NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flourishing Lives: all welcome at our Older Persons’ Day pop-up events

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Four fun and informative pop-up events are to be held across St Albans District to celebrate Older Persons’ Day.

    St Albans City and District Council has organised the events, called Flourishing Lives, along with partner organisations to highlight the contribution older people make to our community.

    There will be opportunities to socialise and find out about services that keep older residents safe, connected and independent.

    Anyone can drop in for a chat over a cup of tea at the pop-up events in St Albans, Wheathampstead, London Colney and Redbourn.

    Council officers will be available to explain a range of services including housing and the welfare benefits older people may be entitled to.

    Citizens Advice, Communities 1st, Age UK and other groups which work with older people will be present. Information on issues such as the location of warm spaces during cold spells will be available.

    Representatives from Hertfordshire Police, Trading Standards and the Fire Service may be in attendance to talk about issues such as crime prevention.

    Free refreshments will be provided with the pop-ups taking place at:

    • Wheathampstead, Marford Memorial Hall, Monday 21 October, 10am to 12:30pm;
    • St Albans Civic Centre, Wednesday 23 October, 1pm to 3:30pm;
    • Redbourn Village Hall, Thursday 24 October, 9:30am to 12pm;
    • London Colney Caledon Centre, Monday 28 October 10am to 12:30pm.

    The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated around the world every year in early October and is followed by weeks of special events.

    Amanda Foley, the Council’s Chief Executive, said:

    It is important that we join in with organisations all over the world to celebrate our fantastic older people and the great contribution they make to our communities.

    We also want to make older people aware of all the services and opportunities available to them so they can lead fulflling lives and not become socially isolated.

    These free events offer information about how to participate in a range of social and fund activities, including art and keep-fit clubs. There will be details about volunteering too.

    These are relaxed occasions. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a chat, pick up leaflets, discover new activities and discuss any issues they have.

    Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council: 01727-919533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New energy efficiency grants for homes not heated by mains gas

    Source: City of York

    Eligible households in York which aren’t heated by mains gas are being given free energy-efficiency boosts by the Council for greater comfort, lower bills and less carbon output.

    During this month of environmental action in York (14 September-12 October), residents are being urged to check their eligibility and grab a grant for measures suitable for their home.

    The grants are for up to 60 households which are owned or privately rented. They offer energy-efficiency measures suitable for homes ranging from insulation upgrades to modern low-carbon heating systems or even photovoltaic panels. Eligible homeowners can get 100% grants and eligible private landlords can get 66% grants.

    Eligible homes must:

    • have a total household annual income of £36,000 or less, or live in specific areas
    • be heated primarily by non-gas fuel such as oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), coal, solid fuels or electricity
    • have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower.

    If the household is eligible and the home is suitable, the grant can be used for one or a number of improvements. These could include:

    • Wall, loft and floor insulation
    • New, efficient low-carbon heating system
    • Solar photovoltaic (PV) which generate free electricity
    • High heat-retaining electric storage heaters.

    Sixteen postcodes in York have been identified where residents can automatically qualify for the grant if their home isn’t heated mainly by gas and has an EPC rating of D or below. Residents can see if they live in a pre-qualified area using this interactive map – simply add the address or postcode in the search bar to find out.

    Residents living outside those postcodes in a home with an EPC rating of D or below and isn’t heated mainly by gas, will be eligible only if their household income is £36,000 or less.

    If a home’s EPC rating is unknown, please contact the Council’s delivery partner, Clear Climate, to discuss an assessment as part of your application.

    Steve Coupland, a resident of Stockton on the Forest, applied and qualified for a grant for his bungalow. For the council, contractor Clear Climate assessed his home and installed 300 millimetre-thick loft insulation, and a low-carbon heating system via an air source heat pump (ASHP) which is about three times more efficient than LPG, oil, electricity and gas boilers.

    The ASHP now provides him with hot water for a new central heating system and six new radiators, the system can be controlled by a phone app or a control panel. He has access to instant hot water throughout his home fed by his new accompanying insulated hot water tank.

    Steve said:

    The loft insulation has made a vast difference already: it’s 300mm deep now which is really warm so I’ve not needed to switch on my new heating yet. The installation was a fantastic job: clean and tidy and they were in and out in three days.

    “Last winter was a bit grim, but this year I’m hoping the insulation and heating system will halve my bills at least.”

    Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, said:

    Don’t wait to get your grant! The improvements will help your home stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, while saving on carbon emissions and on your energy bills. They’re designed not to be too disruptive to install – and you’ll certainly feel the difference when they’re in.

    “If you’re eligible, please take up this terrific offer to benefit you and future generations who live in your home!”

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment, said:

    Every house is different and the solution for your home will be tailor-made to ensure that it is more comfortable and cheaper to run. We look at each house construction and where it needs insulation to stop heat escaping. Then we check if it’s suitable for electricity generating panels and/or identify the most effective form of low-energy heating with the lowest carbon impact.

    “60 upgrades are on offer and we want them all to be used; check if you qualify and get in touch with the team.”

    City of York Council is writing to eligible residents and is working with contractor Clear Climate to deliver this project, and who are visiting pre-qualified postcodes.

    Other funding is being used by the Council to improve energy efficiency in council homes.

    To find out if you and your home are eligible and to see the pre-qualifying postcodes, please visit http://www.york.gov.uk/HUG or contact Clear Climate by calling 0191 710 2550, texting 0786 090 7354 or emailing sales@clearclimate.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched after man fatally stabbed in Ilford

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man was found stabbed at a residential property in Ilford.

    Police were called at 01.06hrs on Friday, 4 October to reports of a stabbing in Chapel Road, Ilford.

    Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a 50-year-old man suffering from a stab injury in the corridor of a block of flats.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at 01:30hrs.

    His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    The investigation is being led by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

    Officers carried out fast-paced enquiries and three men, aged 40, 36 and 28, were arrested shortly after on suspicion of murder. They were taken to an east London police station where they remain in custody.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Basford, who is in charge of policing for the East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the man’s friends and family. I understand this incident will cause concern in the local community, but I’d like to reassure you that this investigation is progressing at pace led by specialist detectives.

    “However, I’d encourage anyone who has any information who hasn’t spoken to us yet to get in touch. My officers will continue to patrol the area over the next few days to offer reassurance and listen to your concerns.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who is leading the investigation, said: “My team have been busy carrying out a number of enquiries and we have already arrested three people in connection with the murder. However, our investigation continues and I’d appeal to anyone who has any information, no matter how small, to contact my team so we can ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 quoting CAD 298/04OCT. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: 20 Years Strong: RIB CostX Marks Two Decades of Revolutionizing the Construction Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2 OCTOBER, 2024, BRISBANE — RIB Software, a global leader in construction software solutions, this year celebrates 20 years of its award-winning all-in-one takeoff, estimating, and reporting software, RIB CostX. 

    CostX is a unified costing platform which seamlessly connects BIM and 2D takeoff and estimating with carbon accounting. With CostX, cost estimators have an easy-to-use tool which reduces errors and improves accuracy. It enables 2D takeoffs with a single click, which increases speed. Its advanced 3D/BIM support means that customers get more accurate calculations, considerable time savings, and improved quality within their estimates.

    For two decades, RIB CostX has been at the forefront of innovation in takeoff and estimation, consistently delivering the tools customers need to achieve accurate and reliable results. From pioneering digital takeoff technology to 5D BIM integration, RIB CostX has continually pushed the boundaries to empower professionals to work more efficiently.

    CostX’s ability to upload models so that all estimators can see the project in 3D is invaluable for our company,” says Allison Koester, Preconstruction Technology Lead at Austin Commercial in the U.S. “New design aspects that appear in the 3D model allow us to discover design features and price them at an early stage of design, helping to optimize our budget. 

    “We consider CostX part of the Austin team – they’ve been integral in our preconstruction technological transformation,” says Allison. “Costx’s outstanding customer support and product help us deliver accurate information that our customers rely on.”

    Ben White, Estimating Manager at Ausco Modular in Australia, adds that CostX is faster and more accurate than other industry software. “CostX is intuitive and widely taught, making it easy to find skilled staff. It suits various business sizes and offers a familiar, user-friendly interface similar to [Microsoft] Excel. It’s effective for companies with both office-based and remote teams.”

    CostX Highlights Through the Years

    CostX launched in 2004 with its first customer win, Rawlinsons, based in Brisbane, Australia. Shortly after, the groundbreaking Auto-Revisioning feature was introduced, facilitating revisions tracking between drawing designs, meaning estimates can be updated without missing critical alterations. Furthermore, CostX began supporting 3D/BIM models, enabling users to leverage large repositories of data to improve the accuracy of their estimates. These early innovations helped establish CostX as a leader in the construction estimation software. 

    In 2007, CostX expanded outside Australia, making its mark on the global stage. The product range was extended in 2009 with the introduction of CostXL, which seamlessly links CostX takeoff data with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. 

    By February 2017, CostX reached the milestone of selling 10,000 licenses globally. Since then, it has won the Estimation and Valuation of the Year award at the Construction Computing Awards for five years in a row.

    In 2018, CostX Cloud was launched to align with new ways of working, offering improved access and collaboration for globally dispersed teams while reducing reliance on internal IT infrastructure.

    In 2021, CostX made significant strides toward sustainability by introducing embodied carbon measurement, allowing users to calculate the carbon impact of materials in the construction process. These innovations have strengthened CostX’s position as a leading solution for the construction industry. 

    RIB understands that every business has unique challenges and requirements. That’s why this year, the company has moved to subscription options to ensure customers have the right takeoff and estimation tools at their fingertips for added flexibility. These products, namely CostX Quantify, CostX Core, and CostX Complete, offer varying functionalities to suit any business’s needs, from focusing solely on takeoff (providing robust measurement and quantification features) through to delivering the full suite of CostX capabilities (offering 2D and BIM takeoff, estimating spreadsheets, robust reports, and more in one program).

    Conclusion

    Since the release of Version 1.0 in 2004, RIB CostX has taken customers on a journey of precision, accuracy, and efficiency. Two decades of users have improved their flexibility, reduced errors, and saved time and money through the company’s award-winning takeoff and estimating.

    From Version 1.0 to Version 7.2, CostX’s journey has been guided by invaluable feedback from users. With each iteration, RIB has added features and functionalities, continuously striving to fulfil its commitment to make construction more efficient and sustainable for all.

    Tony Shaw, Product Solutions Director at RIB Software says, “From its inception twenty years ago, through the nascence of BIM, the advent of sustainability, and the emergence of AI, CostX has remained at the leading edge of technological changes across the construction industry. It has been a privilege to be a part of the team that continues to look forward and strives to exceed the demands of our customers, both present and future.”

    For more information on RIB CostX, please visit http://www.rib-software.com/en/rib-costx. 

    About RIB Software

    Driven by transformative digital technologies and trends, RIB is committed to propelling the industry forward and making engineering and construction more efficient and sustainable.

    Throughout its 60-year history, the business has expanded its global footprint to incorporate more than 550,000 users and 2,600 talents, with the vision of transforming the operation into a worldwide powerhouse and providing innovative software solutions to its core markets – while placing its people at the heart of everything it does.

    Managing the entire project lifecycle, from planning and construction, to operation and maintenance, the development of RIB’s portfolio of software solutions is driven by industry expertise, best practice and a passion to remain at the cutting edge of technology.

    Press Enquiries

    Tracy Woodland

    Marketing Director

    tracy.woodland@rib-software.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Putin and Sobyanin opened an innovative practical platform in Rudnev

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the Day of Secondary Vocational Education, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Russian Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov opened the Rudnevo practical training site for Moscow colleges.

    “We have started building a large area related to education. This is secondary vocational education. This building where we are is an intercollegiate center for training specialists on high-tech equipment. Next, a laboratory complex is being built. Next, a building for the Stankin University is being built, where there will be a student training center, their laboratories and production areas. Next, a building for the production of Rostec machine tools will be built. So this is a large machine-building complex that will be a center of competence for our country,” the Moscow Mayor said.

    The Rudnevo site is the first innovative educational space for practical training of qualified personnel taking into account the needs of the Moscow economy, which is the largest production and scientific-engineering center of Russia. More than 4.5 thousand enterprises operate here and over 750 thousand people work.

    Educational platform “Rudnevo”

    The college training platform was created taking into account the new concept of secondary vocational education (SVE) development. The capital’s industrial enterprises took part in the development of the project. Advanced training programs, workshops equipped with the most modern equipment, close cooperation with future employers ensure high quality training of sought-after specialists.

    The educational platform is located in the industrial park “Rudnevo”, which is part of the special economic zone “Technopolis Moscow”. College students will study on the same territory with industrial partners – future employers.

    “The site’s capacity allows for training more than three thousand people per year. Practical classes are conducted by the most competent and experienced master teachers and employees of partner employers. Students from 15 Moscow colleges will be the first to undergo practical training here. A Center for Professional Competencies has also been created on the site. Its tasks include updating educational programs and forecasting the emergence of new competencies,” he wrote in his

    telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    The building with a total area of 9.1 thousand square meters houses a high-tech complex, which includes 21 workshops and laboratories. It is as close as possible to the conditions of real production. Here, students will be able to practice professional skills in production conditions in such areas and specialties as:

    — mechanical engineering (assembly mechanic, turner, milling machine operator, operator of CNC machines, general machine operator, welder (manual and partially mechanized welding – surfacing), adjuster of machines and equipment in mechanical processing, specialist in the quality control department);

    — electronics (installer of electronic equipment and devices, assembler of electronic equipment and devices, adjuster of electronic equipment and devices, SMD line operator);

    — automation of production (specialist in servicing mechatronic and robotic systems, fitter of control and measuring instruments and automation, specialist in additive technologies);

    — aviation industry, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) (aircraft electrical equipment fitter, aircraft equipment assembler, aircraft composite parts assembler, unmanned aircraft system operator up to 30 kilograms).

    Thanks to cooperation with residents of the Rudnevo Industrial Park, all conditions for training have been created on the site. Workshops and laboratories are equipped with equipment that is installed in production facilities, and the training programs take into account the needs of future employers.

    The training and production complex of the site includes three blocks.

    The industrial block consists of a section where CNC machines are installed, laboratories for metrology, standardization and certification, precision digital measurements, mechanical engineering design, as well as testing grounds for turning, milling machines, and metalworking and welding work.

    The UAS production site includes areas for programming, installation of aviation and electronic equipment, final assembly of UAS, modeling and manufacturing of molds, composite materials, unit and modular assembly, as well as laboratories for aerodynamics, aeromechanics and UAS data analysis.

    The multi-profile unit consists of metalworking and electrical installation workshops, laboratories for technical systems control, materials science and composite materials, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

    The uniqueness of the workshops is that they allow for a full-fledged production process to be organized. At the UAS site, students will be able to manufacture drone bodies, solder electronic boards, program, assemble, pilot, and decipher flight data, and in the mechanical engineering zone, they will be able to do metalwork and evaluate the quality of finished products.

    Large industrial enterprises take part in the practical training of students. Among them are the Moscow machine-building plants Avangard and Skorost, the production complex Salut, the National Helicopter Manufacturing Center named after M.L. Mil and N.I. Kamov, the Moscow Design and Production Complex Universal named after A.I. Privalov, the companies Gaskar Group, Kronstadt, Aeromax, Nyukon Energy, CARS, Vemina Aviaprestige, Monolith, Aeropribor-Voskhod.

    Preparing students at the educational site “Rudnevo”

    The capacity of the Rudnevo educational site allows it to train more than three thousand students per year.

    In the 2024/2025 academic year, practical training will be provided to students from 15 secondary specialized educational institutions. These include Polytechnic College No. 8 named after I.F. Pavlov, Polytechnic College named after N.N. Godovikov, Moscow State Educational Complex, College of Communications No. 54 named after P.M. Vostrukhin, College of Automation and Information Technology No. 20, Educational Complex “Yugo-Zapad”, Moscow Industrial College, College of Architecture, Design and Reengineering No. 26, College of Hospitality Industry and Management No. 23, Police College, Moscow College of Business Technologies, College of Modern Technologies named after M.F. Panov, College of Entrepreneurship No. 11, First Moscow Educational Complex and Technological College No. 24.

    Depending on the specialty, students will be able to complete a single professional module in one of the courses or work on site for the entire period of study. In addition, they will have the opportunity to find employment at a partner enterprise. In this case, you can complete your studies according to an individual schedule.

    Practical classes will be conducted by competent and experienced master teachers, as well as representatives of partner employers. In total, 42 masters of industrial training from Moscow colleges and 40 current employees of industrial enterprises of the capital will be able to teach at the site.

    A center of professional competencies has been created on the basis of the site. Here they will be engaged in updating educational programs taking into account the prospective development of science and production technologies, forecasting the emergence of new competencies based on the transformation of production and including them in training programs, as well as methodological support for industrial training masters and improving their pedagogical and professional skills. Cooperation with the country’s leading engineering universities, such as the Moscow State Technological University (MSTU) “Stankin” and the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman, will help solve these problems.

    In addition, an entrance control of students’ readiness to master programs at the Rudnevo educational platform is provided. For this purpose, the center of professional competencies will interact with partner colleges, providing them with methodological and consulting support.

    Each student has an individual work place on the site. The logistics of the classrooms are well thought out: for example, there are areas for project and group work. Modern public spaces will make extracurricular time comfortable.

    In the coworking space, students can work on projects, discuss ideas, and analyze situations they have considered in class. The assembly hall is designed for conferences and business events.

    The college has a 147-seat canteen where students on a budget are provided with free hot meals. On the third floor there is a cafe whose products are produced and sold by students of Moscow food colleges.

    In addition to the practical training platform for colleges, the Moscow Government, together with MSTU Stankin, is implementing a project within the framework of which the first competence center for the machine tool industry in the country is being created in Rudnev.

    The 19.5 thousand square meter building will house a tool and equipment testing center, an expert analysis center, a design bureau, pilot production, a reverse engineering center, and a numerical control center.

    The center will be able to train and practice about a thousand students per year. The site also organizes pilot and small-scale production of specialized products.

    On the industrial policy of the city of Moscow

    Modern Moscow is the largest industrial and scientific-engineering center of Russia. There are more than 4.5 thousand industrial enterprises in the capital, employing more than 750 thousand people.

    Every year, 150 new technology companies open in Moscow and dozens of investment projects are implemented, providing the city with additional jobs. By 2030, the number of industrial production facilities will increase to 5.5 thousand, and their employees – to 850 thousand. The total area of industrial infrastructure will grow from 14 million square meters to 21 million.

    The manufacturing industry is the driving force behind Moscow’s economic development.

    “I will say about industry that in general it is actively developing. Over the past five years, I reported, the manufacturing industry has doubled,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

    By the end of 2024, private and public investment will amount to 310 billion rubles. According to forecasts, by 2030 they will grow by 620 billion rubles – to 930 billion rubles.

    One of the effective measures to support the city is the localization of industrial enterprises in the special economic zone “Technopolis Moscow”. This is the center for the development of the capital’s advanced high-tech industry, which includes six sites with a total area of more than 280 hectares. More than 1.5 million square meters of industrial and public-business areas have been built here. The plan is to increase this figure to 3.8 million square meters by 2030.

    Today, there are more than 220 enterprises operating in Technopolis Moscow, 112 of which have resident status and receive tax preferences. Residents are exempt from paying property, land and transport taxes for 10 years, and the income tax rate for them is only two percent instead of 20.

    During the operation of the special economic zone, companies invested about 330 billion rubles in the development of their high-tech production facilities and created 22 thousand jobs. The volume of investments from the Moscow budget amounted to almost 135 billion rubles.

    Innovative developments of enterprises can be applied in various fields – from microelectronics to medicine and space. Among them are optical multiplexers, portable ultrasound machines, mobile ventilator complexes, multifunctional amphibious robots designed for reconnaissance and liquidation of consequences of accidents at various flooded objects, nuclear power plants and mines.

    Another tool for developing Moscow industry is clustering. By 2030, more than 13 inter-industry clusters will operate in Moscow – this is over seven million square meters of production space and 100 thousand jobs.

    Thus, one of the largest pharmaceutical clusters in the country, which includes 13 companies, is successfully operating at the Alabushevo site of the Technopolis Moscow special economic zone. A photonics and microelectronics cluster has also opened there, with 61 companies participating. Total investments in this site amounted to 137.9 billion rubles, of which 7.9 billion rubles were invested by the Moscow Government. Total investments will grow to 353 billion rubles by 2030.

    Two years ago, the Moscow cluster of electric vehicle manufacturing began its work. It included 64 companies, most of which receive benefits from the city. In particular, they are exempt from paying property, land and transport taxes.

    One of the important projects is the construction of the first gigafactory in Russia for the production of batteries. The city has signed an offset contract for the supply of batteries for public electric transport. The total purchase amount will be 172 billion rubles over six years. The enterprise will produce 50 thousand batteries per year, which will cover about 40 percent of the needs of the Russian market. The opening of the production will create 900 new jobs. The total investment in the project is 52 billion rubles, of which 25 billion rubles were allocated by the Moscow Government, and 27 billion are private funds.

    On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, a new industrial park was opened in Rudnevo in 2023. Federal Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Today it unites 11 leading developers and manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems. The enterprises have created more than 2.8 thousand jobs. Investments in the industrial park “Rudnevo” amounted to 97 billion rubles, of which 20 billion rubles are private funds, and 77 billion rubles were invested by the Government of Moscow. By 2030, a total of 490 billion rubles will be invested.

    Work is currently underway to form food and construction clusters in TiNAO.

    The food cluster will build over 800 thousand square meters of industrial space and create 11.4 thousand jobs. Private investments will reach almost 90 billion rubles.

    The opening of the construction cluster will create 30 thousand jobs. More than 1.6 million square meters of industrial real estate will be built within its boundaries. Private investments will amount to almost 145 billion rubles.

    In the capital it is being created shipyard for the production of electric ships. Its capacity will occupy 23 thousand square meters. Commissioning is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The enterprise will provide more than 500 new high-tech jobs. Investments from the Moscow Government amount to more than 4.6 billion rubles.

    In addition, two new large industrial clusters will appear in TiNAO – automobile manufacturing and eco-industrial. In total, almost 23 thousand highly qualified jobs will be created there.

    Sobyanin named innovative clusters that will be created in New Moscow

    A cluster of innovative technologies in the field of construction is being created on the basis of OOO “Innovative Technology Plant – Monarch”. Last year, the first stage was put into operation – this is an experimental plant with an area of 26.6 thousand square meters. The volume of investments amounted to 3.4 billion rubles. Today, 500 people work here.

    A glass cluster is also being built in TiNAO. 120 hectares will be allocated for it for facilities with a total area of 840 thousand square meters. 9.6 thousand jobs will appear here. Investments will exceed 105 billion rubles. The implementation of the project will allow to cover the need for special glass, including medical glass.

    The elevator construction industry is quite promising for investment. The departure of foreign companies from the domestic market opens up new opportunities for capital enterprises to occupy vacant niches. Thus, on the basis of the Karacharovsky Mechanical Plant, a cluster of elevator construction and vertical transport of Moscow is being formed, which will accelerate the development and localization of vertical transport production in Russia.

    The National Space Center is being built on the territory of the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. This is a large-scale project implemented jointly with Roscosmos. According to preliminary estimates, about 27 thousand jobs will be created on the site.

    Moscow has historically had a strong scientific base. Today, in the R sphere

    There are 735 higher education institutions (excluding branches) in Russia. At the same time, every fifth university is located in Moscow, which confirms the presence of significant human resources potential in the capital and the high level of training of students for work in high-tech enterprises.

    Today in Moscow, specialists in engineering and technical fields are trained at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the Stankin Moscow State Technological University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Lomonosov Moscow State University, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the MISiS University of Science and Technology and other leading universities.

    In order to increase the number of qualified personnel annually graduating for the industrial sector, the Moscow Government is modernizing the system of secondary vocational education and implementing accelerated training of engineering personnel.

    Industrial Park “Rudnevo”

    “Rudnevo” is an industrial park within the SEZ “Technopolis Moscow”, built in the east of the city in record time to accommodate critically important production. This is an example of a modern high-tech industrial park, where it is convenient to work, study, create production and educational clusters.

    Construction work in Rudnev began at the end of 2020. During the construction of production buildings, domestic materials were used (for a number of items, import substitution was 100%) and modern technologies, which made it possible to reduce construction time by 35-50 percent, and the cost of work by 10-15 percent.

    Currently, 21 production buildings with a total area of 377 thousand square meters have been erected, including a pilot production facility and a design bureau. Additional production buildings are in the active stage of construction, as well as a social infrastructure building, which will house laboratories, office space, a training center and other social facilities for company employees.

    In the future, 21 thousand highly qualified jobs will be created at the enterprises in Rudnev, primarily for residents of the rapidly developing Moscow districts of Kosino-Ukhtomsky, Vykhino-Zhulebino and Nekrasovka, as well as the urban district of Lyubertsy in the Moscow region.

    Thanks to the SEZ regime, companies – residents of Rudnev receive significant tax benefits. In particular, they are exempt from property, transport and land taxes. The income tax rate for them is only two percent. Residents have a free customs zone regime and land lease benefits.

    In addition to the Federal Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the Rudnevo Industrial Park also houses a production building for the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern and an industrial complex for PJSC Yakovlev, which currently produces wing kits for the MS-21 medium-range aircraft.

    In addition, enterprises producing ATMs, electrical capacitors, absorbent linen, equipment for industrial waste sorting, and others have set up their production facilities in Rudnev.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11847050/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada, CRITUC, and FortisAlberta support project to plan transition to zero-emission vehicles

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Edmonton, Alberta, January 31, 2024 — Communities across the country are developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing carbon emissions from public transit.

    Today, Minister Randy Boissonnault, Curtis Eck, Vice President, Engineering, FortisAlberta, and Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), announced a combined investment of $550,092 for the Alberta Municipal Constellation Project.

    The Alberta Municipal Constellation Project is a comprehensive study to guide the acquisition and deployment of zero-emission buses for nine transit agencies – Airdrie, Banff/Bow Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Hinton, Leduc, Rocky View, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County and Whitecourt – in Alberta by assessing the economic, technical and environmental considerations associated with this transition. The study, led by CUTRIC and FortisAlberta, is being conducted in collaboration with local municipalities and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). The project will guide local transit agencies in planning for the integration of zero-emission buses in the years ahead and provide a regional energy needs modelling study to ensure that needs can be met. Once the project is complete, the results will be shared with all participating communities, helping to spread the benefits of this important project.

    By investing in the electrification of Canada’s public transit systems, the Government of Canada is ensuring that communities across the country have access to clean and affordable transportation, which helps grow our country’s economy and improve the lives of Canadians.

    Quotes

    “When we invest in Alberta, we must consider current and future generations of our province. Our government remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and we will achieve this goal by funding clean transit projects, like this collaboration with FortisAlberta, OSPE, CUTRIC and local transit agencies. This project will provide Albertans with cleaner, quieter and more efficient travel, while contributing to our collective efforts to combat climate change.”

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “We are committed to supporting municipalities in our service area in their efforts to decarbonize their transit fleets. Our collaboration is designed to provide a comprehensive analytical framework that assesses economic impacts and designs energy management strategies for seamless integration into Alberta’s electricity grid. Leveraging our distribution planning expertise, FortisAlberta will assess and mitigate the challenges of grid capacity and voltage constraints associated with the decarbonization of municipal fleets. This initiative will facilitate the efficient and effective use of existing distribution infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable transition to greener transit solutions.”

    Curtis Eck, Vice President, Engineering, FortisAlberta

    “This first-of-its-kind project symbolizes the power of collaboration, bringing together municipalities and FortisAlberta to lead the way in zero-emission vehicles in the years to come. Through this project, we hope to not only meet the evolving energy needs of these regions, but also serve as a catalyst for positive change in sustainable transportation. We are confident that the results of this study will guide our partner organizations in their strategic planning and decision-making, fostering a cleaner, greener future for Alberta communities. CUTRIC looks forward to leading the way in innovative and environmentally responsible public transit.”

    Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)

    “The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission is committed to supporting the introduction of low-emission vehicles and related infrastructure in our region. As we operate in and around Banff National Park, it is essential that we respect the environment and be at the forefront of reducing emissions in the operation of our transit services. Fortis and CUTRIC’s involvement in the project is a critical step in continuing our transition and we are excited to be part of this initiative!”

    Martin Bean, CEO, Roam Transit

    “Our partnership with FortisAlberta and other municipalities on the electric bus feasibility study reflects our commitment to a more sustainable future. We are grateful for the support we receive from Infrastructure Canada through the Zero Emission Transit Fund. Airdrie is on the path to sustainable and efficient public transit.”

    Peter Brown, Mayor of the City of Airdrie

    Quick Facts

    The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $440,074 to this project through the Zero Emission Public Transit Fund (ZETF). FortisAlberta is contributing $110,018.

    The nine Alberta communities included in this study are: Airdrie, Banff/Bow Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Hinton, Leduc, Rocky View, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County and Whitecourt. The study will help these communities plan their transition to zero-emission buses.

    The FTCZE helps communities transition to zero-emission school and transit buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada’s net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working to ensure our children benefit from a cleaner environment, while supporting Canada’s manufacturing sector.

    This Fund is closely coordinated with the Zero-Emission Bus Initiative, under which the BIC has committed to investing more than $1.5 billion to support the acquisition of zero-emission buses.

    The Government of Canada is investing billions of dollars to provide predictable federal funding for public transit. This funding will be available starting in 2026–27 to support solutions for reliable, fast, affordable and clean public transit. The CZETF complements Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. As part of this plan, the federal government is committing to providing permanent federal funding for public transit to ensure every community has clean and affordable transportation options.

    Under an agreement with CRITUC, the Government of Canada is investing $10 million over five years through the FTCZE to help transit bus operators conduct planning work and improve their readiness for a transition to zero-emission bus fleets.

    CRITUC’s mission is to support the commercialization of technologies through industry-led research, development, demonstration and integration projects that bring innovative design to Canada’s low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal AhmedManager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInfrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll Free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Media RelationsFortisAlbertaPeter BrodskyManager, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications403-514-4040peter.brodsky@fortisalberta.com

    Media RelationsCanadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)Rachael D’AmoreTalk Shop Mediarachael@talkshopmedia.com

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sixty-Eight Defendants Charged in Indictment of Dozens of Members and Associates of California White Supremacist Gang

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Federal and local law enforcement today arrested 42 members and associates of the SFV Peckerwoods, a San Fernando Valley, California-based white supremacist street gang, on a 76-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they engaged in a years-long pattern of racketeering activity that included trafficking of drugs — including fentanyl — illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud.

    “The Justice Department has dealt a decisive blow to the San Fernando Valley (SFV) Peckerwoods, a violent white supremacist gang that we charge is responsible for trafficking deadly fentanyl and other drugs, committing robberies, and perpetrating financial fraud to fund both their criminal enterprise and that of the Aryan Brotherhood,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With today’s charges and arrests, the Justice Department, together with our state, local, and federal partners has targeted the heart of this gang’s operations, and we will continue to zero in on the criminal enterprises that endanger our communities.”

    The indictment unsealed today charges a total of 68 defendants with a score of federal crimes: conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices.

    The defendants arrested today are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized large quantities of illegal firearms, and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, according to the indictment.

    “The Peckerwoods’ violent white-supremacist ideology and wide-ranging criminal activity pose a grave menace to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “By allegedly engaging in everything from drug-trafficking to firearms offenses to identity theft to COVID fraud, and through their alliance with a neo-Nazi prison gang, the Peckerwoods are a destructive force. In prosecuting the members of the Peckerwoods criminal organization, our office is carrying out its mission to protect the public from the most dangerous threats.”

    “This operation, led by our Joint Terrorism Task Force, disrupted a racially motivated violent extremist group who engaged in a wide range of criminal activity,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of the corrosive elements that fuel violence and extremism that greatly impact our way of life. The FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, remains strongly committed to working every day to make sure the people of the Southland remain safe.”

    “The San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, the Aryan Brotherhood, and their associates are fused by one thing: hatred,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Allen of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division. “It appears, however, that the business of hate was not enough for them. Driven by greed, they engaged in other crimes, including drug distribution, pushing out deadly fentanyl onto our streets. Operating from corners of the San Fernando Valley, they conducted their crimes within and beyond the 8-1-8 community. Today’s large-scale indictments and arrests reflect our relentless commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that continue to harm our communities.”

    According to the indictment that a grand jury returned on Sept. 26, the Peckerwoods is a street gang based in communities in the San Fernando Valley whose members engage in a wide variety of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, violent crime, and fraud. As a white supremacist gang, the Peckerwoods at times takes orders from the Aryan Brotherhood, California’s dominant prison-based white supremacist gang, and maintains an alliance with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, which controls most Latino street gangs in California. The Peckerwoods use Nazi tattoos, graffiti, and iconography to indicate their violent white supremacy extremist ideology. These tattoos and iconography include swastikas, the symbol “88”, used by violent white supremacy extremists as code for “Heil Hitler”, and images of Nazi aircraft.

    Members and associates of the gang used social media to share information with each other about their criminal activities and gang rules, to identify gang members in good standing, and to target people who broke the gang’s rules. The social media use included a members-only Facebook group and private, direct messages between the gang’s members and associates.

    From at least December 2016 to September, Peckerwoods members conducted and participated in the affairs of their criminal enterprise by engaging in violence and threats of violence to preserve and expand the gang’s criminal operations, which promoted a climate of fear. Members and associates of the gang illegally maintained firearms and ammunition in furtherance of these aims.

    To generate revenue for the gang, its members trafficked narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Specifically, lead defendant Claire Patricia Haviland, 62, of Chatsworth, California, and co-defendants Brian Glenn Ekelund, 53, of Chatsworth, and Brianne Brewer, 38, of North Hollywood, California, maintained and oversaw drug stash houses where large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs were stored prior to distribution. Haviland and Ekelund allegedly mailed illegal drugs to customers and used applications such as Zelle and CashApp to receive money from drug buyers and send money to their drug sources.

    They also generated revenue via robberies and financial fraud and participated in identity theft schemes. For example, from at least March 2021 to July 2023, defendants Sean Craig Gluckman, 35, of Encino, California; Maria Anna James, 30, of Canyon Country, California; and others submitted false and fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to aid businesses harmed by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants – posing as sole proprietors – signed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of individuals incarcerated in California state prisons and collected a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds from co-conspirators as payment for their assistance.

    In April 2021, Gluckman submitted an application that falsely stated he was a self-employed “artist/writer” with a gross income of nearly $250,000. Later that month, he obtained a PPP loan in the amount of $20,833. In a separate scheme, Gluckman submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) applications in the names of other people to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to fraudulently obtain jobless benefits.

    “The proliferation of gang related organized crime deteriorates the core of our society,” said Chief Dominic Choi of the Los Angeles Police Department. “Taking guns out of the hands of gang members and drugs from our streets is just one more step towards reducing this deterioration. Today is yet another example of how local, regional, and federal law enforcement, with a matched dedication, are working together to investigate, apprehend and prosecute criminals.”          

    “When criminal organizations cross jurisdictional lines, it makes conducting investigations and subsequent prosecutions much more difficult,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff of the Ventura County, California, Sheriff’s Office. “Having our federal law enforcement partners involvement in such cases greatly enhances our ability to protect not only the citizens of our county, but also those of our region of the state.”

    If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    The FBI, DEA, Los Angeles Police Department, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. The Simi Valley Police Department; California Highway Patrol; Glendale Police Department; Burbank Police Department; Redondo Beach Police Department; Beverly Hills Police Department; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Department of Veterans Affairs Police; Department of Labor; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Los Angeles County Probation Department; Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services; Pasadena Fire Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and IRS Criminal Investigation provided assistance in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema M. El-Amamy, Jeremiah M. Levine, and Alexander Su for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit http://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On Sept. 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Justice Department established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Dr. Andrew Arnold Awarded Highest Honor of The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The William F. Neuman Award, the oldest and most prestigious honor conferred by the ASBMR, recognizes Dr. Andrew Arnold for his outstanding and major scientific contributions in the area of bone and mineral research and for contributions to associates and trainees in teaching, research, and administration.

    Dr. Andrew Arnold accepting the highest honor of ASBMR from its President Laura Calvi, MD.

    Arnold accepted the Society’s highest honor during its late September ASBMR 2024 Annual Meeting in Toronto.

    Arnold is a pioneer in studying endocrine tumors and hyperparathyroidism. Arnold’s achievements include discovery of cyclin D1, the first known parathyroid oncogene and fundamental cell cycle regulator.

    The award is named for William F. Neuman, Ph.D., a world-renowned scientist in the field of mineral metabolism. Neuman’s seminal work on bone-seeking isotopes as part of the Manhattan Project was followed by major works in the chemistry of mineral and matrix, the function of bone cells, the metabolism of parathyroid hormone, and the concept of bone membrane.

    Arnold shared, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the ASBMR. Receiving the William F. Neuman Award is uniquely meaningful, coming from my academic home society and the organization most familiar with the contributions of our group.”

    Arnold currently serves UConn’s medical school as the Murray-Heilig Chair in Molecular Medicine, professor of Medicine and Genetics & Genome Sciences, and chief of the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism. He is also director of the Center for Molecular Oncology, chief academic officer for the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, and also directs the Office of Physician-Scientist Career Development.

    He attended Brown University and Harvard Medical School, trained in internal medicine at University of Chicago followed by fellowships in molecular oncology at NIH and endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital. On the faculty of Harvard Medical School and MGH he led the Laboratory of Endocrine Oncology, then moved to UConn School of Medicine.

    In addition to the William F. Neuman Award, Arnold’s honors include the ASBMR’s Fuller Albright Award and Louis Avioli Founders Award, the Gerald Aurbach Award of the Endocrine Society, the International Medal of the Society for Endocrinology, and the Outstanding Investigator Award of the American Federation for Medical Research.

    “Space prevents me from individually acknowledging most of the wonderful friends, colleagues, collaborators who have profoundly impacted the achievements recognized here, been tremendously supportive, and have made working in our field so enjoyable,” said Arnold. “Certainly among them are Henry Kronenberg, Sundeep Khosla, John Eisman, John Bilezikian, John Potts, Fred Kaplan, Raj Thakker; plus, in memory, Stan Korsmeyer, Larry Raisz and Arthur Broadus. Hank Kronenberg’s role is outsized – my appreciation for his mentorship, scientific insights, and decades-long friendship knows no bounds – I cannot thank him enough. Past and present members of my laboratory group and collaborating investigators, especially Jessica Costa, absolutely share in this recognition, and special thanks and love to my family.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS’ 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment Indicates the Threat of Domestic and Foreign Terrorism in the Homeland Remains High

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS’ 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment Indicates the Threat of Domestic and Foreign Terrorism in the Homeland Remains High

    “The Homeland Security Assessment provides an important overview of the dynamic and evolving threat landscape, illustrating just how varied and challenging the threats we confront are,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “It is because of the remarkable DHS workforce, and our close collaboration with our federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, that we are able to meet the challenges and keep the American people safe and secure.” 

    Assessments from the 2025 HTA: 

    • Public Safety and Security: The terrorism threat environment in the Homeland is expected to remain high over the coming year. This is due to a confluence of factors, including potential violent extremist responses to domestic sociopolitical developments — particularly the 2024 election cycle — and international events like the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Lone offenders and small groups continue to pose the greatest threat. Meanwhile, foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al Qa’ida maintain their enduring intent to conduct or inspire attacks in the Homeland. 
    • Illegal Drugs: Illegal drugs smuggled into and sold in the United States by transnational and domestic criminal actors continue to pose a lethal threat to communities in the United States. DHS has surged resources to address this threat, seized more fentanyl in the last two fiscal years than in the prior five years combined, and is investing in new technology to increase detection capabilities. Thanks to these and other efforts, the number of overdose deaths have declined by more than 10 percent in the 12 months leading up to April 2024 – the largest drop in overdose deaths in recorded history. That said, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids remain the most lethal of drugs trafficked into the country and continue to pose a national security threat. Adulterated cocaine and methamphetamine also pose a threat. 
    • Influence Operations and Transnational Repression: We expect the Homeland will face threats to public safety from state actors using subversive tactics in an effort to stroke discord and undermine confidence in U.S. domestic institutions. Malign foreign actors seek to target ethnic and religious minorities, political dissidents, and journalists in the United States to silence and harass its critics abroad. 
    • Border and Immigration Security: Migrant encounters at our border have steadily declined since the beginning of 2024 and have declined even further since the issuance of the Presidential Proclamation and complementary Interim Final Rule (IFR) were announced on June 4 – decreasing more than 55% in the past four months. We nonetheless expect some individuals with criminal connections to seek to continue to exploit migrants. DHS remains acutely focused on identifying those who may present a threat to public safety or national security and stopping them from entering the United States. 
    • Critical Infrastructure Security: Domestic and foreign adversaries are expected to continue to target our critical infrastructure via prepositioning, cyber, and physical attacks. The People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia, and Iran are expected to remain the most pressing foreign threats to our critical infrastructure.  Nation-states, criminal hacktivists, and financially motivated criminals will likely hone their techniques to disrupt U.S. services or to conduct espionage focused on gaining access to U.S. networks and critical infrastructure entities. We assess that domestic and foreign violent extremists will continue to call for physical attacks on critical infrastructure in furtherance of their ideological goals and, in response to international conflicts and crises. 
    • Economic Security: Our adversaries – including the PRC – will continue non-market policies and practices, economic espionage and coercive economic tools, and illicit acquisition of technologies and intellectual property to undercut U.S. and partner competitiveness. 

    Operational components and offices across the Department are involved in combatting threats and working alongside our federal, state, and local partners. Some examples of these efforts include:  

    • DHS conducts screening and vetting of individuals encountered at the border to identify national security or public safety threats and refers any individuals who are identified as posing a threat to public safety or national security to the appropriate law enforcement authority for detention, removal, and potential prosecution. DHS continually monitors available sources of intelligence and law enforcement information to identify new threats and public safety risks. If and when any new information emerges, DHS, including ICE and CBP, works closely with the FBI and other partners to take appropriate action. 
    • In addition to biometric and biographic screening and vetting of every individual encountered, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded information sharing agreements with international partners to enhance their ability to prevent, detect, and investigate trafficking and other crimes. CBP’s National Targeting Center continuously works to detect individuals and travelers that threaten our country’s security, while also building a network of partner nations committed to fighting global threats. 
    • DHS, through CBP and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has stopped more illicit fentanyl and 
      arrested more individuals for fentanyl-related crimes in the last two fiscal years than in the previous five 
      years combined. 
    • DHS is leading the federal effort to combat fentanyl internationally, through information-sharing, 
      multinational enforcement operations, and global cooperation with federal, state, and local 
      partners and stakeholder to disrupt fentanyl networks within our communities. 
    • DHS has arrested over 3,600 subjects connected to fentanyl-seizure events, which directly 
      degrades the organized criminal networks responsible for bringing fentanyl into our communities, seized over 2,200 pill presses, and seized over 27,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl to stop it at our 
      borders and in our communities before it can hurt the American public. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As State, Federal Response Efforts Continue, Biden-Harris Administration Provides Over $10 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: As State, Federal Response Efforts Continue, Biden-Harris Administration Provides Over $10 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors

    As State, Federal Response Efforts Continue, Biden-Harris Administration Provides Over $10 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors

    WASHINGTON — As search and rescue, power restoration and communications capability remain top priorities throughout the Southeast, FEMA has already helped thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors jumpstart their recoveries with more than $10 million in flexible, upfront funding. 

    More than 4,800 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and more than 1,000 are from FEMA. To date, FEMA has shipped over 8.8 million meals, more than 7.4 million liters of water, 150 generators and more than 225,000 tarps to the region.

    Today, President Biden will be in North Carolina and Vice President Harris will be in Georgia meeting with community leaders and first responders. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will remain in North Carolina to oversee response efforts and ensure the federal government provides urgent and extensive support to Asheville and surrounding areas.

    President Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for 24 counties and cities in Virginia. This declaration comes in addition to areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Disaster survivors in these areas can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA.

    People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. 

    There are three ways apply for FEMA assistance: 

    Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.  

    Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has more than 850 trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. They are also helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page, where you can enter pertinent information about the person you’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

    People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mold mitigation with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through October 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist. 

    North Carolina 

    President Biden will visit today to survey damage and meet with community leaders and first responders. So far, FEMA has received over 30,000 applications and provided more than $2.6 million to survivors. 

    As of today, more than 62% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Nearly 8,000 crews continue to assist with remaining power restoration efforts. 

    Cellular restoration continues to improve, with less than 50% of cellular sites down as of today. Ten counties, down from 17, have 50% or more cell sites down. Two Federal Communications Commission surveillance teams are conducting inspection operations on equipment in targeted counties. 

    To date, FEMA has helped provide 67 total Starlink to the state, including 3 Starlinks for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation and 4 Starlinks for critical lifeline locations as determined by the state. 

    As of today, search and rescue teams have conducted nearly 1,500 structural evaluations and over 1,660 human and animal interactions including rescues, evacuations and other assistance. Additional federal search and rescue teams are enroute to support the mission.

    Voluntary organizations are supporting mass feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft delivery.

    Four additional shelters opened yesterday, totaling 29 shelters with over 1,000 occupants. 

    The Salvation Army has provided over 1,000 meals, 1,900 snacks and 1,900 beverages to survivors. Mobile feeding operations continue to help survivors in heavily impacted areas.

    The North Carolina National Guard has delivered 12 aircraft pallets, totaling more than 100,000lbs of food and over 38,000lbs of water to Asheville. 

    Information for Residents: 

    • Residents should not travel to western North Carolina to keep the roadways clear for search and rescue teams and utility crews. 
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts. 

    Florida

    Today, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    In Florida, FEMA has received over 85,000 applications for assistance and has provided more than $4.8 million to survivors. 

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting either debris assessments or water/wastewater assessments across seven counties. 

    The American Red Cross is conducting direct emergency feeding and working with feeding partners to provide distribution in support of partner production. Sixteen shelters remain open with over 500 occupants. 

    The Salvation Army has 29 active mobile feeding units serving meals and distributing supplies in nine counties. 

    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions. 

    Georgia

    Vice President Harris will visit Richmond County today to survey damage and meet with the community. As of today, more than 60% of originally reported power outages have been restored.

    In Georgia, FEMA has received over 60,000 applications for assistance. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    The Salvation Army has 26 active mobile feeding units providing meals and support to 10 counties in the affected areas. 

    The American Red Cross is conducting direct emergency feeding and working with feeding partners to provide distribution in support of partner production. One new shelter opened yesterday, totaling 8 shelters with over 500 occupants. 

    Team Rubicon continues route clearance operations in Ray City. 

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene.

    South Carolina

    Today, Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will begin canvassing impacted communities across the state, meeting survivors where they are, to register for FEMA assistance. 

    As of today, more than half of originally reported power outages have been restored, including all Trauma 1-level hospitals. 

    In South Carolina, FEMA has received over 70,000 applications and distributed more than $4.4 million to survivors. 

    The state has established a Mass Feeding Task Force to include multiple voluntary agencies. FEMA is supporting the state’s feeding mission with Meals Ready to Eat and drinking water. 

    Information for Residents: 

    • Residents with questions on Hurricane Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133.
    • Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information.

    Virginia 

    Last night, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the commonwealth. 

    Residents in Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe counties and the independent city of Galax can begin applying for assistance today. 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.

    Damage assessments are continuing in other areas and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

    Tennessee

    In Tennessee, shelter and mass feeding operations are ongoing. The Salvation Army has provided over 250 meals, 60 snacks and more than 180 beverages to survivors. 

    Eight shelters remain open with decreasing populations, as people are able to safely return home. 

    Power and cellular restoration continues to improve. Now less than 0.2% of customers are without power and less than 15% of cellular sites are down. As of today, there are no counties with 50% or more cell sites out.

    Information for Residents

    • Residents can call 1-800-824-3463 to report a missing person. Callers should be prepared to relay as much information as possible including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification and last known whereabouts. 
    • Counties have started establishing donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Statement on Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    October 02, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement:

    “My heart breaks for those who tragically lost their lives to Hurricane Helene. My thoughts are with their families and friends as they try to make sense of it all. I grieve as well for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods to the storm. The routines of our daily lives, whether at our homes, schools, workplaces, or neighborhoods, can be thrown into turmoil in a second. We should never take the pleasures of a normal day for granted.

    “Our primary task now is to help our fellow Americans in need. For those of us in Congress, knowing that the short-term spending bill we passed last week won’t cover all of FEMA’s costs from this storm, we must promptly address this issue. Further, Congress has an obligation to immediately start working to mitigate the underlying causes and protect people from future risks.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Increasing energy efficiency of Elizabeth Métis Settlement community hall will improve this local gathering place

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Alberta, April 29, 2024 — Upgrades to the local community hall will make this gathering place better and more energy efficient thanks to an investment of nearly $250,000 from the federal government.

    Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Elizabeth Métis Settlement President Kathy Lepine, this project will improve the settlement’s main community centre, where people come together for cultural, recreational and local activities throughout the year.

    Improvements are underway to the Community Hall, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs through boiler replacements, smart thermostats, low-flow fixtures, and LED and solar-powered lighting. The Community Hall at Elizabeth Métis Settlement is located in the centre of the community and is widely used by local residents as a gathering place for social activities and celebrations. The hall is a communal gathering place for youth and seniors. It features a stage for performances, a kitchen, a nursing station, outdoor play areas, and baseball diamonds. Improvements to this central hub for community members will enhance the quality of life for all members of Elizabeth Métis Settlement.

    The funding announced today by the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program aims to improve the places where Canadians work, learn, play, live, and gather by reducing pollution, reducing costs, and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green and other retrofits to existing public community buildings and new construction in underserved communities, these investments will help ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

    Quotes

    “Transforming recreational spaces into green and accessible places is important if we are to support Canadians. Energy efficiency in the Prairies is essential to the economic development of communities. By improving parts of the Elizabeth Métis Settlement, our government is working to create a better quality of life through investments that will last for generations to come.”

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “The natural environment has always been an important aspect of Métis culture. The Elizabeth Métis Settlement is proud to be part of Canada’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On behalf of our people and future generations, we thank you for your work and the steps you have taken to keep our beautiful country clean, hee hee.”

    Kathy Lepine, President, Elizabeth Métis Settlement

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $249,999 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and the Elizabeth Métis Settlement is providing $39,719.

    These improvements should allow annual fuel savings of around 47.30% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 79.30 tonnes.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and helping to build resilience to climate change.

    The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.

    At least 10 percent of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.

    The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.

    On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department responsible for diversifying the economy in Canada’s Prairies, is providing $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

    Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet their needs.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal Ahmed Manager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Deloris Courtepatte Project ManagerElizabeth Métis Settlement587-986 0020courtepatteconsulting@gmail.com

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Meets Employees at CF Industries and Essential Federal Credit Union

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    BATON ROUGE – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited CF Industries’ ammonia production facility in Donaldsonville, and later the Essential Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge. During both visits, he learned how Louisianans are supporting small businesses and both the local and global economies.

    At CF’s Donaldsonville Complex, Cassidy learned about its capability of producing nearly 8 million tons of nitrogen products for agricultural and industrial use. CF uses the facility’s access to the Mississippi River and other modes of transportation to ship its products to major crop-producing states in the interior of America. They also utilize ocean-going vessels to Europe, South America, and Asia. 
    CF is also working to produce green ammonia and sequester carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as it produces its products. Thanks to their efforts, they will capture and sequester up to 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from its Donaldsonville Complex by 2025. This is in line with Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provided $5.1 billion to invest in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology.
    “CF Industries and its employees have done more than anyone else in the world to make clean products,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Efforts like this help put the United States at a competitive advantage. We need to do more of this to create more jobs and make a competitive economy.”

    CF’s Donaldsonville Complex supports 566 permanent employees and 640 contractors, generates $16.8 million in annual state and parish sales taxes, and provided $430 million to local suppliers last year. Cassidy was welcomed there by Mr. Morris Johnson, General Manager for the facility.
    “At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably,” said Mr. Johnson. “To achieve this mission, we are investing in the decarbonization of our network with significant projects underway right here in Ascension Parish at our Donaldsonville Complex, located in the heart of this community we’ve called home for nearly 60 years. We thank Senator Cassidy for his visit to our site and his work on behalf of Donaldsonville and Louisiana through forward-leading competitiveness, energy and trade policies.”

    Later, Cassidy visited the Essential Federal Credit Union, which was chartered in 1972 by a group of Dow Chemical employees and now has more than 46,000 members and $378 million in assets. Cassidy met with Essential’s employees, and also with executives from other local credit unions who discussed how they’re serving their members. He discussed his efforts to preserve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, make flood insurance rates affordable, and invest in high-speed broadband and water and sewer projects for Louisiana’s rural communities.
    “Our credit unions always know how their communities are doing, since people go to them to finance a house or a small business,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By making flood insurance affordable and investing in rural broadband, we can help more families buy a home or grow their business, which makes our credit unions stronger.”

    Cassidy participated in a roundtable with credit union directors from across Louisiana. He was welcomed by Mr. Anthony Ware, II, Director of Legislative Advocacy for the Louisiana Credit Union Association, of which the Essential Federal Credit Union is a member.
    “Thank you, Senator Cassidy, for taking the time to meet with the Louisiana Credit Union Association powered by Luminate, and visiting Essential Federal Credit Union today,” said Mr. Ware. “We truly appreciate you taking the time to hear from credit unions on the issues that are important to us and vital to helping Louisiana residents. We value your continued support of credit unions as we serve our members and strengthen our communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cammack Joins Sen. Rubio To Meet With Cedar Key Residents Impacted By Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    GAINESVILLE, FL — Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with Cedar Key residents and homeowners who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Florida lawmakers met with members of the aquaculture industry to discuss the impact multiple hurricanes have had on the industry. 

    Senator Rubio and Representative Cammack meet with the Cedar Key community and Florida Chief Financial Officer Patronis.

    Congresswoman Cammack talks with Senator Rubio and state and local leaders before the tour begins.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Steinberg cautions against disaster fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    SAVANNAH, GA:  Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg reminds residents to be wary of disaster-related fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path.

    “Like moths to a flame, scam artists and profit-chasing individuals too often prey on vulnerable victims of natural disasters, such as those devastated by Hurricane Helene,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Vigilance is the first defense against fraudsters who would compound the misery of a natural disaster by stealing from those in desperate need of assistance in recovery, and our office stands ready to assist in holding accountable individuals who would take advantage of disaster victims.”

    President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Georgia, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Of the 43 counties in the Southern District of Georgia, 30 are included in the disaster declaration.

    Established in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement and regulatory agencies that coordinates detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of fraud.

    Of more than 200,000 disaster fraud complaints submitted to the NCDF, here are some examples of common complaints:

    • Fake charities soliciting donations either using the names of well-known charities or appearing to be related to the disaster.
    • Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money.
    • Individuals posing as insurance provider representatives to collect payments or personal information.
    • Fraudsters promising expedient home repairs requiring upfront or partial payment.
    • Price-gouging for goods and services needed by victims of disaster.

    Take these measures to protect yourself from disaster fraud:

    • Donate only to well-known charities after verifying them through trusted sources.
    • Do not respond to unsolicited requests for donations via email, phone, or text, and do not click on links in unsolicited messages.
    • Do not assume that online or social media charity solicitations are legitimate.
    • Use credit cards or checks for donations. Don’t send cash, or use wire transfers or mobile payment apps.
    • Remember that government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money or personal information via phone or email.
    • Beware of contractors who knock on your door or make unsolicited contact, and/or make promises that sound too good to be true.
    • Cautiously rely on recommendations from family and friends.
    • Do not be forced into making repair decisions by a high-pressure contractor.

    Protect yourself and your neighbors. To report disaster-related fraud, contact the NCDF at (866) 720-5721 or online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Calgary’s South Fish Creek Complex Receives Funding for Green Improvements

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Calgary, Alberta, May 2, 2024 — Energy upgrades are coming to the South Fish Creek complex thanks to a joint investment of more than $1.2 million from the federal government, the YMCA of Calgary and the complex’s partners.

    Announced by MP George Chahal and Shannon Doram, President and CEO of the YMCA of Calgary, this project will extend the life of the facility and improve energy efficiency. The South Fish Creek complex has served the needs of Calgarians for over twenty years. These renovations will extend the life of the facility, improve air quality and energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing the systems that keep the complex running, the YMCA will be able to continue to provide important services and programs that meet the needs of children, youth, newcomers and residents of all ages and backgrounds.

    The YMCA of Calgary will replace its current heating systems with more efficient models and upgrade air handling units. These upgrades are expected to generate cost savings that can be reallocated to meet the community’s future needs. The upgrades will allow the systems that help operate the complex to adapt to a changing environment, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere and improved air quality during the cold winter months and the scorching summer months.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program aims to improve the places where Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by reducing pollution and costs, while supporting thousands of good jobs. By making green and other improvements to existing public community buildings and constructing new buildings in underserved communities, the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program helps ensure the inclusivity, accessibility and longevity of community facilities, while helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

    Quotes

    “The Shawnessy YMCA plays an important role in our community by preparing our children, youth, newcomer neighbours and people of all ages and backgrounds for success. The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program encourages innovative and clean solutions to help Canada adapt to a greener, lower-carbon economy. With the funding announced today, the South Fish Creek complex will be able to continue to meet the needs of Calgarians for years to come.”

    George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “The Shawnessy YMCA is an important community hub that provides Calgary’s rapidly growing southwest quadrant with a place to play, grow and connect. The Government of Canada’s investment through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program will enable the YMCA Calgary to be more energy efficient and help us deliver the programs and services that are essential to building vibrant communities for years to come. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to address climate change and build community resilience.”

    Shannon Doram, President and CEO of the YMCA of Calgary

    “As the building owner of the South Fish Creek Recreation Centre, the City of Calgary is pleased with the energy efficiency upgrades made by the YMCA of Calgary. Not only will these upgrades ensure the facility will be available for future generations of Calgarians, they will also reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Addressing climate change is a strategic priority for the City of Calgary, and supporting our partners to reduce emissions is a key part of delivering on City Council’s commitment.”

    Tim Mowrey, Manager, Recreation, Sports and Community Partners, City of Calgary

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $979,800 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and the YMCA of Calgary is providing $244,950.

    These improvements are expected to result in annual fuel savings of approximately 20.5% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 268 tonnes.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency, and by helping to build resilience to climate change.

    The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.

    At least 10% of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.

    The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.

    On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department responsible for diversifying Canada’s Prairie economy, has committed $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

    Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet needs.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal Ahmed Manager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Dean Paddock Vice President, Community EngagementYMCA of CalgaryDean.Paddock@calgary.ymca.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: OECD comparisons reveal an unflattering picture of inequality in NZ – could that change?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colin Campbell-Hunt, Emeritus Professor in Business, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    Recent research showing the richest New Zealanders pay less tax than their counterparts in nine similar OECD countries raises, yet again, serious questions about wealth, equality and fairness.

    How unequal is the distribution of income in New Zealand? How do we compare with some of the countries we might benchmark against? And, if we don’t like what we see, can we change it?

    The metric most widely used by economists to measure inequality in incomes is called the Gini coefficient (named after the Italian statistician Corrado Gini who developed it).

    It brings together income data across all households, typically divided into groupings of 10% or 20% of the total. When there is no inequality of incomes between groups, Gini equals zero. When the top group captures all income, Gini equals 1.

    Measuring inequality

    The graph below shows Gini coefficients, before taxes and welfare payments (known as “transfers”), for all 37 countries in the OECD in 2019 (before the COVID pandemic disrupted household surveys). Ginis are ranked left to right, from least to most unequal.

    The Gini before taxes and transfers is a measure of the inequality produced by the structures of a country’s economy: the way value chains operate, the markets for products and services, the scarcity of certain skills, rates of unionisation, and so on.

    This gives us a measure of structural inequalities in a country. Governments, however, use taxes and transfers to shift income between households. They take taxes from some and boost incomes of the more disadvantaged.

    Ginis of incomes after taxes and transfers give us a measure of how well members of a society can support similar standards of living. They are shown in the following graph, again from least to most unequal. These give us a measure of social inequalities.

    Focusing just on social inequality, it is no surprise Scandinavian countries are among the least unequal, as well as Canada and Ireland. Neither is it surprising the UK and US approach the highest levels of social inequality in the OECD.

    Inequalities in Australia and New Zealand lie between these, but further from the Scandinavians and closer to the Anglo-Americans.

    Social inequality in NZ

    When we look at the difference between structural and social inequalities, we can see the extent to which taxes and transfers – government redistribution of income – reduce inequality.

    As we can see, New Zealand’s structural inequality, shaped by the economic reforms of the mid-1980s, is middling by comparison to other OECD countries.

    But New Zealand’s social inequality lies near the bottom third of OECD measures. A halving of top income tax rates in the mid-1980s and the rollback of the welfare state in the 1990s (after then finance minister Ruth Richardson’s 1991 “mother of all budgets”) significantly contributed to this.

    The downward columns in the following graph show the effect of government redistributive measures, ranked from most to least active. The result of these government redistributions in New Zealand is weaker even than in the laissez-faire economies of the United Kingdom and United States.

    Where does NZ sit?

    How do New Zealand’s inequalities compare with countries we might choose to benchmark against?

    Below, the Scandinavian countries famous for their egalitarian social systems are shown in orange. In green are countries that tolerate slightly higher social inequality: Sweden, Canada and Ireland.

    And the UK and US – exemplars of free-market capitalism that were the models for New Zealand’s reforms of the mid-1980s – are highlighted in grey.

    Reducing inequality

    How hard would it be to change? Could New Zealand, for example, reduce its level of social inequality to match Canada? Absolutely, yes.

    Other OECD data show Canada significantly cut its inequalities between 2010 and 2019. The country moved from a position identical to Luxembourg (haven for Europe’s wealthy) to be roughly level with Sweden.

    To match Canada’s level now, New Zealand would need to reduce structural inequalities further, or redistribute about as much as Norway and Denmark do. It can be done, in other words.

    Indeed, Finland shows government redistributions can transform some of the worst levels of structural inequality to produce outcomes comparable to other Scandinavian countries.

    New Zealand can aspire to goals for social equality matching those in the upper half of OECD countries. Beyond revisions to taxation and transfers, inequalities in health and education would also need to come down to reduce the social and economic costs of poverty and disadvantage that should bring shame to us all.

    The author acknowledges the contribution of data provided by Max Rashbrooke.

    Colin Campbell-Hunt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. OECD comparisons reveal an unflattering picture of inequality in NZ – could that change? – https://theconversation.com/oecd-comparisons-reveal-an-unflattering-picture-of-inequality-in-nz-could-that-change-239306

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How can we improve public health communication for the next pandemic? Tackling distrust and misinformation is key

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shauna Hurley, PhD candidate, School of Public Health, Monash University

    Pexels/The Conversation

    There’s a common thread linking our experience of pandemics over the past 700 years. From the black death in the 14th century to COVID in the 21st, public health authorities have put emergency measures such as isolation and quarantine in place to stop infectious diseases spreading.

    As we know from COVID, these measures upend lives in an effort to save them. In both the recent and distant past they’ve also given rise to collective unrest, confusion and resistance.

    So after all this time, what do we know about the role public health communication plays in helping people understand and adhere to protective measures in a crisis? And more importantly, in an age of misinformation and distrust, how can we improve public health messaging for any future pandemics?

    Last year, we published a Cochrane review exploring the global evidence on public health communication during COVID and other infectious disease outbreaks including SARS, MERS, influenza and Ebola. Here’s a snapshot of what we found.



    Read more:
    Why are we seeing more pandemics? Our impact on the planet has a lot to do with it

    The importance of public trust

    A key theme emerging in analysis of the COVID pandemic globally is public trust – or lack thereof – in governments, public institutions and science.

    Mounting evidence suggests levels of trust in government were directly proportional to fewer COVID infections and higher vaccination rates across the world. It was a crucial factor in people’s willingness to follow public health directives, and is now a key focus for future pandemic preparedness.

    Here in Australia, public trust in governments and health authorities steadily eroded over time.

    Initial information from governments and health authorities about the unfolding COVID crisis, personal risk and mandated protective measures was generally clear and consistent across the country. The establishment of the National Cabinet in 2020 signalled a commitment from state, territory and federal governments to consensus-based policy and public health messaging.

    During this early phase of relative unity, Australians reported higher levels of belonging and trust in government.

    But as the pandemic wore on, public trust and confidence fell on the back of conflicting state-federal pandemic strategies, blame games and the confusing fragmentation of public health messaging. The divergence between lockdown policies and public health messaging adopted by Victoria and New South Wales is one example, but there are plenty of others.

    When state, territory and federal governments have conflicting policies on protective measures, people are easily confused, lose trust and become harder to engage with or persuade. Many tune out from partisan politics. Adherence to mandated public health measures falls.

    Our research found clarity and consistency of information were key features of effective public health communication throughout the COVID pandemic.

    We also found public health communication is most effective when authorities work in partnership with different target audiences. In Victoria, the case brought against the state government for the snap public housing tower lockdowns is a cautionary tale underscoring how essential considered, tailored and two-way communication is with diverse communities.



    Read more:
    What pathogen might spark the next pandemic? How scientists are preparing for ‘disease X’

    Countering misinformation

    Misinformation is not a new problem, but has been supercharged by the advent of social media.

    The much-touted “miracle” drug ivermectin typifies the extraordinary traction unproven treatments gained locally and globally. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug, lacking evidence for viruses like COVID.

    Australia’s drug regulator was forced to ban ivermectin presciptions for anything other than its intended use after a sharp increase in people seeking the drug sparked national shortages. Hospitals also reported patients overdosing on ivermectin and cocktails of COVID “cures” promoted online.

    The Lancet Commission on lessons from the COVID pandemic has called for a coordinated international response to countering misinformation.

    As part of this, it has called for more accessible, accurate information and investment in scientific literacy to protect against misinformation, including that shared across social media platforms. The World Health Organization is developing resources and recommendations for health authorities to address this “infodemic”.

    National efforts to directly tackle misinformation are vital, in combination with concerted efforts to raise health literacy. The Australian Medical Association has called on the federal government to invest in long-term online advertising to counter health misinformation and boost health literacy.

    People of all ages need to be equipped to think critically about who and where their health information comes from. With the rise of AI, this is an increasingly urgent priority.

    Many people turned to unproven treatments for COVID.
    Alina Kruk/Shutterstock

    Looking ahead

    Australian health ministers recently reaffirmed their commitment to the new Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

    From a science communications perspective, the Australian CDC could provide an independent voice of evidence and consensus-based information. This is exactly what’s needed during a pandemic. But full details about the CDC’s funding and remit have been the subject of some conjecture.

    Many of our key findings on effective public health communication during COVID are not new or surprising. They reinforce what we know works from previous disease outbreaks across different places and points in time: tailored, timely, clear, consistent and accurate information.

    The rapid rise, reach and influence of misinformation and distrust in public authorities bring a new level of complexity to this picture. Countering both must become a central focus of all public health crisis communication, now and in the future.

    This article is part of a series on the next pandemic.

    Rebecca Ryan receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council through funding to Australian Cochrane entities, and was previously commissioned by the World Health Organization to undertake a rapid evidence review on communication for COVID-19 prevention and control (2020).

    Shauna Hurley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How can we improve public health communication for the next pandemic? Tackling distrust and misinformation is key – https://theconversation.com/how-can-we-improve-public-health-communication-for-the-next-pandemic-tackling-distrust-and-misinformation-is-key-226718

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: France/Azerbaijan: Killing of President Aliyev’s critic exposes failures to protect exiled activists

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the fatal stabbing of Azerbaijani human rights defender Vidadi Isgandarli in France, where he had been living in exile, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s Researcher for South Caucasus, said:

    “The violent death of Vidadi Isgandarli must be effectively and promptly investigated. We call on the French authorities to consider all possible motives for his killing, including his criticism of the Azeri president and government, which was the reason for his exile. This heinous crime must be addressed urgently, and all those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to justice in fair trials.

    We call on the French authorities to consider all possible motives for his killing, including his criticism of the Azeri president and government, which was the reason for his exile

    Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s Researcher for South Caucasus

    “This is the second time in recent years that an Azerbaijani living in exile in France has been the victim of a knife attack. The French government must ensure effective protection of individuals at risk who are seeking international protection in France. The world needs to know who is responsible for these attacks against Azerbaijani emigres on French soil and steps taken to prevent this happening again.”

    Background

    Vidadi Isgandarli, a human rights defender known for his outspoken criticism of Azerbaijan’s government and of President Ilham Aliyev, was attacked at his apartment in Mulhouse, France, on 29 September and died of his injuries in hospital two days later. He had been violently assaulted and stabbed more than 20 times.

    Vidadi Isgandarli sought international protection in France in 2015 after facing persecution in his home country.

    In March 2021, Mahammad Mirzali, an Azerbaijani blogger and opposition figure, was stabbed 16 times in Nantes, France, but survived. The French authorities launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of six suspects. The mastermind behind the attack has not been named. Mahammad Mirzali has since been put under a protection scheme.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Return-to-office mandates may not be the solution to downtown struggles that Canadian cities are banking on

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Wray, PhD Candidate in Geography, Western University

    In recent months, many Canadian employers in both the public and private sectors have implemented return-to-office mandates, requiring workers that transitioned to remote or hybrid work during the COVID-19 pandemic to work in-person again.

    Employers are justifying these mandates by arguing they improve productivity, build more collaborative teams and improve mentorship for junior employees.

    Employers are not the only group ecstatic about these mandates. Municipalities and business owners are also expressing hope that the presence of office workers will spin off into greater consumer spending at restaurants and other businesses near office buildings. The expectation is that office workers will once again start spending money on coffee, lunch or after-work beverages.

    In 2022, the mayor of Ottawa partially blamed the downtown core’s economic struggles on the fact that federal public service workers were still largely working remotely. Federal workers have since been mandated to return to work in-person three days a week in late fall.

    The Canadian Federation of Independent Business similarly criticized the slow return to offices as a leading factor behind why small and medium-size businesses, especially restaurants and bars, are facing challenges in downtown areas.

    Insight into restaurant success

    During the pandemic, there were predictions that more than half of Canada’s independent restaurants would fail as part of their customer base — office workers — shifted to working from home.

    Our recent study investigated which operational, demographic and land use factors affected restaurant survival during the first year of the pandemic in London, Ont.

    We found no significant differences between restaurants that failed and restaurants that survived based on proximity to office uses. Instead, operational decisions made by restaurants individually were much more predictive of their survival than any geographic factor, including the presence of offices.

    Restaurants are seen along Richmond Street in downtown London, Ontario, in June 2021.
    (Alexander Wray), CC BY-NC-SA

    We found that restaurants located in areas receiving more CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefit) payments, and with a higher density of entertainment venues around them, were less likely to survive.

    Restaurants that adapted by offering pickup and delivery options were more likely to survive, though only for those that did their own delivery in-house rather than relying on platforms like UberEats and SkipTheDishes. Restaurants that had drive-thrus, held liquor licenses, or had been established for more than five years were more likely to survive. These older, more established restaurants were likely more resilient because of financial stability and customer loyalty.

    Table-service restaurants fared better than fast food outlets, likely because they could offer large patio dining spaces during the summer. Restaurants with liquor licenses substantially benefited, especially after a regulatory change by the Ontario government that allowed alcohol sales with takeout and delivery — a first for the province.

    In short, restaurant success was driven more by individual business decisions rather than being in a specific location. People working remotely instead of in the office did not significantly affect restaurant survival during the first year of the pandemic.

    Downtown struggles

    As Canadian downtowns look to recover, many face ongoing challenges. Activity levels are down by about 20 per cent from pre-pandemic levels in many places, lagging behind many similarly sized downtowns in the United States.

    This downturn has been partially attributed to a combination of higher office building vacancies and fewer workers downtown. For the first time, downtown office vacancy rates have exceeded suburban rates in the Greater Toronto Area. There has also been tremendous housing growth within many downtown cores.

    At the same time, downtowns have become a highly visible focal point of Canada’s growing addictions, mental health and housing crises. The pandemic fully revealed the deeper social, economic and health challenges happening in Canadian society.

    While violent incidents are rare, the social incivilities and disorder on display — public urination and defecation, open drug use, visible tents and property crime — contributes to a perception that Canadian downtowns are unsafe. This perception, whether accurate or not, has an impact on the willingness of people to engage with their downtowns.

    A way forward

    The damage to the reputation of Canada’s downtowns has been done. Downtown London now has the highest office vacancy rate in the country. The Workplace Safety Insurance Board of Ontario, for instance, recently chose to consolidate its offices in the outskirts of London, rather than downtown.

    Many people now elect to spend their time and money in areas that have embraced the “experience economy.” These are places that provide highly manicured entertainment and shopping destinations, with restaurants being the bedrock of enabling high quality experiences in these areas.

    Foot traffic is at an all-time high in suburban shopping centres. The downtowns of cities that are widely known as global tourist destinations — Las Vegas, Miami and Nashville — have activity levels close to or higher than their pre-pandemic levels.

    These are places that are developing highly attractive economies that provide people with the safe, fun and exciting experiences they are looking for locally and internationally. Instead of trying to force unwilling workers back to the office, Canadian cities should instead focus on developing downtowns that people genuinely want to visit and experience.

    One potential way to do this is to provide wrap-around support services and direct pathways to stable housing across the entire community, as the City of London has done. By spreading care and outreach services across the entire city, rather than concentrating them exclusively in downtown areas, the negative effects from Canada’s homelessness crisis can be reduced on urban cores.

    This type of strategy will direct those who need help away from downtowns, and may even permanently lift them out of poverty. In turn, Canadian downtowns can return to being places for everyone to shop, eat, relax, and work in comfort.

    Alexander Wray is President of the Town and Gown Association of Ontario, and a Board Member of Mainstreet London.

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

    – ref. Return-to-office mandates may not be the solution to downtown struggles that Canadian cities are banking on – https://theconversation.com/return-to-office-mandates-may-not-be-the-solution-to-downtown-struggles-that-canadian-cities-are-banking-on-239682

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Tops $60 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans for Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds and Tornadoes

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announced today that SBA has approved more than $60 million in federal disaster loans for Iowabusinesses and residents impacted by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred June 16–July 23. According to Sánchez, SBA has approved $10,075,000 for businesses and $49,984,200 for residents to help rebuild and recover from this disaster.

    “SBA’s disaster assistance employees are committed to helping businesses and residents rebuild as quickly as possible,” said Sánchez. Businesses and residents in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux and Woodbury counties who sustained damages are encouraged to apply prior to the Oct. 22 deadline at SBA.gov/disaster. “Don’t miss out on any assistance you may be entitled to by not registering for help. You don’t need to wait for your insurance to settle or obtain a contractor’s estimate,” he continued.

    SBA continues to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at all the federal-state Disaster Recovery Centers and the SBA Business Recovery Center throughout the affected areas to explain SBA’s disaster loan program and help business owners and residents close their approved disaster loans.

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 24, 2025.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez added. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Provides Critical Disaster Assistance to Help Georgians Recover from Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Georgia following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 25.

    “SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help small businesses and residents in Georgia impacted by this disaster in every way possible under President Biden’s disaster declaration for certain affected areas,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

    The disaster declaration covers Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington and Wheeler; which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Baldwin, Bleckley, Brantley, Bryan, Charlton, Dodge, Effingham, Elbert, Hancock, Long, McIntosh, Mitchell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Twiggs, Warren, Wayne, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson and Worth counties in Georgia; Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, Jefferson and Madison in Florida; Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield, Hampton, Jasper and McCormick in South Carolina.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Building back smarter and stronger can be an effective recovery tool for future disasters. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.” 

    With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover.  FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.  Do not wait on the decision for a FEMA grant; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.

    Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 29, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 30, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE IRANIAN ATTACK AGAINST ISRAEL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    October 2, 2024

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:

    “I condemn Iran’s ballistic missile strike against Israel in the strongest possible terms. Thankfully, this assault – reportedly the largest of its kind in history – failed to accomplish its goal of indiscriminate slaughter. The scale of its ineffectiveness stands as proof of the enduring need to support our ally, Israel, with the tools necessary to protect its people and to defend its sovereignty. Moreover, it serves as yet another reminder of Iran and its proxies’ propensity for sowing terror and their role as the most significant obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle East. For the sake of the safety and wellbeing of all innocent peoples of all nations in the region, I urge the United States to stand with our ally as a committed advocate for prioritizing humanity, continue working with allies to establish a lasting ceasefire, secure the safe return of the hostages abducted on October 7th, 2023, and persist in the extremely difficult challenge of finding the path towards peace.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo to Provide €1 Billion Capital Solution to Vonovia in Third Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that it has entered into an agreement for Apollo affiliates and other long term investors to provide c. €1 billion to acquire a minority stake in one of Vonovia’s affiliates. This commitment follows two previous €1 billion transactions between Vonovia and Apollo in 2023, related to Vonovia’s real estate portfolios in Southwest Germany and Northern Germany. The latest agreement brings Apollo affiliates and funds total arranged commitments to Vonovia entities to €3 billion.

    Apollo Partner Jamshid Ehsani said, “Apollo is very pleased to further expand our partnership with Vonovia and assist Germany’s largest residential real estate company in reaching its strategic objectives. It is yet another example of Apollo’s ability to commit its capital resources and provide bespoke, scaled solutions to our closest corporate relationships around the world. This investment marks our third transaction with Vonovia and underscores Apollo’s role as an ongoing trusted partner to some of the largest global corporations.”

    Since 2020, under its High Grade Capital Solutions strategy Apollo has originated nearly $100 billion of bespoke capital solutions for leading companies such as Intel, Sony, Air France, AB InBev and more. Apollo believes it is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of large high quality corporates and retirement services companies, given the firm’s structuring, investment and syndication capabilities and scaled capital base.

    Latham & Watkins LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP are serving as legal counsel to Apollo, while Apollo Capital Solution is providing structuring and syndication services in connection with the transaction. Deutsche Bank is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Vonovia, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is serving as legal counsel to Vonovia.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three investing strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of June 30, 2024, Apollo had approximately $696 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit http://www.apollo.com.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Award Empowers Semiconductor Supply Chain

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated a federal award from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the Semiconductor Growth Access Program (SGAP), a new State-run initiative that will help existing Upstate businesses pivot or expand into New York’s booming semiconductor supply chain ecosystem. The U.S. Department of the Treasury awarded New York State $9.45 million, with a match of $1.5 million from Empire State Development (ESD), to implement the program through the Treasury’s Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP) under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). SGAP will provide dedicated legal, financial, business planning and accounting technical assistance to targeted businesses to help them plan for growth and access capital to facilitate necessary upgrades and expansions. The program will cover the I-90 corridor from Western New York to the Capital Region and will be administered by ESD in partnership with Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation (EDGE), the Capital Region Center for Economic Growth (CEG), and the NY SMART-I Corridor Tech Hub. To date, SSBCI has been awarded to states on a formula basis, and this is the first time the federal government has made the process competitive.

    “New York has become a global leader in high-tech manufacturing – and we’re just getting started,” Governor Hochul said. “This $9.4 million investment from the State Small Business Credit Initiative will be critical as we work to connect underserved and very small businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Working with the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re creating even more jobs and opportunities for all New Yorkers.”

    U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s economic agenda is driving historic investments, creating new opportunities for small businesses to grow and hire. With this funding, New York will help entrepreneurs across the state access capital and scale their operations in these critical industries that are key to strengthening our supply chains and national security.”

    SGAP will deliver high-quality, tailored support to strengthen the regional semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing supply chain, while empowering diverse New York businesses to access lucrative opportunities in upstate New York’s booming semiconductor ecosystem through technical assistance programs that provide legal, accounting, and financial services. The program builds on state, federal, local, and private sector programs and resources to build a more inclusive Upstate semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

    The program will bring together three key partners spanning New York’s I-90 corridor to deliver critical assistance to local small or disadvantaged businesses in underserved communities that can support successful implementation of CHIPS and Science Act investments – the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, Mohawk Valley EDGE and CEG. SGAP builds on the Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN), a core component of the federally designated NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub aimed at supporting local firms to enter the rapidly expanding semiconductor and microelectronics market.

    With over $112 billion in new capital investments announced, New York State is leading the nation in new semiconductor investments. The main drivers of this growth, Micron in Central New York and GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region, will spend billions in operating expenses and have pledged to achieve significant supplier diversity goals. These investments represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lift up New Yorkers from communities that have historically been left out of economic growth. SGAP will empower Very Small Businesses (VSBs) and underserved businesses to seize this unique opportunity and grow or pivot into New York’s chip industry, ensuring a shared prosperity in Upstate New York.

    Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Growing New York’s Semiconductor Industry
    Governor Hochul has maintained a strong commitment to building a modern economy in New York State by growing a dynamic and innovative semiconductor industry. In 2022, the Governor signed New York’s historic Green CHIPS legislation to make New York a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, creating 21st century jobs and kick-starting economic growth while maintaining important environmental protections. As part of the FY24 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured a $45 million investment to create the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI), which leads statewide efforts to develop the chipmaking sector. In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced a $10 billion public-private partnership – including $9 billion in private investment from IBM, Micron, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron and other semiconductor leaders – to bring the future of advanced semiconductor research to New York’s Capital region by creating the nation’s first and only industry accessible, High NA EUV Lithography Center at the Albany NanoTech Complex. All of these efforts are positioning New York as an innovation leader ready to support one of three National Semiconductor Technology Center facilities that will be established under the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act.

    New York is home to a robust semiconductor industry which supports more than 150 semiconductor and supply chain companies that employ over 34,000 New Yorkers. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s efforts, the industry is continuing to grow with major investments from semiconductor businesses and supply chain companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, AMD, Edwards Vacuum, MenloMicro and TTM Technologies to expand their presence in New York. In fact, in the last two years, chip companies have announced over $112 billion in planned capital investments in New York – more than any other state – and one in four U.S. made chips will be produced within 350 miles of Upstate New York. No other region in the country will account for a greater share of domestic production.

    Semiconductors are vital to the nation’s economic strength, serving as the brains of modern electronics, and enabling technologies critical to U.S. economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. The industry directly employs over 300,000 people in the U.S. and supports more than 1.8 million additional domestic jobs. Semiconductors are a top five U.S. export, and the industry is the number one contributor to labor productivity, supporting improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of virtually every economic sector – from farming to manufacturing.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul, New York is leading the nation in new semiconductor industry investment, and now, with additional federal support, we are poised to further scale up the state’s broader billion-dollar advanced manufacturing ecosystem. US Treasury’s award enables ESD to expand the economic opportunities created by Upstate’s booming semiconductor sector to small businesses in underserved communities through our innovative Semiconductor Growth Access Program, which offers critical capital access and technical assistance so entrepreneurs can focus on the important work growing their businesses and creating jobs.”

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “This major $9.4 million in federal funding will help provide critical technical assistance to small businesses across Upstate NY who want to grow in the semiconductor industry but can’t do it alone. This is how we maximize the benefit of companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed’s expansions in Upstate NY, helping existing businesses grow and adapt to lead in the next frontier of technology. This will help boost efforts along the I-90 Tech Hub I secured and help Upstate NY build a robust supply chain from Buffalo to Utica to Albany that further positions Upstate NY as a global center for chip manufacturing. I fought to secure historic funding for the State Small Business Credit Initiative in the American Rescue Plan and urged Secretary Yellen to prioritize funding for supply chain development, including in the semiconductor industry, because I know that support for small businesses is critical to our efforts to bringing manufacturing back home to America. Today’s federal investment further supercharges Upstate NY’s growing semiconductor superhighway!”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “This federal award will be transformative for small and underserved businesses across New York. It will strengthen our economy and cement New York’s reputation as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. I’m proud to have fought to pass the American Rescue Plan that provided the funds to make this grant possible, and I’ll continue working for federal investments that support small businesses, create good jobs, and develop our workforce.”

    State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “This federal award reflects New York’s leading role in the growing national semiconductor industry. This $9.45 investment will be a boost to New York’s local small businesses as it will help entrepreneurs in underserved communities access opportunities to grow within the semiconductor supply chain. This award is recognition of our robust efforts to ensure that the Empire State remains at the forefront of technological innovation. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement across the State.”

    Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “This award helps to secure New York’s position as the domestic epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing. But as we build New York’s future, we must ensure that the impact of this investment spreads across all our communities. By expanding manufacturing and technical program access to small businesses, we’re ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the continued growth of the industry.”

    About State Small Business Credit Initiative

    More than $500 million in federal funding has been allocated to support the resurgence of small businesses across New York State through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a program through the American Rescue Plan Act. Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, including underserved businesses and very small businesses (VSB), to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them the opportunity to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. With this funding, Empire State Development (ESD) has developed a suite of capital access and equity programs to help New York State small businesses grow and succeed. Learn about the SSBCI programs that Empire State Development has established.

    About Empire State Development

    Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Over 1,000 Acres Returned to Onondaga Nation

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams, Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sidney Hill and New York State Attorney General Letitia James today announced the finalized return of more than 1,000 acres of ancestral homelands in Central New York’s Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation. The completed title transfer of open space to an Indigenous Nation is one of the largest of its kind by any state and fulfills a critical part of the Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program settlement with parties including Honeywell International Inc.

    “Onondaga Creek’s headwaters hold profound significance for the Onondaga Nation, and I am thrilled New York State and the U.S. Department of the Interior succeeded in taking an innovative path to address damages from legacy contamination and return a beautiful ecological resource to the Nation’s stewardship,” Governor Hochul said. “Establishing this preserve is a remarkable collaboration to restore access to ancestral lands and waters and serves as a historic milestone in New York State’s ongoing recognition of the cultural and environmental heritage of Indigenous Peoples.”

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said, “Today, we recognize the Onondaga Nation as the rightful caretakers of their homelands. We look forward to continuing our government-to-government relationship with the Nation as they work to heal and preserve these lands and waters for future generations.”

    Onondaga Tadodaho Sid Hill said, “The headwaters of Onondaga Creek in the Tully Valley are part of the system of waterways leading into Onondaga Lake that have sustained our Nation for millennia, and we are grateful that the Department of the Interior and New York State have worked with us to return to our stewardship the first 1,000 acres of the 2.5 million acres of treaty-guaranteed land taken from us over the centuries. This is a small but important step for us, and for the Indigenous land back movement across the United States.”

    New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “Today is a historic day for New York and for the Onondaga Nation. For too long, Indigenous communities have been forced from their ancestral homelands, and I am proud that we can begin to right some of those wrongs by returning this resource-rich land to its rightful caretakers. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and DEC for their partnership in shepherding the return of this land to the Onondaga Nation.”

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), serving as the Natural Resource Trustee agencies for the settlement, signed a resolution in 2022 related to the Onondaga Lake Superfund site. The resolution directed Honeywell to transfer the title to more than 1,000 acres of open space in Central New York’s Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation to restore and steward the property.

    The Onondaga Nation has accepted and holds fee title to a 758.1-acre South Forest Nature Preserve and a 264.9-acre North Forest Nature Preserve in the Tully Valley that include the headwaters of Onondaga Creek, more than 45 acres of wetland and floodplains, and approximately 980 acres of forest and successional fields. The cold waters of Onondaga Creek support a small population of brook trout, a population that may be fully restored with proper stewardship. The wetlands, floodplains, forests, and fields are home to wildlife such as great blue heron, songbirds, waterfowl, hawks, bald eagles, frogs, bats, and other mammals including white-tailed deer.

    The Nation will protect, restore, heal, and caretake the property in accordance with Indigenous Knowledge; Onondaga cultural, spiritual, and educational practices; and science.

    State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The degradation of the Onondaga Nation’s lands and waters by a legacy of industrial contamination can never be fully repaired, but today’s historic announcement celebrates a key milestone in the journey to reconnect culturally, spiritually, and ecologically significant lands to the healing, caretaking, and permanent stewardship of Onondaga People. Guided by Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC worked closely with the Onondaga Nation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Office of Attorney General James, and thanks these partners and the many other stakeholders who sought to return these Tully Valley parcels to the Onondaga Nation.”

    The funding and implementation of Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) projects by the Trustees is a result of the legal settlement with Honeywell following past releases of mercury and other hazardous substances to Onondaga Lake, its tributaries, and uplands that include Indigenous homelands that are deeply sacred to the Onondaga Nation. As part of the Onondaga Lake NRDAR process, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and DEC assessed contaminant-related injuries to natural resources such as waterfowl and turtles and quantified the lost use of natural resources to the public, such as fishing. The agencies then solicited restoration project ideas from a wide variety of stakeholders and the Onondaga Nation to identify the types and scale of restoration needed to compensate for those natural resource injuries, as well as projects that could help address cultural losses to the Nation and its citizens.

    Copies of the Restoration Plan for Onondaga Lake can be found on the USFWS website. For more information about the cleanup of Onondaga Lake, visit here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Welcomes Additional Oversight with Consent Decree for Veterans Homes

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – The U.S. Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey today jointly filed a consent decree in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey. As part of this agreement, a third-party federal monitor will be appointed to the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus, two long-term care facilities operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

    “We welcome this additional input and oversight. We’re committed to making sure our veterans have the best possible care and quality of life at all three of our Veterans Homes,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With this consent decree, we can resolve past differences with the Department of Justice and focus our efforts on providing the best possible care to our Veterans Homes residents. I’m proud of the progress we have made and remain determined to not only meet federal standards but to exceed them.”

    “This agreement between the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Justice is the result of months of constructive conversations on how best to care for the Veterans, Veteran Spouses, and Gold Star Families who call our facilities home,” said Col. Yvonne Mays, the Acting Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The veterans homes at Menlo Park and Paramus have made significant progress confirmed by repeated, independent inspections conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We look forward to continuing our important work and we welcome this partnership with a federal monitor.”

    The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus achieved zero deficiencies in two separate no-notice focused infection control surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The surveys occurred on Sept. 5, 2024 and Sept. 10, 2024. The Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland also achieved zero deficiencies in a no-notice focused infection control survey on June 8, 2024.

    These no-notice focused infection control surveys consisted of inspections that assessed the homes’ procedures related to infection control regulations, including staff handwashing, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, and continuing education records. Additionally, inspectors reviewed kitchen and sanitizing operations, contact tracing, cohorting, isolation, and quarantine protocols.

    Menlo Park also received no clinical deficiencies in two no-notice facility wide surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health from July 8-16, 2024 and July 16- 19, 2024. These separate surveys were comprehensive and encompassed everything from the home’s infection control and clinical care, to kitchen operations, human resources, emergency management, and housekeeping.

    These on-the-ground achievements follow a series of reforms signed into law by Governor Murphy in 2021. In late 2022, the Governor also engaged consulting and management support services from long-term care subject matter experts to accelerate positive change. These reforms led to systemic changes implemented at all three homes, including the onboarding of full-time resident advocates, new electronic medical records systems, a learning management system that has enabled thousands of hours of training and continuing education for direct care and non-direct care staff, and increased wages for frontline healthcare workers to attract and retain the best and most qualified individuals to care for residents.

    The Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland remain open for admissions to eligible applicants. For those interested in learning more, please visit the Veterans Memorial Homes’ website: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/memorial-homes/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces FEMA Opens Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton To Provide In-Person Assistance With Applying for Federal Aid From August Flooding

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened two Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton that are providing in-person assistance to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits seeking to apply for federal disaster aid for damages incurred due to the severe flooding the western portion of Connecticut experienced on August 18, 2024.

    Located at Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street South, Southbury) and Our Lady of Fatima Church (229 Danbury Road, Wilton), these Disaster Recovery Centers are open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Anyone who lives in any town impacted by the flooding from the August 18 storm can visit either of these centers to seek assistance with applying for aid.

    “In addition to being able to apply online and over the phone, these FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are providing in-person support to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits seeking federal disaster aid from the horrible flooding western Connecticut experienced in August,” Governor Lamont said. “It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking assistance should apply as soon as possible to meet all federal deadlines.”

    The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed by representatives who can provide program information, explain how to apply for federal disaster aid, answer questions, and also provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

    The centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs. The facilities are equipped with assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Services are provided in English and Spanish. Anyone needing a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA should call 1-833-285-7448 for assistance.

    It is not required to visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to apply for federal disaster aid. Applications can also be completed online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA app.

    The opening of these FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton come in addition to the recent openings of two Business Recovery Centers located in Monroe and Oxford that are operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and providing similar in-person assistance to businesses and homeowners.

    This federal disaster aid is made possible by the major disaster declaration President Joe Biden approved last month for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County.

     

    Locations in Connecticut to apply for federal disaster aid from August 18 storm

    There are now four locations in Connecticut that are providing individuals with in-person assistance in applying for federal disaster aid from the August 18 storm. They include:

    FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

    Southbury: Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street South, Southbury)
    Wilton: Our Lady of Fatima Church (229 Danbury Road, Wilton)

    Hours of operation:

    • Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    SBA Business Recovery Centers

    Monroe: Monroe Police Department (7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe)
     Oxford: Oxford Town Hall (486 Oxford Road, Oxford)

    Hours of operation:

    • Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • Sundays: Closed

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates various projects worth over Rs 80,000 crore in Hazaribag, Jharkhand

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates various projects worth over Rs 80,000 crore in Hazaribag, Jharkhand

    Launches Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan to benefit 63000 tribal villages in about 550 districts

    Inaugurates 40 Eklavya Schools and also lays foundation stone for 25 Eklavya Schools

    Inaugurates and lays foundation stone for multiple projects under PM-JANMAN

    “Today’s projects are proof of the Government’s priority towards tribal society”

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects worth over Rs 80,000 crore in Hazaribag, Jharkhand today. Shri Modi launched Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, inaugurated 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and laid the foundation stone for 25 EMRS, and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for becoming a part of Jharkhand’s development journey and recalled visiting Jamshedpur a few days ago to inaugurate development projects worth hundreds of crores. Shri Modi mentioned handing over pucca houses to thousands of poor from Jharkhand under PM Awas Yojna. Referring to today’s projects related to the empowerment and welfare of tribal communities worth more than Rs 80,000 crore, the Prime Minister said that it is proof of the government’s priority towards tribal communities. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people of Jharkhand and India for the projects of today.

    Noting the occasion of Mahatma Gandhiji’s birth anniversary, the Prime Minister said that his vision and ideas towards tribal welfare are India’s capital. Mahatma Gandhi believed, the Prime Minister said, that India can only progress when the tribal societies progress at a fast pace. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that the present government is paying maximum attention to tribal upliftment and mentioned launching Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan today where 63,000 tribal-dominated villages will be developed in about 550 districts at a cost of about Rs 80,000 crore. Prime Minister Modi informed that work would be done to improve the socio-economic life in these tribal-dominated villages and the benefits would reach more than 5 crore tribal brothers and sisters of the country. “The tribal society of Jharkhand will also benefit greatly from this”, he added.

    The Prime Minister expressed happiness that Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan was being started from the land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. PM also recalled that on the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, PM-Janman Yojana was launched from Jharkhand. He announced that on 15th November 2024, on Janjati Gaurav Diwas, India will celebrate the first anniversary of PM-Janman Yojana. He added that through the PM-Janman Yojana, the fruits of development were reaching those tribal areas of the country which were left behind. Shri Modi highlighted that under PM-Janman Yojana, the foundation stone of development works worth about 1350 crore rupees was laid today. Speaking about the scheme, he underlined that facilities like education, health and roads will be built for a better life in the most backward tribal areas.

    Highlighting the multiple achievements of PM-Janman Yojana in Jharkhand in its first year itself, Shri Modi said that the work of providing water to every house in more than 950 very backward villages was completed. He added that 35 Vandhan Vikas Kendras were also approved in the state. The Prime Minister also highlighted the work being done to connect remote tribal areas with mobile connectivity which would help transform the tribal society by providing equal opportunity for progress.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that the tribal society will progress when tribal youth get education and opportunities. For this, Shri Modi said, the Government is engaged in a campaign to build Eklavya residential schools in tribal areas. Referring to the inauguration of 40 Eklavya residential schools and laying the foundation of 25 new ones today, the Prime Minister affirmed that Eklavya schools should be equipped with all modern facilities and impart a high standard of education. For this, he added, Government has also almost doubled the budget of every school.

    The Prime Minister underlined that positive results are achieved when correct efforts are made. He expressed confidence that the tribal youth would move forward and the country would benefit from their capabilities.

    Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Gangwar and Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram were present on the occasion among others.

    Background

    In line with his commitment to ensure comprehensive and holistic development of the tribal communities across the country, the Prime Minister launched Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan with a total outlay of over Rs 80,000 crore. The Abhiyan will cover around 63,000 villages benefitting more than 5 crore tribal people in 549 districts and 2,740 blocks across 30 States and UTs. It aims to attain saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education and livelihood through 25 interventions implemented by various 17 Ministries and Department of Government of India.

    In order to boost the educational infrastructure for the tribal communities, the Prime Minister inaugurated 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and laid the foundation stone for 25 EMRS worth over Rs 2,800 crore.

    The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) worth over Rs 1360 crore. It includes more than 1380 km of road, 120 Anganwadis, 250 multi-purpose centers and 10 school hostels. Further, he also unveiled a series of landmark achievements under PM JANMAN, which include electrification of more than 75,800 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) households in around 3,000 Villages, operationalization of 275 Mobile medical units, operationalization of 500 Anganwadi centers, establishment of 250 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras and saturation of more than 5,550 PVTG Villages with ‘Nal se Jal’.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi takes part in cleanliness drive with youngsters marking 10 years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 4:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today took part in a cleanliness drive with young school children in Delhi and interacted with them marking 10 years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

    Upon the Prime Minister’s enquiry about the benefits of cleanliness, the student mentioned prevention from ailments and the vision to create awareness about a cleaner and healthier India. A student also mentioned the rise in the spread of diseases due to the absence of toilets. Shri Modi informed that most people were compelled to defecate in the open earlier which led to the widespread of a multitude of diseases, and was extremely disadvantageous for women. The Prime Minister informed that the first steps were taken with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan where separate toilets were built for girls in schools which led to a sharp reduction in their dropout rates.

    The Prime Minister further discussed today’s occasion of the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi ji and Lal Bahadur Shastri ji. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction with the growing number of youth engaging in Yoga and also highlighted the benefits of asana. A few children also demonstrated a few asanas to the Prime Minister drawing huge applause. He also stressed the need for good nutrition. Upon the Prime Minister’s enquiry about the PM-Sukanya Yojna, a student elaborated on the scheme and said that it enables opening up a bank account for girls to assist them financially when they grow up to become adults. The Prime Minister explained that a PM Sukanya Samruddhi account can be opened for girls as soon as they are born and suggested depositing Rs 1000 every year which can be used for education and marriage later in life. He informed that the same deposit would rise to Rs 50,000 in 18 years with an interest received of about Rs 32,000 to Rs 35,000. PM Modi said that girls receive interest up to 8.2 percent.

    The Prime Minister also took a walkthrough of the exhibition featuring the works of children focussed on cleanliness. He shared his experience of a school in a barren region in Gujarat where each student was assigned a tree and asked to water it every day by urging them to carry water from their kitchens. The Prime Minister said that he had witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the form of greenery when he visited the same school after 5 years. The Prime Minister also threw light on the benefits of waste segregation to produce compost and encouraged the students to follow this practice at home. He also suggested creating awareness about the ills of plastic in their community and substituting it with a cloth bag.

    Further interacting with the children, Shri Modi pointed to the spectacles of Gandhiji on a display board and impressed upon the children that Gandhiji keeps a watch on whether cleanliness is maintained or not. He said Gandhiji worked towards cleanliness throughout his life. Sharing an anecdote, Shri Modi told the children that when Gandhiji was given a choice between freedom and cleanliness, Gandhiji chose cleanliness over freedom as he valued cleanliness more than everything. Upon enquiring the students whether cleanliness should be a programme or a habit, the children answered cleanliness should be a habit in unison. He informed the children that cleanliness is not a responsibility of a single individual or a single family or a one-time event, but it is a continuous process until an individual is alive. He informed the students that the mantra of “I will not dirty my surroundings” should be adopted by every citizen of the country. The Prime Minister made the children take a pledge of cleanliness.

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