants Charged with Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Targeting San Francisco Delivery Company

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

    SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury indicted four defendants in an alleged scheme to defraud a San Francisco-based delivery company.

    All four defendants were arrested on Oct. 4, 2024.  Defendants Sayee Chaitanya Reddy Devagiri, 30, and Manaswi Mandadapu, 29, were arrested in Newport Beach, Calif., made their initial appearances in Santa Ana, and were released on bond.  Defendant Matheus Duarte, 29, was arrested in Mountain House, Calif., made his initial appearance in San Jose, and was released on bond.  Defendant Hari Vamsi Anne, 30, was arrested in Cypress, Tex., made his initial appearance in Houston, and was detained pending further proceedings.

    Each defendant is charged with a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  According to the indictment filed Aug. 7, 2024, and unsealed Oct. 4, 2024, from November 2020 to February 2021, the defendants allegedly worked together to cause the victim company (“Entity One”) to pay for deliveries that never occurred.  Entity One’s business includes providing delivery services to customers in response to orders placed using the company’s platform.  Drivers fulfill those orders by collecting the ordered items from restaurants and other merchants and delivering them to customers.  In furtherance of the scheme, defendants allegedly created fraudulent customer accounts and driver accounts on Entity One’s platform and used the fictitious customer accounts to place orders for delivery.  As alleged in the indictment, using insider access to Entity One’s computer systems, defendants assigned those orders to fraudulent driver accounts, then manipulated Entity One’s computer systems to cause Entity One to pay the fraudulent driver accounts as if individual orders had been delivered hundreds of times.  The scheme allegedly resulted in fraudulent payments exceeding $2,500,000.

    The indictment alleges that the defendants gained access to Entity One’s computer systems using credentials belonging to an employee of Entity One identified as “Individual One.”  Individual One is Tyler Thomas Bottenhorn, a resident of Solano County, Calif., who was briefly employed by Entity One in 2020.  Bottenhorn was not charged in the indictment unsealed on Oct. 4, but he was separately charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a federal criminal case filed Sept. 29, 2022, and unsealed Oct. 7, 2024.  Bottenhorn pleaded guilty on Nov. 7, 2023, and admitted to being involved in the scheme to defraud Entity One.

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate.  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael G. Pitman and Jeffrey D. Nedrow with assistance from Sahib Kaur.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

    Sayee Chaitanya Reddy Devagiri Indictment
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vallejo Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Raykheem Andrew Guthery, 32, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to five years in prison for possessing ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, on June 9, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a vehicle stop on Guthery for driving a car without license plates. Guthery pretended to be someone else, claimed he was not on parole or probation, and denied being armed. In fact, Guthery was on probation for felony assault and had a firearm loaded with an extended magazine concealed on his person. Officers discovered the firearm during Guthery’s arrest. The firearm was a non‑serialized, privately manufactured firearm, known as a “ghost gun.” It was loaded with one round of .40-caliber ammunition in the chamber and another 17 rounds in an extended magazine.

    Guthery is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has been convicted of at least three felonies, including a 2016 felony conviction for forcible assault likely to cause grave bodily injury. He was also prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at the time of this offense because he was then the subject of a domestic violence protective order issued on April 15, 2021, by the Superior Court of California, Solano County.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.

    This case was 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 violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento County Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud in Connection with Medical Device Sales

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Andrew Scott, 38, of Fair Oaks, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between June 2018 and June 2022, Scott devised a scheme to defraud investors in his company, Trusted Medical Partnership. Scott told investors that either he or Trusted Medical Partnership received purchase orders from various health care providers for medical devices but lacked the capital to fulfill the orders. Scott solicited and obtained loans from these investors, and, in exchange, promised them substantial returns in a relatively short time with zero risk.

    In reality, Scott’s representations to these prospective investors were false because Scott did not have purchase orders from health care providers. To some of his victims, Scott sent purchase orders that he had doctored or fabricated in order to convince them to lend money. The health care providers listed on these purported purchase orders confirmed that the orders were fake altogether or altered to reflect inflated amounts or other false information. Further, Trusted Medical Partnership was not a legitimate business – while incorporated in the State of California, it conducted no legitimate business transactions, paid no taxes, submitted no wage or employment-related records, and had been suspended in December 2021, before Scott solicited investments on its behalf from some of his victims.

    Scott’s victims lent him money on the basis of his false statements, including the fraudulent purchase orders, but received little to no returns on their investments. Instead, Scott spent the money on gambling at several local casinos (sometimes the same day he received the victims’ money), personal expenses, or payments to other, prior investors in order to keep the scheme running. Collectively, Scott defrauded more than 10 victims of between $250,000 and $550,000.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case.

    Scott is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Jan. 14, 2025. Scott faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,00, or twice the gross gain or gross loss, whichever is greater. In addition to pleading guilty, Scott agreed to pay restitution to his victims of between $338,843 and $550,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CDCR Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in Stockton

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Fidel Andrade, 36, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between January and October 2020, Andrade, who then worked as a correctional officer, supplied cocaine to his co-defendant Neftali Castillo Montes. Montes then sold over 9 ounces of cocaine to an FBI confidential source. On March 3, 2021, officers discovered an additional ounce of cocaine during a search warrant executed at Andrade’s house.

    Andrade is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 14, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Montes pleaded guilty for his role in this conspiracy on July 15, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2025. Both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years on prison for their roles in this conspiracy. Montes is separately charged in another indictment involving a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the U.S. Customs and Borders Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tracy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bel Air Man Arrested on Indictment Alleging Scheme to Violate United States Sanctions Against Iran

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

    LOS ANGELES – A Bel Air man was arrested today on a federal grand jury indictment charging him and two Iranian nationals with violating United States sanctions against Iran by illegally sending to that nation digital and physical gift cards loaded with approximately $2.4 million.

    Kambiz Eghbali, 50, a.k.a. “Cameron Eghbali,” a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, is charged with violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. His arraignment is scheduled for this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    Hamid Hajipour and Babak Bahizad, both Iranian nationals charged in the indictment, remain at large.

    “Restrictions on exports and transactions with countries that are hostile to the United States, such as Iran, are critical to protecting our nation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Nothing is more important than protecting our country from foreign threats and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who undermine our national security.” 

    According to the indictment unsealed today, from March 2014 through September 2019, Eghbali and others conspired to unlawfully send digital and physical gift cards loaded with U.S. dollars to Iran. Eghbali would list his company, a North Hills-based purported videogame wholesaler and distributor, as the seller of the gift cards, and would provide cards to Bahizad for the benefit of his Iran-based gaming company, and to Hajipour for the benefit of his mobile software application service company.

    Bahizad and Hajipour would then pay Eghbali for the cards by transferring money from Iran to Eghabli’s U.S.-based bank accounts using third parties in other countries to conceal the transfer from U.S. regulators.

    The IEEPA and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) impose controls and restrictions on transactions involving Iran based on the threats posed by Iran to the national security of the United States including, among others, its pursuit of nuclear weapons and sponsorship of terrorism.

    The IEEPA and ITSR, among other things, prohibit the export, reexport, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by a United States person, wherever located, of any goods, technology, or services, including financial services, to Iran or the Government of Iran without first obtaining authorization from the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

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

    If convicted, the defendants face the following maximum penalties: 20 years in prison for violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 30 years in prison for bank fraud violations, and 20 years in prison for money laundering violations. The indictment also notifies defendants that the United States intends to forfeit all property alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    The FBI is investigating this matter with support from Homeland Security Investigations.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Boylan and Mark Takla of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case with Trial Attorneys David J. Ryan and Leslie Esbrook from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ventura Man Charged with Federal Narcotics Trafficking and Firearm Charges

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

    LOS ANGELES—A Ventura County man was charged in a four-count federal grand jury indictment for possessing methamphetamine he intended to sell and illegally possessing firearms, the FBI announced today.

    Rodolfo Hernandez, also known as “Creature,” of Oxnard, California, has been in federal custody since September 23, 2024.

    Hernandez was charged in an indictment returned on October 2nd by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms and machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a machinegun, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

    The indictment alleges that Hernandez, who was a convicted felon, possessed with intent to distribute approximately 98.6 grams of methamphetamine and possessed several firearms, including a .380 ACP caliber pistol machinegun, and 38 rounds of ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Hernandez made his initial appearance on October 2, 2024, in the United States District Court, where he was remanded to federal custody. His arraignment has been scheduled for October 11, 2024. If convicted, Hernandez would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The investigation into Hernandez is being conducted by the Ventura County Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Oxnard Police Department, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Magana is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Announces $43.9 Million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Replace Lead Pipes and Ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water in Alabama

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $43.9 million to the State of Alabama to support lead pipe replacement and ensure clean, safe drinking water for Alabama communities. She also announced the finalization of a new EPA rule to eliminate all lead pipes in Alabama’s drinking water systems within the next 10 years.

    The new rule and funding are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to replacing every lead pipe in America within a decade. They were made possible by President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rep. Sewell was the only member of Alabama’s congressional delegation to vote in favor of the law.

    “For too long, our most vulnerable Alabamians have had their health and well-being threatened by exposure to lead-contaminated drinking water,” said Rep. Sewell. “But thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are finally putting an end to this historic injustice. As the only Member of Congress from Alabama to vote in favor of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am thrilled that Alabama will be receiving this monumental investment to replace dangerous lead pipes and improve the safety of our drinking water supply. We are so grateful to have an administration that is committed to ensuring every family has clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.”

    Lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and adults and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities and communities of color. Legacy lead pipes, which have delivered drinking water to homes for decades, have exposed generations of Americans to toxic lead and will continue to do so until they are removed. 

    The $43.9 million announced today will flow through Alabama’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. EPA also announced the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. Additional federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects and EPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.

    In addition to requiring the replacement of lead pipes within 10 years, the new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. The final rule also improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.

    Investments in identifying lead pipes, planning for their removal, and replacing them will create jobs in local communities while strengthening the foundation of safe drinking water that supports economic opportunity.

    Find more information on this announcement here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Preston — UPDATE: Man charged with Second Degree Murder for East Preston homicide

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Special Investigations Section of the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division has charged a man with Second Degree Murder in relation to a homicide that occurred in East Preston.

    On August 30, 2022, at approximately 6:45 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of a suspicious van parked behind a strip mall in East Preston. Inside the vehicle, RCMP officers discovered the body of 47-year-old Barry Angus Studley of Middle Sackville. His death was ruled a homicide.

    Through the course of the investigation, with the assistance of RCMP Forensic Identification Services and with tips received from the public, investigators identified Patrick James Denny, 29, as the person responsible for Studley’s death. Denny and Studley were known to one another.

    Denny, who’s currently serving an in-custody sentence in relation to an unrelated incident, has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Indignity to Human Remains. He’ll remain incarcerated and will be escorted back to Nova Scotia to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on October 21, at 9:30 a.m.

    At this time, investigators do not anticipate further arrests.

    File # 22-107140

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 🇮🇱 Zion Oil & Gas Update: October 9, 2024

    Source: Zion Oil and Gas

    Headline: Zion Oil & Gas Update: October 9, 2024

    October 9, 2024

     

    Dear Zion Shareholders and Supporters,

    During these challenging times, we are thankful to report that our staff and rig remain safe in Israel despite the ongoing conflict. The security and well-being of our personnel are paramount to our success. We continue to work within Israeli guidelines ensuring the continued protection of our staff, crew, and well site.

    While our MJ-01 re-completion project has faced a multitude of hurdles, including an active conflict, downhole issues and logistical challenges, we continue to move forward each time a safe opportunity permits continuation of operations. However, we will only move forward in coordination with Israeli authorities. We are actively monitoring the port situation to import the items needed to complete the current work program. We remain optimistic about making significant progress in the coming months.

    In light of the current situation, we have decided to extend our Unit Program until December 31, 2024. This extension gives investors additional time to participate and support our crucial mission for Israel. Importantly, the warrants associated with the Unit Program will also be extended and exercisable from January 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

    Your prayers and ongoing support are greatly appreciated by our team in Israel. Our monthly public prayer time over Zoom in September saw over 250 join us live from 14 nations around the world. We remain committed to moving forward safely, efficiently, and with unwavering faith in God’s vision for the oil of Israel.

    Thank you for standing with Israel and Zion.

    Robert Dunn
    CEO

    “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”
    Psalm 27:1 NASB

    “I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
    Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
    This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
    The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.
    Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
    Psalm 34:4-8 NIV

    Extended…

    For each $250.00 UNIT you receive:

      • Common stock at the average of the high and low sale price on OTC: ZNOG for the day if purchased before 4:00pm EST. Purchases after 4:00pm EST will receive the following day’s high-low average.
      • 50 Warrants with an exercise price of $0.25 each.

      Note: Those who purchase UNITS and sign up (or are already enrolled) for Automatic Monthly Investments (AMI), will also receive: 50 Additional Warrants if at least $50/month (one time only).

      Warrants exercisable for 12 months (one year) from January 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026

      Invest Now

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Monet Repatriation: B-Roll

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    This video b-roll shows a work by French Impressionist Claude Monet. The piece, which was looted during World War II, was recently returned to the heirs of its original owners with the help of the FBI and our partners.

    For a full transcript and download, visit:
    —————————————————
    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/FBI
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbi
    YouTube: youtube.com/user/fbi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE1ZjkS2QCg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Father and Son Convicted of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

                WASHINGTON – A father and son from Mississippi were convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges related to their conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Toney Sheldon Bray, 46, and Ethan Bray, 25, both of Blue Springs, Mississippi, were found guilty on Oct. 4, 2024, of a felony charge of civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds following a bench trial before by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras.

                Prior to trial, Toney Bray entered an open guilty plea to three misdemeanor counts of theft of government property, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Ethan Bray pled guilty to two misdemeanor counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                Judge Contreras will sentence the two men on Feb. 7, 2025.

                According to evidence presented during the trial, on Jan. 6, 2021, the defendants dressed in military-style gear, including tactical helmets, vests, and goggles, and were part of the initial breach of police barricades at approximately 12:53 p.m. at Peace Circle, located at Pennsylvania Avenue NW and First Street NW. Specifically, Ethan and Tony Bray pushed and climbed over the police barriers.

                As the Brays and other rioters approached the first set of barricades, “AREA CLOSED” signs were affixed to the barriers. The Brays were among the first to confront law enforcement on the staircase under scaffolding leading from the West Plaza to the Lower West Terrace. They entered the U.S. Capitol Building at approximately 2:22 p.m. through the Senate Wing Door and moved toward the Crypt, as captured on Capitol CCTV footage. At the time they entered the Capitol, the Brays were wearing gas masks.

                The Brays were captured on CCTV in the Crypt at approximately 2:24 p.m. After exiting the Crypt, the Brays moved to the Rotunda, where they were again captured in an open-source photo and Capitol CCTV at approximately 2:36 p.m. While inside, the Brays joined a group of rioters who confronted a line of police officers in a hallway that led to the Senate Chamber.  The rioters engaged in a concerted push against police, and were rebuffed when police used OC spray to push them back.  After moving between the hallway and the Rotunda for some time, the Brays ultimately exited through the Rotunda doors leading to the East Front of the Capitol at approximately 2:54 p.m.

                In total, the Brays were inside the Capitol from approximately 2:22 p.m. until 2:54 p.m., for a total of 32 minutes. After leaving the Rotunda, open-source and Capitol CCTV footage captured Toney Bray carrying a U.S. Capitol Police riot shield. The elder Bray still had the shield after exiting the Capitol building.

                The FBI arrested the two men on June 8, 2023.

                This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Jackson and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 🇮🇱 Zion Oil & Gas Update: October 9, 2024

    Source: Zion Oil and Gas

    Headline: Zion Oil & Gas Update: October 9, 2024

    October 9, 2024

     

    Dear Zion Shareholders and Supporters,

    During these challenging times, we are thankful to report that our staff and rig remain safe in Israel despite the ongoing conflict. The security and well-being of our personnel are paramount to our success. We continue to work within Israeli guidelines ensuring the continued protection of our staff, crew, and well site.

    While our MJ-01 re-completion project has faced a multitude of hurdles, including an active conflict, downhole issues and logistical challenges, we continue to move forward each time a safe opportunity permits continuation of operations. However, we will only move forward in coordination with Israeli authorities. We are actively monitoring the port situation to import the items needed to complete the current work program. We remain optimistic about making significant progress in the coming months.

    In light of the current situation, we have decided to extend our Unit Program until December 31, 2024. This extension gives investors additional time to participate and support our crucial mission for Israel. Importantly, the warrants associated with the Unit Program will also be extended and exercisable from January 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

    Your prayers and ongoing support are greatly appreciated by our team in Israel. Our monthly public prayer time over Zoom in September saw over 250 join us live from 14 nations around the world. We remain committed to moving forward safely, efficiently, and with unwavering faith in God’s vision for the oil of Israel.

    Thank you for standing with Israel and Zion.

    Robert Dunn
    CEO

    “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”
    Psalm 27:1 NASB

    “I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
    Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
    This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
    The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.
    Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
    Psalm 34:4-8 NIV

    Extended…

    For each $250.00 UNIT you receive:

      • Common stock at the average of the high and low sale price on OTC: ZNOG for the day if purchased before 4:00pm EST. Purchases after 4:00pm EST will receive the following day’s high-low average.
      • 50 Warrants with an exercise price of $0.25 each.

      Note: Those who purchase UNITS and sign up (or are already enrolled) for Automatic Monthly Investments (AMI), will also receive: 50 Additional Warrants if at least $50/month (one time only).

      Warrants exercisable for 12 months (one year) from January 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026

      Invest Now

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley

    Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley
    mseets

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced Boards and Commissions appointments.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging:

    • Adrienne A. Livengood of Winston Salem as a member at-large. Livengood previously served on the Senior Services Board and the Family Services of Forsyth County Board. Livengood has dedicated her time to raising awareness for senior care accessibility.
    • Debra A. Stonecipher of Asheville as a member at-large. Stonecipher is a former Boeing Executive and owner of the Knight House. Stonecipher’s advocacy for families with aging parents led her to participate in the Mayo Aging and Alzheimer’s Study; allowing her to further assist in research efforts to find a cure for the disease.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the North Carolina Arts Council:

    • Susan W. Woodson of Raleigh as a member at-large. Woodson is an Artist at 5 Points Art Gallery. She has over 30 years of experience in graphic design and founded the Roundabout Art Collective in Raleigh. She is an active member of Moondog Fine Arts.
    • Dr. Paul Keith Baker of Raleigh as a member at-large. Dr. Baker is the Executive Director of the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh and a Professor of History at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Baker also has ample experience with program development and higher education.
    • Dr. William Henry Curry of Raleigh as a member at-large. Dr. Curry is the Music Director of the Durham Symphony Orchestra. He also has several years of experience as the Resident Conductor and Artistic Director of the North Carolina Symphony.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Auctioneers Commission:

    • John M. Harris of Winston-Salem as a member by the Governor’s discretion. Harris is a Principal Attorney at J. Harris Legal PLLC. He has over nine years of extensive law and government experience.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Bald Head Island Transportation Authority Board of Trustees:

    • Joseph Patrick Hatem of Southport as a member at-large. Hatem is a native North Carolina resident who served as the Mayor of Southport from 2019 to 2023. He has experience as an Emergency Physician and as the Chairman of the Department of Medicine for J. Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Employment Security Board of Review:

    • Adam Lockhart Taylor of Raleigh as a representative of employers. Taylor was the Director of Governmental Relations for the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources. His wealth of experience afforded him the opportunity to serve as Chief Deputy and later Assistant Secretary of the Division of Employment Security (DES) before serving as Senior Policy Advisor to the Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control:

    • Melissa H. Smith of Wake as the North Carolina community college system representative. Smith is the Senior State Director of Health Science Programs for the NC Community College System. She previously served as the Dean of Health Sciences at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Disciplinary Hearing Commission of the North Carolina State Bar:

    • Scarlett Hargis of Garner as a public member. Hargis serves as a Paralegal to the General Counsel in the Office of the Governor and has been in this role since 2017. Prior to this, she was the Administrative Officer for the Attorney General in the North Carolina Department of Justice.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children:

    • Dr. Bradley S. Stevenson of Charlotte as a representative of a private school. Dr. Stevenson is the Director of Program Administration and Clinical Services of Melmark Carolinas. Dr. Stevenson has experience working as a Behavior Analyst, a Senior Consultant, and an Educational and Behavior Consultant.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Licensing Board:

    • Anne Morgan Selleck of Durham as a physician preferably specializing in the field of Otolaryngology. Selleck is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has experience as a research coordinator and has a subspecialty certificate in Neurotology.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Historic Murfreesboro Commission:

    • Craig Lee Dennis of Murfreesboro as a member at-large. Dennis is an art teacher at Riverview Elementary School. He also serves as a Murfreesboro Town Councilman and Fire Commissioner. Additionally, Dennis spends his time as a volunteer for the Murfreesboro Historical Association and serves as the Landscape Committee Chair of the John Wheeler House.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board:

    • Melissa A. Lovell of Holly Springs as a member at-large. Lovell has over twenty-five years of experience as a Legal Services Practice Manager and Agency Legal Specialist for the North Carolina Department of Justice.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission:

    • Kerry M. Wiggins of Winston-Salem as a member at-large. Wiggins is the Boards and Commissions Program Director of the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation. Previously, Wiggins was a patient advocate at Old Vineyard Behavior Health Services.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board:

    • Erich Crouch of Greensboro as a public member. Crouch is a former Probation Officer with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, serving the department for 27 years. He has a certification in Homeland Security and ample experience in safety training.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the North Carolina Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services:

    • Carolyn Floyd Robinson of Lumberton as a substance abuse services consumer or an immediate family member of a substance abuse services consumer. Robinson is the Program Director of Borderbelt Behavioral Healthcare LLC and has worked as a substance abuse professional for over 22 years.
    • Dr. Hany A. Kaoud of Winterville as a physician. Dr. Kaoud is the Medical Director and Psychiatrist at Easterseals PORT Health. Prior to this, he was an attending physician at Wayne UNC Health Care and a Research Assistant at California State University.
    • Danny Ray Graves of Charlotte as a member who is a substance abuse services professional. Graves is the Director of Clinical Supervision for the McLeod Addictive Disease Center. He is a certified Clinical Addictions Specialist and a certified Substance Abuse Counselor.
    • Suzanne Mizsur-Porter of Rutherfordton as a substance abuse services family member. Mizsur-Porter is the Executive Director of United Way of Rutherford County. She also served as Creative Director for EMSI Public Relations.
    • Karon F. Johnson of Durham as a developmental disability’s family member. Johnson is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the owner of a Private Therapy Practice and has experience working within the Crisis Unit at the Chapel Hill Police Department.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission:

    • Mildred Christmas of Raleigh as a member at-large. Christmas spent over 17 years as a State Procurement Specialist in the Department of Administration. She also served as the Records Management Analyst for the State Records Center in the Department of Cultural Resources for 14 years.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the NCWorks Commission:

    • Rebecca Irene Axford of Hillsborough as a workforce representative/labor representative. Axford is the International Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Education Department for the state of North Carolina.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors:

    • Jeffrey Clark Farlow of Greensboro as a plumbing contractor. Farlow is the Executive Vice President at InfraPros, LLC. Farlow is an established leader for Facility Automation and Operations. He has been recognized for guiding the company in Green Building Technology and awarded the Distech Controls International Green Building Award for innovation and work in energy-saving strategies.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board:

    • David E. Poston of Shelby as a member who is licensed under 74C-4. Poston is a former Patrol Deputy and Polygraphist/Background Investigator for Clay County’s Sheriff’s Office. He is a licensed private investigator and polygraph examiner who concentrates on defendant criminal case review and pre-trial polygraph testing, employee theft, espionage, and sabotage, as well as pre-employment and family advocacy.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission:

    • Patrick H. Bell of Raleigh as a licensed real estate broker. Bell is the Vice President of Land Acquisition Carolinas for The Kolter Group and serves as a board member on eight homeowner associations. He is also a former land acquisition manager and commercial real estate broker.
    • Melvin Alston of Greensboro as a licensed real estate broker. Alston is the President of Alston Realty Group, Inc. He is also the Guilford County Commissioner Board Chair, representing district 8.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Council on Sickle Cell Syndrome:

    • The Honorable Gladys A. Robinson of Raleigh as a member at-large. Senator Robinson is the Deputy Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate for the State of North Carolina. Senator Robinson also serves on the Southern Regional Education Board.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees:

    • Rajinder Singh of Cary as a member experienced in finance and investments. Singh has held various roles as a Global Financial Services Executive throughout his 25-year career. Singh also serves as a director on the boards of Sagen Canada, India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
    • Lanier T. McRee of Raleigh as a member experienced in finance and investment who is also a state employee. McRee works as the Assistant State Budget Officer for the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Previously, McRee worked as the principal budget analyst for the North Carolina General Assembly.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service:

    • Samantha C. Arrington Sliney of Whispering Pines as a member who is a representative of the military or veterans. Sliney is an attorney advisor for the Department of the Army- Joint Operations Command. She also serves as defense counsel for the New Jersey Air National Guard. Sliney also advocates and leads the Department of the Air Force Women’s Initiatives Team as their Co-Chair.

    ###

    Oct 9, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Awilco Drilling PLC: Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    An extraordinary General Meeting of Awilco Drilling PLC will be held on Friday 25 October 2024 at 11:00 (UK time), at the Company’s registered office of Suite 1, 7th Floor, 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL, UK. The notice including agenda for the General Meeting is attached to this disclosure. The notice will be sent by mail or e-mail to the shareholders.

    The purpose of the extraordinary General Meeting will be to pass one special resolution to seek authority to cancel the Company’s share premium account. The purpose of the Reduction is to reduce the value of the Company’s share premium account to nil. The amount arising from the Reduction will be credited to reserves and will give the Company greater flexibility to make dividend payments to shareholders in the future

    The notice has been made available on our website http://www.awilcodrilling.com.

    Aberdeen, 9 October 2024

    For further information please contact:

    Eric Jacobs, CEO of Awilco Drilling PLC
    Phone: +47 9529 2271

    Cathrine Haavind, Investor Relations of Awilco Drilling PLC
    Phone: +47 9342 8464
    Email: ch@awilcodrilling.com

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –