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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cardin Lead Call for POTUS to Engage on Stalled U.S.-China Adoptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Longtime adoption advocate Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today urged President Biden to stand up for families navigating the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties. Reps. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) and Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) are co-leading the bipartisan effort, which garnered a total of 103 bicameral signatories, in the House of Representatives.

    “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote, noting approximately 300 children in the PRC – some with various health conditions – are already paired with families in the United States. 

    “The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.” 

    Grassley and his colleagues also acknowledged the PRC may complete adoptions for families in some countries, per a State Department notice last week. They called on President Biden to ensure such an action would pertain to the United States, too.

    Read the full letter HERE. Cosigners include Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.

    Background:

    The PRC terminated its intercountry adoption program on August 28, 2024. Shortly after, Grassley wrote the State Department and the Chinese Ambassador for information. He emphasized the uncertainty the PRC’s announcement cast on Chinese children and American parents, including parents in Iowa. Some families have been stuck in the final stages of the adoption process for years.

    When China suspended its intercountry adoption program following the COVID-19 pandemic, despite opening its borders for business and other activities, Grassley shined light on the inconsistency. He pushed for stalled adoptions to resume, so children and families could finally unite.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Announces Cedar Rapids Veterans History Project Event

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – In honor of Veterans Day, the office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), along with students from Kirkwood Community College, will host its eighth annual Veterans History Project event to chronicle firsthand accounts of Iowa veterans. 

    “The past informs the present and shapes the future. That’s why the Veterans History Project is so valuable – it preserves our service members’ stories for future generations to learn about their experiences and the sacrifices they made for our great nation,” Grassley said. “I want to offer my deepest gratitude to all the veterans in Iowa for their selflessness, and many thanks to those participating in this year’s event.”

    Event details follow:

    WHAT: Veterans History Project

    WHEN: Friday, November 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT

    WHERE: Veterans Memorial Building, 51 1st Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids

    While the event will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT, local media is encouraged to attend from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT. Members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP directly to Hannah_Akey@grassley.senate.gov. 

    ***Grassley participated in a question-and-answer (Q&A) session for Iowans about the Veterans History Project. The Q&A is for publication***

    Q&A: Veterans History Project

    With U.S Senator Chuck Grassley

    Q: What is the Veterans History Project?

    A: Approved unanimously by Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project came about through a grassroots effort to preserve the oral histories of America’s brave service men and women. The Library of Congress serves as the permanent repository for recorded veterans’ interviews submitted from local communities across the United States. The project honors those who have served in uniform and helps ensure future generations understand military service and the realities of war. In addition to audio and video recordings, the mission to preserve the memories and memorabilia from America’s veterans also includes letters, diaries, artwork and photographs. In 2016, Congress expanded the collection to include oral histories from family members memorializing loved ones who died as a result of their military service during war. To date, the collection includes firsthand narratives of U.S. military veterans from World War I through present day. The stories of more than 100,000 veterans are now part of the collection. 

    As a history enthusiast and U.S. Senator, I wanted to help preserve the stories of Iowa’s brave heroes who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2018, my office launched an annual event to interview hometown heroes for the Veterans History Project. Typically held the Friday before Veterans Day, my office invites local veterans to share their stories in a 30- to 60-minute interview. To date, my office has submitted 83 interviews from Iowa veterans at events held across the state, including those recorded at the Iowa Gold Star Museum in Johnston (2018); the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown (2019); the Veterans Post in Waverly (2020); 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City (2021); the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo (2022); and, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum (2023). It is my honor to provide a platform for Iowa veterans and their loved ones, so that their stories aren’t lost to history. Listening to the voices of veterans sharing first-hand accounts of their military service and experiences during wartime is powerful testimony.

    Q: Where will your office hold interviews this year for the Veterans History Project?

    A: On Friday, Nov. 8, my office will host our eighth annual Veterans History Project in Cedar Rapids. I’m pleased to have students from Kirkwood Community College joining us this year to help facilitate the recordings and provide technical support. Interviews will take place at the Veterans Memorial Building, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 51 1st Ave. Bridge, in Cedar Rapids. Iowans interested in participating should contact my office in Cedar Rapids, (319) 363-6832 to schedule their interview. 

    According to the U.S. Census, veterans make up 6.5 percent of Iowa’s population; the Department of Veterans Affairs calculates 193,861 Iowans are among approximately 18 million living veterans in the United States today. Of wartime veterans, Iowa is home to 3,716 World War II veterans; 16,246 from the Korean conflict; 64,900 during Vietnam era; and 65,926 from the Gulf War. Census Bureau data show a shrinking share of U.S. adults are veterans, from about 18 percent of the population in 1980 to six percent in 2022. As fewer people have a direct connection to an active duty service member, or serve in uniform themselves, it’s important to preserve the stories of those who have served in the Armed Forces to ensure their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation is honored and remembered for generations to come. God bless our veterans and service members currently serving who have answered the call to protect and defend our cherished blessings of freedom.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Davis, Bacon, and Raskin Join National Child Advocates in Thanking the Social Security Administration and Children’s Bureau for Taking an Important Step to Protecting the Federal Benefits of Foster Youth

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    Washington, DC:  November 1, 2024 – Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) welcome the opportunity provided by the joint Request for Information (RFI) on the use and conservation of federal benefits for foster youth, as well as other ways federal agencies may play an appropriate role supporting broader Federal, State, and local efforts to improve the outcomes of foster youth who receive federal benefits, published today by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Children’s Bureau, an office of the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

    In December 2022, Representatives Davis, Bacon, and Raskin urged the Biden Administration to use its executive branch authority to limit the state practice of using the assets and benefits of foster youth to reimburse state costs of care until more comprehensive legislation is enacted. Although Congress will need to act to permanently stop this practice all together, SSA and HHS have statutory and regulatory authority to stop or at least limit this practice now. 

    In August 2023, the Biden Administration encouraged reform efforts and reminded states and tribal child welfare agencies of their responsibility to foster youth when serving as a Social Security Representative Payee for foster youth via a joint letter issued by SSA and ACF.  Further, SSA has taken multiple additional steps to educate its staff and child welfare agencies about the responsibilities of an agency Representative Payee, and ACF has hosted webinars focused on state and local efforts to conserve the federal benefits of foster youth.   

    Importantly, states can stop this practice without any action by the federal government, and many are working to do so.  Four states and jurisdictions (Arizona, Oregon, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia) have enacted comprehensive reform, and an additional six states or jurisdictions (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, and New York City) have adopted substantial reforms to protect some of the assets and benefits of orphaned and disabled foster youth.  Nine more (Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Washington) have adopted more limited reform ranging from legislation, executive order, resolution, agency policy, state trust, or litigation. Unfortunately, the majority of states still choose to bolster their own financial security rather than help the orphaned and disabled youth, often without the youth, their attorneys, or other caring adults knowing. 

    Today, SSA and the Children’s Bureau took a critical step to better protect foster youth.  The Request for Information from youth, families, and stakeholders on how the use and conservation of federal benefits could improve outcomes for foster youth will serve as the foundation for agency reform – giving the agencies important perspectives on what actions are possible and how to implement those actions to best improve child well-being.  

    “I thank Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley and Administration on Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston for taking the important step of collecting information from youth, families, and stakeholders about how Federal, State, and local governments can use and conserve the federal benefits of foster youth to improve their well-being,” said Rep. Davis.  “I proudly lead legislation to protect the benefits and assets of foster youth by stopping states from taking the youths’ funds.  This new request for information serves as a foundation for future agency action.  I am proud to have partnered with Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD) to urge executive branch action to help states stop this practice until more comprehensive legislation is enacted. My home state of Illinois is a national leader in this area, and I greatly appreciate the Biden-Harris Administration’s multiple steps to encourage states to protect foster youth.”

    “Foster youth should be able to keep their social security benefits and not be stolen from them by their state,” said Rep. Bacon. “In 2020, Nebraska received over $2.6 million in social security benefits from youth in care. That is their money and being a foster youth is hard enough without the expectation that they pay for the care they received when they were placed into the care of the state due to no fault of their own. The Executive Branch must take action to address this problem.” 

    “States have a duty to care for vulnerable foster children, yet many smash their piggy banks and seize their Social Security benefits to reimburse the costs of their care,” said Rep. Raskin. “I am grateful to Commissioner O’Malley, the Social Security Administration and Children’s Bureau for heeding our calls and taking a closer look to ensure federal benefits are best serving all children and young people in foster care. I have been working to solve this problem since my time in the Maryland State Senate, and today I’m proud to stand with Rep. Danny Davis and Rep. Don Bacon to applaud this further step by the Biden-Harris administration to protect foster kids across America.”

    “Foster youth deserve a fair chance to benefit from their benefits. Now that a majority of states have initiated or taken action to protect foster youth assets, this RFI paves the way for meaningful rules that will help beneficiaries in care thrive. We are grateful for the leadership of SSA and Commissioner O’Malley and look forward to collaborating with SSA and ACF on behalf of impacted youth.” Amy C. Harfeld, JD, National Policy Director, Children’s Advocacy Institute

    “Child welfare agencies have long been taking Social Security benefits from foster children who are disabled or have deceased parents, leaving the children penniless. I applaud the leadership of the Social Security Administration—and the efforts of Representatives Davis, Bacon, and Raskin—in this important step towards better protecting foster youth’s resources for their struggle against the odds as they leave foster care.” Daniel Hatcher, Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore and author of The Poverty Industry

    “Listen to courageous foster youth like Marissa Pike, Katrina White, Ian Marks, Justin Kasieta,  and Anthony Jackson. The Center for the Rights of Abused Children remains focused on stopping states from taking foster youth’s federal benefits and delivering comprehensive reform in a child-centric way. We appreciate federal policymakers engaging on this issue, and we encourage governors and state legislators to take action today.”  J. Kendall Seal, Vice President of Policy, Center for the Rights of Abused Children.

    A copy of the letter by Reps. Davis, Bacon, and Raskin is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

    October 31, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tasmania Police focus on road safety over the long weekend in the North-West

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Tasmania Police focus on road safety over the long weekend in the North-West

    Saturday, 2 November 2024 – 8:53 am.

    Police in the North-West will be out in force this long weekend, with a strong focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors. The focus will be rural roads, camping areas, and popular beaches across North-West and West Coast.
    Inspector Adam Spencer of Western Road Policing Services said the primary goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
    “We will be intensifying our patrols and focusing on high-risk areas.”
    “We want to remind everyone of the importance of following the road rules, particularly the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing your seatbelt, driving while fatigued, and distracted driving.”
    “We will have an increased presence in rural areas and camping sites, where the combination of unfamiliar roads and increased traffic can pose significant risks.”
    “Popular beach destinations will also see heightened patrols to ensure that the influx of holidaymakers does not compromise road safety.”
    “We aim to prevent crashes before they occur rather than dealing with the aftermath.”
    “As a police officer one of the hardest parts of the job is telling a family that their loved one has been killed in a road crash.”
    “We make no apologies for showing zero tolerance when it comes to unacceptable driver behaviour.”
    “Random breath tests and drug tests will be conducted throughout the long weekend.”
    “We will be conducting random testing and taking swift action against anyone found breaking the law. Our message is clear: if you drink or use drugs, do not drive,” said Inspector Spencer
    All road users are urged to stay vigilant and prioritise safety during the long weekend.
    “We want everyone to enjoy their long weekend, but we also want them to return home safely. Plan your journeys, take regular breaks, and avoid any risky behaviours. Let’s make this a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $7.7M Awarded to WA Tribes to Boost Drinking Water Safety and Supply

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    11.01.24
    $7.7M Awarded to WA Tribes to Boost Drinking Water Safety and Supply
    $3.4M to Lummi, $2.3M to Kalispel, $1.8M to Makah, $111K to Colville, & $74K to Hoh for water infrastructure projects
    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced that five tribes in Washington state will receive grants totaling $7,768,391 for projects to address inadequate water infrastructure and improve the safety and supply of drinking water for their members.
    The money comes from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Tribal Domestic Water Program, one of many important investments championed by Sen. Cantwell in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  
    The Lummi Tribe received $3,410,000 for a project to increase water supply, upgrade arsenic treatment, and manage saltwater intrusion risk.
    “This money will fund important planning projects for water treatment, alternative water sources, and assessing saltwater intrusion risk,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The projects will help secure supplies of safe, available drinking water for members of the Lummi Tribe.”
    The Tribe will complete a study for an alternative water source, prepare plans and designs for a water treatment plant, and complete necessary environmental compliance and permitting. The Tribe will also complete a Saltwater Intrusion Risk Study and Saltwater Intrusion Risk Management Plan, which aim to mitigate the contamination of freshwater aquifers by the ocean.
    The Kalispel Tribe of Indians received $2,357,536 for water infrastructure planning and design.
    “This funding will jumpstart a Kalispel Tribe project to develop new water sources that the Tribe will own and operate, ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will plan, design, and acquire permits for a domestic drinking water project on the Kalispel Reservation. The project will provide planning and design to develop new water sources owned and operated by the Tribe, and to integrate the new sources with the existing system, providing access to safe, regulated, and clean drinking water to underserved homes and public facilities.
    The Makah Tribe received $1,813,991 for their Community Water System Critical Infrastructure, Community Health & Safety project.
    “The Makah Tribe will use these funds to address water quality and availability issues by finding and developing new sources of water,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will evaluate and identify alternative water supply sources to address water quantity and quality issues impacting water availability for the Makah Community Water System and the health of the community.
    The Confederated Tribes of the Colville received $111,995 for their Keller Water System Main Loop Replacement Design project.
    “The Colville Tribe will use this funding to replace water infrastructure that was destroyed in a flood, reestablishing a second supply of water for residents of the rural town of Keller,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will replace a crucial component of the water system for the isolated Tribal town of Keller, WA. Recent severe floods broke a looping line for the town’s water system. Now the town is reliant on a single water supply line, at risk of interruptions to its water supply from impacts to the main trunk line and water quality degradation from line dead ends. This project proposes to design a replacement looping line suspended from the Silver Creek Road bridge, which will be more resilient in the face of future flood events.
    The Hoh Indian Tribe received $74,869 for their Hoh Tribe Highlands Water System Expansion Plan Development project.
    “This funding will help the Hoh Tribe build infrastructure to ensure that they can provide enough safe drinking water to meet current and future needs,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will develop a Water System Plan to guide the development of an expanded water delivery system and long-term system management in the Highland area. The plan will confirm current water use amounts, estimate future water demand, develop a water system piping network, water quality monitoring and reporting protocols and procedures, and formulate a long-term operations and financial plan.
    Tribal Domestic Water Program funding is available to communities in the 17 western U.S. states served by the Bureau of Reclamation, which will implement the program in two phases. The phase one funding is for planning, design, or construction in fiscal year 2024; and phase two funding will be for construction in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. 
    The IRA invests an overall $550 million to ensure communities or households have reliable access to clean domestic water supplies in historically disadvantaged communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su En Route Philadelphia,  PA

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Aboard Air Force OneEn Route Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    2:43 P.M. EDT
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  All right, everybody.  Hey, everyone.
    Q    Hi.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Hi, hi, hi.  Okay.  I know this is a short flight, but I do have a couple things at the top that’s important.
    So, to start, I wanted to mention that open enrollment in the Federal Care Act marketplace, where more than 20 million Americans get health insurance, starts today.  More than a decade after passage of the law, Americans’ health care remains under threat.  Just this week, Speaker Johnson promised massive reform to the ACA.  The Republican Study Committee budget cuts a staggering $4.5 trillion from the ACA, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, consistent with every budget proposed by the former president.
    Senator J.D. Vance has taken aim at the very idea of the risk pooling between healthy and sick which lies at the heart of the ACA.  And Republicans in Congress have made clear that one of their first orders of business would be raising premiums in ACA health insurance by an average of 800 bucks per person per year.
    President Biden and Vice President Harris have done the po- — the opposite, bringing health insurance to more than ev- — more than ever — mor- — more people than ever before, lowering ACA premiums by 800 bucks per year, getting rid of red tape that the prior administration used to try to keep people from enrolling and expanding enrollment support.
    The president and vice president will keep standing up for the affordable health insurance, and they will block any attempt to rip it away. 
    Shifting gears just a second, I wanted to quickly discuss a recent ProPublica series highlighting reports of women in states like Texas and Georgia who have died after being denied the lifesaving care they need because of extreme abortion bans.  The stories are heartbreaking, scary, and sickening a- — sickening.  It’s hard to believe or accept as reality, and it’s completely unacceptable. 
    This should never happen in America, but, sadly, it is, and tho- — and these abortion bans that are denying women lifesaving care are only possible because the former president appointed three Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.  The devastating and gut-wrenching consequences of these bans put in place are — enforced by Republican elected officials are very clear. 
    President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that women in every state must have the right to make deeply personal decisions about their health.  They also believe that no woman should ever be denied the care she needs.  They will continue to fight back against these extreme bans and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law.
    And finally, we’re en route, as you all know, to Philadelphia, where the president will announce new actions to further his administration’s historic support for unions.  While in Philadelphia, he’ll announce that his administration has protected 1.2 million pensions because of the American Rescue M- — Rescue Plan’s Butch Lewis Act.  During the visit, President Biden will announce new funding to prevent cuts to the earned pensions benefits of 29,000 UFCW workers and retirees.
    As you can see to my right, I’m joined by acting secretary — Labor Se- — Labor — Labor, Julia Su, who will share more about today’s action and the historic work the President Biden — the president and the vice president have done to support unions.
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  Thank you so much, Karine.  Thank you all for being here.  And so, Karine mentioned this.  We are headed to Philadelphia to announce the restoration of the UFCW Tri-State Pension Fund.  This is part of the president’s commitment, which he has had from day one, to do right by working people.  We know that when jobs are good, when working people are protected, our economy is stronger; our nation is stronger. 
    This is the third event that I’m doing like this.  The — the first one was with the carpenters in Detroit.  The second was with the Teamsters in Centralia, Illinois.  Again, you know, a situation where working people who had worked a lifetime and were expecting to be able to retire with dignity because of their pensions were seeing the end of those pensions and were going to see their — their benefits slashed dramatically.
    Because of the Butch Lewis Act, because of the actions of President Biden and Vice President Harris — noting that Vice President Harris cast the deciding vote to pass the American Rescue Plan, of which the Butch Lewis Act is a part — because of that, these individuals are now going to be able to retire, to be able to live with dignity, to be able to take care of themselves and their families as they expected.
    This announcement also comes, obviously, on the same day that we’ve had a jobs day, and, you know, it’s always a time to talk about good jobs, because this administration now, you know, has presided over more jobs being created than any other administration in the same time period.  It’s now over 16 million jobs.  GDP remains strong.  Inflation is still falling.  Wages are still increasing.  Wages have grown faster than inflation for now 17 months straight.  And the unemployment rate remains at 4.1 percent, so it’s been around 4 percent for the longest stretch since the 1960s.
    So, labor market remains very strong, and this shows what happens when you have a president and a vice president who are fighting for workers every single day.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  All right.  Thank you.   Go ahead.
    Q    Thank you, Secretary.  On the jobs report, should Americans be concerned of — that the economy is cooling in this moment, and what is the administration doing at the moment to ensure that jobs continue to be generated going forward?
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  Great.  So, two questions and two answers.  No, we should not be concerned about cooling.  There were some anomalies last month that led to a much lower jobs number.  One was, of course, the devastating hurricanes — back-to-back hurricanes that hit the southeast part of the country.  You know, we saw people who lost their lives, lost their homes, lost their businesses.  The federal government was on the ground immediately, working with state and local authorities to do everything from search and rescue to clearing roads to making sure that people had water and power back.
    But in terms of the jobs numbers, it meant that there were employers who, you know, would have been hiring or may have been even ramping up because of the holiday season coming up who just simply couldn’t do that.  So, the hurricanes had a really big effect.
    And then, of course, there were workers on strike — over 30,000 of them.  And the — when they’re on strike, their numbers also, you know, show up as a decrease in the jobs.  Just the — the nature of the — of the numbers.
    But what do we need to do to continue the incredible economy that we have had is to keep on making the investments that the Biden-Harris administration has had, you know, the — where we’ve got over 60,000 infrastructure projects going on around the country.  I’ve visited many of them.  We have apprenticeship programs bursting at the seams.  People being able to look for jobs and get jobs in communities that were shuttered, where factories were closed in the last administration, now opening up again.  And we just need to keep up that work.
    Q    Can I ask about the Boeing strike situation?  It sounds like there’s a vote set for Monday, if memory serves.  Can you speak to what your view is — is on the latest on that and whe- — whether membership will accept?  Will you expect that this will pass —
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  Yes.
    Q    — as opposed to the previous time when it (inaudible)?
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  Yes.  So, I was in Seattle from Monday to Wednesday.  I brought the parties together at the — at my office in Seattle.  They, you know, deserve a lot of credit.  I want to acknowledge the leadership of both the machinists and Boeing for coming to the table and doing the hard work of negotiating. 
    You know, the president says this all the time; the vice president acknowledges this all the time: Collective bargaining works.  It doesn’t always look pretty from the outside, but when workers have a voice, when unions are strong and workers are able to help determine the conditions of their work, their wages, the future of their industry, it’s better for everybody. 
    And so, now they have a — an unprecedented offer on the table that many people thought was impossible.  And — and they’re — they’re going to vote on it on Monday. 
    Q    Sounds like you think it’ll pass. 
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  I don’t know.  You know, I — you know, we believe as — that — that it’s up to the members, of course.  You know, but these workers have not seen a wage increase like this in a very, very long time. 
    In fact, the first-year wage increase is more than what they’ve had in — in the last many years combined.  So, it’s a — it’s really a sign of collective bargaining working. 
    And, you know, workers exercise their right.  They — you know, i- — that they’re part of what we’re seeing in a Biden-Harris America of — of a new era of worker power, and it is resulting in not just the tremendous job growth we keep talking about but really more equity and more — more powerful working people. 
    Q    You touched on this.  But just to be specific, because the president said in his statement that job growth is expected to rebound in November as the hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts continue, can you give us a sense of what you would project that that could look like?  What could the November picture be?
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  So, obviously, the — the devastating weather-related phenomena that we have been facing, you know, has an impact — right? — has a devastating, direct, personal impact on communities that are affected.  It also has an impact on the economy. 
    And so, barring something else like that, you know, that was not a sign of weakness in the economy.  That was really a — you know, a weather-related phenomena.  And so, barring that, we expect, you know, those communities to recover. 
    We’re obviously not just watching it happen or hoping it happens.  We’re in there helping it to happen. 
    And so, you know, again, the investments that we’re making is really the key here, right?  We would not have seen the kind of economy — the 16 million jobs created — without that.  This is not an administration that has just, you know, hoped for the best.  It’s one that inherited the economy that was still reeling from a global pandemic that the last administration had no idea how to address. 
    And what we have done is, you know, really, you know, exceeded all expectations on the recovery.  We need to keep on doing that work.  We need to make sure that those infrastructure projects keep breaking ground; that the fabs that are being built, you know, are completed.  And having union workers do that is a part of that too. 
    And so, you know, there’s no reason to expect that the resilient economy that we’ve seen so far will not bounce back from the anomalies of October. 
    Q    Was President Biden’s transcript altered — 
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Hold on — hold on a second.  Wait a minute. 
    Q    Yeah.  (Laughs.)
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Wait a minute.  Is — any other for the secretary?  Can I have her sit down if — if we’re done?
    Q    Keep it tight, because we’re going to land soon.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh, okay.  All right.
    Q    Thank you so much.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Be careful.
    ACTING SECRETARY SU:  Thank you all.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Be careful.  Hold on.  I’m going to let AP go first. 
    Go ahead, AP.
    Q    Thank you, Karine.  On AP’s reporting from last night about the potential doctored co-  — about the doctored comments in the recent transcript.  Were you aware that the Press Office — White House Press Office had done this before the stenographer had taken an approval?
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I was asked this question — multiple versions of this question on Wednesday.  I don’t have anything else more to share.  What I can say is — and the president put out a statement that was tweeted out — that’s on X, obviously — ver- — being very clear what he meant, understanding that his words could have been taken out of context. 
    He was talking about the comedian.  He was talking about the hateful rhetoric coming out of — from the comedian at the Sunday rally in Madison Square Garden. 
    And I said this on Wednesday, and I’m going to keep saying this is that the president is always going to continue to call out hateful rhetoric. 
    But of course — of course — and you see this today with the pensions announcement; you saw it this week when he went to Baltimore to an- — to announce some ports infrastructure investment, $147 million that went to Baltimore — to Maryland, specifically; 27 states, 11 of those states are red states.  I mean, these are things that the president wants to continue about, and he always will be a president for everyone, even if you did not vote for him. 
    I don’t have anything else to share beyond that.  What I — what we want to make sure — we think what the most important thing for Americans to know is that this is a president that went back and wanted to clarify what he said, because he didn’t want to take it out of context.  I think that says a lot about this president.
    And we’ve been pretty consistent about him wanting to be a president and continuing to be a president for all Americans.  And that’s what you’re going to see.  I don’t have anything else to add beyond that.
    Q    What does the — have you all received reports about Iran potentially having a re- — a strike against — a retaliatory strike from its proxies?
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, as you said, there are reports that Israeli in- — intelligence suggests Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the U.S. presidential election.  Is — is that the U.S. view as well?  You know, I’m not — I’m going to be really careful.  I’m not going to — to your question, I’m not going to speculate or discuss intelligence assessments on this from here.
    So — but we’ve been very clear that Iran should not respond.  I said this on Wednesday.  We will continue to support Israel.  Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad.  And — and if they choose this to do so, obviously we will continue to support Israel as they continue to protect themselves and their security. 
    So, I don’t have anything to share.  I’m not going to read into that.
    Q    Is the president aware of former President Trump’s comments about Liz Cheney that he made last night?  And does he have a reaction to that?
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, he’s aware.  Obviously, you all have done — have covered — covered those remarks.  Here’s what I would say to that.  It is — it is unacceptable; it is dangerous to — to — to s- — to speak to political violence, to talk about political vi- — violence, to lift up political violence. 
    And what we are doing and we will continue to do is denounce that, condemn that.  There is no place, anywhere, for any type of violence, no place for political violence. 
    And it — and this is a time we shouldn’t be using inflammatory language.  We should be specifically focusing on bringing the country together, and that’s what this president wants to see, and that’s what he’s going to continue to speak to. 
    Q    Do you think those comments put Liz Cheney at risk?
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, look, I can’t speak to that.  I can’t get into hypotheticals.  What we know is that those type of comments tend to be dangerous, right?  They can be dangerous. 
    That’s — we’re hearing violent rhetoric, and we’re going to continue to condemn that.  It is inappropriate in the political space, and — and it is inflammatory language that should not be said by anyone, certainly by — not when someone has a — a leadership — national leadership.
    Q    Has there been any discussion about heightening the security preparations this week in response to what we’ve seen?  Whether it’s, you know, ahead of the election, after the election for certain members of Congress, what does that look like at this point?
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  For certain members of Congress specifically?
    Q    Well, just for that and then broader security preparations.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, look, I — I would have to — as it relates to Congress, obviously, that’s the — something for — the Capitol Police can speak to.  I can’t speak to that.
    Look, I think that what you’ll see from this — from this president is that, you know, free and fair elections and especially peaceful election are the cornerstone of our democracy.  And election officials and poll workers are dedicated to public servants who make our democracy work, and they deserve to do their job — their job safely and freely without harassment, without threat of violence. 
    So, we strongly condemn anyone who threatens or harasses them.  And so — but I also believe and we also believe that people should trust in our institutions and trust that this will be a free and fair election.
    Q    What about Lebanon?  Can you give us a status report?  Are those talks dead?
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, a couple of things.  As you know, Brett and —
    AIR FORCE ONE CREW MEMBER:  Going to need everyone to take their seats, please.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  All right.  Well, we got to go.
    AIR FORCE ONE CREW MEMBER:  There’s going to be some turbulence.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We’ll — we’ll have more fo- — we can share — I would reach out to the NSC team, and they’ll share more about things.  But we have to sit down.
    Thanks, everybody. 
    Q    Thanks, Karine.
    MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Be careful.  It’s really bumpy.
    2:59 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Itinerary for Veterans’ Week

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will participate in a number of events, meetings and activities during Veterans’ Week, which runs from November 5 to 11, 2024.

    Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will participate in a number of events, meetings and activities during Veterans’ Week, which runs from November 5 to 11, 2024.

    The theme for Veterans’ Week 2024 is “CAF around the world,” recognizing the service of Canadians here at home and abroad. The theme ties together commemorative anniversaries marked this year, including the 10th anniversary of the end of Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan, the 60th anniversaries of the establishment of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus and the end of Canada’s participation in the First UN Mission to the Congo (ONUC), the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, the Liberation of Belgium, and the Battle of the Scheldt, and the centennial anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

    Throughout the week, Minister Petitpas Taylor will meet with Veterans and their families, stakeholders and partner organizations across the country to commemorate and recognize the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans. She will also make a series of announcements aimed at honouring and supporting Veterans.

    After visiting the Region of Waterloo, Sunday, for a Sikh Veterans’ Ceremony of Remembrance, she will begin the week in Moncton, before returning to Ottawa to officially mark the beginning of Veterans’ Week. She will spend time with Veterans, serving members and their families in Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal before returning to Ottawa to attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial.

    Detailed media advisories will follow.

    Note for media:

    – Photos of each visit will be available upon request.

    Associated Links:

    Remembrance Day & Veterans’ Week

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    CODEFENDANT:     I got everything out of there.

    GLADNEY III:           You got everything out of there already?

    CODEFENDANT:     Yeah.

    GLADNEY III:           Scales and everything?

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

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

    CODEFENDANT:     Alright, let me..

    GLADNEY III:           Where that MAK-90 at?

    CODEFENDANT:     It’s not there.

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

    CODEFENDANT:     Alright.

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

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

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

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

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

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to introduce new policies in November to boost consumption: official

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — China will launch a series of consumption promotion events in five major cities in November and roll out new policies aimed at boosting consumer spending, Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said Friday.

    Sheng made the announcement during a press conference, noting that the policies will shore up the debut economy, bolster the wholesale and retail industries, and support pilot projects for modern commercial circulation in 20 cities, including Shanghai and Tianjin.

    Sheng said that the ministry will also pilot automotive sales reform and unveil health consumption action plans.

    The consumption promotion events will kick off on Sunday in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing, which are designated as the country’s international consumption center cities.

    Emphasizing the importance of these cities, the vice minister noted that their retail sales of consumer goods account for over 13 percent of the national total, with imports of consumer goods exceeding 50 percent.

    Focusing on the debut economy, these cities will host a variety of activities related to shopping, dining and tourism, including food festivals, camping events and sporting activities, as well as exhibitions and performances. Local governments will roll out supportive measures, such as incentives for new store openings and consumer vouchers.

    Sheng said that these events will create a synergistic effect with the new policies, delivering tangible benefits to consumers.

    Stimulating consumption is a crucial component of China’s strategy to support economic recovery. This year, the government has already implemented various measures to expand domestic demand, including a large-scale trade-in program for consumer goods.

    In the first three quarters of 2024, China’s total retail sales of consumer goods reached 35.4 trillion yuan (about 5 trillion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 3.3 percent. Notably, the trade-in program has seen 1.68 million subsidy applications for automobiles as of Oct. 30, with the sales of household appliances reaching 24.03 million units.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall joins Varney & Co. on The Migrant Surge at The Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, Kansas. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Fox Business’ Varney & Co. to discuss the migrant surge at the southern border leading up to a potential Trump presidency, and his new op-ed, Farmers and Ranchers Turn to Trump to Deliver, that contrasts President Trump’s Farmers First agenda with the past four years of the Biden-Harris anti-agriculture agenda.
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On Migrant Surge at The Border:
    “That’s why we’re seeing a massive increase of people headed to the border right now trying to beat President Trump. Look, we have two administrations here. President Trump secured the border, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made the situation worse. This is why over 90% of Kansans don’t feel safe in their own homes right now, in their own communities. We’re losing a young Kansan every day to fentanyl poisoning across the country, 300 deaths to fentanyl poisoning every day.”
    On President Trump Delivering for Rural America: 
    “Well, they’re going to get more trade markets, they are going to get less regulations. What Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gave us is a record drop in net farm income, a record drop in net farm income with increased regulations. They buried us in their regulations. Biden then Harris’s fuel prices, fertilizer prices and interest rates have just killed American farmers.”
    “President Trump rolled back regulations, but he gave us these trade markets as well. He gave us USMCA. He gave us Japan and South Korea as well. And all of that has been increased trade for American farmers. I think dairy is a great example. You think of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin – dairy states. We’ve increased dairy exports from 6 billion to $9 billion thanks to President Trump’s trade agreements. And of course, the answer to how many trade agreements did Kamala Harris get done? And the answer is zero.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Madison Pacific Properties Inc. announces the results for the year ended August 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Madison Pacific Properties Inc. (the Company) (TSX: MPC and MPC.C), a Vancouver-based real estate company announces the results of operations for the year ended August 31, 2024.

    The results reported are pursuant to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for public companies.

    For the year ended August 31, 2024, the Company is reporting a net loss of $44.2 million (2023: net income of $19.0 million); cash flows generated from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating balances of $11.4 million (2023: $9.5 million); and loss per share of $0.74 (2023: income per share of $0.31). Included in net loss is a provision of $51.5 million (2023: $nil) for uncertain tax positions recognizing a tax liability for unpaid taxes, estimated interest expense and awarded legal costs and provisions against the carrying value of the Company’s tax deposits and deferred tax assets related to unused carryforward amounts. Also included in net loss are equity earnings of associate and joint ventures of $0.4 million (2023: $7.4 million), net loss on the fair value adjustment on investment properties of approximately $0.2 million (2023: net gain of $5.7 million), losses on fair value adjustment on interest rate swaps of $4.2 million (2023: $0.1 million) , property revenues of $44.5 million (2023: $40.5 million) and interest expense of $12.7 million (2023: $10.7 million).

    As at August 31, 2024, the Company owns approximately $708 million in investment properties (August 31, 2023: $695 million).

    As at the date of this Press Release, the Company’s investment portfolio comprises 55 properties with approximately 1.9 million rentable sq. ft. of industrial and commercial space and a 50% interest in seven multi-family rental properties with a total of 219 units. Approximately 91.25% of available space within the industrial and commercial investment properties is currently leased and within the multi-family residential properties, 98.2% is currently leased. The Company’s development properties include a 50% interest in the Silverdale Hills Limited Partnership which currently owns approximately 1,405 acres of primarily residential designated development lands in Mission, British Columbia.

    For a review of the risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, see its most recently filed annual and interim MD&A.

    Contact: Mr. John Delucchi   Ms. Bernice Yip
      President & CEO   Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (604) 732-6540   (604) 732-6540
           
    Address:  389 West 6th Avenue    
      Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1L1    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken remarks at a Diwali reception

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken remarks at a Diwali reception at the Department of State, on November 1, 2024.

    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-diwali-reception/
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csS8BgGDguk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration approves major disaster declaration request for Chaves County flooding

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration approved Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico, an action that will release federal funds to support recovery efforts in response to the flooding that occurred over a weekend in Chaves County earlier this month.

    “The impacts of this historic flooding have been devastating for this community, and I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for acting quickly to provide support,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “We must work together and do all we can to assist Chaves County in their recovery.”

    The declaration will provide assistance to individuals, households and businesses in the affected areas of Chaves County.

    Public assistance will also be available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, including debris removal and emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance for Chaves County.

    Individuals in Chavez County who have been impacted by the flooding event that occurred October 18-21 will be able to apply for assistance from FEMA soon.

    For questions about resources call the state disaster response and recovery hotline at 1-833- 663-4736 or visit dhsem.nm.gov/chavesflooding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION – Bogota Financial Corp. Reports Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Corrected

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEANECK, N.J., Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bogota Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BSBK) (the “Company”), the holding company of Bogota Savings Bank (the “Bank”), after market close today issued a correction to its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (the “Revised Earnings Release”), which was issued prior to market open on November 1, 2024 (the “Original Earnings Release”). Interest expense on deposits (and similarly total interest expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 reported in the Original Earnings Release was understated by $300,000 due to a misstatement of the rates paid on certain certificates of deposit during the three months ended September 30, 2024. As a result, the Revised Earnings Release reflects the following changes:

    At September 30, 2024

        Average rate for certificates of deposit Average rate
    for deposits    		  
      As Initially Reported 4.15% 3.55%  
      As Corrected 4.39% 3.95%  
             

    For Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Interest paid on average certificates of deposit Interest paid on average interest-bearing deposits Net interest income Net interest income after provision (recovery) for credit losses (Loss) income before income taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Net (loss) income (Loss) earnings per common share – basic (Loss) earnings per common share – diluted
    As Initially Reported $ 5,327 $ 5,861 $ 2,957 $ 2,957 $ (320 ) $ (173 ) $ (147 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.01 )
    As Corrected $ 5,627 $ 6,161 $ 2,657 $ 2,657 $ (620 ) $ (253 ) $ (367 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.03 )
                                                   
      Cost of average certificates of deposit Cost of average interest-bearing deposits (Loss) Return on Average Assets (Loss) Return on Average Equity Interest rate spread Net interest margin Efficiency Ratio
    As Initially Reported 4.26 % 3.84 % (0.09 )% (0.72 )% 0.81 % 1.24 % 109.75 %
    As Corrected 4.50 % 4.04 % (0.07 )% (0.52 )% 0.66 % 1.15 % 120.78 %
                                 

    For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Interest paid on average certificates of deposit Interest paid on average interest-bearing deposits Net interest income Net interest income after provision (recovery) for credit losses (Loss) income before income taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Net (loss) income (Loss) earnings per common share – basic (Loss) earnings per common share – diluted
    As Initially Reported $ 16,484 $ 18,085 $ 8,352 $ 8,282 $ (1,762 ) $ (741 ) $ (1,020 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.08 )
    As Corrected $ 16,784 $ 18,385 $ 8,052 $ 7,982 $ (2,062 ) $ (821 ) $ (1,240 ) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.10 )
                                                   
                                                   
      Cost of average certificates of deposit Cost of average interest-bearing deposits (Loss) Return on Average Assets (Loss) Return on Average Equity Interest rate spread Net interest margin Efficiency Ratio
    As Initially Reported 4.31 % 3.88 % (0.17 )% (1.23 )% 0.73 % 1.23 % 118.23 %
    As Corrected 4.39 % 3.95 % (0.20 )% (1.44 )% 0.68 % 1.18 % 122.18 %
                                 

    The full text of the corrected release is a follows:

    Teaneck, New Jersey, November 1, 2024 – Bogota Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BSBK) (the “Company”), the holding company for Bogota Savings Bank (the “Bank”), reported a net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 of $367,000, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $29,000, or $0.00 per basic and diluted share, for the comparable prior year period. The Company reported a net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $1.2 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.8 million, or $0.14 per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    On April 24, 2024, the Company announced it had received regulatory approval for the repurchase of up to 237,090 shares of its common stock, or approximately 5% of its then outstanding common stock (excluding shares held by Bogota Financial, MHC). The repurchase program does not have a scheduled expiration date and the Board of Directors has the right to suspend or discontinue the program at any time. As of September 30, 2024, 163,790 shares have been repurchased pursuant to the program at a cost of $1.2 million.

    Other Financial Highlights:

    • Total assets increased $39.6 million, or 4.2%, to $978.9 million at September 30, 2024 from $939.3 million at December 31, 2023, due to an increase in securities, offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and loans.
    • Cash and cash equivalents decreased $3.9 million, or 15.8%, to $21.0 million at September 30, 2024 from $24.9 million at December 31, 2023 as excess funds were used to purchase securities.
    • Securities increased $47.1 million, or 33.3%, to $188.7 million at September 30, 2024 from $141.5 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Net loans decreased $5.8 million, or 0.8%, to $708.9 million at September 30, 2024 from $714.7 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Total deposits at September 30, 2024 were $629.3 million, increasing $3.9 million, or 0.6%, as compared to $625.3 million at December 31, 2023, due to a $2.3 million increase in interest-bearing deposits, primarily in certificates of deposit, and a $1.6 million increase in non-interest bearing demand accounts. The average cost of deposits increased 128 basis points to 3.95% for the first three quarters of 2024 from 2.67% for the first nine months of 2023 due to higher interest rates and a larger percentage of deposits consisting of higher-costing certificates of deposit.
    • Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $34.9 million, or 20.8% to $202.6 million at September 30, 2024 from $167.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

    Kevin Pace, President and Chief Executive Officer, said “The Bank continues its growth strategy focusing on core deposits and commercial lending. We have seen an uptick in our commercial pipeline this quarter that shows interest remains strong in our market. Offering new desirable technology through partnerships with our providers is a key initiative we are focusing on going into 2025.  This will allow us to attract new customers in our competitive environment.”

    “The Bank completed its third stock repurchase program earlier this year and promptly began its fourth buyback. We remain diligent in our efforts to show confidence and deliver value to our shareholders.”

    Income Statement Analysis

    Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023

    Net income decreased by $338,000 to a net loss of $367,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from a net loss of $29,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $560,000 in net interest income, partially offset by a decrease of $171,000 in salaries and employee benefit costs, an increase of $128,000 in income tax benefit and a $38,000 increase in non-interest income.

    Interest income increased $1.3 million, or 14.3%, from $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $10.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to higher yields on interest-earning assets and an increase in the average balance of securities. 

    Interest income on cash and cash equivalents decreased $30,000, or 17.9%, to $138,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $168,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 due to a $2.6 million decrease in the average balance to $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, reflecting the use of excess cash to purchase securities. The decrease was offset by an 18 basis point increase in the average yield from 5.21% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 5.39% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 due to the higher interest rate environment.

    Interest income on loans increased $401,000, or 5.0%, to $8.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 due primarily to a 24 basis point increase in the average yield from 4.45% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.69% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and to a lesser extent, a $876,000 increase in the average balance to $711.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $710.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Interest income on securities increased $889,000, or 88.2%, to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to a $48.7 million increase in the average balance to $187.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $138.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and a 114 basis point increase in the average yield from 2.91% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.05% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 due to the higher interest rate environment. 

    Interest expense increased $1.9 million, or 31.1%, from $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 due to higher costs and average balances on certificates of deposit and borrowings.

    Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $1.3 million, or 27.0%, to $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to a 93 basis point increase in the average cost of deposits to 4.04% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from 3.11% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the average cost of deposits was due to the higher interest rate environment and a change in the composition of the deposit portfolio.  The average balances of certificates of deposit decreased $831,000 to $497.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $498.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 while the average balance of NOW/money market accounts and savings accounts decreased $9.0 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $582,000, or 47.7%, from $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of $71.6 million to $196.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $125.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was slightly offset by a decrease in the average cost of borrowings of 22 basis points to 3.64% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from 3.86% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 due to new borrowings being at lower rates. At September 30, 2024, cash flow hedges used to manage interest rate risk had a notional value of $65.0 million, while fair value hedges totaled $60.0 million in notional value. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the use of the cash flow and fair value hedges reduced the interest expense on the Federal Home Loan Bank advances and certificates of deposit by $498,000.

    Net interest income decreased $560,000, or 17.4%, to $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.  The decrease reflected a 35 basis point decrease in our net interest rate spread to 0.66% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from 1.01% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Our net interest margin decreased 32 basis points to 1.15% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from 1.47% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    We did not record a provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 or September 30, 2023 due to moderate loan growth and improved economic conditions.

    Non-interest income increased by $38,000, or 13.0%, to $327,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $290,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023.  Bank-owned life insurance income increased $23,000, or 11.6%, due to higher balances during 2024 and gain on sale of loans increased $12,000 compared to no gain on sale of loans for the comparable period last year due to the sale of a $400,000 residential loan in 2024.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense decreased $56,000, or 1.5%, over the comparable 2023 period. This was due to a $171,000, or 7.5% reduction in salaries and employee benefits, which decreased due to lower headcount and increased expenses in 2023 related to the retirement of the previous Chief Executive Officer, and a $40,000, or 31.9%, decrease in advertising expenses.  Our FDIC insurance assessment also decreased by $26,000, or 19.8%.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in professional fees of $99,000, or 66.4%, due to higher consulting expense related to strategic business planning. Data processing expense also increased $100,000, or 48.8%, due to higher processing costs.

    Income tax expense decreased $128,000, or 102.1%, to a benefit of $253,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from a $125,000 benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was due to a reduction of $466,000 in taxable income. 

    Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023

    Net income decreased by $3.1 million, or 168.1%, to a net loss of $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from net income of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.   This decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $4.0 million in net interest income, partially offset by a decrease of $1.2 million in income tax expense.

    Interest income increased $3.4 million, or 12.4%, from $27.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $31.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 due to higher yields on interest-earning assets and an increase in the average balance of securities, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans and cash and cash equivalents. 

    Interest income on cash and cash equivalents decreased $8,000, or 1.9%, to $415,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $423,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 due a $2.3 million decrease in the average balance to $9.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $11.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, reflecting the decrease of liquidity due to increased securities purchases. This decrease was offset by a 111 basis point increase in the average yield due to the higher interest rate environment.

    Interest income on loans increased $1.1 million, or 4.5%, to $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $23.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 due primarily to a 20 basis point increase in the average yield from 4.46% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.66% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, offset by a $1.9 million decrease in the average balance to $711.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $713.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Interest income on securities increased $2.2 million, or 69.4%, to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to a 112 basis point increase in the average yield from 2.80% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 3.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and a $31.0 million increase in the average balance to $179.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $148.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Income from other interest-earning assets, which primarily consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank stock, increased $209,000, or 27.1% to $981,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $772,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 due to dividends paid on such stock.

    Interest expense increased $7.4 million, or 47.4%, from $15.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $23.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 due to higher costs and average balances on certificates of deposit and borrowings.

    Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $5.6 million, or 43.9%, to $18.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to a 128 basis point increase in the average cost of deposits to 3.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 2.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the average cost of deposits was due to the higher interest rate environment and a change in the composition of the deposit portfolio.  The average balances of certificates of deposit increased $12.0 million to $510.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $498.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 while average NOW/money market accounts and savings accounts decreased $24.2 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $1.8 million, or 62.7%, from $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of $60.7 million to $171.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $110.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was also due to an increase in the average cost of borrowings of 17 basis points to 3.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 3.50% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 due to new borrowings being at higher rates. At September 30, 2024, cash flow hedges used to manage interest rate risk had a notional value of $65.0 million, while fair value hedges totaled $60.0 million in notional value. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the use of the cash flow hedges reduced the interest expense on the Federal Home Loan Bank advances and certificates of deposit by $1.2 million.

    Net interest income decreased $4.0 million, or 33.1%, to $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $12.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The decrease reflected a 73 basis point decrease in our net interest rate spread to 0.68% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 1.41% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Our net interest margin decreased 64 basis points to 1.18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 1.82% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    We recorded a $70,000 provision for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a $125,000 recovery for credit losses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, which was due to a decrease in loan balances in 2023. The entire provision in the first three quarters of 2024 was due to an increase in held-to-maturity corporate securities.

    Non-interest income increased by $73,000, or 8.5%, to $929,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $856,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The increase was primarily due to bank-owned life insurance income, which increased $74,000, or 12.9%, due to higher balances during 2024.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense increased $163,000, or 1.5%, over the comparable 2023 period. Professional fees increased $270,000, or 65.5% due to higher consulting expense related to strategic business planning. Data processing expense increased $210,000, or 29.3%, due to higher processing costs. These were offset by a $333,000, or 4.9%, reduction in salaries and employee benefit, which decreased due to lower headcount and increased expenses in 2023 related to the retirement of the previous Chief Executive Officer.

    Income tax expense decreased $1.2 million, or 312.9%, to a benefit of $821,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from a $386,000 expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was due to a reduction of $4.3 million in taxable income. 

    Balance Sheet Analysis

    Total assets were $978.9 million at September 30, 2024, representing an increase of $39.6 million, or 4.2%, from December 31, 2023.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased $3.9 million during the period primarily due to the purchase of new securities offset by loan repayments. Net loans decreased $5.8 million, or 0.8%, due to $22.5 million in repayments including a $12.6 million decrease in the balance of residential loans, as well as a $9.1 million decrease in the balance of construction loans and a decrease of $915,000 in multifamily loans. The decrease was partially offset by new production of $16.7 million, including $13.1 million and $3.6 million of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans, respectively.  The Company also purchased a pool of residential loans totaling $10.4 million. Due to the interest rate environment, we have experienced a decrease in demand for residential and construction loans, which have been primary drivers of our loan growth in recent periods.  Securities held to maturity increased $7.4 million, or 10.3%, and securities available for sale increased $40.0 million, or 57.6%, due to new purchases of mortgage-backed securities with excess cash. 

    Delinquent loans increased $8.9 million to $21.5 million, or 3.0% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $12.6 million, or 1.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. The increase was mostly due to four commercial real estate loans to three customers with a balance of $8.1 million. Three of the past due commercial real estate loans are being actively managed with the customers and are expected to be brought current, while one totaling $758,000 has been placed on nonaccrual, but is considered well-secured with a loan-to-value of 59%. During the same timeframe, non-performing assets increased from $12.8 million at December 31, 2023 to $13.8 million, which represented 1.41% of total assets at September 30, 2024. No loans were charged-off during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2024 or September 30, 2023. The Company’s allowance for credit losses related to loans was 0.39% of total loans and 19.94% of non-performing loans at September 30, 2024 compared to 0.39% of total loans and 21.81% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2023.  The Bank does not have any exposure to commercial real estate loans secured by office space. At September 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to held-to-maturity securities totaled $108,000 or 0.13% of the total held-to-maturity securities portfolio.

    Total liabilities increased $39.8 million, or 5.0%, to $841.9 million mainly due to a $34.9 million increase in borrowings and a $3.9 million increase in total deposits. The increase in deposits reflected an increase in certificate of deposit accounts, which increased by $505,000 to $493.8 million from $493.3 million at December 31, 2023, an increase in NOW deposit accounts, which increased by $4.2 million to $45.5 million from $41.3 million at December 31, 2023, and by an increase in noninterest bearing demand accounts, which increased by $1.6 million from $30.6 million at December 31, 2023 to $32.1 million at September 30, 2024. This was offset by a $2.6 million, or 18.0%, decrease in money market accounts.  At September 30, 2024, brokered deposits were $101.1 million or 16.1% of deposits and municipal deposits were $36.0 million or 5.7% of deposits.  At September 30, 2024, uninsured deposits represented 10.7% of the Bank’s total deposits. Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $34.9 million, or 20.8%, due to new borrowings, for which the durations have primarily been short-term in nature as we remain mindful of the changing interest rate environment and the potential for further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. Total borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank is $297.9 million of which $202.7 million has been advanced.

    Total stockholders’ equity decreased $233,000 to $136.9 million, due to a net loss of $1.2 million and the repurchase of 163,790 shares of stock at a cost of $1.2 million, offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss for securities available for sale of $1.6 million and stock compensation of $225,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, the Company’s ratio of average stockholders’ equity-to-total assets was 15.04%, compared to 15.32% at December 31, 2023.

    About Bogota Financial Corp.

    Bogota Financial Corp. is a Maryland corporation organized as the mid-tier holding company of Bogota Savings Bank and is the majority-owned subsidiary of Bogota Financial, MHC. Bogota Savings Bank is a New Jersey chartered stock savings bank that has served the banking needs of its customers in northern and central New Jersey since 1893. It operates from seven offices located in Bogota, Hasbrouck Heights, Upper Saddle River, Newark, Oak Ridge, Parsippany and Teaneck, New Jersey and operates a loan production office in Spring Lake, New Jersey.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements about the Company and the Bank. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, inflation, general economic conditions or conditions within the securities markets, real estate market values in the Bank’s lending area, changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of our deposit portfolio and the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio; the availability of low-cost funding; our continued reliance on brokered and municipal deposits; demand for loans in our market area; changes in the quality of our loan and security portfolios, economic assumptions or changes in our methodology, either of which may impact our allowance for credit losses calculation, increases in non-performing and classified loans, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, a failure in or breach of the Company’s operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyberattacks, the failure to maintain current technologies, failure to retain or attract employees and legislative, accounting and regulatory changes that could adversely affect the business in which the Company and the Bank are engaged.
    The Company undertakes no obligation to revise these forward-looking statements or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

    BOGOTA FINANCIAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (unaudited)
               
      As of     As of  
      September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023  
    Assets              
    Cash and due from banks $ 10,630,086     $ 13,567,115  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   10,372,434       11,362,356  
    Cash and cash equivalents   21,002,520       24,929,471  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   108,560,811       68,888,179  
    Securities held to maturity, net of allowance for securities credit losses of $108,000 and zero, respectively (fair value – $74,603,097 and $65,374,753, respectively)   80,103,753       72,656,179  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,747,949 and $2,785,949, respectively   708,896,566       714,688,635  
    Premises and equipment, net   7,853,076       7,687,387  
    Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and other restricted securities   10,180,100       8,616,100  
    Accrued interest receivable   4,352,967       3,932,785  
    Core deposit intangibles   165,454       206,116  
    Bank-owned life insurance   31,635,988       30,987,851  
    Other assets   6,138,029       6,731,500  
    Total Assets $ 978,889,264     $ 939,324,203  
    Liabilities and Equity              
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 32,125,742     $ 30,554,842  
    Interest bearing deposits   597,141,995       594,792,300  
    Total deposits   629,267,737       625,347,142  
    FHLB advances-short term   53,500,000       37,500,000  
    FHLB advances-long term   149,065,610       130,189,663  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance   3,265,262       2,733,709  
    Other liabilities   6,850,898       6,380,486  
    Total liabilities   841,949,507       802,151,000  
                   
    Stockholders’ Equity              
    Preferred stock $0.01 par value 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023   —       —  
    Common stock $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, 13,092,357 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 13,279,230 at December 31, 2023   130,823       132,792  
    Additional paid-in capital   55,315,975       56,149,915  
    Retained earnings   90,936,649       92,177,068  
    Unearned ESOP shares (389,674 shares at September 30, 2024 and 409,750 shares at December 31, 2023)   (4,595,895 )     (4,821,798 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (4,847,795 )     (6,464,774 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   136,939,757       137,173,203  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 978,889,264     $ 939,324,203  
     
    BOGOTA FINANCIAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
      September 30,     September 30,  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Interest income                              
    Loans, including fees $ 8,381,581     $ 7,980,388     $ 24,888,377     $ 23,821,545  
    Securities                              
    Taxable   1,884,276       994,791       5,247,336       3,042,389  
    Tax-exempt   13,137       13,159       39,409       78,293  
    Other interest-earning assets   341,268       301,081       980,536       771,584  
    Total interest income   10,620,262       9,289,419       31,155,658       27,713,811  
    Interest expense                              
    Deposits   6,160,547       4,851,926       18,384,323       12,777,907  
    FHLB advances   1,802,387       1,220,166       4,719,056       2,900,359  
    Total interest expense   7,962,934       6,072,092       23,103,379       15,678,266  
    Net interest income   2,657,328       3,217,327       8,052,279       12,035,545  
    Provision (recovery) for credit losses   —       —       70,000       (125,000 )
    Net interest income after provision (recovery) for credit losses   2,657,328       3,217,327       7,982,279       12,160,545  
    Non-interest income                              
    Fees and service charges   56,610       61,529       164,400       159,381  
    Gain on sale of loans   11,710       —       11,710       29,375  
    Bank-owned life insurance   221,122       197,873       648,137       574,073  
    Other   37,943       30,332       105,420       93,660  
    Total non-interest income   327,385       289,734       929,667       856,489  
    Non-interest expense                              
    Salaries and employee benefits   2,102,993       2,274,347       6,404,946       6,737,952  
    Occupancy and equipment   380,714       372,626       1,118,739       1,114,170  
    FDIC insurance assessment   106,313       132,571       313,626       319,690  
    Data processing   306,167       205,721       928,292       717,913  
    Advertising   85,750       126,000       310,950       369,383  
    Director fees   159,851       159,336       467,100       478,011  
    Professional fees   248,420       149,251       682,517       412,519  
    Other   214,686       241,530       747,598       661,300  
    Total non-interest expense   3,604,894       3,661,382       10,973,768       10,810,938  
    (Loss) income before income taxes   (620,181 )     (154,321 )     (2,061,822 )     2,206,096  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (253,221 )     (125,268 )     (821,403 )     385,801  
    Net (loss) income $ (366,960 )   $ (29,053 )   $ (1,240,419 )   $ 1,820,295  
    (Loss) earnings per Share – basic $ (0.03 )   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.10 )   $ 0.14  
    (Loss) earnings per Share – diluted $ (0.03 )   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.10 )   $ 0.14  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   12,702,683       13,037,903       12,702,683       13,103,951  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   12,717,904       13,037,903       12,734,624       13,103,951  
                                   
    BOGOTA FINANCIAL CORP.
    SELECTED RATIOS
    (unaudited)
               
      At or For the Three Months     At or for the Nine Months  
      Ended September 30,     Ended September 30,  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Performance Ratios (1):                              
    (Loss) return on average assets (2)   (0.07 )%     (0.01 )%     (0.20 )%     0.26 %
    (Loss) return on average equity (3)   (0.52 )%     (0.08 )%     (1.44 )%     1.75 %
    Interest rate spread (4)   0.66 %     1.01 %     0.68 %     1.41 %
    Net interest margin (5)   1.15 %     1.47 %     1.18 %     1.82 %
    Efficiency ratio (6)   120.78 %     104.40 %     122.18 %     83.05 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   114.30 %     116.68 %     114.62 %     117.21 %
    Net loans to deposits   110.67 %     110.08 %     114.43 %     110.08 %
    Average equity to average assets (7)   14.01 %     15.00 %     14.14 %     14.88 %
    Capital Ratios:                              
    Tier 1 capital to average assets                   13.47 %     15.67 %
    Asset Quality Ratios:                              
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans                   0.39 %     0.39 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans                   19.94 %     22.62 %
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period                   0.00 %     0.00 %
    Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans                   1.94 %     1.73 %
    Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets                   1.41 %     1.33 %
                                   
    (1) Certain performance ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are annualized.
    (2) Represents net (loss) income divided by average total assets.
    (3) Represents net (loss) income divided by average stockholders’ equity.
    (4) Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. Tax exempt income is reported on a tax equivalent basis using a combined federal and state marginal tax rate of 27.5% for 2024 and 2023.
    (5) Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets. Tax exempt income is reported on a tax equivalent basis using a combined federal and state marginal tax rate of 27.5% for 2024 and 2023.
    (6) Represents non-interest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
    (7) Represents average stockholders’ equity divided by average total assets.
     

    LOANS

    Loans are summarized as follows at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

     
      September 30,     December 31,  
      2024     2023  
      (unaudited)  
    Real estate:              
    Residential First Mortgage $ 473,492,871     $ 486,052,422  
    Commercial Real Estate   112,899,496       99,830,514  
    Multi-Family Real Estate   74,697,352       75,612,566  
    Construction   40,243,916       49,302,040  
    Commercial and Industrial   10,229,503       6,658,370  
    Consumer   81,377       18,672  
    Total loans   711,644,515       717,474,584  
    Allowance for credit losses   (2,747,949 )     (2,785,949 )
    Net loans $ 708,896,566     $ 714,688,635  
     

    The following tables set forth the distribution of total deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated:

     
      At September 30,     At December 31,  
      2024     2023  
      Amount     Percent     Average
    Rate    		     Amount     Percent     Average
    Rate    		  
                                                   
      (unaudited)  
    Noninterest bearing demand accounts $ 32,125,742       5.11 %     — %   $ 30,554,842       4.89 %     — %
    NOW accounts   45,493,204       7.23 %     2.21       41,320,723       6.61 %     1.90  
    Money market accounts   12,003,291       1.91 %     0.30       14,641,846       2.34 %     0.30  
    Savings accounts   45,865,501       7.29 %     1.82       45,554,964       7.28 %     1.76  
    Certificates of deposit   493,779,999       78.47 %     4.15       493,274,767       78.88 %     4.00  
    Total $ 629,267,737       100.00 %     3.55 %   $ 625,347,142       100.00 %     3.42 %
     

    Average Balance Sheets and Related Yields and Rates

    The following tables present information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income and dividends from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amounts of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting annualized average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Average balances have been calculated using daily balances. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balances only. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans and are not material.

     
      Three Months Ended September 30,  
      2024     2023  
      Average
    Balance    		     Interest and Dividends     Yield/ Cost     Average
    Balance    		     Interest and Dividends     Yield/ Cost  
      (Dollars in thousands)  
    Assets: (unaudited)  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,195     $ 138       5.39 %   $ 12,764     $ 168       5.21 %
    Loans   711,601       8,381       4.69 %     710,725       7,981       4.45 %
    Securities   187,212       1,897       4.05 %     138,479       1,008       2.91 %
    Other interest-earning assets   9,908       203       8.20 %     6,620       132       8.04 %
    Total interest-earning assets   918,916       10,619       4.60 %     868,588       9,289       4.25 %
                                                   
    Non-interest-earning assets   56,061                       54,179                  
    Total assets $ 974,977                     $ 922,767                  
    Liabilities and equity:                                              
    NOW and money market accounts $ 65,767     $ 329       1.99 %   $ 74,785     $ 354       1.88 %
    Savings accounts   44,029       205       1.85 %     46,177       214       1.83 %
    Certificates of deposit (1)   497,251       5,626       4.50 %     498,082       4,284       3.41 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   607,047       6,160       4.04 %     619,044       4,852       3.11 %
                                                   
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances (1)   196,885       1,802       3.64 %     125,344       1,220       3.86 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   803,932       7,962       3.94 %     744,388       6,072       3.24 %
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   31,679                       38,257                  
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   2,724                       1,727                  
    Total liabilities   838,335                       784,372                  
                                                   
    Total equity   136,642                       138,395                  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 974,977                     $ 922,767                  
    Net interest income         $ 2,657                     $ 3,217          
    Interest rate spread (2)                   0.66 %                     1.01 %
    Net interest margin (3)                   1.15 %                     1.47 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   114.30 %                     116.68 %                
     
    1. Cash flow and fair value hedges are used to manage interest rate risk. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the net effect on interest expense on the Federal Home Loan Bank advances and certificates of deposit was a reduced expense of $498,000 and $92,000, respectively.
    2. Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    3. Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
     
      Nine Months Ended September 30,  
      2024     2023  
      Average Balance     Interest and Dividends     Yield/ Cost     Average Balance     Interest and Dividends     Yield/ Cost  
      (Dollars in thousands)  
    Assets:                                              
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,072     $ 415       6.09 %   $ 11,352     $ 423       4.98 %
    Loans   711,697       24,888       4.66 %     713,603       23,822       4.46 %
    Securities   179,818       5,287       3.92 %     148,802       3,121       2.80 %
    Other interest-earning assets   8,903       566       8.48 %     6,110       348       7.62 %
    Total interest-earning assets   909,490       31,156       4.57 %     879,867       27,714       4.20 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   58,221                       54,380                  
    Total assets $ 967,711                     $ 934,247                  
    Liabilities and equity:                                              
    NOW and money market accounts $ 67,628     $ 993       1.96 %   $ 91,781     $ 1,089       1.59 %
    Savings accounts   43,824       608       1.85 %     49,529       375       1.01 %
    Certificates of deposit (1)   510,494       16,784       4.39 %     498,460       11,314       3.03 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   621,946       18,385       3.95 %     639,770       12,778       2.67 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances (1)   171,565       4,719       3.67 %     110,875       2,900       3.50 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   793,511       23,104       3.89 %     750,645       15,678       2.79 %
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   31,225                       38,253                  
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   6,154                       6,351                  
    Total liabilities   830,890                       795,249                  
    Total equity   136,821                       138,998                  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 967,711                     $ 934,247                  
    Net interest income         $ 8,052                     $ 12,036          
    Interest rate spread (2)                   0.68 %                     1.41 %
    Net interest margin (3)                   1.18 %                     1.82 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   114.62 %                     117.21 %                
     
    1. Cash flow and fair value hedges are used to manage interest rate risk. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the net effect on interest expense on the Federal Home Loan Bank advances and certificates of deposit was a reduced expense of $1.2 million and $139,000, respectively.
    2. Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    3. Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
     

    Rate/Volume Analysis

    The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. Changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

     
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024  
      Compared to     Compared to  
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2023     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023  
      Increase (Decrease) Due to     Increase (Decrease) Due to  
      Volume     Rate     Net     Volume     Rate     Net  
      (In thousands)  
    Interest income: (unaudited)  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ (66 )   $ 36     $ (30 )   $ (123 )   $ 115     $ (8 )
    Loans receivable   9       391       400       (101 )     1,167       1,066  
    Securities   420       469       889       742       1,424       2,166  
    Other interest earning assets   68       3       71       175       43       218  
    Total interest-earning assets   432       898       1,330       692       2,750       3,442  
                                                   
    Interest expense:                                              
    NOW and money market accounts   (128 )     103       (25 )     (413 )     317       (96 )
    Savings accounts   (24 )     15       (9 )     (73 )     306       233  
    Certificates of deposit   (49 )     1,391       1,342       279       5,191       5,470  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,031       (449 )     582       1,667       152       1,819  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   830       1,060       1,890       1,461       5,965       7,426  
    Net decrease in net interest income $ (398 )   $ (162 )   $ (560 )   $ (768 )   $ (3,216 )   $ (3,984 )
     

    Contacts
    Kevin Pace – President & CEO, 201-862-0660 ext. 1110

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spanish floods kill at least 205, PM pledges comprehensive support

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Spain remains deeply shaken by the deadly flash floods that have left 205 people confirmed dead and wrecked havoc across the regions of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia in the east and southeast parts of the country. As of Friday, many more are still unaccounted for.

    With the ground too dry to absorb the intense rainfall, which exceeded 400 liters per square meter in many areas and reached up to 600 liters in some, the torrential overnight downpours on Tuesday led to devastating flash floods.

    Videos posted on social media have shown torrents up to three meters high sweeping cars down the streets to pile them up as if they were toys. Bridges were swept away, railway tunnels collapsed and fields were swamped as people climbed onto roofs of their homes and cars to seek refuge, but not all survived.

    The official death toll, initially 12 on Wednesday morning according to the Center for Coordinated and Integrated Operations, has now soared to 205, with 202 fatalities in the region of Valencia, two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalusia.

    The Feria de Valencia exhibition center has had to be used as a temporary mortuary. With many people still missing, the number of fatalities is expected to climb further.

    The Spanish newspaper Eldiario.es reported on Friday that 1,900 people are still missing. Witnesses in the affected areas said many people had gone into underground garages to save their cars, only to be trapped by the extreme deluge. The media outlets are filled with heart wrenching stories, with loved ones making final calls from vehicles trapped in rising waters.

    Moreover, over 130,000 homes lost power during the floods, and by Friday, power company Iberdrola confirmed that 23,000 homes still remained without electricity.

    The floods left the Valencia region in eastern Spain almost isolated, with the high-speed rail link between the capital city of Madrid and Valencia closed for up to three weeks following the collapse of two tunnels.

    Around 80 km of local rail lines and 100 roads were damaged, prompting the government to allocate 25 million euros (27 million U.S. dollars) on Friday for emergency repairs.

    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the affected areas on Thursday and pledged comprehensive aid for recovery efforts. The government declared three days of official mourning as sporting events in the Valencia region were all postponed.

    Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 military personnel, supported by 400 vehicles and 15 helicopters, have been deployed to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Hundreds of mud-caked Valencia volunteers were seen helping clear streets and homes with shovels and brooms.

    However, police also reported that approximately 60 people have been detained for looting in the wake of the floods.

    Relief support has poured in from across Spain, with funds being set up by the Red Cross and other agencies to aid rescue and recovery. Additionally, the international community, including the European Union, has offered assistance.

    Three days after the deadliest floods in decades, Valencia remains under alert for further downpours, with high warnings issued for Huelva, Castellon, Mallorca, and Catalonia. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

    WASHINGTON – FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm, straight-line winds and flooding from July 13-14, 2024.The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.Federal funding is also available to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm, straight-line winds and flooding.Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.Edwin J. Martin has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.  
    amy.ashbridge
    Sat, 11/02/2024 – 02:02

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: KS25 | The 623rd ACS can’t be pinned down

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

     The 623 Air Control Squadron worked with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to provide battle management in support of Exercise Keen Sword 25 (KS25) Oct 18 – Nov 1, 2024.

    After travelling over 1,500 miles from their home station at Kadena Air Base, Japan, the 623rd ACS integrated with their U.S Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF counterparts to successfully provide command and control capabilities to aircraft participating in KS25.

    “Maintaining a good relationship with joint service and the Japanese Self-Defense Force allows us to understand and use their systems,” said Capt. Zackary Schreiber, 623rd ACS detachment commander. “So, if we have to step for an exercise or a real world emergency, we know how each other functions and how to keep information flowing.”

    While at Misawa, the 623rd ACS operated out of two separate locations. One team assembled a shelter tent where they utilized the mobile Tactical Operations Center – Light kit while working side-by-side with the Marine Corps and their Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system. The second team worked out of the direction center with the 610th ACS assigned to Misawa Air Base and the JASDF.

    Keen Sword demonstrates and advances U.S.-Japan interoperability and reinforces solidarity of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising the most modern equipment and procedures under realistic conditions.

    The direction center team worked with the JASDF and the 610th to control missions and provide information to aircraft flying in support of KS25. The teams debriefed extensively after every mission to continue optimizing their individual and combined capabilities.

    “Seeing the way that the JASDF out here uses their systems has opened a lot of doors for us to take back and improve our processes at Kadena,” said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Wolfe, 623rd ACS flight chief of weapons and tactics. “Also, we shared our standards and advancements with the other ACS units.”

    One thing that Wolfe said he specifically appreciated were the JASDF radio assignment and management processes because they were digitized which increased the ease of information flow.

    “It’s been a great experience working with the JASDF at Misawa,” said Schreiber. “They are just as experienced and professional as the service members I am used to working with.”

    The 623rd ACS, alongside joint force and allied partners, encountered realistic and relevant training opportunities that increased their ability to plan, communicate, and conduct multi-domain operations.

    “It feels like we’re actually deployed to the field,” said Tech. Sgt. Sherraye Carter, 623rd ACS noncommissioned officer in charge of command and control integrations. “It’s really important to fully experience that, not only for the Airmen personally, but for the equipment as well.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Housing market enjoys upswing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial photo taken on Feb. 17, 2020 shows buildings under construction in Nanguan District of Changchun city, northeast China’s Jilin province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In October, the total transaction volume of China’s new and secondhand homes experienced their first increase after an eight-month decline, said the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Friday.

    The nationwide sales volume of new homes rose 0.9% year-on-year in October, according to the ministry’s data.

    The increase marks the first positive growth in the new housing sector after 15 consecutive months of declines since June of last year.

    In addition, the transaction volume for second-hand homes grew by 8.9% year-on-year, extending its growth streak to seven months.

    Overall, the combined transaction volumes of new and secondhand homes increased by 3.9% year-on-year in October, marking a significant turnaround following eight months of consistent decreases since February, the ministry said.

    The real estate market in major cities may experience a “mild winter” this year and transaction volumes are expected to maintain a high momentum, with home prices holding steady under the influence of recent policy adjustments, said Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at Centaline Property, in an interview.

    Data from the ministry also showed that in October, the growth in housing sales has extended beyond first-tier cities, indicating a broader market recovery across regions nationwide.

    In first-tier cities, new home sales volumes rose by 14.1% year-on-year, while second-hand home transactions surged by 47.3% year-on-year in October.

    Cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan in Guangdong province, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Ningbo in Zhejiang province, and Dalian in Liaoning province have seen strong growth in new home sales, up over 30% year-on-year, while second-hand home transactions in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hangzhou increased by more than 50%.

    At the regional level, 11 provincial-level regions reported year-on-year growth in new home sales in October, an increase from five provinces in the previous month. Tianjin Municipality, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hunan and Jiangsu provinces led with growth rates of above 10%. Additionally, 20 provincial-level regions saw increases in second-hand housing sales, a rise of two in quantity from September.

    As the central government’s recent key policies have demonstrated a rather proactive and positive stance as well as a strong commitment to stabilizing the economy and halting the decline in the real estate sector, more local-level supportive policies are also expected to be implemented in the near future, said Guorong Securities’ research team.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to President Biden Calls for Intervention in China Adoption Program Termination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – In August, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) halted all international adoptions, except those between blood relatives. Prior to the announcement, approximately 300 children in the PRC had been matched with American families in the adoption process.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of 103 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, calling on him to stand up for families navigating the PRC’s decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties.

    “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.” 

    Previously, Cramer joined his Congressional Coalition on Adoption co-chairs in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of State requesting clarification on details of the decision to halt adoptions, as well as the reasoning for China’s decision.  

    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia marks 2nd anniversary of operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Aerial photo taken on June 24, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway project in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Cambodia’s first high-speed toll road, celebrated the second anniversary of its operation on Friday.

    Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin took part in the event, held here at the headquarters of the Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., the operator of the 187-km expressway.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Ponea said the expressway has become a key strategic route, linking the first economic powerhouse of Phnom Penh with the second economic powerhouse of the coastal province of Sihanoukville.

    “This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and tourism,” he said. “It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport.”

    The minister said the motorway was one of major achievements in Cambodia under the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

    “These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future,” he said.

    Wang said the expressway was a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the BRI.

    “It is a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era,” he said.

    The ambassador said the expressway has significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, promoting regional development and improving the well-being of local people.

    At the event, the company offered a one-year free travel to Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, who was the 10 millionth user of the expressway.

    MIL OSI China News –

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

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: WOMMA ROAD, PENFIELD (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Homes that have been built to withstand a bushfire, and are prepared to the highest level, may provide safety.

    You may lose power, water, phone and data connections.

    Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

    What you should do

    • Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
    • Protect yourself from the fire’s heat – put on protective clothing.
    • Tell family or friends of your plans.

    If you are leaving

    • Leave now, don’t delay.
    • Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility.
    • Secure your pets for travel.
    • If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

    If you are not leaving – prepare to defend

    • Identify a safe place inside, with more than one exit, before the fire arrives. Keep moving away from the heat of the fire.
    • Bring pets inside and restrain them.
    • Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.
    • Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
    • If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the areas.
    • If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese coastal province evacuates 282,000 as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    People walk across a street in the rain in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 1, 2024. The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for the Typhoon Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Authorities in east China’s Zhejiang province had evacuated 282,000 people by Friday morning ahead of the Typhoon Kong-rey, which will bring strong winds, heavy rain and heightened flood risks to the region.
    Over 10,600 emergency shelters have been opened across the province, providing meals and drinking water to those relocated. The large-scale evacuation comes as Kong-rey nears the eastern coast of the Chinese mainland.
    All 152 passenger ferry routes in Zhejiang, involving 347 vessels, have been suspended, while 136 water-related construction projects have been paused, and 675 construction vessels moved to sheltered areas.
    Zhejiang’s agricultural sector is also taking preventative action to minimize potential losses, such as clearing drainage channels, reinforcing greenhouses and harvesting vegetables and seasonal fruits ahead of the storm.
    Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung at around 1:40 p.m. Thursday. By 10 a.m. Friday, its center was located in the sea area about 160 kilometers southwest of Wenling, Zhejiang, moving northeast at around 30 kilometers per hour. Kong-rey may either make landfall along Zhejiang’s coast or pass closely offshore, according to the Zhejiang meteorological authority.
    Yan Xiaofan, an official with Zhejiang’s emergency management department, said that the typhoon had already brought heavier-than-expected rainfall to the province, regardless of whether it makes a second landfall.
    Zhejiang has recorded an average of 70.7 millimeters of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with strong gales impacting central and southern coastal areas.
    Tong Huabin, another official from the department, cautioned that authorities are on high alert for flash floods, landslides and urban flooding.
    The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. Parts of Jiangsu and Shanghai could experience downpours of 100 to 120 millimeters.
    The Chinese mainland has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Penfield fire

    Source: South Australia Police

    Two men are expected to be charged following a bushfire at Penfield this afternoon.

    About 2.30pm Saturday 2 November emergency services were called to Womma Road after reports that a grass fire had been sparked by an angle grinder and was now out of control burning in a southerly direction.

    The fire burnt approximately 33 hectares of grass and caused damaged to a shed and several glass houses. Three people were taken to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. No homes were impacted.

    Following an investigation, a 31-year-old Waterloo Corner man and a 31-year-old Penfield man were arrested at the scene and are expected to be charged with bushfire related offences.

    Roads in the area were closed for just over three hours while emergency services brought the fire under control. Police would like to thank the public for their patience and assistance.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Ranked a Top State for Jobs

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz today announced that WalletHub has ranked Minnesota a top-three state for finding a job. This announcement follows Wednesday’s news that Solventum, a global health care company, will make a $200 million investment in Minnesota. WalletHub’s scorecard used 34 indicators of job market strength and economic health. Minnesota received top rankings for median household income, access to benefits, job opportunities per capita, support for working parents, and low unemployment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palau newspaper sued by president’s family company ahead of general election

    By Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews

    Palau’s largest newspaper is being sued for defamation by the company of President Surangel Whipps Jr’s father, just days ahead of general elections in the Pacific nation.

    Surangel and Sons alleges “negligence and defamation” by the Island Times and its editor Leilani Reklai for an article published on Tuesday with “false and unsubstantiated allegations,” owner Surangel Whipps Sr said in a press release on Thursday.

    Reklai has rejected the company’s allegations and said the “lawsuit is trying to control how media here in Palau tells a story”, a news article about the case in the Island Times reported on Friday.

    “I feel like we are being intimidated, we are being forced to speak a certain narrative rather than present diverse community perspectives,” said Reklai, who is also a stringer for BenarNews.

    The Micronesian nation of 17,000 people — 650 km north of Papua New Guinea — goes to the polls on November 5. Whipps Jr’s rival is his brother-in-law Tommy Remengesau Jr, who was president from 2001 to 2009 and 2013 to 2021.

    The controversy comes after Palau was top of the inaugural 2023 Pacific Media Freedom Index of 14 island countries that highlighted the region’s media facing significant political and economic pressures, bribes and corruption, as well as self-censorship.

    Island Times editor Leilani Reklai . . . fears the lawsuit could have serious consequences for the media in Palau and bankrupt the newspaper. Image: Stefan Armbruster

    Island Times reported on Friday the suit is seeking compensation and punitive damages and that the company asserts the “monetary awards should be substantial enough to prevent similar conduct from the newspaper and Reklai in future”.

    Surangel and Sons financial details — leaked from the country’s tax office — were posted on social media last weekend, prompting heated online debate over how much it paid.

    A new corporate and goods and services tax system introduced by Whipps Jr’s government is currently being rolled out in Palau and its merits have been a focus of election campaigning.

    The company in a statement said its “privacy rights had been violated,” the tax details were obtained illegally, posted online without consent, and some of the figures had been altered.

    Motivation ‘confusing voters’
    “The motivation behind the circulation of this document is clearly for misinformation and disinformation to confuse voters. In the end Surangel and Sons is not running for office. Unfortunately, it has been victimised by this smear campaign,” the company posted on social media.

    Island Times in a 225-word, front-page story headlined “Surangel & Sons condemns tax report leak as privacy violation” reported the company’s statement on Tuesday. It also quoted financial details from the leaked documents and accompanying commentary.

    Whipps Jr. in a press conference on Wednesday accused the Island Times of publishing disinformation.

    “Island Times continues to print political propaganda, it’s not accurate,” Whipps Jr said, calling for a correction to be published.

    The lawsuit against the paper and its editor was served the next day.

    Whipps Jr’s spokesperson told BenarNews any questions related to the lawsuit should be directed to the parties involved.

    Eightieth birthday celebrations for Surangel Whipps Sr (left) with his son Surangel Whipps Jr in February 2020. Image: Diaz Broadcasting Palau screenshot BenarNews

    Surangel and Sons was founded in 1980 by Whipps Sr, who also served as Palau’s president briefly in 2005 and for two years from 2007.

    Business ‘offers everything’
    The privately-owned business “offers everything from housing design and automotive repair to equipment rentals, groceries, and scuba gear” through its import, sales, construction and travel arms, the company’s website says.

    Previously as CEO, Whipps Jr transformed the company from a family store to one of Palau’s largest and most diversified businesses, employing more than 700 people.

    His LinkedIn profile states he finished as CEO in January 2021, after 28 years in the position and in the month he became president. His spokesperson did not respond to questions from BenarNews about if he still retains any direct financial or other links to the company.

    Surangel and Sons said the revelation of sensitive business information threatens their competitive advantage and puts jobs at risk.

    Palau’s Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui Jr told the president’s press conference on Wednesday an investigation was underway, a special prosecutor would be appointed and apologized for the leak to the company.

    “I would hope the media would make extra effort to help educate the public and discourage misinformation and breaches of privacy of the tax office and any other government office,” Udui said, confirming the tax documents had been altered before being posted on social media.

    He said tax office staff have previously been warned about leaks and ensuring data confidentiality, as breaches negatively impact the confidence of foreign investors in Palau.

    Explanation rather than leak
    Whipps Jr added that the newspaper should have explained the tax system instead of reporting the leaked information.

    He also accused Island Times of failure to disclose a paid advertisement in this week’s edition of the paper for his political opponent.

    “I’m disappointed in the Island Times, because there was an article that was not an article, a paid advertisement,” Whipps Jr said about a colourful blue and yellow election campaign graphic.

    Island Times told BenarNews it was not usual practice to put “Paid Advertisement” on advertisements but it would review its policy for political campaign material.

    Reklai fears the lawsuit could have serious consequences for the media in Palau and bankrupt Island Times, the paper reported.

    “If I don’t stand up to this, it sends a signal to all journalists that they risk facing claims for damages for powerful companies and government officials while carrying out their work,” she said.

    Palau has two newspapers and four radio stations and enshrined in its constitution are protections for journalists, including a guarantee they cannot be jailed for refusing to disclose sources.

    Surangel and Sons said they would no longer sell Island Times through their outlets.

    Copyright ©2015-2024, BenarNews. Republished with the permission of BenarNews.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Jersey Resident Pleads Guilty to Helping Russia’s Defense Sector Evade U.S. Export Controls

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Defendant Facilitated Russia’s Acquisition of Millions of Dollars of U.S.-Made Dual-Use Electronics Used in Radar, Surveillance, and Military Research and Development

    Vadim Yermolenko, 43, a dual U.S.-Russian national and resident of New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States for his role in a transnational procurement and money laundering network that sought to acquire sensitive dual-use electronics for Russian military and intelligence services.

    “This defendant joins the nearly two dozen other criminals that our Task Force KleptoCapture has brought to justice in American courtrooms over the past two and a half years for enabling Russia’s military aggression,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This defendant admitted to playing a central role in a now-disrupted scheme with Russian intelligence services to smuggle sniper rifle ammunition and U.S. military grade equipment into Russia. The Justice Department will never stop working to aggressively disrupt and prosecute both the criminal networks and the individuals responsible for bolstering the Russian war machine.”

    “The illegal export of sensitive, dual-use technologies in support of Russia’s war effort poses a significant threat to the United States and its allies and must not be tolerated,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The defendant in this case played a key role in exporting U.S. technology that in the hands of our adversaries could pose great danger to our national security. The FBI and its partners will continue to focus on protecting strategic innovation at home and hold accountable anyone who facilitates illegal transfers to hostile nations like Russia.”

    “To facilitate the Russian war machine, the defendant played a critical role in exporting sensitive, dual-use technologies to Russia, facilitating shipping and the movement of millions of dollars through U.S. financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This plea highlights my Office and our law enforcement partners continued commitment to use all tools available to prosecute those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology to send to Russia.”

    According to court documents, the defendant was affiliated with Serniya Engineering and Sertal LLC, Moscow-based companies that operate under the direction of Russian intelligence services to procure advanced electronics and sophisticated testing equipment for Russia’s military industrial complex and research and development sector. Serniya and Sertal operated a vast network of shell companies and bank accounts throughout the world, including the United States, that were used in furtherance of the scheme to conceal the involvement of the Russian government and the true Russian end users of U.S.-origin equipment.

    The defendant and his co-conspirators unlawfully purchased and exported highly sensitive, export controlled electronic components, some of which can be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing and other military applications. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) levied sanctions and imposed additional export restrictions on Serniya, Sertal, and several individuals and companies used in the scheme, calling them “instrumental to the Russian Federation’s war machine.”

    Sertal was licensed to conduct highly sensitive and classified procurement activities by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia’s principal security agency and the main successor agency to the Soviet Union’s KGB. The Serniya network’s Russian clients included State Corporation Rostec, the state-owned defense conglomerate; State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (Rosatom); the Ministry of Defense; the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR); and various components of the FSB, including the Department of Military Counterintelligence and the Directorate for Scientific and Technological Intelligence, commonly known as “Directorate T.”

    To carry out the scheme, the defendant helped set up numerous shell companies and dozens of bank accounts in the U.S. to illicitly move money and export-controlled goods. During the period charged in the indictment, more than $12 million passed through accounts owned or controlled by the defendant. These funds were used in part to purchase sensitive equipment used in radar, surveillance and military research and development. In one instance, money from one of the defendant’s accounts was used to purchase export-controlled sniper bullets, which were intercepted in Estonia before they could be smuggled into Russia.

    Co-defendant Alexey Brayman previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and is awaiting sentence. The case against co-defendant Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected FSB operative, was dismissed after Konoshchenok was removed from the United States as part of a prisoner exchange negotiated between the United States and Russia. Defendant Nikolaos Bogonikolos’ case remains pending. Defendants Boris Livshits, Alexey Ippolitov, Svetlana Skvortsova, and Yevgeniy Grinin remain at large.        

    The FBI, BIS, and IRS are investigating the case.

    The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and Estonian authorities provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Artie McConnell, Andrew D. Reich, and Matthew Skurnik for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture and the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Secures Settlement Agreement with Colorado to Ensure Opportunities for People with Physical Disabilities to Live at Home

    Source: US State of California

    The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement to resolve its lawsuit alleging that Colorado violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. by unnecessarily segregating adults with physical disabilities, including older adults, in nursing facilities.

    The ADA and the Olmstead decision require state and local governments to administer their services to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Today’s agreement gives thousands of Coloradans with physical disabilities the opportunity to move out of nursing facilities into the community — or avoid unnecessary nursing facility admission altogether — and receive the services they need at home. Community-based services that can help people live at home include assistance with bathing, dressing, managing medications and preparing meals.

    “People with disabilities should not have to give up their lives in the community and be isolated in nursing facilities to get the services they need,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement agreement sends the message that people with disabilities deserve the same kinds of lives as others, and makes clear that our family members, friends, and neighbors with disabilities add value to our lives and strengthen our communities when they can receive the services they need right inside their own home.”

    “Today’s resolution will give thousands of Coloradans with physical disabilities the information, resources, and opportunity to live in communities rather than being needlessly isolated. The agreement will also save taxpayer money by reducing state-funded institutionalization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We commend our Civil Rights Division colleagues for their dedication and focus on this important issue, and we acknowledge the commitments made by the State of Colorado in this agreement.”   

    The department sued Colorado in September 2023, following a multi-year investigation. The lawsuit alleged that the state failed to provide adults with physical disabilities with the services they need to live at home or avoid moving into a nursing facility. In Colorado, most nursing facility residents and their families are unaware that they can receive services like nursing, personal care and housing assistance in the community. As a result, many move into, or remain in, nursing facilities even though they would prefer to live at home.

    To increase community integration for adults with physical disabilities, the state has made significant commitments in this agreement to:

    • Help thousands of nursing facility residents move back to the community;
    • Identify people at risk of unnecessary nursing facility admission to help them stay in their homes with the services they need;
    • Provide people with the information they need to make an informed choice about whether to live in a nursing facility or receive the services they need at home;
    • Connect people more quickly to Medicaid long-term care services in the community;
    • Increase opportunities for people with disabilities to hire and supervise their own caregivers;
    • Support family caregivers;
    • Facilitate prompt transitions to the community for interested nursing facility residents, by reducing administrative bottlenecks and problem-solving common transition barriers; and
    • Expand and improve services that help people find and keep affordable, accessible housing in the community.

    The parties have agreed that the federal district court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the agreement and that an independent monitor will evaluate the state’s compliance.

    Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

    Members of the public can report possible civil right violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures Settlement Agreement with Colorado to Ensure Opportunities for People with Physical Disabilities to Live at Home

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement to resolve its lawsuit alleging that Colorado violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. by unnecessarily segregating adults with physical disabilities, including older adults, in nursing facilities.

    The ADA and the Olmstead decision require state and local governments to administer their services to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Today’s agreement gives thousands of Coloradans with physical disabilities the opportunity to move out of nursing facilities into the community — or avoid unnecessary nursing facility admission altogether — and receive the services they need at home. Community-based services that can help people live at home include assistance with bathing, dressing, managing medications and preparing meals.

    “People with disabilities should not have to give up their lives in the community and be isolated in nursing facilities to get the services they need,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement agreement sends the message that people with disabilities deserve the same kinds of lives as others, and makes clear that our family members, friends, and neighbors with disabilities add value to our lives and strengthen our communities when they can receive the services they need right inside their own home.”

    “Today’s resolution will give thousands of Coloradans with physical disabilities the information, resources, and opportunity to live in communities rather than being needlessly isolated. The agreement will also save taxpayer money by reducing state-funded institutionalization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We commend our Civil Rights Division colleagues for their dedication and focus on this important issue, and we acknowledge the commitments made by the State of Colorado in this agreement.”   

    The department sued Colorado in September 2023, following a multi-year investigation. The lawsuit alleged that the state failed to provide adults with physical disabilities with the services they need to live at home or avoid moving into a nursing facility. In Colorado, most nursing facility residents and their families are unaware that they can receive services like nursing, personal care and housing assistance in the community. As a result, many move into, or remain in, nursing facilities even though they would prefer to live at home.

    To increase community integration for adults with physical disabilities, the state has made significant commitments in this agreement to:

    • Help thousands of nursing facility residents move back to the community;
    • Identify people at risk of unnecessary nursing facility admission to help them stay in their homes with the services they need;
    • Provide people with the information they need to make an informed choice about whether to live in a nursing facility or receive the services they need at home;
    • Connect people more quickly to Medicaid long-term care services in the community;
    • Increase opportunities for people with disabilities to hire and supervise their own caregivers;
    • Support family caregivers;
    • Facilitate prompt transitions to the community for interested nursing facility residents, by reducing administrative bottlenecks and problem-solving common transition barriers; and
    • Expand and improve services that help people find and keep affordable, accessible housing in the community.

    The parties have agreed that the federal district court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the agreement and that an independent monitor will evaluate the state’s compliance.

    Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

    Members of the public can report possible civil right violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –