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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Easing Africa’s debt burdens: a fresh approach, based on an old idea

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    The statistics are stark: 54 governments, of which 25 are African, are spending at least 10% of their revenues on servicing their debts; 48 countries, home to 3.3 billion people, are spending more on debt service than on health or education.

    Among them, 23 African countries are spending more on debt service than on health or education.

    While the international community stands by, these countries are servicing their debts and defaulting on their development goals.

    The Group of 20’s current approach for dealing with the debts of low income countries is the Common Framework.

    It requires the debtor to first discuss its problems with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and obtain its assessment of how much debt relief it needs. Then it must negotiate with its official creditors – international organisations, governments and government agencies – over how much debt relief they will provide. Only then can the debtor reach an agreement – on comparable terms to the official creditors – with its commercial creditors.

    Unfortunately, this process has been sub-optimal.

    One reason is that it works too slowly to meet the urgent needs of distressed borrowers. As a result, it condemns debtor countries to financial limbo. The resulting uncertainty is not in anyone’s interest. For example, Zambia has been working through the G20’s cumbersome process for more than three and a half years and has not yet finalised agreements with all its creditors.

    The need for a new approach is overwhelmingly evident. Although the current crisis has not yet become the “systemic” threat it was in the 1980s when multiple countries defaulted on their debt, it is a “silent” sovereign debt crisis.

    We propose a two-part approach that would improve the situation of sovereign debtors and their creditors. This proposal is based on the lessons we have learned from our work on the legal and economic aspects of developing country debt, particularly African debt.

    First, we suggest that official creditors and the IMF create a strategic buyer of “last resort” that can purchase the bonds of debt distressed countries and refinance them on better terms.

    Second, we recommend that all parties involved in sovereign debt restructurings adopt a set of principles that they can use to guide the debtor and its creditors in reaching an optimal agreement and monitoring its implementation.

    The current approach fails to deal effectively and fairly with both the concerns of the creditors and all the debtor’s legal obligations and responsibilities. Our proposed solution would offer debtors debt relief that does not undermine their ability to meet their other legal obligations and responsibilities, while also accommodating private creditors’ preference for cash payments.

    Our proposal is not risk-free. And buybacks are not appropriate for all debtors. Nevertheless it offers a principled and feasible approach to dealing with a silent debt crisis that threatens to undermine international efforts to address global challenges such as climate, poverty and inequality.

    It uses the IMF’s existing resources to meet both the bondholders’ preferences for immediate cash and the developing countries’ need to reduce their debt burdens in a transparent and principled way.

    It also helps the international community avoid a widespread default on debt and development.

    Bondholders are a major problem

    Foreign bondholders, who are the major creditors of many developing countries, have proven to be particularly challenging in providing substantive debt relief in a timely manner. In theory, they should be more flexible than official creditors.

    Developing countries have been paying bondholders a premium to compensate them for providing financing to borrowers that are perceived to be risky. As a result, bondholders have already received larger payouts than official creditors. Therefore, they should be better placed than official creditors to assist the debtor in the restructuring processes.

    However, despite having received large returns from defaulted bonds, bondholders have remained obstinate in debt restructurings.

    Our proposal seeks to overcome this hurdle in a way that is fair to debtors, creditors and their respective stakeholders.

    How it would work

    First, the official creditors and the IMF should create and fund a strategic buyer “of last resort” who can purchase distressed (and expensive) debt at a discount from bondholders. The buyer, now the creditor of the country in distress, can repackage the debt and sell it to the debtor country on more manageable terms. The net result is that the bondholders receive cash for their bonds, while the debtor country benefits from substantial debt relief. In addition, the debtor and its remaining official creditors benefit from a simplified debt restructuring process.

    This concept has precedent. In 1989, as part of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, the international community’s effort to deal with the then existing debt burdens of poor countries, the World Bank Group established the Debt Reduction Facility, which helped eligible governments repurchase their external commercial debts at deep discounts. It completed 25 transactions which helped erase approximately US$10.3 billion in debt principal and over US$3.5 billion in interest arrears.

    Some individual countries have also bought back their own debt. In 2009, Ecuador repurchased 93% of its defaulted debt at a deep discount. This enabled the government to reduce its debt stock by 27% and promote economic growth in subsequent years.

    Unfortunately, the countries currently in debt distress lack sufficient foreign reserves to pursue such a strategy. Hence, they need to find a “friendly” buyer of last resort.

    The IMF is well positioned to play this role. It has the mandate to support countries during financial crises. It also has the resources to fund such a facility. It can use a mix of its own resources, including its gold reserves, and donor funding, such as a portion of the US$100 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDR), the IMF’s own reserve currency, which rich economies committed to reallocate for development purposes.

    Such a facility, for example, would have enabled Kenya to refinance its debts at the SDR interest rate, currently at 3.75% per year, rather than at the 10.375% rate it paid in the financial markets.

    It is noteworthy that the 47 low-income countries identified as in need of debt relief have just US$60 billion in outstanding debts owed to bondholders. Our proposed buyer of last resort would help reduce the burden of these countries to manageable levels.

    Second, we propose that both debtors and creditors should commit to the following set of shared principles, based on internationally accepted norms and standards for debt restructurings.

    Guiding principles

    1. Guiding norms: Sovereign debt restructurings should be guided by six norms: credibility, responsibility, good faith, optimality, inclusiveness and effectiveness.

    Optimality means that the negotiating parties should aim to achieve an outcome that, considering the circumstances in which the parties are negotiating and their respective rights, obligations and responsibilities, offers each of them the best possible mix of economic, financial, environmental, social, human rights and governance benefits.

    2. Transparency: All parties should have access to the information that they need to make informed decisions.

    3. Due diligence: The sovereign debtor and its creditors should each undertake appropriate due diligence before concluding a sovereign debt restructuring process.

    4. Optimal outcome assessment: The parties should publicly disclose why they expect their restructuring agreement to result in an optimal outcome.

    5. Monitoring: There should be credible mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the restructuring agreement.

    6. Inter-creditor comparability: All creditors should make a comparable contribution to the restructuring of debt.

    7. Fair burden sharing: The burden of the restructuring should be fairly allocated between the negotiating parties.

    8. Maintaining market access: The process should be designed to facilitate future market access for the borrower at affordable rates.

    The G20’s current efforts to address the silent debt crisis are failing. They are contributing to the likely failure of low income countries in Africa and the rest of the global south to offer all their residents the possibility of leading lives of dignity and opportunity.

    – Easing Africa’s debt burdens: a fresh approach, based on an old idea
    – https://theconversation.com/easing-africas-debt-burdens-a-fresh-approach-based-on-an-old-idea-239427

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Be ‘cass-o-wary’ on the road this World Cassowary Day

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 26 Sep 2024

    A recent wildlife vehicle strike has revealed a common reality – one of the world’s most enigmatic and endangered birds, the cassowary, is falling victim to road fatalities at an alarming rate.

    Wildlife officers at the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) received a call from a witness reporting a car striking a cassowary chick. It was severely injured and transported to Tully Tropical Vets for emergency care.

    Following a nine-month rehabilitation period at Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Facility, the chick was successfully released back into the wild.

    This World Cassowary Day (26 September), DESI implores all road users in Cassowary Country (Wet Tropics and Cape York) to be ‘cass-o-wary’ as this endangered species frequently cross our roadways.

    Over the past 12 months, there have been 21 cassowaries killed in road strikes – making road collisions the leading cause of death of cassowaries reported to DESI.

    In this same timeframe, two cassowaries have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. This disparity demonstrates that many cassowaries struck by vehicles are sadly not able to be saved.

    Wildlife officer Stephen Clough highlights the severe implications that feeding cassowaries can have.

    “We respond to a variety of cassowary incidents, including vehicle strikes, injured and orphaned birds, aggressive birds, and even birds who find themselves lost in farm paddocks. Many of these issues could be avoided if the birds hadn’t developed an association between humans and food.

    “Feeding cassowaries can draw them out of their rainforest habitats and into residential areas, where they face increased risks of vehicle strikes and dog attacks. They can become more aggressive, posing a serious threat to both people and pets.

    “It is illegal to feed cassowaries and penalties of up to $6,452 can apply.

    “Our Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre in Garners Beach can hold up to 9 birds at a time. We currently have 4 in rehabilitation for release. Unfortunately, many of the birds involved in road strikes are killed in the incident, or sustain such severe injuries that they can’t be saved and need to be humanely euthanised.

    “Cassowaries play a crucial role in distributing seeds from native rainforest trees, and by leaving them to do their job as rainforest gardeners, we are helping not only to protect this iconic Australian bird, but also the rainforest environment they live in.

    “We encourage people to report all injured, sick or orphaned cassowaries by calling 1300 130 372.”

    The southern cassowary is considered endangered, and its population is limited to rainforest areas of the Wet Tropics and Cape York.

    Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by kicking out with their large, clawed feet. People are asked to Be cass-o-wary at all times in the Wet Tropics.

    • Never approach cassowaries.
    • Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
    • Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
    • Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
    • Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat.
    • Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
    • Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: AFL : First half-year 2024: Business continued to grow at a sustained pace, delivering positive earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First half-year 2024:
    Business continued to grow at a sustained pace, delivering positive earnings

    The AFL Group has unveiled its earnings for H1 2024. Highlights include:

    • New memberships expressed as pledged capital are up €21.5 million in H1 2024 – as much as during the full year in 2023.
    • Credit origination hit a new record high after growing 18% in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.
    • Half-year earnings, excluding non-recurring items, rose 16% between 2023 and 2024.
    • Changes to local authority risk weightings, down from 20% to 0%, allow the debt securities issued by AFL to be classified as HQLA1 (decision by ACPR in June 2024).

    Consolidated earnings – key figures at June 30, 2024:

    Member local authorities: 878 (+102 local authorities vs. 31/12/2023)

    Pledged capital: 315 million euros (+21.5 million vs. 31/12/2023)

    Loan production: 622 billion euros (+18% vs. 30/06/2023)

    Funds raised in the market: 1,400 million euros (part of a 2,500-million-euro programme) with a 39-basis point margin over the OAT yield curve.

    Net interest margin: 11.6 billion euros (-10.5% vs. 30/06/2023)

    Gross operating income: 2.9 billion euros (-25% vs. June 30, 2023)

    Net income after tax: 1.96 billion euros (-31% vs. June 30, 2023)

    Cost/income ratio: 73.1% (vs. 67.4% as of December 31, 2023)

    Solvency ratio: 77.7% (vs. 13.23% as of December 31, 2023)

    Leverage ratio for public development lending institutions: 9.69% (vs. 8.86% as of December 31, 2023)

    Banking leverage ratio1: 2.42% (vs. 2.24% as of December 31, 2023)

    Record increase in lending activity and in the number of new local authority memberships

    Record credit origination

    During H1 2024, AFL granted loans of 622 million euros to its local authority members, 18% more than as of June 2023. This trend is being observed as demand for debt remains high, fuelled by the need to fund mid-term projects and address major challenges posed by the environmental and climate transition.

    Over 100 new local authority members

    Buoyed by this lending momentum and its increasingly strong reputation, AFL registered 102 new local authority memberships, thereby bringing its total members to 878 at 30 June, 2024.

    These new members are: 3 departments, 5 unions, 2 communities of communes, 5 urban communities and 87 municipalities of various sizes. Overall, AFL Group members include a total of 6 regions, 17 French departments, 669 municipalities and 186 EPCIs (groupings of municipalities) including 15 cities and 50 unions.

    This represents an additional capital commitment of 21.5 million euros, voted in H1 2024, bringing the total to 315 million euros.

    Efficient refinancing that stands out for the continued diversification of issuances

    In H1 2024, AFL raised 1.4 billion euros in the bond market with a weighted average maturity of 7.8 years:

    • A syndicated bond issue of 750 million euros with a 10-year maturity;
    • The first syndicated issuance in Swiss francs for a total 110 million, with a 10-year maturity;
    • A new 3-year syndicated bond issuance in sterling for a total 250 million;
    • Several Euro-denominated private placements including six “callable” deals (pre-determined term) for a total 221 million euros.

    The weighted average spread on these issues was 39-basis points over the Obligations Assimilables du Trésor (OAT) curve, a substantial improvement compared to the previous financial year (average of 49 basis points over OAT in 2023).

    Financial results are aligned with the business plan

    Robust earnings (consolidated earnings under IFRS)

    At June 30, 2024, the AFL Group has generated the income needed to pursue its growth:

    • Net banking income (NBI) came in at €10,785 thousand (€12,179 thousand as of 30/06/2023).
    • Net interest margin for the AFL Group stood at €11,586 thousand (€12,940 thousand of 30/06/2024). This decline stems from the exceptional results recorded in the first half of 2023, boosted notably by the substantial drop in cash carrying costs after the ECB raised its deposit rate.
    • The gross operating income stood at €2,901 thousand (€3,868 thousand as of 30/06/2023).
    • Excluding non-recurring items (i.e. excluding income from capital gains on disposals of securities and hedge accounting), gross operating income was €4,015 thousand (€3,452 thousand in H2 2023).
    • Operating costs during the period came to €7,336 thousand as of June 30, 2024 (€7,857 thousand as of 30/06/2023), reflecting AFL’s disciplined management and the end of the contribution to the Single Resolution Fund.  
    • Net income as of June 30, 2024, stood at €1,954 thousand (€2,840 thousand as of June 30, 2024).

    Earnings that meet our expectations and confirm the resilience of AFL’s model

    “The AFL Group’s results at the end of the first half of 2024 are in positive territory for the long term. They are in line with the forecast included in the budget for the year 2024 and the multi-annual business plan. They reflect the sustained growth of the bank’s core business: an accelerating rate of membership and historic credit production. With the 0% risk weighting of local authorities, the quality of the AFL signature in capital markets improves further and will allow it to strengthen its competitiveness in financing local public investment”, states Yves Millardet, Chairman of the Executive Board of AFL.

    The cost of risk is intrinsically low in AFL’s model

    AFL’s cost of risk is intrinsically limited due to its model as a public development credit institution, the company’s prudent management and the excellent solvency of local authorities. As an example, AFL has zero exposure to stage 3 (default status) assets.

    At June 30, 2024, the cost of risk relating to ex-ante impairment for expected losses on financial assets under IFRS 9 was a charge of €255 thousand (compared with a charge of €71 thousand at 30/06/2023).

    This rise in the cost of risk is mainly attributable to higher asset volumes, and to a lesser extent, to revisions made to the assumptions used for determining the economic scenarios by asset class, to account for the deterioration of macroeconomic and geo-strategic risks.

    The operating income stands at €2,645 thousand (€3,797 thousand as of June 30, 2023). This led to a rise in the cost/income ratio to 73.1% (68.2% as of June 30, 2023). Relative to credit volumes, operating expenses account for 19 basis points; this is a 1 basis-point improvement compared to December 31, 2023, confirming the efficiency of our model.

    Financial strength

    The highlight event for AFL during the period was the ACPR (Supervision and Resolution Authority)’s decision on June 21, 2024 (and published on July 3, 2024) to change the credit risk weighting of exposures to French local authorities from 20% to 0%. This decision is applicable to municipalities, departments, regions and EPCI (with specific tax status), and has generated a significant facial increase for the AFL Group’s solvency ratio.

    Furthermore, following its decision on June 21, 2024, the ACPR supervisory college announced that the debt issued by AFL would qualify as HQLA1 if the percentage of the credit granted by AFL to local authorities with 0% weightings is above 90% of its outstanding credit. Exposure to French local authorities with 0% weightings stands at 94.9% as of June 30, 2024 – which is largely above the minimum threshold of 90%.

    • The CET1 solvency ratio (consolidated) stands at 77.7% (13.23% at 31/12/2023);
    • The leverage ratio, calculated using the methodology applicable to public development credit institutions, was 9.69% (compared to 8.86% as of 31/12/2023 and for a regulatory limit of 3%);
    • The banking leverage ratio stands at 2.42% (2.24% as of 31/12/2023);
    • The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) stands at 622%, above the regulatory limit of 100%;
    • The net stable funding ratio (NSFR) stands at 171%, above the regulatory threshold of 100%;
    • The 12-month internal liquidity ratio (NCRR) came to 98% at 30 June 2024, corresponding to a liquidity reserve of €2.1 billion. This will allow AFL to meet all its needs for almost 12 months without having to turn to the market.  

    Post-closing events

    • Since the end of H1 2024, on July 18, 2024, AFL tapped its bond maturing on March 20, 2034, by €250 million with a narrower margin of 23 basis points over the OAT rate. This narrower margin stems from the HQLA1 classification of the debt issued by AFL (cf. ACPR decision explained above).
    • As of August 31, 2024, AFL’s medium- and long-term loan production was €831 million, confirming its steady and solid growth.
    • A further capital increase was carried out by the Board of Directors of AFL-ST on September 25, 2024, to allow new local authorities to gain membership.
    • On September 4, 2024, AFL published the credit ratings assigned by Fitch Ratings: AA- (stable outlook) for mid-and long-term debt and F1+ (stable outlook) for short-term debt. At the same time, for purposes of methodology, Moody’s was asked to delete all ratings and assessments it had completed on AFL.
    • To continue to support the growth momentum of its loan portfolio and to address demand from its members, while maintaining high levels of equity capital, AFL is looking into the possibility of issuing super subordinated debt in the near future, market conditions permitting.

    AFL credit rating at 25 September, 2024

      Fitch Ratings Standard & Poor’s
    Long-term rating AA- AA-
    Outlook Stable Stable
    Short-term rating F1+ A-1+

    AFL’s Management Board signed off on AFL’s interim financial statements2for the first half of 2024 on September 10, 2024. At its meeting on September 25, 2024, chaired by Sacha Briand, AFL’s Supervisory Board approved AFL’s interim financial statements.
    At its meeting on September 25, 2024, chaired by Marie Ducamin, the Board of Directors of AFL-ST, the Société Territoriale (parent company), approved AFL Group’s consolidated interim financial statements.

    The Statutory Auditors conducted a limited review of the concise interim parent company and consolidated financial statements for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024, and their reports are available at:
    http://www.agence-france-locale.fr

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although AFL Group believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions as of the date of this press release, they are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, relating in particular to the impacts of the war in Ukraine and the resulting economic crisis, which may cause actual results to differ from those indicated or implied in these statements.

    AFL Group’s financial information for the first half of the year consists of this press release and the report available on the website:

    https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/actualite/first-half-year-2024-results/

    About Agence France Locale

    “Embody responsible finance and empower local authorities to respond to the present and future needs of their inhabitants.”
    “By creating the first bank that we wholly own and manage, we, the French local authorities, have taken a strong political step toward decentralization. Agence France Locale is unlike any other financial institution. Created by and for local authorities, it acts in a local context to strengthen our freedom, our ability to develop projects and our responsibility as public actors. Its culture of prudence safeguards us against the potential dangers posed by the complexity and depth of its governance and conflicts of interest. Its fundamental objective is to offer local authorities access to resources on the best terms and with complete transparency. We are guided by the principles of solidarity and equity. Convinced that we will go further together, we wanted an agile institution that would appeal to all authorities, from the largest regions to the smallest municipalities. We see profit as a way to optimize public spending, not an end in itself. Through AFL, we support a local environment committed to addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. AFL strengthens our power to act, to carry out projects locally, for today and tomorrow, for the good of the people who live there. We are proud to have a bank that expresses growth as we see it, ever more responsible and sustainable. We are Agence France Locale.”

    More information can be found on http://www.afl-banque.fr         

    1The decree of July 15, 2024 amending the Code Général des Collectivités Territoriales (French Law for Regional and Local Authorities) states that local authorities wishing to become members of AFL must ensure that the risk appetite framework set by the banking institution includes a minimum equity capital threshold of at least 1.7 % of total exposure.
    2 During the first half of 2024, AFL purchased office space through its subsidiary Agence France Locale Foncière. This property will house AFL’s headquarters from 2027.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Enhanced scrutiny, tech help protect cultural relics

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

    China’s continued efforts in safeguarding its cultural relics have achieved fruitful results, thanks to coordinated measures adopted by various departments.

    In the past two years, the country has successfully solved over 1,200 cases of cultural heritage crimes and apprehended more than 3,500 criminal suspects, according to a news conference held on Wednesday by the State Council Information Office.

    More than 3,100 “precious cultural relics” — those rated as national first-, second- and third-grade relics — and over 470,000 other cultural relics have been recovered during the same period, it said.

    Guan Qiang, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said a special action plan to combat and prevent cultural heritage crimes was implemented in September 2022 following the National Interministerial Joint Meeting on the Safety of Cultural Relics. The action plan is effective for three years.

    “We will further intensify scrutiny on crimes involving cultural relics by taking decisive action against major instances of such violations and safety incidents, reinforcing disciplinary accountability, and encouraging local authorities to effectively fulfill their obligations,” he said.

    Remote-sensing satellites, big data analysis and other advanced technologies will be more widely used to promptly detect illegal activities, thereby ensuring the effective preservation of cultural relics, Guan said.

    For example, remote-sensing satellites have been used this year to monitor all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national-level cultural heritage sites under key protection in China.

    China is home to 767,000 immovable cultural relics, such as ancient architecture, historical monuments and archaeological sites, and about 108 million State-owned movable cultural relics such as artifacts curated by museums, according to the third national census on cultural relics, which was completed in 2011.

    Guan said the fourth national census, which started in November, has rechecked about one-third of these registered immovable relics, and as of last week, around 18,000 such relics have been newly discovered.

    More than 5,000 well-equipped teams comprising 45,000 well-trained personnel have been mobilized to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the census. “Various academic programs can be launched thanks to this large-scale investigation,” Guan said.

    As heritage architecture makes up about 53 percent of China’s immovable cultural relics, Deng Chao, director of the heritage administration’s department of cultural relics and historical sites, said that meticulous preservation of such architecture is among the priorities in the ongoing endeavor to safeguard cultural relics.

    The huge number and rich variety of heritage architecture in China presents challenges for conservators.

    Deng said that improving the surrounding environment is an essential step in conservation efforts, as it enhances the high-quality development of local communities and contributes to rural vitalization.

    Concerted efforts have been made in recent years to establish a system to prevent and mitigate the impact of natural disasters on heritage architecture.

    Since 2012, the fiscal expenditure of the central government has been used for the renovation of about 1,000 heritage structures that were registered as national-level cultural heritage sites under key protection.

    In addition, special public welfare funds and bonds, among other measures, have been initiated by the central government to ensure upkeep of heritage structures with lower protection levels.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Condobolin upgrades completed through Roads to Home

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Lands and Property

    Aboriginal communities in  Condobolin are celebrating completion of $2.8 million in essential infrastructure upgrades funded by the NSW Government to support social, economic and employment benefits for the area.

    The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has funded Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade infrastructure at the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.

    Infrastructure improvements have included upgraded roads and guttering, footpaths, an amenities block, stormwater drainage and sewerage infrastructure, new streetlighting, new house fencing, upgrades to the community basketball and tennis courts and public gardens, landscaping, a community yarning circle, and a new village entrance sign.

    Upgrades have also occurred to a levee bank at the village which has been reinforced in sections and new flood gates and drainage flaps installed to help control flooding from the nearby Lachlan River.

    The delivery of infrastructure upgrades to normal standards enhances quality of life for residents and improves access to services, including household waste collection, postal delivery, emergency vehicles and community transport.

    A key feature of Roads to Home projects is ensuring there are employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal communities. The Condobolin project provided training for 10 residents and work for 8.

    The Minns Labor Government has so far committed a total of $173.8 million through the Roads to Home program to enable upgrades in 34 discrete Aboriginal communities.

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “It’s fantastic to see these upgrades delivered to bring infrastructure up to acceptable standards to benefit the residents of the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.

    “Infrastructure upgrades such as these are very important for Aboriginal communities as they improve quality of life and empower residents by supporting better health and safety and facilitating improved access to community services.”

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “The Roads to Home program is correcting an historic injustice where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves across NSW were left to fend for themselves without the types of infrastructure and services that communities in the rest of the state take for granted.

    “It is a unique program that takes a partnership approach to empower Aboriginal landowners to make decisions about essential infrastructure upgrades in their communities to improve social outcomes while providing training and employment opportunities.

    “We know there are better Closing the Gap outcomes when local Aboriginal communities and people drive shared decision-making and self-determination.”

    Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

    “Its always great to see investment in Barwon communities.

    “Things like reinforcing the levee to prevent inundation from the Lachlan river, along with upgrading the roads and building an amenities block, are not luxury items but they bring residents some much needed improvements that make Willow Bend a much better place to live.

    “It has a net benefit to peoples wellbeing when they see investment and improvement in their community”

    Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Louise Davis said:

    “The infrastructure upgrades have made a big difference. The village looks a lot better than it did before and the improvements have given residents ownership and pride in the community.

    “As part of the project, local residents got work and training with machinery including excavators and backhoes, and in fencing. and concreting.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Commissioners appointed to lead consultation with Aboriginal people on agreement making

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

    The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to consult with Aboriginal people about their desire for a treaty process, with the appointment of three commissioners to lead a process with Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

    The commissioners will lead a 12-month consultation to hear from Aboriginal people. This will include asking whether Aboriginal communities want an agreement-making process with government, and if so, what form that process could take.

    NSW is home to the largest Aboriginal population in Australia. The commissioners will engage with Aboriginal communities across metropolitan, rural, regional and remote parts of NSW, before delivering a report on their findings to the Government.

    The appointees bring with them experience, expertise and connections to Aboriginal people and communities.

    The Government has appointed former senator Aden Ridgeway, academic Todd Fernando and Koori Mail newspaper CEO Naomi Moran to the roles.

    The commissioners have been appointed for a fixed term of two years following an open, competitive process led by an independent Aboriginal advisory panel.

    Consultation about agreement making aligns directly with NSW’s bipartisan commitment to the 2020 Closing the Gap National Agreement signed by then prime minister Scott Morrison and then premier Gladys Berejiklian.

    The Closing the Gap Agreement includes a commitment to formal partnerships and shared decision-making with Aboriginal people to help close the gap faster in areas such as life expectancy, health and education.

    Aboriginal people and communities hold answers to issues they face. When Aboriginal people have a direct say in these issues, the whole community gets better outcomes.

    Over coming months, the commissioners will develop a detailed consultation plan, with consultations to commence in 2025.

    Interstate treaty and agreement-making processes have not been simple nor fast. This is the first step in work that could drive improved outcomes for Aboriginal people, and all NSW taxpayers, so the NSW Government will not be rushing.

    The NSW Government allocated $5 million for this work in the September 2023 budget.

    Find out more about the consultation

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “The appointment of the treaty commissioners is central to the process of listening to Aboriginal people on treaty and agreement-making.

    “The commissioners have been appointed following a rigorous process that attracted strong candidates.

    “We get better outcomes when we listen to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities. We must ensure Aboriginal people have a direct say on matters that affect them.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Kishida to President Dissanayake of Sri Lanka[Speeches and Statements]

    Source: Government of Japan – Prime Minister

    [Provisional translation]

    On September 25, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, sent a congratulatory letter to H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, following his inauguration on September 23 after the presidential election.

    In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his congratulations to President Dissanayake on his inauguration, commended the various efforts that Sri Lanka has been making to overcome the economic crisis, including economic reforms, and expressed his strong hope that Sri Lanka will return to the track of robust economic development as early as possible.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Orange community canvassed on potential rail service improvements

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Minns Labor Government has launched engagement to understand community views on future passenger rail services for Orange, with a forum to be held on 31 October 2024.

    The forum, hosted by Transport for NSW, will hear from the Orange and Central West community about transport connections in the region.

    The forum, to be held in the Greenhouse function room at Orange Ex-Services Club, will bring together around 80 key stakeholders including local government, rail groups, Aboriginal bodies and representatives from the education, business and health sectors.

    The forum will be followed by a drop-in session in the afternoon that will be open to members of the community.

    Details will be announced closer to the date.

    Feedback will also be sought from the wider community with around 130 other stakeholders from Orange and the Central West asked to complete a survey about passenger rail services.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “We are aware there is broad community support for improved rail services to Orange. The NSW Government has listened and is now responding with the next step.

    “Through this targeted consultation process, including a forum at the end of October, we want to gather specific information on community needs, expectations and potential viability of options, to help inform decision making.

    “We know the existing Bathurst Bullet train service provides an important and popular daily return train connection and we are considering all the possible options for Orange and the wider Central West.

    “We are committed to safe and affordable public transport that allows regional people access work, education, health appointments and connect with other transport modes and networks.”

    Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

    “More than 10,000 people signed Orange Rail Action Group’s petition, seeking to improve passenger rail services between the Central West and Sydney.

    “Minister Aitchison has taken active interest in the proposal to initiate a daily return passenger rail service between Orange and Sydney, to meet transport needs of our growing community.

    “I am pleased to see further consideration of the proposal, including vital community consultation to ensure future transport plans and services meet the needs and expectations of the community.

    “I encourage all stakeholders and interested residents to participate in Transport for New South Wales’ consultation event at Orange Ex-Services Club on October 31.”

    Fast facts:

    • Sydney Trains operates a twice daily Intercity service between Sydney and Bathurst on the Blue Mountains Line, which is commonly referred to as the Bathurst Bullet.
    • Sydney Trains Intercity train services are part of the Opal network, where customers can turn up and go and tap on and off to travel. Since 1 July 2024 the Bathurst Intercity train service has been operated by Sydney Trains.
    • NSW TrainLink operates a daily XPT train service between Sydney and Dubbo via Orange and a weekly Xplorer train service between Sydney and Broken Hill via Orange.
    • There are daily NSW TrainLink coach connections to and from Orange to Bathurst that provide connections with Bathurst Intercity services. There are also several coach connections from Orange to Lithgow daily, where passengers join Intercity train services to Sydney.
    • NSW TrainLink operates all regional train and coach services, including those that serve Orange. Advance booking is required on all NSW TrainLink services, including those that connect with Bathurst Intercity services.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The International Forum “Russian Energy Week” will present the achievements of the capital’s fuel and energy complex

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From September 26 to 28, the capital will host the International Forum “Russian Energy Week”. For the first time in seven years, the event will be held at two venues at once. The business program can be visited in the Central Exhibition Hall “Manezh”, and the exhibition of equipment and technologies – in Gostiny Dvor.

    Thus, in Manezh the Moscow Government will present a stand with the achievements of the capital’s fuel and energy complex. The interactive platform will be dedicated to the development of the industry and the use of innovative technologies in it.

    One of the main installations will be an interactive exhibition, thanks to which you can see the appearance of Moscow of the future. Guests will be able to take a quiz, based on the results of which artificial intelligence will generate an image of the city in a few years.

    The stand will also feature a model of the capital, each object of which symbolizes a certain branch of energy or resource supply. When touching the structures, visitors will be able to see videos about the work of fuel and energy complex enterprises, their achievements and development plans. In addition, a 3D model of Moscow will be displayed on the screen, hovering above the ground thanks to the flow of energy.

    Another project is “Elevator to Energy”. An installation simulating a ride in an elevator will introduce modernized thermal power plants, as well as modern electrical substations, gas equipment production, treatment facilities, control centers and communication collectors.

    In addition, guests will be told about the operation of life support systems and shown a visualization of how electricity is transmitted, water flows in pipes, and how digital platforms and control systems function.

    In Gostiny Dvor, the achievements of fuel and energy companies will be presented at the stand of the municipal economy complex. The exposition of enterprises will be of interest to those who want to get to know the industry better. For those who want to find work in this area, information about current vacancies will be posted.

    Thus, JSC “OEK” will recreate a miniature street with smart LED lighting, architectural and artistic lighting, festive illumination and electric charging stations for cars. And GUP “Mossvet” has prepared an interactive exhibition with a screen that demonstrates the organization’s achievements.

    The Mosgaz JSC site is dedicated to the production of gas distribution equipment and heat supply sources. Guests will be presented with models of gas control points, boiler houses and a complex for automating gas distribution systems.

    The main element of the PJSC Mosenergo exposition will be a large multimedia screen, which will show videos about the company’s activities, the operating principles of power plants and environmental protection. In addition, at the information stand, you can learn about the history of the enterprise and its current projects.

    PAO Rosseti Moscow Region will introduce modern equipment and software used in the electric grid complex. Among the exhibits are the OZHUR software package, a model of the new Krasnaya substation, the Electra virtual dialogue office, and others.

    JSC Mosvodokanal will present an exhibition that immerses viewers in the operation of water supply and sanitation systems. An interactive model will allow you to see the movement of water from the water intake to the consumer and back to the water source, and a 3D model of urban development with an augmented reality function will introduce the operation of engineering systems.

    The State Budgetary Institution “IMC” will demonstrate a metrological center for conducting inspections, a system designed for monitoring and servicing common house heat and hot water meters, as well as a unified installation module for metering thermal energy of its own production.

    Only registered participants and delegates of the forum can attend the business program in Manezh. Admission to the exhibition in Gostiny Dvor is free, but a registration.

    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.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144488073/

    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 Russia: The improvement of the territory of the Russian Biotechnology University is nearing completion

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists from the city services complex are completing the improvement of the territory of the Russian Biotechnology University in the north of the capital. The work is 80 percent complete, said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “This year we are improving the territory of the Russian Biotechnology University, which is the flagship of scientific developments in the field of biotechnology and health preservation. Today, the project to create a “Biocity” is being implemented on the territory of the university, and in addition, at the request of students, we are updating the territory so that it becomes more functional,” said Petr Biryukov.

    “Biogorod” is an educational and leisure space where teachers will be able to implement modern teaching practices, and Muscovites will be able to attend various events and educational programs, play sports, and relax. In addition, conditions will be created for the application and demonstration of the results of innovative developments.

    Three functional zones are being created on the university’s territory. The first will appear in the courtyard of the main building for employees and students. There, pavilions for coworking and a lecture hall, a summer open stage with an amphitheater and a media screen, a recreation and self-study area, as well as one small space with a round dry fountain and an amphitheater are being set up. A small sports cluster will appear in the second zone between buildings A and B — table tennis tables and exercise machines have already been installed, a streetball court has been prepared, and an amphitheater is being assembled. A gastropark with recreation areas is being created.

    The third zone, located between the dormitory buildings, the educational building and the residential building, is almost ready. There is a universal area for ball games, next to which a small stand was placed. In addition, there are tables for playing table tennis, a workout area and an area with weight training equipment, a place for playing panna football, a summer terrace and recreation areas.

    In all three zones, flower beds were laid out in which trees, shrubs and cereal plants will be planted.

    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.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144485073/

    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 Russia: Running, basketball and fitrock: Muscovites are invited to free cardio workouts

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On September 28 and 29, within the framework of the projects “My Sports District” and “Sports Weekend”, cardio training sessions in running, basketball, table tennis, fitrock and fitness boxing will be held. Muscovites are invited to celebrate World Heart Day. It is designed to draw public attention to health issues and emphasize the importance of preventing cardiovascular diseases.

    City residents will be able to do fitrock, which combines elements of functional and dance training. The training is based on repeating various dance movements and combinations with drumsticks. Classes within the framework of the Sports Weekend project will be held on Saturday from 17:00 to 18:00 at VDNKh, and from 19:00 to 20:00 at the ZIL Cultural Center. On Sunday, they will be held from 17:00 to 18:00 at VDNKh and from 12:00 to 13:00 at the Yuzhny River Terminal. Registration is required on the website.

    In addition, on September 29 at 10:30, as part of the My Sports District project, the final fitness training sessions will take place on the roofs of the district centers Sofia, Angara, Elbrus, and Rassvet. You can sign up for the class through the Dance Fitness form on the website.

    Muscovites are offered to try such a direction as fitness boxing. The lesson consists of a combination of punches and kicks on a punching bag at a fast pace. This training increases endurance and develops coordination. On September 28 and 29, fitness boxing will be held in the Smstretching studio near the Tulskaya metro station from 11:30 to 12:30. You can see the schedule and sign up for the lesson on this page.

    On September 29 at 10:00 in the Olympic complex “Luzhniki”, parks “Sokolniki”, “Severnoye Tushino” and 850-letiya Moskvy, as well as at the addresses: Shirokaya street, building 30 and Zelenograd, building 904, running training will be held. They help improve heart function and increase lung capacity. You can choose a convenient site and sign up for training on the website.

    On September 28, residents of the capital can play basketball and table tennis under the guidance of professional coaches. Basketball training will take place in Severny Khapilovsky Square and at the following addresses: Festivalnaya Street, Building 4, Building 3 (Friendship Park), Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, Building 39, Bolshoy Ovchinnikovsky Lane, Building 11, Domodedovskaya Street, Building 22, Building 3, Marshal Golovanov Street, Building 4, Zarayskaya Street, Building 51, Building 2 (Plyushchevo Square). The training will start at 19:00. Muscovites will practice the correct throwing technique, learn to dribble and pass the ball. Basketball develops tactical thinking, agility and attention.

    Table tennis classes will be held in the parks “Sviblovo”, “Kuzminki-Lyublino”, “Dubovaya Roshcha “Mayak”, as well as at the stadium “Avangard” and at the address: Perekopskaya street, house 34, building 2. This sport develops attentiveness and reaction speed. During the training, they practice moving around the court, the accuracy of strikes and game combinations. You can register for basketball and table tennis classes on the website.

    “My Sports District” — one of the flagship projects Department of Sports of the City of Moscow, within the framework of which residents of the capital train under the guidance of professional trainers in courtyards and parks all year round, and in the summer also on the roofs of district centers. Depending on the season, children and adults have access to different sports – for example, in winter, participants go ice skating and learn cross-country skiing.

    The Sports Weekend project offers free yoga, stretching, barre, Pilates, functional and dance training under the guidance of experienced trainers. Classes are held at 13 indoor venues in the capital. Those who prefer to stay at home are invited to online training. You can find out more about the project and follow the news on the website.

    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.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144486073/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In a new manifesto, OpenAI’s Sam Altman envisions an AI utopia – and reveals glaring blind spots

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hallam Stevens, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, James Cook University

    Ryan Carter Images / Shutterstock

    By now, many of us are probably familiar with artificial intelligence hype. AI will make artists redundant! AI can do lab experiments! AI will end grief!

    Even by these standards, the latest proclamation from OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, published on his personal website this week, seems remarkably hyperbolic. We are on the verge of “The Intelligence Age”, he declares, powered by a “superintelligence” that may just be a “few thousand days” away. The new era will bring “astounding triumphs”, including “fixing the climate, establishing a space colony, and the discovery of all of physics”.

    Altman and his company – which is trying to raise billions from investors and pitching unprecedently huge datacentres to the US government, while shedding key staff and ditching its nonprofit roots to give Altman a share of ownership – have much to gain from hype.

    However, even setting aside these motivations, it’s worth taking a look at some of the assumptions behind Altman’s predictions. On closer inspection, they reveal a lot about the worldview of AI’s biggest cheerleaders – and the blind spots in their thinking.

    Steam engines for thought?

    Altman grounds his marvellous predictions in a two-paragraph history of humanity:

    People have become dramatically more capable over time; we can already accomplish things now that our predecessors would have believed impossible.

    This is a story of unmitigated progress heading in a single direction, driven by human intelligence. The cumulative discoveries and inventions of science and technology – Altman reveals – have led us to the computer chip and, inexorably, to artificial intelligence which will take us the rest of the way to the future. This view owes much to the futuristic visions of the singularitarian movement.

    Such a story is seductively simple. If human intelligence has driven us to ever-greater heights, it is hard not to conclude that better, faster, artificial intelligence will drive progress even farther and higher.

    This is an old dream. In the 1820s, when Charles Babbage saw steam engines revolutionising human physical labour in England’s industrial revolution, he began to imagine constructing similar machines for automating mental labour. Babbage’s “analytical engine” was never built, but the notion that humanity’s ultimate achievement would entail mechanising thought itself has persisted.

    According to Altman, we’re now (almost) at that mountaintop.

    Deep learning worked – but for what?

    The reason we are so close to the glorious future is simple, Altman says: “deep learning worked”.

    Deep learning is a particular kind of machine learning that involves artificial neural networks, loosely inspired by biological nervous systems. It has certainly been surprisingly successful in a few domains: deep learning is behind models that have proven adept at stringing words together in more or less coherent ways, at generating pretty pictures and videos, and even contributing to the solutions of some scientific problems.

    So the contributions of deep learning are not trivial. They are likely to have significant social and economic impacts (both positive and negative).

    But deep learning “works” only for a limited set of problems. Altman knows this:

    humanity discovered an algorithm that could really, truly learn any distribution of data (or really the underlying “rules” that produce any distribution of data).

    That’s what deep learning does – that’s how it “works”. That’s important, and it’s a technique that can be applied to various domains, but it’s far from the only problem that exists.

    Not every problem is reducible to pattern matching. Nor do all problems provide the massive amounts of data that deep learning requires to do its work. Nor is this how human intelligence works.

    A big hammer looking for nails

    What is interesting here is the fact that Altman thinks “rules from data” will go so far towards solving all humanity’s problems.

    There is an adage that a person holding a hammer is likely to see everything as a nail. Altman is now holding a big and very expensive hammer.

    Deep learning may be “working” but only because Altman and others are starting to reimagine (and build) a world composed of distributions of data. There’s a danger here that AI is starting to limit, rather than expand, the kinds of problem-solving we are doing.

    What is barely visible in Altman’s celebration of AI are the expanding resources needed also for deep learning to “work”. We can acknowledge the great gains and remarkable achievements of modern medicine, transportation and communication (to name a few) without pretending these have not come at a significant cost.

    They have come at a cost both to some humans – for whom the gains of global north have meant diminishing returns – and to animals, plants and ecosystems, ruthlessly exploited and destroyed by the extractive might of capitalism plus technology.

    Although Altman and his booster friends might dismiss such views as nitpicking, the question of costs goes right to the heart of predictions and concerns about the future of AI.

    Altman is certainly aware that AI is facing limits, noting “there are still a lot of details we have to figure out”. One of these is the rapidly expanding energy costs of training AI models.

    Microsoft recently announced a US$30 billion fund to build AI data centres and generators to power them. The veteran tech giant, which has invested more than US$10 billion in OpenAI, has also signed a deal with owners of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant (infamous for its 1979 meltdown) to supply power for AI. The frantic spending suggests there may be a hint of desperation in the air.

    Magic or just magical thinking?

    Given the magnitude of such challenges, even if we accept Altman’s rosy view of human progress up to now, we might have to acknowledge that the past may not be a reliable guide to the future. Resources are finite. Limits are reached. Exponential growth can end.

    What’s most revealing about Altman’s post is not his rash predictions. Rather, what emerges is his sense of untrammelled optimism in science and progress.

    This makes it hard to imagine that Altman or OpenAI takes seriously the “downsides” of technology. With so much to gain, why worry about a few niggling problems? When AI seems so close to triumph, why pause to think?

    What is emerging around AI is less an “age of intelligence” and more an “age of inflation” – inflating resource consumption, inflating company valuations and, most of all, inflating the promises of AI.

    It’s certainly true that some of us do things now that would have seemed magic a century and a half ago. That doesn’t mean all the changes between then and now have been for the better.

    AI has remarkable potential in many domains, but imagining it holds the key to solving all of humanity’s problems – that’s magical thinking too.

    Hallam Stevens has previously received funding from the Ministry of Education (Singapore), the National Heritage Board (Singapore), the National Science Foundation (USA) and the Wenner-Gren Foundation.

    – ref. In a new manifesto, OpenAI’s Sam Altman envisions an AI utopia – and reveals glaring blind spots – https://theconversation.com/in-a-new-manifesto-openais-sam-altman-envisions-an-ai-utopia-and-reveals-glaring-blind-spots-239841

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Are private hospitals really in trouble? And is more public funding the answer?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Scott, Professor of Health Economics and Director, Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Monash University

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    A battle between private hospitals and private health insurers is playing out in public.

    At its heart is how much health insurers pay hospitals for their services, and whether that’s enough for private hospitals to remain viable.

    Concerns over the viability of the private health system have caught the attention of the federal government, which has launched a review into private hospitals that has yet to be made public.

    But are private hospitals really in trouble? And if so, is more public funding the answer?

    Private hospitals vs private health insurers

    Many private hospital operators have reported significant pressures since the start of the COVID pandemic, including staff shortages.

    Inflationary pressures have increased the costs of supplies and equipment, pushing up the costs of providing hospital care.

    Now, private hospitals have publicised their difficult contract negotiations with private health insurers in an attempt to gain support and help their case.

    Healthscope, which runs 38 for-profit private hospitals in Australia, has been threatening to end agreements with private health insurers.

    St Vincent’s, which operates ten not-for-profit private hospitals, announced it would end its contract with nib (one of Australia’s largest for-profit health insurers) but then reached an agreement.

    UnitingCare Queensland, which operates four private hospitals, announced it would end its contract with the Australian Health Service Alliance, which represents more than 20 small and medium non-profit private health insurers. Since then, the two parties have also kissed and made up.

    Why should we care?

    There are three reasons why viability of the private health sector affects us all, regardless of whether we have private health insurance or use private hospitals.

    1. Taxpayers subsidise the private health system

    Australian taxpayers subsidised private health insurance premiums by A$6.3 billion
    (in premium rebates) in 2021–22. Much of this makes its way to private hospitals. Medicare also subsidised fees for medical services delivered for private patients in private and public hospitals to the tune of $3.81 billion in 2023–24.

    But when the going gets tough, the private health sector (both hospitals and health insurers) turns to the government for more handouts.

    So we should be concerned about the value we currently get from our public investment into the private health system, and if more public investment is warranted.

    2. Public hospitals may be affected if private hospitals close

    Calls for greater government support for private health have long argued that a larger private hospital sector would help reduce pressures on the public system.

    Indeed, this was the justification for a series of incentives introduced from the late 1990s to support private health insurance in Australia.

    However, the extent of this is hotly debated. Recent evidence shows higher private health insurance coverage leads to only very small falls in waiting times in public hospitals.

    While it is possible the closure of a few private hospitals might lead some patients to seek care in public hospitals, this shift might not be that large and will not increase waiting times too much.

    3. Fewer private beds, but is that a bad thing?

    If unviable private hospitals close or merge, we’d expect to see fewer
    private hospital beds overall.

    Fewer private hospital beds is not necessarily bad news. Mergers of small private day hospitals, in particular, might make them more efficient and lead to lower costs, which in turn lowers health insurance premiums.

    We might also need fewer private beds. This is due to policies that try to shift health care out of hospitals into the community or the use of
    hospital-in-the-home schemes (where patients receive hospital-type care at home with the support of visiting health staff and/or telehealth). The private health insurers are supporting both.

    If a few small private hospitals close, this reflects the market adjusting to less demand for hospital care. Some of the closures have been for maternity wards but with falling birth rates, this also seems like an appropriate market adjustment.

    Falling birth rates mean less demand for maternity wards.
    christinarosepix/Shutterstock

    What do we know?

    Any objective data about what is happening in the private hospital sector is scarce. This is mainly because the Australian Bureau of Statistics has stopped a compulsory survey of all private hospitals. The latest data we have is from 2016–17.

    Health insurers are the largest payer of private hospitals and hence wield a considerable amount of negotiating power. In 2016–17, almost 80% of private hospitals’ income came from private health insurers. Health insurers have also increasingly become “active” purchasers of health care – not just passively paying insurance claims, but wanting to strike a good deal with private hospitals for their members to keep premiums (and costs) down, and profits high.

    Reports of hospitals closing ignore hospitals that are opening at the same time. But since 2016–17 there are no publicly reported data on the total number of private hospitals in Australia or changes over time.

    The latest figures we have show about half of all hospitals in Australia are private, and of these 62% are for-profit with the rest run by not-for-profit organisations (such as St Vincent’s).

    The main for-profit providers are Ramsay Health Care and Healthscope. Both have operations overseas and were in trouble before the COVID pandemic.

    Fast-forward to 2024 and the recent issues with contract negotiations suggests the financial situation of for-profit private hospitals might not have improved. So this could reflect a long-term issue with the sustainability of the private hospital sector.

    What are the options?

    The private health system already receives large public subsidies. So the crux of the current debate is whether the government should intervene again to prop up the private sector. Here are some options:

    • do nothing and let this stoush play out Closure and mergers of private hospitals might be good if smaller hospitals and wards are no longer needed and patients have other alternatives

    • introduce more regulation Negotiations between small groups of private hospitals and very large dominant private health insurers may not be efficient. If the insurers have significant market power they can force small groups of private hospitals into submission. Some private hospital groups may be negotiating with many different health insurers at the same time, which can be costly. Regulation of exactly how these negotiations happen could make the process more efficient and create a more level playing field

    • change how private hospitals are paid Public hospitals are essentially paid the same national price for each procedure they provide. This provides incentives for efficiency as the price is fixed and so if their costs are below the price, they can make a surplus. Private hospitals could also be funded this way, which could remove much of the costs of contract negotiations with private hospitals. Instead, private hospitals would be free to focus on other issues such as the number and quality of procedures, and providing high-value health care.

    How do we help private hospitals become more efficient? Regulating prices and contract negotiations are a start.
    Kitreel/Shutterstock

    What next?

    Revisiting the regulation of prices and contract negotiations between private hospitals and private health insurers could potentially help the private hospital sector to be more efficient.

    Private health insurers are rightly trying to encourage such efficiencies but the tools they have to do this through contract negotiations are quite blunt.

    As we wait for the results of the review into the private hospital sector, value for money for taxpayers is paramount. We are all subsidising the private hospital sector.

    Anthony Scott has previously received funding from the Medibank Better Health Foundation.

    Terence C. Cheng 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. Are private hospitals really in trouble? And is more public funding the answer? – https://theconversation.com/are-private-hospitals-really-in-trouble-and-is-more-public-funding-the-answer-238891

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Export Sector – 2024 ExportNZ DHL Barometer reveals challenges and opportunities in the Business Central region

    Source: Business Central

    2024 ExportNZ DHL Barometer reveals challenges and opportunities in the Business Central region
    The 2024 ExportNZ DHL Barometer, released this week, reveals challenges and opportunities for exporters in the Business Central region, alongside suggestions to boost export growth.
    This year’s survey shows signs of optimism, despite challenging conditions at home and abroad.
    Business Central CEO Simon Arcus says: “These results prove what we know already – exporters in our region are exceptionally resilient, managing to grow export earnings despite the challenges of a sluggish economy and the damage of Cyclone Gabrielle.”
    “I acknowledge the really difficult time that Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne faced in the recent past. It’s a credit to the hard work of businesses in our region that more than half expect their orders to grow,” says Arcus.
    Business Central represents exporters across the lower North Island and Nelson-Tasman through our network partner, ExportNZ. Businesses in the region contribute significantly to New Zealand’s export earnings, primarily through manufacturing and agriculture.
    39% of exporters in the region saw orders increase in the last 12 months. 28% saw a decrease, while 28% saw them stay the same.
    Encouragingly, 54% of businesses expect export orders to increase in the next 12 months.
    But the survey reveals significant cost pressures are restraining export earnings. 78% of respondents saw costs increase in the past 12 months, with the cost of transport and logistics and the price of doing business in New Zealand cited as the biggest barriers to growth.
    There are a number of opportunities to boost exporters through enhanced government support. 43% of respondents in the Business Central region highlighted support for attending trade shows as an opportunity to export more, while 33% cited better access to market research. 29% called for new free trade agreements and better access to R&D.
    Business Central also welcomes the announcement of a new free trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, which was signed today. 24% of firms in the Business Central region export to the Middle East.
    Joshua Tan, ExportNZ Executive Director, praised the industry’s response to the volatile economic and exporting environment.
    “The current operating environment is difficult to navigate, with persistent challenges connected with the rising cost of doing business. Despite the many challenges, exporters have expressed optimism and confidence in future growth through the survey, which is very encouraging.
    “Given the Government’s goal to double export value within ten years, there are areas where Government support would be valued by exporters – support to help them grow their businesses here in New Zealand and leverage market opportunities overseas,” says Tan.
    Business Central delivers and supports ExportNZ in the Hawke’s Bay and wider Central New Zealand region. It represents 3,500 employers and exporters across the lower North Island, providing advice, training, support, and advocates for policies that reflect the interests of the business community.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU to begin classes as part of a practical course for postgraduate students “Fundamentals of Scientific Research”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Classes within the postgraduate course “Fundamentals of Scientific Research” will begin at Novosibirsk State University on September 26. This course is an integral part of the educational component of the new model of postgraduate study at NSU along with another discipline – “Academic English”. They are mandatory for first-year postgraduate students of all faculties of the university.

    The course program was developed by the head of the laboratory of functional diagnostics of low-dimensional structures for nanoelectronics Physics Department of NSU Pavel Geidt in 2022. The course is designed for one semester. Some postgraduate students study it in the first half of the academic year, the rest in the second. Over 360 young scientists have completed it in two years.

    — This course does not involve mastering the deep theoretical aspects of philosophy, entrepreneurship, communication psychology, natural sciences and other classical disciplines. It is rather a synthesis of several sections of these disciplines that have the greatest practical significance for graduate students at this stage. Its goal is to help young scientists from various sciences undergo postgraduate studies and further engage in independent research activities. The idea of ​​the course comes from a common problem: often university teachers do not tell graduate students in a structured way about a lot of practical information related to scientific activity, about its organizational and reporting aspects, about performance in projects, about the features of preparing grant applications, about etiquette in the scientific community and team , about information retrieval tools, about computer tools for working with data arrays and much more. As a result, graduate students face many difficulties: how to formulate a hypothesis for their research, how to prepare a publication for a scientific publication, how to successfully defend their dissertation and other uncertainties. The knowledge that they will receive as part of the course will help young scientists at the very beginning of their scientific career to build relationships with scientific supervisors, heads of departments and faculties, heads of scientific projects, employees of their laboratory, foundations, monitoring agencies and other structures that they will encounter ,” explained Pavel Geidt.

    The course consists of 8 lectures, including “The Main Aspects of Conducting Research”, “The Role of Management in Scientific Research”, “Financing Scientific Activity”, “Writing Scientific Publications”, “Participation in Scientific Events” and “Methods of Defending Dissertations through the Higher Attestation Commission and the NSU Dissertation Council”. These lectures will be given by Pavel Geidt, as well as Ilya Beterov, Associate Professor of the Quantum Electronics Department of the NSU Physics Faculty, Anna Komarova, Associate Professor of the Political Economy Department of the EF, Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Empirical Analysis of Industry Markets of the EF, and Natalia Aksenova, Head of the Department of Support and Analysis of Scientific Research at NSU.

    The course includes two practical classes. Unlike lectures, which are a summary of existing knowledge and organized information from various sources, practical classes are original authorial material. The first class, “Michael Faraday’s Principle: Work, Finish, Publish,” was developed by Pavel Geidt.

    — Publication of research results in scientific journals is mandatory for every scientist, but for those who are taking their first steps in big science, this causes many difficulties. Which journal should I send my work to? How to write and format a manuscript correctly? How to respond to reviewers’ comments? Who decides whether to publish an article? What should I do if my manuscript is not accepted for publication? How can I make sure that it is published anyway? And these are far from all the questions that young researchers have at the first stage of their independent, thoughtful scientific work. We tried to recreate the process of preparing an article for publication in a classroom setting so that it would be understandable and “transparent.” The students are divided into 4 groups: a group of authors, the university administration, the editorial board of a foreign scientific journal, and the editorial board of a domestic publication. Each participant in the practical lesson receives their own role: scientist, scientific supervisor, editor-in-chief of a scientific journal, reviewer, and others. In this way, all stages of the process of creating and publishing an article are reproduced, and the roles of the participants in this process acquire meaning, as if they come to life, said Pavel Geidt.

    The second practical lesson “Critical Thinking in Science. TRIZ: Relevance for Technical and Humanitarian Sciences and Further Prospects for the Application of TRIZ for Dissertations” was developed and is being conducted by the Director Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization of NSU Alexander Kvashnin. Teamwork is also important here. Mixed groups of young scientists from different faculties and institutes work together to resolve complex contradictions in science and technology that require a creative approach. Here, graduate students are also given homework: find a way to solve a technical problem within the framework of their dissertation research and describe it in 200 words.

    At this stage, it is expected that graduate students will develop the skills to formulate research problems and systematically design ways to solve these problems in the types of activities that interest them, encourage young scientists to methodologically reflect on their research project, instill a desire for clarity, structure and internal coherence of arguments and reasoning in their written works and oral presentations, and maintain interest in further in-depth mastery of disciplines related to the courses within and beyond the framework of their dissertations.

    — A budding scientist must be prepared for practical scientific work in graduate school and be able to conduct independent scientific research. This requires a clear knowledge of current scientific problems, the ability to analyze the state of the topic of interest and the related field of activity. Graduate students need skills in preparing grant applications, planning the execution of work and completing a project on time. Submitting reports with the publication of the results of intellectual activity, speaking at international conferences and, of course, successfully defending a dissertation are also important. We will teach graduate students to do science independently, as well as to speak about it in an understandable language, — Pavel Geidt summarized.

    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.

    http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/science/classes-will-begin-in-the-practical-course-for-graduate-students-fundamentals-of-scientific-research/

    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 USA: 09.25.2024 Sen. Cruz Releases Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    Published: 09.25.2024
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after voting in favor of a short-term continuing resolution.
    Sen. Cruz said, “Today’s continuing resolution included several much-needed provisions to help ensure our presidential candidates are safe and to help states like Texas recover when disaster strikes. I have called for President Trump to receive greater security from the Secret Service, and this continuing resolution provides additional funding to help address serious problems in the Secret Service. Additionally, this CR replenishes our disaster relief fund to help Texas and other states recover from severe weather.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: 262 socially oriented NGOs received city support

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 20 years ago, a grant competition for socially oriented non-profit organizations (NPOs) was established in Moscow. Every year, the best initiatives are selected in the capital and up to five million rubles are allocated for their implementation. Over the entire period, more than 3.4 thousand projects have received city support.

    “In 2024, the competition broke the record for the number of approved applications. This time, proposals were received from about 900 NGOs, 262 of which received support,” Sergei Sobyanin said in

    on your blog.

    The grant amounts range from 500 thousand to five million rubles. They are provided for projects in the following nominations: “Charity”, “Safe Moscow”, “Ecology of the Megapolis”, “Civic Initiatives”, “Creative Moscow”, “Volunteering and Volunteering”, “Media Moscow”, “Family Moscow” and “Urban Innovations”. The most popular nominations in terms of the number of laureate initiatives were “Youth of Moscow” (62 projects), “Our Heritage” (55 projects), “Healthy Lifestyle and Sports” (37 initiatives).

    The full list of award winners has been published on the website.

    An independent assessment was conducted by an expert council. It included representatives of the Moscow Public Chamber, scientific, research and educational communities, and NGOs. Each project was assessed by three experts, and they did not have the opportunity to see the marks of their colleagues.

    The projects were assessed based on their significance for the city and its residents, relevance and feasibility. The experts also took into account the effectiveness of the proposed solution, its efficiency and uniqueness.

    Career guidance for schoolchildren and assistance to SVO participants

    Among the winners is the Artificial Intelligence project of the scientific and educational center of the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman. The center itself is engaged in career guidance for schoolchildren: young research staff help students develop engineering thinking and the skills they need when entering technical universities.

    This year, the center’s team intends to develop two additional education programs of 16 academic hours each, which any high school student will be able to study.

    The Association of Veterans of the Special Military Operation (SVO) helps combat veterans adapt to civilian life faster and involves them in educating the younger generation. The grant is intended to launch the project “Museums of the Special Military Operation in Moscow Schools”. Five schools will be involved in it – museum exhibits will open in the institutions, courage lessons will be held, and meetings with SVO heroes will be held. The project will be implemented in 2025.

    Another project in support of the special military operation is the center for legal assistance to SVO participants and their families of the regional public organization “Lotus”. The center’s specialists will deal with various issues – from registration of status, benefits and payments for housing and communal services to entering into inheritance rights.

    The project “Equal to equal. Adaptation club” is implemented by the Foundation for the Promotion of the Russian Language and Education in Russian. Its goal is to help young people with disabilities adapt to universities. In several capital institutions of higher professional education, students will be taught the basics of inclusive volunteering. Specialists will talk about the problems and difficulties of children with disabilities during their studies and ways to help them. A special online portal will post methodological materials, video courses and lectures that will help children with disabilities quickly get used to the new environment and not feel lonely in a group.

    The charitable foundation for helping children born at an early stage, “Give me some sunshine”, will launch a program for the social, physical and creative development of children with disabilities. The participants of the project “We, playing, study, speak and understand” will be children aged six to 12 years. They will work with an adaptive physical education trainer and a speech development specialist. Speech therapy equipment will be purchased for correctional classes. The training will take place in the family center opened by the foundation.

    Winners of last year’s grant competitions

    The international charitable public organization “Fair Aid of Doctor Lisa” helps citizens who find themselves in difficult life situations – lonely pensioners, people left homeless, seriously ill patients. With the funds of the grant of the Mayor of Moscow, the organization launched the project “Let’s Extend a Helping Hand”, within the framework of which medical and social assistance was received by participants of the FAO. They were provided with medicines, hygiene products and medical supplies.

    The Global Impact Alliance, a charitable foundation for scientific research and development, is implementing the project Inclusive Routes: Virtual Reality Solutions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The scenario of the Public Transport project will soon be available for children with this diagnosis. The team has worked out all the elements of the bus in detail: validators, screens, and light indicators — everything to ensure that children’s adaptation to the virtual space is as close as possible to real conditions. As a result, the skill will be better consolidated, and during a trip on a real bus, the child will quickly get their bearings and remember what to do.

    The autonomous non-profit organization “Dynamic Guys” created a musical performance “You Can’t Fly, You Can’t Stay”. The plot is based on the story of people blocked in the capital’s airport due to weather conditions. The premiere took place at the beginning of the summer at the Moscow State Academic Theater “Russian Song”, more than 750 people saw it. And the video version of the performance has already collected over one million views.

    The Virta Charity Foundation held two exhibitions in support of homeless animals. The events were attended by over three thousand Muscovites. The foundation’s volunteers brought 270 dogs and cats from shelters to the exhibitions, 57 of which found a new home.

    The professional skills competition “Best in the Profession. Nanny of the Year” was held with the help of a grant. Participants were interviewed by psychologists, underwent reliability checks and completed competition tasks, as well as demonstrated medical knowledge and skills necessary for working with children. More than a thousand applications were received from nannies, educators, governesses and governesses of Moscow. Only 20 contenders for the title of the best reached the final. The competition was held by the ANO for assistance in employment and leisure of the adult population “Vozrasu. net” (the “Grandma for an hour” service).

    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/11823050/

    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: SEALCOIN AG Announces Final SEALCOIN Timeline, Whitepaper Release, and Tokenomics Details

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEALCOIN AG Announces Final SEALCOIN Timeline, Whitepaper Release, and Tokenomics Details

    Geneva, Switzerland – September 26, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity and IoT company operating as a holding company, today announced that its subsidiary Sealcoin AG, which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform, is announcing the final timeline for the SEALCOIN project, including the highly anticipated release of its whitepaper in October 2024. The whitepaper will unveil the strategic vision, technical roadmap, and comprehensive tokenomics of SEALCOIN, marking a major milestone in the platform’s development.

    Key Milestones and Timeline:

    1. Proof of Concept (PoC): Successfully executed on July 25, 2024, demonstrating the platform’s ability to facilitate secure, autonomous IoT transactions.
    2. Pre-Seed Investment: Raised $2 million in mid-2024, positioning SEALCOIN for accelerated growth and development.
    3. FINMA Application: SEALCOIN AG is about to submit its application to the Swiss financial regulator FINMA, ensuring full regulatory compliance as the project advances.
    4. Platform Development: Officially launched in Q3 2024, the SEALCOIN platform’s development is underway, leveraging Hedera Hashgraph technology for enhanced scalability and security.
    5. Platform Production Release and Token Issuance: The SEALCOIN platform will go live, and the token will be officially issued, expected in mid-2025.
    6. Token Listing: SEALCOIN is targeting a digital exchange listing by Q3 2025, to provide liquidity and accessibility for token holders worldwide.

    Whitepaper Release in October 2024

    The SEALCOIN whitepaper, set to be released in October 2024, will provide an in-depth look at the platform’s technical architecture, governance model, and tokenomics. The document will outline SEALCOIN’s approach to enabling secure, decentralized, and autonomous transactions between IoT devices, powered by Hedera Hashgraph. Detailed tokenomics will include the allocation and distribution structure, vesting schedules, and SEALCOIN’s role as both a utility and payment token within the platform.

    The SEALCOIN Platform and Token Beta Version will be released as an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) on Hedera’s TestNet in Q1 2025. This milestone will allow users and developers to test SEALCOIN’s core functionalities in a controlled environment, showcasing the platform’s decentralized transaction capabilities between IoT devices and ensuring the smooth operation of the SEALCOIN token within the ecosystem before the full production release, set in Summer 2025.

    Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALCOIN AG, commented, “With our PoC successfully completed and development in full swing, we are excited to share our roadmap and vision for the future of IoT transactions. The upcoming whitepaper will provide the community with full transparency on our tokenomics and the strategic steps we’re taking to achieve full decentralization.”

    About SEALCOIN

    SEALCOIN is a decentralized platform designed to facilitate secure, autonomous transactions between IoT devices. Built on Hedera Hashgraph, SEALCOIN allows devices to engage in seamless service-for-payment exchanges without the need for intermediaries. With a focus on privacy, scalability, and decentralized governance, SEALCOIN is poised to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. 

    About WISeKey 

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a Swiss-based computer infrastructure company specializing in cybersecurity, digital identity, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and post-quantum semiconductors. As a computer infrastructure company, WISeKey provides secure platforms for data and device management across industries like finance, healthcare, and government. It leverages its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to ensure encrypted communications and authentication, while also focusing on next-generation security through post-quantum cryptography.

    WISeKey’s work with post-quantum semiconductors is aimed at future-proofing its security solutions against the threats posed by quantum computing. These advanced semiconductors support encryption that can withstand the computational power of quantum computers, ensuring the long-term security of connected devices and critical infrastructure. Combined with its expertise in blockchain and IoT, WISeKey’s post-quantum technologies provide a robust foundation for secure digital ecosystems at the hardware, software, and network levels.

    WISeKey operates as a holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd 
    Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com    		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com
    Katie Murphy
    Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Neguse, Lankford, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Automatically Waive Fees for Replacing Critical Documents after a Natural Disaster

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    Survivors of natural disasters like the Marshall Fire often have to pay thousands of dollars to replace documents necessary for rebuilding their lives
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, James Lankford, along with Representatives Joe Neguse and John Curtis introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Replacing Essential Passports and Licenses After Certain Emergencies (REPLACE) Act, a bill to automatically waive replacement fees when survivors lose critical documents like passports, citizenship documents, and visas in natural disasters.
    “Wildfire and flood survivors have enough to worry about without also spending thousands to replace essential documents,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s waive replacement fees so Coloradans can focus on recovery.”
    “Natural disasters are nothing new for Oklahomans. While families focus on rebuilding and helping their neighbors recover, they shouldn’t have to worry about extra replacement fees for documents like passports. This bill will automatically waive those charges for families when disaster strikes,” said Lankford.
    “In the aftermath of the Marshall Fire, our office assisted hundreds of Coloradans in recovering critical documents destroyed by the disaster. Whether a passport or a birth certificate, the fees for replacing all that was lost can quickly become overwhelming – which is why I am once again proud to join Senator Hickenlooper in championing the REPLACE Act, a bill to automatically make certain document replacement after disasters free of charge. Step by step, brick by brick, we’ll continue to work together on the road to recovery,” said Neguse.
    “I’m pleased to reintroduce the REPLACE Act and address the urgent needs of disaster-impacted Americans by ensuring fee waivers for essential documents are automatically granted. When a wildfire destroys a home, the last thing that a family should worry about is paying fees to replace their documents like passports and birth certificates,” said Curtis. “This legislation is particularly crucial for rural Utahns, who will benefit from streamlined access to document replacements in times of need.”
    Victims of major disasters can easily spend tens of thousands of dollars to replace critical documents lost during natural disasters including passports, employment authorizations, green cards, and more.
    Under current law, federal agencies may waive the fees for the replacement of passports, visas, proof of citizenship, and other documents. However, the waiver process is not automatic – survivors may not know to wait for a fee waiver, and often need documentation immediately. Additionally, waivers are not guaranteed and are not always issued.
    The REPLACE Act would amend the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 to require certain critical document fees be automatically waived for individuals and households that are affected by major disasters.
    The REPLACE Act would automatically waive the cost of replacing:
    Passports
    Visa Forms
    Permanent Residence Cards
    Declaration of Intent forms
    Naturalization/Citizenship Documents
    Employment Authorizations
    Biometric service fees                                                                    
    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raider Reach exercise tests Ellsworth’s combat readiness

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D.  –  

    As the sun rose up into the sky ushering in a new day, exercise Raider Reach, a two-week, two-phase exercise involving the entire 28th Bomb Wing, encompassing five groups, 17 squadrons and supporting agencies, and over 4K military and civilian personnel came to a close Sept. 20, 2024.

    The exercise evaluated Ellsworth’s capabilities and resources required to generate and execute long-range strike missions around the globe through a variety of realistic combat and emergency scenarios.

    With 33 exercise planners and 109 Wing Inspection Team members, Raider Reach became the first full-scale readiness exercise that has been conduction on the installation in over a decade.

    “The [initial] goal was to stress unit capabilities and identify strengths and weaknesses in order to maximize combat effectiveness,” said Master Sgt. Eric Tindall, 28th BW Inspector General inspector. “The end goal is to provide our combatant commanders and Air Force leadership at all levels with the wing’s overall combat readiness.”

    During phase one of the exercise, personnel were processed through a deployment function line while cargo was prepared by the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron to be sent down range. This phase tested the wing’s ability to deploy on short notice while being in a degraded and contested environment.

    During the evaluation period, WIT members documented and graded the wing on duty specific criteria, providing critical areas of improvement to leadership teams and players involved.

    “We can only improve from here,” said Chet Weymouth, 28th LRS installation deployment officer. “I’m glad there were issues. That forces us to re-evaluate our processes to make sure we are mission ready for real-world deployments.”

    As a means to challenge the wing, various scenarios including a simulated drone crash, suspicious vehicle activity near the base, and several instances of declaring Force Protection Conditions Charlie and Delta were enacted to test how base agencies would respond.

    Phase two evaluated Ellsworth’s ability to fight from home, initiating daily B-1B Lancer flying missions from both the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons, 24-hour maintenance operations, and the uploading of inert munitions for the simulated combat scenarios.

    “Exercises like this make real-world situations feel less abnormal,” said Senior Airman TreQuawn Tomlin, 34th Bomber Generation Squadron crew chief. “We’re so used to doing the work that if something real-world comes up, we already know what to do; we feel prepared for it.”

    Wings are required to conduct Combat Readiness Exercises annually with the intent to ensure the highest levels of readiness across the force. Executing Raider Reach allowed Ellsworth to meet this requirement for the year while also providing data that will result in mission enhancements for many Air force Specialty Codes.

    “In line with the SECAF initiative for Great Power Competition, exercises are key to Airmen development,” said Tindall. “Exercises of this magnitude provide Airmen with the tools and experience to be able to execute a real-world mission while using the lessons learned to win today and dominate tomorrow!”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro Hosts Ceremonial Bill Signing in Berks County to Highlight New Tax Cuts Supporting Pennsylvania Families and Small Businesses

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    September 25, 2024 – Reading, PA

    Governor Shapiro Hosts Ceremonial Bill Signing in Berks County to Highlight New Tax Cuts Supporting Pennsylvania Families and Small Businesses

    Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Second Street Learning Center, where he met with children, staff, and business and legislative leaders to host a ceremonial bill signing for the recent tax cuts included in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget, aimed at lowering costs for Pennsylvania families and small businesses. The Center, which cares for children ranging from 6 weeks to 13 years old, is a vital resource in the Reading community, offering essential childcare services to low-income families.

    With annual childcare expenses ranging from $9,000 to $13,000 – over 15 percent of a median household’s income – many families are feeling the financial strain. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the lack of affordable, reliable childcare costs Pennsylvania’s economy $3.47 billion each year in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue.

    Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has brought Republicans and Democrats together to save Pennsylvanians money by cutting taxes at least four times. In the 2024-25 budget, Governor Shapiro secured a new Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which is designed to help businesses grow while reducing childcare costs for working families.

    Speaker list:
    Modesto Fiume, President, Opportunity House
    Lucine Sihelnik, President, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
    Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz
    Senator Judy Schwank
    Jennifer Stepp, Lead Teacher, Second Street Learning Center
    Governor Josh Shapiro

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Slotkin Statement on Vote to Keep Government Funded

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) released the following statement after voting to extend government funding and avoid a government shutdown. This afternoon the House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until December 20, 2024 with broad bipartisan support.

    “This evening, I voted along with an overwhelming bipartisan majority to keep the government funded through December and avoid a shutdown that would be costly for Michigan and our country. In addition to extending current funding levels, this measure also supports multiple bipartisan priorities, including the U.S. Secret Service and its work protecting Presidential candidates and support for communities affected by natural disasters. The U.S. Senate has also reached an agreement to vote on this legislation today, so it will soon be on its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

    “When Congress returns in November, it should continue the bipartisan approach that led to this agreement and negotiate a budget free of partisan items. We do our best work when we work together – even when it’s hard. Our constituents expect their lawmakers to get in a room, hammer out a compromise, and move the ball forward for the American people – and they deserve nothing less.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Slotkin Highlights Bipartisan Wins in Speech on House Floor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) took to the House floor today to highlight the passage of three bipartisan bills she championed and call for bipartisan congressional action on additional legislative priorities. This week, the House passed the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act, IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, and Building Chips in America Act, which are now set to be signed into law.

    Slotkin also called upon her colleagues to work in a bipartisan way on legislation pertaining to other outstanding legislative priorities. She urged Congress to support the Department of Commerce’s efforts to restrict the import of advanced vehicles manufactured by China and pass a bipartisan Farm Bill and National Defense Authorization Act.

    “These bills are evidence that we do not need to be at each other’s throats. In fact, being at each other’s throats is principally against the mission of what it means to be a Representative. It means you’re not getting work done. It means you’re doing things for political posturing. It means that you care more about making a statement that makes the news or goes viral on Twitter than you are about actually moving the ball down the field for your constituents,” said Slotkin. “I hope that when Congress returns in November, and when a new Congress is sworn in next year, we can learn that basic lesson. We do our best work when we work together – even when it’s hard.”

    Slotkin full remarks on the House floor can be found HERE

    A transcript of Slotkin’s remarks as delivered can be found HERE

    The bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act would cut red tape for companies that transport goods across our borders by allowing more freight and warehouse companies to participate in Customs and Border Protection’s CTPAT program. 

    Through partnership between supply chain leaders and the federal government, the CTPAT program expedites freight through the country, reducing disruptions in international trade and supply chains while keeping the border secure.

    Slotkin introduced the bill, which is co-led by Reps. Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Morgan Luttrell (TX-08). Its Senate companion is led by Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Cornyn (R-TX). 

    The bipartisan IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act would ensure survivors of human trafficking and law enforcement officers working to combat these terrible crimes receive the resources and support they need.

    The bill would make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Program that helps provide support and services to individuals impacted by human trafficking. It would also make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) Program which supports the employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress through their work combating these crimes. 

    Slotkin is an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan legislation, which is led by Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) and co-led by Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Dina Titus (NV-01). Its Senate companion is led by Sens James Lankford (R-OK) and Gary Peters (D-MI). 

    The bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, of which Slotkin is a cosponsor, would streamline approval processes for domestic semiconductor manufacturing projects that receive funding through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act.

    And on Monday, the Department of Commerce announced a new proposed rule to restrict the import of advanced, connected vehicles manufactured by China that pose a risk to U.S. national security. Slotkin applauded the announcement, and called upon Congress to pass her legislation that would strengthen America’s ability to address the threat posed by these vehicles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement by Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, reaffirm, here in Ottawa, the strong bond between Canada and France. This meeting reflects the importance of our historical and cultural ties and the enduring friendship between our nations that is rooted in a shared history, a common language and the values that drive what we do. 

    We also enjoy a strong trade relationship. Together, we are working to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, as well as a transparent, rules-based multilateral trade system. Since the provisional implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017, trade between Canada and France has grown significantly (over 53% for Canadian exports and nearly 46% for French exports in the span of seven years). Our bilateral trade helps to make life more affordable for our citizens and create good jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

    In an international context marked by many different overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, our two countries are determined to protect fundamental democratic principles in the face of authoritarian, populist and hateful ideologies. We stand up for human rights, fairness, and the rule of law, with due respect for international law and state sovereignty.

    Canada and France are facing foreign information manipulation and interference operations. Canada and France will strengthen their exchanges to effectively respond to these threats. In particular, Canada and France will work closely within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to create tools to guide countries in developing public policy focused on strengthening information integrity. In addition, through fora such as the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and the Forum on Information & Democracy, we are also developing collective approaches to counter other threats to democracy and will continue to advance these objectives in our successive G7 presidencies in 2025 and 2026.

    Enhancing our bilateral cooperation 

    This year, we commemorated the sacrifices made by Canadians, the French and our Allies on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landing. We will work to step up our bilateral cooperation in security and defence in order to improve our ability to respond to geopolitical crises. To that end, the Canada-France Declaration on a Stronger Defence and Security Partnership, which we are announcing today, will enable us to provide more effective support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, contribute to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, strengthen our cooperation in modernizing our armed forces, and combat foreign information manipulation and interference. 

    To support French and Canadian citizens around the world, we also wish to strengthen our cooperation with respect to emergency preparedness and crisis management. We applaud the work of Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre and France’s Centre de crise et de soutien in this area.

    Fighting climate change and protecting the ecosystems and environment

    In response to the triple planetary crisis of climate warming, biodiversity loss, and pollution, we will continue to step up our cooperation, particularly in the fight against climate change and ocean protection. We will do this through our bilateral and multilateral actions, in line with the France-Canada Partnership, which was renewed in April, in which we pledged to work together, in particular to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework and to strengthen our climate and energy commitments, as well as our shared commitment to adopting a legally binding international agreement to address plastic pollution.

    Our Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean speaks to our readiness to put oceans at the heart of the bilateral and international agenda—with recognition of their critical role in the environmental and climate balance—in preparation for the June 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice. We also underscore their importance in providing food and energy sources, a vector for economic exchanges, and a vital link between countries and communities. The Prime Minister and the President also emphasized their commitment to working together in the fisheries sector, as demonstrated by the recent agreement reached on the Atlantic halibut fishery.

    Our two countries will also pursue their political commitment towards the adoption of a legally binding treaty to put an end to plastic pollution that meets our peoples’ expectations, with ambitious measures throughout the life cycle of plastic, from production to waste management. 

    To keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C target within reach, we will accelerate efforts on operationalizing the global stocktake’s decision on transitioning away from fossil fuels, including in the context of our G7 presidencies. We will continue to work with determination to align financial flows with the Paris Agreement, in particular by disclosing climate change risks and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. We will continue our work together to expand the scope and use of carbon market instruments, while supporting countries that are interested in implementing these instruments.

    Canada is pleased to join France and the many countries that support The Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P) in responding to the dual challenge of combatting poverty and preserving the planet. Further, to encourage increased funding in support of sustainable development, our two countries will continue to participate actively in the United Nations Secretary-General’s SDG Stimulus Leaders’ Group.

    Our responses to energy security concerns will aim to secure long-term energy supply in keeping with our climate objectives, and in a manner that ensures continued prosperity for both of our countries. Building on the Joint Statement Between Canada and France on Nuclear Energy Cooperation of fall 2023, we are working together to step up civil nuclear cooperation between our two countries, with a focus on identifying project funding solutions and upgrading skills and training for the trades. We will also work to accelerate the global phase-out of coal through our support for the Powering Past Coal Alliance and the Coal Transition Accelerator. 

    Recognizing the key role of critical minerals in supporting a green and digital economy, our two countries will work on the need to explore opportunities for joint investment in critical minerals projects, with the aim of securing their respective value chains. Canada and France are also founding members of the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, which aims to promote on a global scale sustainable and socially inclusive mining, processing and recycling practices, and responsible critical minerals supply chains. We will continue to work with like-minded countries to reaffirm these values. Lastly, Canada and France will work together to develop low-carbon, efficient, sustainable and resilient transportation systems, whether in the aviation, rail or marine sectors.

    Embracing artificial intelligence responsibly

    Canada and France consider science and technology to be important levers for meeting the major challenges of the 21st century. We are mindful of the importance of developing a responsible approach to artificial intelligence (AI) that takes into account both risks and benefits, as demonstrated in the joint launch of the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence in 2020. The Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence published today reiterates our commitment to responsible, safe AI that respects human rights and democratic values. To promote and support scientific research in the field of AI, we welcome the recent call for proposals from last July for new funding, launched under the auspices of the Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation uniting our two countries. 

    Expanding Canada-France collaboration in all areas of AI, we will further our work together at the AI Action Summit, to be hosted by France on February 10 and 11, 2025. With a view to promoting outreach and cooperation between our companies and business organizations and providing solutions, Canada is proud to announce that it will be Country of the Year at VivaTech 2025 in Paris. Responsible use of AI can create economic benefits for everyone, and adopting it can increase economic productivity and growth, for the benefit of all workers and businesses.

    In addition, our two countries will continue to work together to establish a digital dialogue on platform governance and ensure that AI is designed, developed, and deployed ethically and in compliance with copyright. This would allow us to recognize the important shared challenges in the digital space that have a considerable impact on the strength and health of culture and media in Canada and France.

    Promoting the French language throughout the world

    Canada and France reaffirm their support for the promotion of French and for the institutions of La Francophonie, and they commit to concluding a Canada-France Memorandum of Understanding on the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française on the margins of the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, on October 4 and 5. With our partners in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, we will support linguistic and cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and human rights. The Summit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen education, research, and innovation in French, as well as economic and digital cooperation for sustainable development. 

    Addressing geopolitical challenges

    We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s more than 900-day war of aggression in Ukraine. In the face of this war, which jeopardizes the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in all areas, for as long as it takes. We continue to work towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law, and in particular the principles of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. In line with the NATO Washington Summit Declaration, we will continue to deepen our support for Ukraine, to give it the means to defend itself and deter Russian aggression. We are pursuing our efforts to support Ukraine in its reform process, notably in the fields of justice, the fight against corruption, and promotion of the rule of law. We also underscore the efforts of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada with the participation of France. Finally, we are committed to helping to operationalize the agreement reached at the G7 Summit in Apulia to leverage immobilized Russian sovereign assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

    We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the October 7 massacres perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, and recognize Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. We are extremely concerned by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and by the appalling situation of the civilian population, which has been repeatedly displaced within the country and is unable to meet its most basic needs. Canada and France therefore call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the unfettered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Canada and France support the two‑state solution, which includes the creation of a Palestinian state, living in peace and security, alongside the State of Israel.

    We also wish to maintain our support for Haiti, to help re-establish security, the rule of law, and democracy. While we remain concerned about the humanitarian and security situation there, we are nevertheless pleased to note the progress made, including the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council, a Prime Minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. We also welcome the fact that the creation of the Provisional Electoral Council is well underway. We are committed to supporting preparations for free, fair, and transparent elections. Canada and France will continue to work closely together to support the Haitian National Police, the Multinational Security Support Mission, and the strengthening of the justice sector and the fight against corruption and financial crime. 

    In the Indo-Pacific region, our two countries will study the deployment of joint patrol missions in the future, and will maintain their participation in multilateral exercises. To this end, our two countries will work on the possibility of integrating Canadian support into the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

    Coordinating our successive 2025 and 2026 G7 presidencies

    We will strengthen strategic coordination between our governments in the context of our bilateral and multilateral exchanges, and with a view to our successive G7 presidencies in 2025 and 2026. We are determined to meet today’s global challenges, guided by our shared desire to build a better future based on our common values, and supported by the rich and dynamic relationship between our two countries.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell, Warner Introduce Vital Bill To Support Bourbon Production And Environment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) announced today the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act of 2024, which will mobilize greater federal resources and direct research into safeguarding our nation’s White Oak tree population.
    White Oak trees are vital to the environmental ecosystem, as well as several trademark American industries, like bourbon and furniture production. Considered the most important hardwood tree in the eastern United States, White Oak trees provide sustenance and shelter for a host of wildlife species across the country.
    White Oak trees can take up to 25 years to reach full maturity, but a lack of seedlings has created an impending shortage that threatens the future of this species and the billions of dollars in economic impact they generate nationwide. This bipartisan legislation will help reverse the depletion of this iconic tree and address the threat its extinction poses to the American economy.
    “Kentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, used to age our state’s signature spirit in its wooden barrels. As we face an impending White Oak shortage, I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help protect this species and preserve Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry that bolsters our economy and supports thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth. This is commonsense conservation at its best,” said Senator McConnell. 
    “Virginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of White Oak trees in the country, and they play an indispensable role in our ecology and our economy,” said Senator Warner. “These trees have tremendous utility as both food for many species and material for the forestry industry, but without further action, we could face a severe shortage soon. I’m glad to sponsor bipartisan legislation that will get ahead of that crisis by bolstering a plan to regenerate our White Oak trees, keeping Virginia beautiful and investing in one of the forestry industry’s most valuable species.”
    In a statement from Brown-Forman, the largest American-owned spirits and wines company: “We are pleased to see the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act to the Senate. Brown-Forman depends on healthy forests to provide the white oak for our bourbon barrels. White Oak barrels are more than just a container, they’re an important ingredient that provides all of the color and more than half the flavor to our whiskeys. We are committed to the conservation of the existing hardwood forests we rely on and have undertaken several initiatives to support sustainable forestry practices. We are appreciative of the leadership from Senators McConnell and Warner, supporting this key legislation will provide critical resources for white oak restoration.”
    “Sazerac commends Senators McConnell and Warner for introducing the Senate companion to HR 5582, the White Oak Resilience Act. Although Sazerac has locations in numerous states, we have distilleries in both Kentucky and Virginia (Buffalo Trace and 1792 in Kentucky; A. Smith Bowman in Virginia) making it particularly significant that these two senators have come together to recognize the importance of this species. The spirits industry has found the ideal wood in White Oak for our barrels and has endeavored to regenerate it for years to come,” said Elizabeth Wise, Chief Global Government and Public Affairs for Sazerac.
    “On behalf of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the worldwide voice of Bourbon, we applaud Leader McConnell and Senator Warner for their leadership in introducing the White Oak Resilience Act,” said Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory. “White Oak is instrumental to our signature industry as the new charred oak barrel is where the magic happens, transforming young whiskey into the mellow, amber nectar that is Kentucky Bourbon. The KDA and its 68-member companies have an enduring commitment to the sustainable and conscientious use of our natural resources that our legendary distilleries depend on to make the world’s greatest whiskey. The White Oak Resilience Act will help ensure the future of this important species for our communities, our homegrown Bourbon industry, and generations to come.”
    “On behalf of the University of Kentucky, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Leader McConnell and Senator Warner for introducing the White Oak Resilience Act that addresses White Oak sustainability, which is crucial to Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry. The research this measure directs will allow us to leverage our scientific expertise, particularly in genetics and genomics, to support the health and resilience of White Oak tree populations. As a land-grant institution committed to the Commonwealth’s economic development, we are well-positioned to translate our findings into practical applications for the bourbon industry,” said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto.
    “White Oak is a keystone species that supports over 500 types of wildlife while also bolstering rural economies and providing wood products to cities and towns across America,” said Jason Meyer, Executive Director of the White Oak Initiative. “We’d like to thank Senators Warner and McConnell for their leadership in bringing this bill forward and working together to ensure a long, sustainable future for this critical American resource.”
    “Virginia’s upland oak forests are on the decline and are incredibly important for wildlife and sustainable forestry,” said Virginia State Forester Robert W. Farrell. “The White Oak Resilience Act will help Virginia’s forest landowners care for their hardwood forests and ensure White Oak is on the Virginia landscape for generations to come.”
    Earlier this year, Senators McConnell and Warner supported Senate passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and the President signed it into law. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell secured measures to help preserve the nation’s natural beauty, including language instructing the U.S. Forest Service to work on White Oak restoration, used for barrels that only bourbon can be aged in.
    U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Lawler, Ruppersberger, and Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Secure SNAP Theft Reimbursement in Stop-Gap Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Victims of food stamp theft will continue to be reimbursed thanks to a provision in a stop-gap funding bill secured by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02), and others. H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today in a 341-82 vote, keeping the government funded – and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits flowing – through December 20, 2024. It is expected to be taken up in the U.S. Senate quickly.

    Last month, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Anthony D’Esposito (R-Y-04), Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) and Grace Meng (D-NY-06) sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to allow victims of SNAP theft to continue to be reimbursed from federal and state coffers. 

    Reports of SNAP theft – in which perpetrators use skimming devices to steal SNAP benefits distributed on electronic debit cards (EBT) – are skyrocketing across the nation. States are currently required to replace stolen benefits under a measure included in the 2023 omnibus funding bill passed by Congress at the end of 2022. But that provision was set to expire on September 30.

    “Ensuring that SNAP recipients who have their benefits stolen are made whole is a top priority and is deeply important to New York families,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). “That’s why I joined colleagues in both parties and chambers to introduce the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to protect these programs from fraud, and it’s why I have been adamant about the need to include SNAP protections in FY25’s appropriations. I was pleased to see these provisions in the CR we passed this week. We must complete our appropriations work while protecting the most vulnerable in our society.”

    “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who recognize the dire straits that SNAP theft leaves its victims, which often include veterans, families, low-income workers, children, the elderly and the disabled,” said Congressman Ruppersberger (D-MD-02). “While Congress continues to work toward its long-term and strategic spending bills, I am relieved to know these innocent constituents will not lose their primary source of healthy food.”

    “I was proud to join this bipartisan group of my colleagues in urging congressional leaders to prevent critical SNAP theft reimbursements from ending,” said Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05). “I’m glad our message was heard and an extension was included in this stopgap funding bill. I’ll keep working to ensure victims of SNAP theft are protected.”

    “I am proud to have helped secure an extension that will allow states to use existing federal funding to reimburse vulnerable victims of SNAP theft so that families in need can put food on the table,” Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) said. “SNAP theft can be devastating for working families and these reimbursements are a critical lifeline that allows working families to make ends meet. I will continue fighting alongside my colleagues to ensure that states retain this authority when Congress passes its final budget at the end of the year.”

    “Families that rely on SNAP to put food on the table each day should never go hungry, especially as a result of their benefits being stolen,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY-06), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That’s why I fought to help over 36,000 New Yorkers recover more than $17.5 million in stolen SNAP benefits. I’m glad to see that this provision was included and extended in this critical government funding bill. I’ve also been fighting to make EBT benefit cards more secure to deter scams, and I’m excited that this bill includes language that will hopefully lead to more secure EBT cards. Many beneficiaries in Queens and across the country continue to be targeted by these scams, and we must continue fighting for the families in our communities experiencing the greatest needs.”

    “It is appalling that Americans are being targeted at record rates in major SNAP benefit theft. These sickening crimes are carried out against veterans, families, low-income workers, children, the elderly, and the disabled – all of whom are just trying to put food on their table,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07). “Our letter represented a unified effort, across the political aisle, to bring justice to victims in all our respective Congressional Districts. Today’s triumph was a culmination of fierce collaboration between both Democrats and Republicans and boldly fighting for justice on behalf of all households that rely on SNAP,” he concluded. 

    “Because of our bipartisan push, victims of SNAP theft will continue to be protected through the SNAP Reimbursement Extension,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19). “I’m proud to have helped lead the effort to ensure Upstate New York families who rely on SNAP benefits always have access to the meals they deserve.”

    “Thousands of Bucks and Montgomery County residents depend on SNAP to put food on their tables, which is why I was proud to join my colleagues in the critical fight to prevent SNAP theft reimbursements from ending. This common-sense reimbursement provision is essential to safeguarding the integrity of the SNAP program and ensuring families in my community and nationwide who have fallen victim to SNAP theft can quickly recover their benefits. Today’s victory is a powerful reminder that when we unite across party lines, we can achieve meaningful change and stand firm in our commitment to uplift our communities and safeguard the well-being of those who need it most,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

    “SNAP recipients who had their food benefits stolen—through no fault of their own, I would add—should not be kicked while they’re down by an indifferent government that tells them ‘too bad’ and leaves them to fend for themselves,” said Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA-02). “Especially when the average SNAP benefit is barely over $2 per person, per meal. We’re talking about people who rely on these benefits to feed themselves and their families. When they are stolen, people go hungry. I’m glad that because of our continued advocacy, Congress is making sure that food insecure families are protected through the end of the year.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken meets with Kenyan President William Ruto

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

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with Kenyan President William Ruto in New York City, New York, on September 26, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

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

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YWXadZxni4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stevensville Timber Frame Home Builder Convicted by Federal Jury of Defrauding Customers of More Than $2 Million

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

    MISSOULA — A federal jury convicted a Stevensville timber frame home builder on Sept. 20 of wire fraud and money laundering crimes in an alleged scheme in which he defrauded customers of more than $2 million by obtaining payments to build them homes but instead used the money for personal expenses and to pay other debts, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    After a five-day trial that began on Sept. 16, the jury found the defendant, Brett Mauri, 61, guilty of four counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Mauri faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud counts, and a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction, and three years of supervised release on each count of money laundering.

    U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025. Mauri’s release was continued pending further proceedings.

    “Mauri stole nearly $2 million from people who trusted him to build their dream homes. He consistently lied to them and made excuses about the lack of progress on each project, some of whom didn’t have anything to show despite paying Mauri thousands and thousands of dollars. They didn’t just suffer monetary losses, but mentally and emotionally, too. I hope his forthcoming federal prison sentence gives them comfort knowing he can’t scam anyone else again,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Mauri is the owner and operator of Bitterroot Timber Frames (BTF) and Three Mile Creek Post & Beam, LLC. According to Mauri and the company’s website, BTF built custom timber frame homes across the United States. Mauri claimed credit for large projects in some of America’s most popular ski towns between the 1990s and 2010s. The government alleged that between 2018 and 2022, Mauri defrauded nine individuals who hired him to build their timber frame homes. Many of the agreements were made by written contract, while some were formed by email or over the phone. Mauri obtained payments from these customers and lied to them about his operations and what he was doing with their money. Mauri ultimately provided little to nothing in return.

    The scheme involved Mauri inducing customers to send him funds, which were ultimately deposited into his or his wife’s bank accounts. Mauri, and his wife, Carrie McEnroe, primarily used the money for personal living expenses and to pay other debts instead of building the homes as he promised. What work Mauri did perform on victims’ projects gave his operation the hallmarks of a Ponzi scheme. He frequently solicited new money from a victim and used the funds, in part, to cover past expenses that were often incurred on earlier projects. The scheme resulted in victims paying Mauri more than $2 million. In exchange, Mauri provided very little materials or services, and some victims received nothing at all. Victims had hired Mauri to build homes in the Montana communities of Whitehall, Victor, Corvallis and Missoula, and in New York, Utah, and Louisiana.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Russian Nationals Charged in Connection with Operating Billion Dollar Money Laundering Services

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    The Justice Department today announced actions coordinated with the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, and other federal and international law enforcement partners to combat Russian money laundering operations. The actions involved the unsealing of an indictment charging a Russian national with his involvement in operating multiple money laundering services that catered to cybercriminals, as well as the seizure of websites associated with three illicit cryptocurrency exchanges.

    “Today’s actions highlight the Department’s continued disruption of malicious cyber actors and their criminal ecosystem,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “The two Russian nationals charged today allegedly pocketed millions of dollars from prolific money laundering and fueled a network of cyber criminals around the world, with Ivanov allegedly facilitating darknet drug traffickers and ransomware operators. Working with our Dutch partners, we shut down Cryptex, an illicit crypto exchange and recovered millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.”

    “Every step cybercriminals take in their pursuit of money leaves another track that leads us to their doorstep,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “And if you follow them on their path of greed, they will lead us to you. We will not stop, because while domains can always be seized, justice is unyielding.”

    “The Secret Service is relentless in pursuing those engaged in criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Brian Lambert of the U.S. Secret Service. “I thank our domestic and foreign partners for their efforts on this case, as we continue our work bringing to justice those engaged in transnational criminal activity.”

    According to court documents unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia, Russian national Sergey Ivanov, known online as “Taleon,” among other aliases, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit and aid and abet bank fraud for providing payment processing support to the carding website Rescator, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering for laundering proceeds from the carding website Joker’s Stash. “Carding” is the unlawful acquisition of and trade in stolen credit and debit card information for fraudulent purposes. Ivanov allegedly operated for nearly two decades as a professional cyber money launderer, advertising his services to other cybercriminals on exclusive Russian-speaking criminal forums. Over the years, Ivanov’s laundering services and payment systems have catered to cybercrime marketplaces, ransomware groups, and hackers responsible for significant data breaches of major U.S. companies.

    Ivanov allegedly created and/or operated Russian payment and exchange services UAPS, PinPays, and PM2BTC, which provided money transfer and laundering services directly to criminals. Cryptocurrency blockchain analysis revealed that between July 12, 2013, and Aug. 10, cryptocurrency addresses associated with Ivanov’s alleged money laundering services conducted transactions totaling approximately $1.15 billion in value. Approximately 32% of all traced bitcoin sent to these addresses originated from other cryptocurrency addresses associated with criminal activity. For example, more than $158 million of bitcoin flowing into Ivanov’s addresses allegedly represented fraud proceeds, more than $8.8 million allegedly represented proceeds from known ransomware payments, and approximately $4.7 million allegedly originated from darknet drug markets. The U.S. Secret Service has obtained court authorization to seize domains associated with the UAPS and PM2BTC websites.

    The Rescator carding website allegedly sold stolen payment card data from U.S. financial institutions and personally identifiable information (PII) of U.S. citizens. For example, the website allegedly advertised the sale of data from up to 40 million payment cards and the PII of approximately 70 million people that had been stolen from a major U.S. retail victim in 2013. The breach cost the U.S. retail victim at least $202 million in expenses and caused damage to the U.S. retail victim’s customers, who became targets of identity theft by other cybercriminals. Ivanov allegedly provided payment processing support for the Rescator carding site through the UAPS and PinPays services for purchases made on the site using bitcoin.

    Additionally, Russian national Timur Shakhmametov, known online as “JokerStash” and “Vega,” among other aliases, is charged in the same indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit and aid and abet bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering related to his work in operating the carding website Joker’s Stash and laundering the proceeds. Joker’s Stash offered for sale data from approximately 40 million payment cards annually, totaling hundreds of millions of payment cards overall, and was one of the largest known carding markets in history. Estimates of its profits range from $280 million to more than $1 billion. Shakhmametov and others allegedly promoted Joker’s Stash and its products by advertising the Joker’s Stash website and its stolen payment card data on numerous online cybercrime forums.

    Separately, the U.S. Secret Service executed a seizure order from the District of Maryland against two website domain names used to support the cryptocurrency money laundering exchange “Cryptex.net.” According to court records unsealed today, Cryptex.net and Cryptex.one were associated with the administration and operation of Cryptex, which offers complete anonymity to Cryptex users by allowing them to register for accounts without providing know-your-customer compliance requirements. Like UAPS and PM2BTC, Cryptex advertised itself directly to cybercriminals.

    According to a company that provides blockchain analytics services to law enforcement, there have been more than 37,500 transactions involving bitcoin addresses associated with Cryptex, amounting to a total value of approximately 62,586 bitcoin, or $1.4 billion at the time the transactions were made. Of that amount, about 31% of the bitcoin sent, or $441 million, originated from cryptocurrency addresses associated with criminal conduct, including $297 million of fraud proceeds and more than $115 million of proceeds from ransomware payments. Nine percent of all bitcoin sent to Cryptex, or $162 million, originated from cryptocurrency addresses associated with services often used by cybercriminals. Further, 28% of all bitcoin sent from Cryptex was sent to companies or darknet markets sanctioned by the United States.

    The seizure of these domains by the government will prevent the owners and third parties from using the sites for money laundering. Individuals visiting those sites now will see a message indicating that the site has been seized by the federal government.

    As part of the coordinated actions taken today, our Dutch partners seized the servers hosting PM2BTC and Cryptex. Those servers have been taken offline at various locations around the world, and the Dutch have seized cryptocurrency from those servers worth over $7 million.

    In coordination with the department’s actions, other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement partners are also taking related actions. The U.S. Department of State issued reward offers up to $11 million through its Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Ivanov and others involved in the operation of his money laundering services, and for Shakhmametov and others involved in the operation of Joker’s Stash. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an order that identifies PM2BTC as being of “primary money laundering concern” in connection with Russian illicit finance. Concurrently, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Cryptex and Ivanov.

    The U.S. Secret Service Cyber Investigative Section is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell for the Eastern District of Virginia is prosecuting the case against Ivanov and Shakhmametov. Trial Attorney Jeff Pearlman and Senior Counsel Jessica Peck of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sullivan of the District of Maryland are handling the investigation into Cryptex. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in these matters.

    The Netherlands Police, Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service, the International Cooperation Department of the Central Criminal Police of the State Police of Latvia, Europol, the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance, the German Federal Criminal Police Office, and the UK National Crime Agency provided invaluable assistance.

    The text of FinCEN’s order can be found here.

    For more information on the individuals and entities that OFAC designated today, click here.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and the Lexington Police Department

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Note: View the findings report here.

    Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the City of Lexington, Mississippi (City), and Lexington Police Department (LPD) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Lexington is a town of approximately 1,200 people, located about an hour outside of Jackson, Mississippi.

    Specifically, the Justice Department finds that LPD unlawfully

    • Arrests, jails and detains people who cannot pay fines or fees, without assessing their ability to pay;
    • Uses excessive force;
    • Conducts stops, searches and arrests without probable cause, including jailing people on illegal “investigative holds” and arresting people solely because they owe outstanding fines;
    • Imposes money bail without justification or assessment of ability to pay;
    • Jails people without prompt access to court;
    • Violates the rights of people engaged in free speech and expression, including by retaliating against people who criticize the police;
    • Discriminates against Black people; and
    • Operates under an unconstitutional conflict of interest because LPD’s funding depends on the money it raises through its enforcement.

    “Today’s findings show that the Lexington Police Department abandoned its sacred position of trust in the community by routinely violating the constitutional rights of those it was sworn to protect,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department’s investigation uncovered that Lexington police officers have engaged in a pattern or practice of discriminating against the city’s Black residents, used excessive force, and retaliated against those who criticize them. Additionally, Lexington’s approach to fines and fees — including unlawfully arresting, jailing, and detaining people based on their failure to pay money without assessing if they can afford to do so — has been devastating for its residents. Being poor is not a crime, but practices like these amount to punishing people for poverty. People in that community deserve better, and the Justice Department is committed to working with them, the City, and the Police Department to make the City safer for all its citizens.”

    “Public safety depends on public confidence in our justice system,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “The Lexington Police Department’s incarceration of individuals because they could not afford to pay fines — as detailed in today’s findings report — undermined that confidence and violated the civil rights of Lexington residents. I’m grateful to the Civil Rights Division for its thorough investigation and continued work to address these findings.”

    “Lexington is a small, rural community but its police department has had a heavy hand in people’s lives, wreaking havoc through use of excessive force, racially discriminatory policing, retaliation, and more. In every corner of our country, police officers must respect people’s constitutional rights and treat people with dignity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “After an extensive review, we found that police officers in Lexington routinely make illegal arrests, use brutal and unnecessary force, and punish people for their poverty — including by jailing people who cannot afford to pay fines or money bail. For too long, the Lexington Police Department has been playing by its own rules and operating with impunity — it’s time for this to end. Our findings report furthers the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring fairness and the rule of law.”

    “Police have the authority to enforce the law, not to act as debt collectors for the City, extracting payments from the poor with threats of jail,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “No matter how large or small, every police department has an obligation to follow the Constitution.”

    Based on the department’s investigation, over the past two years, LPD has made nearly one arrest for every four people in town, primarily for low-level offenses and traffic violations. That is more than 10 times the per capita arrest rate for Mississippi as a whole. Many of these arrests were for non-criminal conduct, like owing outstanding fines and using profanity. Most of those arrested are Black people. In 2023, Black people were 17.6 times more likely to be arrested by LPD than white people were.

    When making low-level arrests, LPD uses tactics normally reserved for serious offenses. For example, LPD officers broke down a Black man’s door to arrest him for swearing at a public official. In another case, while attempting to arrest a man for having a tinted windshield, officers followed the man’s car to his house, forced their way into his home, and tased him for 15 seconds. On the same day the Justice Department opened the investigation, LPD officers chased a man accused only of disturbing a business and tased him nine times.

    LPD’s enforcement strategy has put hundreds of people in debt to the police department. In a town of about 1,200 people, the total sum of outstanding fines owed to LPD is more than $1.7 million.

    The department also found that LPD lacks any meaningful accountability system and that people experiencing poverty who are accused of crimes in Lexington regularly lack access to counsel, both of which allow LPD’s misconduct to continue unchecked.

    The Justice Department opened its investigation on Nov. 8, 2023. Career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi conducted the investigation. The team was assisted in this investigation by experts in law enforcement practices. The team conducted an extensive review of LPD’s records, including hundreds of arrest reports and municipal court records and hundreds of hours of body-worn camera footage. The team also interviewed City and LPD leadership and line officers, accompanied officers on ride-alongs, observed the Lexington Municipal Court, and met with dozens of community members.

    In February, while the investigation was ongoing, the department issued a letter to the City of Lexington raising significant concerns regarding their practice of jailing people for unpaid fines without first assessing whether they can afford to pay them.

    The City and LPD cooperated fully with the investigation. The City and LPD have committed to working cooperatively with the department to address the violations identified in the department’s findings.

    The department conducted this investigation pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. Section 12601 authorizes the Attorney General to file a lawsuit in federal court seeking court-ordered remedies to eliminate a pattern or practice of unlawful conduct.

    This investigation reflects the Justice Department’s efforts to ensure constitutional policing and to combat unlawful practices with respect to fines and fees. The department previously addressed policing for profit in its findings on the Ferguson Police Department in Missouri in 2015. The consent decree that followed has resulted in the dismissal of about 63,000 citations and a reduction of over $1 million in fines and fees. In July 2022, the department filed a Statement of Interest in Coleman v. Brookside, explaining that judges, prosecutors, and police violate the Constitution when they are motivated by profit rather than justice. And in April 2023, the department issued a Dear Colleague Letter containing updated guidance on fines and fees for state and local courts.

    The department will be conducting outreach to members of the Lexington community for input on remedies to address the department’s findings. Individuals may submit recommendations to Community.LexingtonMS@usdoj.gov.

    The Justice Department will hold a public community meeting on Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m. CT at St. Paul C.O.G.I.C. Fellowship Hall, 17214 Highway 17 South, Lexington, MS 39095. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

    Additional information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is available on its website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms. Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found at http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download.

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