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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Moscow team wins national championship “Abilympics”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow team became the winner of the national championship “Abilympics”. This was reported in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    “The professional skills competition among people with disabilities and limited health capabilities took place from October 26 to 29 at Gostiny Dvor and at seven additional sites in the city. The program included 50 competencies. The capital was represented by more than 160 professionals,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    The Moscow team came in first in the overall medal count, with 57 gold, 36 silver and 24 bronze medals.

    In particular, student Valeria Nikitina won in the “Electrical Installation” nomination, student Dmitry Kolesov – in the “Make-up” competency. Schoolgirl Anna Safronova took first place in the “Welding Technologies” nomination, and 61-year-old Muscovite Valery Potnyaev – in the “Industrial Robotics” competency.

    Sergei Sobyanin congratulated the participants on their excellent results.

    The Abilympics movement has been developing in Russia since 2015. During this time, about eight thousand Muscovites took part in the competitions. All of them received the opportunity for professional development and successfully found employment.

    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/11968050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Career education sets students up for success

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Students deserve to pursue educational pathways that will set them up for their futures in post-secondary education, trade designations and meaningful careers in Alberta’s growing economy. To help Alberta’s youth get a head start on the future, Alberta’s government is continuing to enhance career education opportunities for students across the province.

    Through the Alberta government’s mandate to support career education in the province’s education system, government is providing almost $4.9 million in dual credit grants to support 55 new programs and enhance 22 existing programs for the 2024-25 school year. These programs are available to students in 58 school authorities across the province.

    “We are committed to providing students with every opportunity to pursue and explore career pathways throughout their education. This new funding for dual credit programming will help students discover and pursue their passions, all while helping them get a head start on their future by gaining valuable skills and post-secondary credit.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education  

    “Health care aides are an essential part of Alberta’s health care system. The health care aide dual credit programming offers students a valuable opportunity to begin their health care careers early and develop the skills needed to enter and strengthen our province’s health care workforce.”

    Adrianna LaGrange, Minister of Health

    The dual credit program funding will lead students to pursue meaningful apprenticeship pathways in the skilled trades, and meaningful careers in agriculture, health care and much more. This expansion of dual credit programming will enable school authorities to help their students pursue career pathways and post-secondary opportunities around their interests and passions.

    “We thank the Alberta government for its commitment to expanding dual credit education programming in Catholic schools. Together, we are equipping our youth with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. Dual credit programming empowers our high school students to explore and build on their career interests, setting them on a path towards reaching their full potential.

    Bryan Szumlas, chief superintendent, Calgary Catholic School District

    “We are grateful for this grant, which allows us to expand our dual credit programming by offering a health care aide course next semester. This program will provide more students with the opportunity to explore health care pathways, earn high school and post-secondary credits and build the skills needed to succeed in careers that are vital to Alberta’s future.”

    Sandra Palazzo, board chair, Edmonton Catholic Schools

    Dual credit programs are operated in partnership with post-secondary schools or in line with apprenticeship education pathways and are available to students in the public, separate, francophone, charter, First Nations and independent school systems. These programs provide career-based courses for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to earn both high school credits and credits that count toward a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.

    Quick facts

    • Since 2019, $18.6 million has been provided to school authorities for dual credit programming.
    • School authorities receive up to $50,000 to support the startup costs for new dual credit programs and up to $100,000 to enhance existing dual credit programs.  
    • Alberta Education is providing $4.3 million of the funding for dual credit programs this year.
    • Alberta Health is providing $550,000 to support eight health care aide dual credit programs among the 77 funded programs.
    • Between 2013 and 2023, about 83,000 high school students participated in at least one dual credit course.

    Related information

    • Dual credit – Start-up funding for school authorities
    • Dual credit – Enhancement funding for school authorities
    • Dual Credit Review Advisory Group

    Related news

    • Giving students a head start in Alberta’s job market (June 5, 2024)
    • More career education for students (April 9, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the provincial election in British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the provincial election in British Columbia:

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate David Eby and the British Columbia New Democratic Party on their re-election. For the first time in the province, women will hold the majority of seats in the legislature.

    “I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Eby to deliver on the issues that matter most to British Columbians and all Canadians. Whether it’s building more homes, improving access to health care, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, growing our economies, or creating good middle-class jobs – we will remain focused on building stronger communities and a more prosperous province for all.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA’s Agricultural Research Technology Center Breaks Ground in Davis, CA

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    USDA’s Agricultural Research Technology Center Breaks Ground in Davis, CA

    Contact: Amaani Lyle
    Email: Amaani.Lylew@usda.gov

    DAVIS, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 — Advances in crop production and preservation are poised for new digs as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) broke ground today for a modernized facility to consolidate labs that are currently located at the University of California, Davis.

    The Agricultural Research and Technology Center (ARTC) is a cutting-edge facility that will include customized laboratories, greenhouses and capacity for scientists as part of the ARS’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, water scarcity, emerging pests, and increasing global need in support of a resilient agricultural production system.

    The two-story 59,000 square foot building will house four ARS research units: Crops Pathology and Genetics, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health, National Clonal Germplasm Repository – Tree Fruit and Nut Crops and Grapes, and Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems.

    Collectively, these units improve the health, sustainability, and profitability of agricultural production and natural resources in California and the Western United States.

    “The building will be a nexus for scientists to investigate plant diseases, plant genetic resources, conventional and advanced plant breeding methods, soil health, invasive species management and myriad other areas driven by long-term agricultural research and climate-informed decision-making strategies,” said Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator.

    A rendering of the new Agricultural Research and Technology Center in Davis, California. (Image courtesy of Burns & McDonnell)

    Collaborations between ARS, USDA’s chief in-house research agency, and UC Davis began in 1956 with the location of the Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit (CPGRU) led by ARS Plant Pathologist, Dr. Austin Goheen, on campus to research grape viruses.

    ARS scientists have since fanned across several UC Davis departments, including Plant Pathology, Viticulture and Enology; Entomology and Nematology; Plant Sciences; and Land, Air and Water Resources, which has facilitated many collaborations that have benefited various stakeholders in industries that include almond, walnut, rice, and grapes.

    ARS’s presence on campus has since grown to over 30 scientists with supporting staff across the four research units and the Western Human Nutrition Research Center.

    Strong collaborative research efforts between university extension specialists, farm advisors, and faculty will continue with the move to the ARTC.

    “This research will benefit growers, commodity groups, agricultural businesses, and U.S. consumers who rely on ARS to find solutions to agricultural and environmental problems,” said Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson, CPGRU Acting Research Leader. “It’s incredible to celebrate current and future cooperative research among ARS, groundwater sustainability agencies, UC Davis researchers, and stakeholders in diverse specialty realms such as tree nut, rice, and beekeeping industries.”

    ARS remains committed to nationwide infrastructure modernization, empowering researchers to address agricultural challenges from animal science and crop production to climate change and sustainable farming practices.

    Notable speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included:

    • Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator
    • U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, California 4th Congressional District
    • Dr. Tara McHugh, ARS Pacific West Area Director
    • Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson, Acting Research Leader, CPGRU
    • Dr. Glenda Humiston, Vice President, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 
    • Dr. Helene Dillard, Dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How Changes in Revenues and Outlays Would Affect Debt Service, Deficits, and Debt

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The interactive debt-service table in this workbook is similar to the model that the Congressional Budget Office uses to develop its baseline projections of net interest outlays. The worksheet allows users to see how revenues and outlays that differed from those in CBO’s June 2024 baseline budget projections would increase or decrease net interest costs and thus affect deficits and debt. That change in net outlays for interest is often referred to as debt service.

    The worksheet is designed to generate results that approximate those that CBO would produce when using its methods for projecting debt-service costs to incorporate changes to revenues or outlays in its baseline projections. The results generated by the worksheet do not constitute an official CBO estimate. Moreover, debt-service costs are not typically included in CBO’s cost estimates.

    In CBO’s baseline projections, which typically extend 10 years into the future, net outlays for interest are calculated by estimating the amount of debt that the Treasury would need to issue to finance government operations and the interest rates that it would pay on that debt. The interest rates underlying this interactive worksheet are from CBO’s June 2024 economic forecast. Projections of two of those rates are reproduced here in a separate table.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating 75 Years of USGS Science at the Idaho National Laboratory

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Established in 1949, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations (DOE-ID) office oversees work at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), one of 21 DOE-operated national laboratories and technology centers. The USGS began working at what is now the INL in 1949 by monitoring the amount of groundwater that was available for the facility and determining baseline groundwater chemistry prior to the development and implementation of nuclear reactor research on site. 

    In those early days, USGS scientists travelled to the INL either from USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia, or from the Idaho district office in Boise. In 1959, it was decided to house a permanent office at the INL in the same building as DOE’s Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory. USGS staff commuted out to the INL until 1998 when project offices were established in Pocatello and Idaho Falls. 

    Our USGS mission at the INL is to maintain a comprehensive groundwater monitoring and hydrogeologic studies program to evaluate the availability and movement of water in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer to align with DOE’s strategic goal of safeguarding the environment.  

    We are also tasked with describing the processes controlling the fate of contaminants (advective transport, dispersion, adsorption, dilution, diffusion, radioactive decay, and chemical reactions), and provide independent reviews of hydrogeological data and reports submitted by DOE and its contractors to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Idaho.  

    Throughout this 75-year history, USGS scientists at the INL have been at the forefront of science development in groundwater flow modeling, geochemistry research, unsaturated zone research, and volcanic hazards assessments. The USGS INL Project Office has drilled or contracted to drill more than 300 wells, and has collected data from more than 475 sites, including 72,000 water-level measurements, 22,000 water samples, 1,500 geophysical logs from 137 sites, and 1,500 surface-water measurements. We have published our research in more than 385 scientific publications. 

    Roy Bartholomay is the director of the Idaho Water Science Center. He previously served as the chief of the Idaho National Laboratory Project Office and as the water-quality specialist and chief of the Huron Programs Office of the USGS South Dakota Water Science Center. His scientific research involves studies on groundwater geochemistry and water quality. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Digby — Child sex doll seized at the border; Digby man facing child pornography charges

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Nova Scotia RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a 43-year-old Digby man with child pornography offences, following the seizure of a child sex doll by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

    On October 8, 2024, CBSA officers in Hamilton, Ontario intercepted and seized a child sex doll while examining international courier shipments arriving into Canada by air. The doll had originated in Japan and was addressed to an importer residing in Digby, Nova Scotia. Working with CBSA Intelligence Officers in Halifax, the seizure was referred to the Nova Scotia RCMP ICE Unit for further investigation.

    On October 17, the RCMP executed a search warrant at the residence and seized additional child sex dolls and other evidence supporting both child pornography and smuggling charges. Officers then safely arrested Joseph Ryan Jolicoeur at the residence.

    Jolicoeur has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography and Importation of Child Pornography under the Criminal Code and Smuggling child pornography into Canada under the Customs Act. He was released on conditions and is next scheduled to appear in Digby Provincial Court on January 6, 2025.

    “Child pornography is most commonly known and understood as sexual images or videos of children,” says Cst. Mandy Edwards of the RCMP Provincial ICE Unit. “However, child pornography can also be written, or in audio forms, or as in this case, a visual representation such as a child sex doll. Child pornography in all its forms is considered harmful and is prohibited by the Criminal Code.”

    In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography. This means that anyone who encounters child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failing to report suspicious activity and materials could result in criminal penalties similar to failing to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act.

    The RCMP and CBSA encourage citizens to be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting any suspected offences to your local police or by using Canada’s National tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca. Suspicious cross-border activity, including smuggling, can be reported to the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Convicted Felons from Nashua and Manchester Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Ghost Guns and Ammunition

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

    CONCORD – A Nashua man and a Manchester man were sentenced today in federal court for separate firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

    “Two unrelated felons, Mr. Reidy and Mr. Maker, were each a danger to their respective communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Both of these defendants were distributing narcotics while illegally owning weapons and ammunition, which is always a perilous combination. Mr. Reidy also put law enforcement officers in harm’s way by engaging in a three-hour standoff with the Nashua Police Department to conceal his three ghost guns, ammunition, and an AR-style rifle underneath the insulation in his attic. Mr. Maker attempted to flee from Manchester police officers at the time of his arrest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not stand by and allow dangerous individuals to possess deadly weapons. As demonstrated by today’s sentencings, this office will investigate and prosecute convicted felons in possession of firearms with the goal of removing them from the public in a concerted effort to make our communities safer.”

    “ATF is firmly committed to removing illegal drugs, firearms, and ghost guns from the streets of New Hampshire, particularly from the hands of convicted felons,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “By dismantling trafficking networks, targeting the proliferation of untraceable ghost guns, and collaborating with our local, state, and federal partners, we aim to create safer communities and protect citizens from the harm associated with these illegal activities.”

    Robert Reidy, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 87 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In July 2024, Robert Reidy pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person and one count of possession of unregistered firearms.

    In October 2023, the Nashua Police Department learned that Reidy was selling drugs out of his home in Nashua. In October and November 2023, Reidy allegedly engaged in three controlled purchases of methamphetamine. During these alleged controlled purchases, law enforcement used audio and video recording, which captured images of firearms within the defendant’s bedroom. Reidy was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a prior felony conviction for Escape from a Penal Institution in 2017.

    On December 5, 2023, members of the Nashua Police Department arrived at Reidy’s residence to execute a state search warrant. Reidy refused multiple commands to exit his residence, and ultimately surrendered after chemical munitions were deployed into his residence.  Law enforcement ultimately located one short-barreled AR-style rifle with a silencer threaded onto the barrel, three additional disassembled firearms hidden in the attic that all appeared to be privately manufactured, as well as 160 rounds of ammunition. Reidy also did not register the short-barreled rifle or silencer as required by the National Firearm Act.

    Reidy’s alleged distribution of methamphetamine is pending in state court.

    Nashua Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. 

    Monytung Maker, a/k/a “MoSavage,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 12 months and a day in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In July 2024, Monytung Maker pleaded guilty to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    In May, June, and July 2023, Maker allegedly sold cocaine to a confidential informant on several occasions. On or about August 2, 2023, officers from the Manchester Police Department executed a search warrant at Maker’s Manchester apartment and found a backpack in Maker’s bedroom containing his bank cards and a 9mm pistol loaded with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition. Maker was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a 2019 felony conviction for unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County.

    Maker’s alleged distribution of cocaine is pending in state court.

    The Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation.

    Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Scanlon prosecuted both cases. 

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

     

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Designates Madison County for Federal Support to Reduce Domestic Violence

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

    FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland approved 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022, and U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced Madison County as a designee.

    With this designation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois and the Kansas City Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives partnered with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to develop a plan to reduce firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms. 

    “To address domestic violence in our communities, it’s important to strengthen the relationships between prosecutors and law enforcement in order to hold abusers accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “As October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to reduce intimate partner violence by working directly with our community and law enforcement partners.”

    “This partnership strengthens the commitment of the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to reduce violent crime in our homes, which should be places of peace and joy, not fear and harm. Effective prosecution of abusers can mean the difference between life and death for victims, as well as for the law enforcement officers who respond to incidents of violence,” said Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. “With this partnership, we will continue to deploy prosecution resources to ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected and their abusers brought to justice.”

    To select designees, the Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from an increased focus on intimate partner violence. The partnership will connect stakeholders with resources and increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.

    “In April, ATF hosted the first Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit to honor those who have fallen to domestic violence and today’s announcement is an example of how ATF will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities every day,” stated Bernard G. Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Kansas City Field Division.  “ATF’s mission is as critical as it has ever been, we will not stop working to prevent gun violence and will do everything we can to stop the cycle of domestic abuse.”

    The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney, HSI and ATF Charge Belen Teen with Federal Firearms Offenses

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen teen faces federal charges for allegedly possessing a machine gun conversion device.

    Christopher Gammon II, 19,is charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on June 28, 2024, Gammon possessed a machine gun conversion device.

    Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices designed to modify a semi-automatic firearm so it is capable of fully automatic fire, that is, continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and/or sale of machine gun conversion devices without proper licensing is a federal offense punishable by severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The use of machinegun conversion devices poses a significant public safety risk, as they transform semi-automatic firearms into dangerous machine guns capable of causing catastrophic harm.

    Gammon appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently set for February 10, 2025.

    If convicted, Gammon faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

    Homeland Security Investigations and the ATF jointly investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Eagle is prosecuting the case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced Following Federal Gun and Drug Convictions Stemming from Conduct in Tallapoosa County

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

                Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a federal judge sentenced two Opelika, Alabama residents after a jury found them guilty of committing federal crimes in Tallapoosa County. On October 29, 2024, 45-year-old Jeffrey Monkentee Hill received a sentence of 250 months in prison. Previously, on September 19, 2024, a judge ordered 34-year-old Carstavious Shadon Stovall receive a 92-month sentence. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole. 

               According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in February 2022, the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking. The investigation eventually revealed that Hill was involved with the sale of illegal drugs at a residence in Camp Hill, Alabama. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, law enforcement found Hill and Stovall present at the house, along with cocaine, methamphetamine, and multiple firearms. Both Hill and Stovall have previous felony convictions and are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.   

               On June 5, 2024, a federal jury found both Hill and Stovall guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury also convicted Hill on the additional charges of possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the illegal drugs and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

               Based on Hill’s criminal history, the sentencing judge determined that he qualified as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. This ruling increased the guidelines range for Hill and resulted in a significant sentence.

               Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson would like to thank the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for investigating this case. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force provided valuable assistance in the investigation and apprehension of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Ashley J. Avera prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Anthem Successfully Closes on First Real Estate Development Trust IPO on a Canadian Asset

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anthem Properties Group, through the Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust (REDT), has successfully closed on the first Canadian initial public offering of its kind on its 66-storey, mixed-use development, Citizen, based in Burnaby, BC (by way of an offering of units of Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust) (the “IPO”)).

    The IPO reached its $82M CDN target raise. Anthem worked on this offering with CIBC Capital Markets, who acted as sole agent and has a successful track record of completed real estate development IPOs for US assets.

    “The completion of this financing is a win for the Anthem team on many fronts,” said Anthem Core-Founder & CEO, Eric Carlson. “It enables access to housing units for our community, including much-needed market and affordable rentals, in an architecturally significant, multi-use 66 storey tower, which represents innovation by the City of Burnaby when it comes to land use. Financially, the IPO of a single asset Mutual Fund Trust is a creative and unique solution to raise the capital required to make this project happen.”

    With a mix of market, rental and affordable homes, anchored by a hotel and supported by retail space, Citizen is anticipated to be a premier destination in Metrotown, Burnaby. Anthem has a productive and positive working relationship with the City of Burnaby, which is eager to create great spaces that encourage residents and businesses to choose their city to call home. The project has rezoning approvals and entitlements completed, and construction is underway.

    Background on the IPO including investor materials and past REDT press releases can be found at www.citizenbyanthemdevtrust.com

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the REDT in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities of the REDT in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

    About Anthem Properties

    Anthem is a real estate development, investment and management company that strives, solves and evolves to create better spaces and stronger communities, with more than 385 residential, commercial, and retail projects. Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of 800 people, with a diverse portfolio consisting of 41,700 homes, 11.5 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space and has developed more than 60 communities across 9,800 acres of land across in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and California. We are Growing Places.

    Contact:
    Elisha McCallum
    Vice President, Communications  
    Phone: 604.488.3612 Mobile: 778.668.0185
    Email: emccallum@anthemproperties.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    October 29, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    October 29, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    October 29, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    October 29, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    October 29, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded employers participating in the Abilympics championship

    The National Championship of Professional Skills among the Disabled and People with Limited Health Abilities “Abilympics” has ended in Moscow. 450 winners were awarded certificates for additional professional education and the purchase of technical rehabilitation equipment. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the winners of the championship.

    “It was a truly great success. Over the past 10 years, we have come a long way and have become convinced that the order of President Vladimir Putin to realize the capabilities and talents of each person in our country does not encounter any barriers. Every year, the championship is becoming more and more popular – it has already covered 120 thousand participants from all regions of Russia. And this is, of course, the merit of our regions,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also noted that Abilympics faces important challenges.

    “The kids need support, it is important for them to see role models in front of them who give them hope and confirm that every person in our country is in demand and can be useful to the Motherland, themselves and their families,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that more than 2.5 thousand enterprises joined the Abilympics championship, creating jobs and conditions for young specialists. He emphasized that 93% of participants are already employed, which is a very good indicator.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko presented letters of gratitude from the Russian Government Office to employers who employ the largest number of participants in the Abilympics championships and provide internships in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Thus, the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, the United Engine Corporation, the Bank of Russia, Mobile TeleSystems and Ozon Holding were noted.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also presented awards to the regions that demonstrated the best results in employing participants in the Abilympics championships and involving people with disabilities and people with limited health capabilities in the movement’s events. Among them are Moscow, the Republic of Tatarstan, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Ulyanovsk and Rostov Regions. The Republic of North Ossetia-Alania received an award for high indicators of the Abilympics movement development based on the results of 2023 and 2024.

    On behalf of the regions, the awards were accepted by the Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai Mikhail Kotyukov, the Minister of the Moscow Government, the Head of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow Evgeny Struzhak, the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tatarstan Ilsur Khadiullin and others.

    Head of the Russian Presidential Administration for Public Projects Sergei Novikov emphasized that over ten seasons, the participants of the Abilympics championship have become a big family, they are constantly in touch and support each other. He added that thanks to the movement, people with disabilities motivate each other to develop in their chosen specialty, compete successfully and show excellent results.

    Sergey Novikov presented awards to representatives of the countries that won the overall team standings of the competitions with friendly countries. The first place was taken by the national team of the Russian Federation. The award for second place was received by the national team of the Republic of Belarus. Third place went to the Republic of Abkhazia.

    First Deputy Minister of Education of Russia Alexander Bugaev expressed gratitude to everyone who created the Abilympics movement in all regions of Russia over the course of ten years.

    “I would like to thank the huge army of participants in the movement over all these years – 120 thousand people. You can come to any region of our country and find your comrade, like-minded person. I am sure that each of those who participate in the tenth season of the Abilympics championship is already a winner. We must name the winners, but the best is everyone who is present in this hall today. Thank you for this, and always remain as wonderful,” said Alexander Bugayev.

    In the overall team standings of the Abilympics championship, the Moscow team took first place. The Republic of Tatarstan team took second place. The St. Petersburg team came in third.

    The 2024 National Abilympics Championship was held from October 26 to 29, 2024, at the Gostiny Dvor Exhibition Center, as well as at six additional venues of professional educational organizations in Moscow and the Diana Gurtskaya Social Integration Center. The contestants were 869 people from 73 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, including 290 schoolchildren, 276 students, and 303 specialists. The judging was carried out by 276 experts from 52 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

    The championship’s competition program included 50 competencies in the fields of education, IT technologies, decorative and applied arts, creative industries, industry, public catering, services, economics and management, construction, and medical professions.

    Representatives of foreign countries competed in 12 main and 1 presentation competencies. Participants from Azerbaijan, Abkhazia, Belarus, Zimbabwe and Qatar demonstrated their skills in person. Contestants from Armenia, Nicaragua and China took part in the competition remotely.

    For participants with severe and multiple developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, a Festival of Opportunities was held. It included competitions in 11 competencies. The Festival of Introduction to the Profession brought together 50 preschool and primary school children with disabilities aged 6 years and older. They competed in 10 competencies.

    The project operator is the National Center “Abilympics” of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thompson Okanagan communities receive over $725,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and support sustainable tourism

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Government of Canada is making investments in tourism across British Columbia to attract visitors and drive local economic growth

    October 29, 2024 – Kelowna, British Columbia – PacifiCan

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. In the Thompson Okanagan, tourism business owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions. 

    Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.

    As part of today’s announcement, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation is receiving $250,000 in funding to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark. 

    Silver Star Freestyle Club is receiving $250,000 to create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.

    Other investments included in today’s announcements are:

    • $65,000 for Hunters Range Snowmobile Association to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure in Enderby for an improved rider experience
    • $162,500 for Wine Growers British Columbia Society to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on its website

    More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder here.

    Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Thompson Okanagan communities receive over $725,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and support sustainable tourism

    Source: Government of Canada News

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.

    Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.

    The projects announced today are:

    Hunters Range Snowmobile Association
    $65,000

    Funding will allow Hunters Range Snowmobile Association, a non-profit that manages and operates the snowmobile trails on Hunters Range in Enderby, to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure. This project will improve the organization’s snowmobile experiences, attract more visitors, and promote outdoor recreation in rural communities.

    Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation
    $250,000

    Funding will be used to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark.

    Silver Star Freestyle Club
    $250,000

    Funding will help create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.

    Wine Growers British Columbia Society
    $162,500

    PacifiCan funding will be used to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on the WineBC website. This online platform will help visitors to discover wineries and other small businesses across all nine wine regions. The project will boost local tourism, draw visitors to the region during the off-season, and enhance B.C.’s reputation as a top wine destination.

    Related products

    Haley Hodgson
    Senior Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
    haley.hodgson@kpc-cpr.gc.ca

    Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn

    Toll-Free Number:     1-888-338-9378
    TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired):     1-877-303-3388

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Virani on the Final Report from the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools

    Source: Government of Canada News

    GATINEAU, Quebec, Unceded Algonquin Traditional Territory, October 29, 2024

    Content warning: this statement contains information regarding Indian Residential Schools.

    A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for former Residential School students. Emotional and crisis referral services are available by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

    The Hope for Wellness Line is available to all Indigenous peoples and provides immediate, toll-free telephone and on-line support and crisis intervention 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English, French and, upon request, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. Trained counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat on their website.

    Today, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, issued the following statement after receiving the Final Report of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools:

    “We cannot ignore the lasting impact of the Indian residential school system and the pain it has caused to Indigenous peoples. The harmful legacy of residential schools, which is one of lost children, languages and cultures, lost opportunities to thrive, grow and live full healthy lives and silenced truths, continues to be deeply felt today and cannot be denied.

    “In June 2022, Kimberly Murray was appointed as Special Interlocutor to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, families and communities to identify needed measures and recommend a new federal legal framework to ensure the respectful and culturally appropriate treatment of unmarked graves and burial sites associated with former residential schools.

    “I thank First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, families and community members from coast to coast to coast who courageously shared their stories, knowledge and experiences with the Special Interlocutor in order to produce the Final Report.

    “Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I have the honour of receiving the Special Interlocutor’s Final Report, an Indigenous-led Reparations Framework, which is being delivered concurrently to myself and First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, communities and families. It is my sincere hope that the Special Interlocutor’s Final Report and the recommendations in it will honour the memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools and will lead to healing for families and Survivors.

    “I thank Kimberly Murray for her crucial work listening to Survivors and families and identifying needed measures and recommendations for a new federal legal framework, to ensure that unmarked graves and burial sites at former residential schools are treated with the respect and protection they deserve. Kim Murray’s work has contributed significantly to telling and acknowledging the truth. There is still more to be learned, accepted and understood.

    “In line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and to continue the government’s efforts towards reconciliation, we will work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to address the ongoing legacy of Indian Residential Schools in a way that respects their wishes and traditions.”

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the provincial election in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the provincial election in Saskatchewan:

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party on their re-election.

    “I look forward to continue working with Premier Moe to deliver on priorities for the people of Saskatchewan and all Canadians. Our shared work will include growing the economy, building more homes, improving health care, expanding affordable child care, cutting emissions, and creating good middle-class jobs.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smucker, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

    Washington—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Gwen Moore (WI-04), members of the Ways and Means Committee, announce jointly-introducing the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 10055). This legislation will amend the nation’s tax code to ensure survivors of sexual abuse and unwanted and illegal sexual contact do not have to pay taxes on settlement income when they prevail legally against their abuser. The Members have introduced this legislation during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

    Under current law and practice of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), payments for damages awarded on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness are exempt from gross income for federal income tax purposes. In implementing the requirement of a “physical injury” the IRS has imposed a standard that the victim must show visible physical conditions such as bruising, cuts or bleeding for the settlement to qualify for tax-free treatment. The observable harm standard can be especially difficult to meet and unfair in circumstances of sexual assault or sexual contact where such physical injuries may not be visible or have healed. 

    Representatives Smucker and Moore’s legislation narrowly expands current law to help survivors of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact by tying the IRS tax exemption to the definitions of sexual act and sexual contact in federal criminal code.

    “This legislation provides certainty for survivors of sexual assault and ensures that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax. I encourage my colleagues to stand with survivors by supporting this narrowly tailored legislation. I want to thank Rep. Gwen Moore for joining me in introducing this legislation,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

    “Right now, sexual abuse survivors who prevail in legal actions against their abusers must pay federal tax on monetary awards they receive unless they prove to the IRS they suffered physical harm. I am honored to partner with Representative Smucker to remove the burdensome and unfair requirement on survivors of sexual abuse and highlight our joint work during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).  

    The legislation is supported by a number of organizations who are calling for the legislation to be passed without delay.

    “On behalf of the thousands of courageous survivors of gender-based violence that the YWCA network supports each year, I applaud Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Gwen Moore for championing this legislation to provide certainty to all victims of sexual violence that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax,” said YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell. “We stand with survivors in all their steps of healing and this thoughtful and bipartisan bill is a helpful step.”

    “On behalf of the members of the American Association of Settlement Consultants (AASC), whose professional efforts protect injured parties’ long term financial interests, we are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Smucker and Moore in advancing the commonsense and bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act. Their efforts to support survivors are deserving of praise. We call on their colleagues to support this legislation which should be advanced without delay,” said AASC President Joanna Wynes and AASC President-Elect Louis Masry.

    “As a survivor and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how civil judgments provide a rare form of justice that can help survivors reclaim some control over their lives and begin to heal,” said Grace French, founder and president of the Army of Survivors. “But taxing these settlements forces survivors to give back part of what they sacrificed so much to attain. This legislation will allow us to receive full settlements, unencumbered by tax burdens that devalue the painful journey to justice. It’s a crucial step in helping survivors move forward with dignity, knowing they have the financial support they deserve.”

    “Sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact are pervasive, devastating problems in our country and it can be extremely challenging to seek justice,” said MomsRising Elyssa Schmier, Vice President of Government Relations. “Those who do so successfully, and win the settlements they deserve, should not have those settlements taxed simply because their injuries are not visible or observable. That’s an unacceptable, harmful double standard that we must end. So America’s moms thank Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) for championing the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act, and urge Congress to pass it quickly.”

    # # #

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces $21.2 Million in USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Memphis-based MidSouth Development District will receive $21,250,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program for a project providing sustainable improvements to agricultural land with its partners in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County in Arkansas; and DeSoto County in Mississippi.

    The project aims to enhance ecosystem health by establishing diverse habitats on the edges of production sites across the six counties, supporting ecosystem services that reduce synthetic inputs and improve water and soil quality. This approach will increase biodiversity, providing natural pest control and pollination, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “Mid-South agriculture and the livelihoods it supports are a critical foundation of our regional economy and promoting biodiversity is an important goal. Applying best practices for sustainable and environmentally protective farmland use with the help of this substantial funding will be an economic boon to our region, its workers, and its plants and animals.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moore, Smucker Introduce Bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Moore, Smucker Introduce Bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act

    Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), both members of the Ways and Means Committee, are jointly introducing the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 10055). This legislation will amend the nation’s tax code to ensure survivors of sexual abuse and unwanted and illegal sexual contact do not have to pay taxes on settlement income when they prevail legally against their abuser. The Members have introduced this legislation during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

    Under current law and practice of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), payments for damages awarded on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness are exempt from gross income for federal income tax purposes. In implementing the requirement of a “physical injury” the IRS has imposed a standard that the victim must show visible physical conditions such as bruising, cuts or bleeding for the settlement to qualify for tax-free treatment. The observable harm standard can be especially difficult to meet and unfair in circumstances of sexual assault or sexual contact where such physical injuries may not be visible or have healed. 

    Representatives Smucker and Moore’s legislation narrowly expands current law to help survivors of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact by tying the IRS tax exemption to the definitions of sexual act and sexual contact in federal criminal code.

    “Right now, sexual abuse survivors who prevail in legal actions against their abusers must pay federal tax on monetary awards they receive unless they prove to the IRS they suffered physical harm. I am honored to partner with Representative Smucker to remove the burdensome and unfair requirement on survivors of sexual abuse and highlight our joint work during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).  

    “This legislation provides certainty for survivors of sexual assault and ensures that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax. I encourage my colleagues to stand with survivors by supporting this narrowly tailored legislation. I want to thank Rep. Gwen Moore for joining me introducing this legislation,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

     

    The legislation is supported by a number of organizations who are calling for the legislation to be passed without delay.

    “On behalf of the thousands of courageous survivors of gender-based violence that the YWCA network supports each year, I applaud Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Gwen Moore for championing this legislation to provide certainty to all victims of sexual violence that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax,” said YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell. “We stand with survivors in all their steps of healing and this thoughtful and bipartisan bill is a helpful step.”

    “On behalf of the members of the American Association of Settlement Consultants (AASC), whose professional efforts protect injured parties’ long term financial interests, we are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Smucker and Moore in advancing the commonsense and bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act. Their efforts to support survivors are deserving of praise. We call on their colleagues to support this legislation which should be advanced without delay,” said AASC President Joanna Wynes and AASC President-Elect Louis Masry.

    “As a survivor and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how civil judgments provide a rare form of justice that can help survivors reclaim some control over their lives and begin to heal,” said Grace French, founder and president of the Army of Survivors. “But taxing these settlements forces survivors to give back part of what they sacrificed so much to attain. This legislation will allow us to receive full settlements, unencumbered by tax burdens that devalue the painful journey to justice. It’s a crucial step in helping survivors move forward with dignity, knowing they have the financial support they deserve.”

    “Sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact are pervasive, devastating problems in our country and it can be extremely challenging to seek justice,” said MomsRising Elyssa Schmier, Vice President of Government Relations. “Those who do so successfully, and win the settlements they deserve, should not have those settlements taxed simply because their injuries are not visible or observable. That’s an unacceptable, harmful double standard that we must end. So America’s moms thank Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) for championing the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act, and urge Congress to pass it quickly.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scanlon, Casey, Fetterman, Boyle, Evans Secure $79.6 Million to Make PhilaPort More Energy Efficient

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon(PA-5)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02) and Dwight Evans (PA-03) in announcing that Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) is receiving a total of $79,650,965 in federal funding to plan and implement projects that will transition the port’s operations to zero-emissions equipment. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.

    “The Port of Philadelphia is a critical driver of good-paying jobs for our region and a vital gateway for goods and passengers across the country,” said Rep. Scanlon. “I’m so pleased to see funding from the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda continue to flow into our region, helping clean up pollution at our ports and improving air quality and public health in neighboring communities.”

    “This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will allow PhilaPort to bring down its energy costs and improve air quality in surrounding communities while incorporating the technology of the future into its operations,” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight to improve our shipping hubs to ensure that the Commonwealth’s waterways boost economic growth and create and sustain good jobs.”

    “The nearly $80 million investment in PhilaPort is a transformative step toward a more efficient future for Philadelphia. Moving to zero-emission technology will help make our port cleaner and healthier for the community while boosting the local economy and creating good paying jobs. This is what the Inflation Reduction Act is all about—making big investments that keep Pennsylvania competitive and sustainable,” said Senator Fetterman.

    “This funding, which I proudly supported as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will enable PhilaPort to adopt cutting-edge technology that reduces carbon emissions and could help expand the port’s operations,” Rep. Boyle. “Philadelphia’s ports are vital to our communities, providing jobs and positioning our city as a key hub of commerce. This investment not only supports the hardworking port workers who drive our economy but also ensures that PhilaPort can continue serving the nation sustainably for years to come.”

    “I was proud to vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark clean-energy and health-care law, and this more than $79 million in federal funding for our area is just the latest way it’s benefiting Philadelphia and the region,” said Rep. Evans.

    The Clean Ports Program funding will support two PhilaPort projects. $77.6 million will help PhilaPort deploy electric cargo handling equipment, install new charging infrastructure, and upgrade existing electrical infrastructure. An additional $2 million will support planning operations to better understand the port’s current emissions levels, identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, and engage the surrounding community about the process of transitioning to zero-emission operations.

    The announcement comes just a month after the members secured $217 million for PhilaPort to expand the operational capacity of the SouthPort terminal.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steil Urges Immediate Meeting of Wisconsin Elections Commission After Release of Draft Guidance on Non-Domiciled ID

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

    Janesville, WI (October 29, 2024) – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration late yesterday received a response to his call for the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) to clarify the use of “Limited Term” and “Non-Domiciled IDs” for election purposes and provide official guidance for Wisconsin election clerks.   
      
    In the response to Rep. Steil, WEC also announced its intention to convene on Friday, November 1 to formally issue guidance to municipal and county clerks regarding individuals who present a “Limited Term” or “Non-Domiciled” ID. These IDs are only issued to temporary visitors. The meeting comes after Rep. Steil sent a letter to WEC following reports from clerks that the commission failed to give clear guidance on this issue.  
      
    Upon receiving the draft guidance, Rep. Steil issued a follow-up letter urging WEC to convene immediately to issue the draft guidance as registration and voting is ongoing in Wisconsin. 
     
    Excerpts and highlights from the draft memo read: 
     
    “… the commission received many questions from clerks asking how to proceed should they encounter this type of ID at the polls on Election Day and during in-person absentee voting. 
     
    “Under Wis. Stat. § 343.03(3m), both forms of identification are issued to non-citizens. According to the DMV, identifications marked “Limited Term” indicate “that the license or ID card holder is a non-immigrant (Temporary Visitor) with legal status in the United States” and identifications marked “Non-Domiciled” indicate “that the CDL license holder is a non-immigrant (Temporary Visitor) with legal status in the United States. 
     
    “The commission does not know how many of these identifications have been issued… 
     
    “Because both the “Limited Term” and “Non-Domiciled” identifications are issued pursuant to Chapter 343 of the Statutes, Wis. Stat. § 5.02(6m)(a)1. mandates that these identifications must be accepted as a proper form of voter identification. However, possessing a valid identification does not necessarily mean the holder of the identification is eligible to vote. 
     
    “… if the potential voter presents a DMV identification marked “Limited Term” or “Non-Domiciled,” that indicates that the individual is most likely ineligible to vote because they are not a citizen and the election inspector should challenge that individual’s eligibility to vote, unless the person presents documentation demonstrating the person is now a citizen.” 

    Read the full letter and draft memo here. 
     
    Background:  

    • Wisconsin law requires every eligible voter to be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old who has resided in an election district or ward for 28 consecutive days before an election. Eligible individuals are required to provide proof of identification and residency in order to register to vote. Proof of identity can be satisfied with a valid driver license or ID card issued by Wisconsin. For proof of residence, any individual who is issued a Limited Term or Non-Domiciled ID card has been classified as a Temporary Visitor and is thus ineligible to register to vote. 
    • Wisconsin municipal clerks approached WEC for guidance on this issue, but it was not provided. 
    • On October 24, 2024, Chairman Steil sent a letter to WEC demanding answers on whether temporary residents can vote in Wisconsin and urging the Commission to issue guidance to clerks on this. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carissa Arillo: Testing Spacecraft, Penning the Owner’s Manuals

    Source: NASA

    Flight operations engineer Carissa Arillo helped ensure one of the instruments on NASA’s PACE mission made it successfully through its prelaunch testing. She and her group also documented the work rigorously, to ensure the flight team had a comprehensive manual to keep this Earth-observing satellite in good health for the duration of its mission.

    Name: Carissa M. ArilloFormal Job Classification: Flight Operations EngineerOrganization: Environmental Test Engineering and Integration Branch (Code 549)
    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
    I developed pre-launch test procedures for the HARP-2 instrument for the Phytoplankton, Aerosol, Cloud and Ecosystem (PACE) Mission. HARP-2 is a wide angle imaging polarimeter designed to measure aerosol particles and clouds, as well as properties of land and water surfaces.
    I also developed the flight operations routine and contingency procedures that governed the spacecraft after launch. It is interesting to think about how to design procedures that can sustain the observatory in space for the life of the mission so that the flight operations team that inherits the mission will have a seamless transition.
    What is your educational background?
    In 2019, I got a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. I am currently pursuing a master’s in robotics there as well.
    Why did you become an engineer?
    I like putting things together and understanding how they work. After starting my job at NASA Goddard, I became interested in coding and robotics.
    How did you come to Goddard?
    After getting my undergraduate degree, I worked at General Electric Aviation doing operations management for manufacturing aircraft engines. When I heard about an opening at Goddard, I applied and got my current position.
    What was involved in developing pre-launch test procedures for the HARP-2 instrument?
    I talked to the instrument manufacturer, which is a team from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and asked them what they wanted to confirm works every time we tested the instrument. We kept in constant communication while developing these test procedures to make sure we covered everything. The end product was code that was part of the comprehensive performance tests, the baseline tests throughout the prelaunch test campaign. Before, during, and after each prelaunch environmental test, we perform such a campaign. These prelaunch environmental tests include vibration, thermal (hot and cold), acoustic and radio frequency compatibility (making sure that different subsystems do not interfere with each other’s).
    What goes through your head in developing a flight operations procedure for an instrument?
    I think about a safe way of operating the instrument to accomplish the goals of the science team. I also think about not being able to constantly monitor the instrument. Every few hours, we can communicate with the instrument for about five to 10 minutes. We can, however, recover all the telemetry for the off-line time.
    When we discover an anomaly, we look at all the history that we have and consult with our contingency procedures, our failure review board and potentially the instrument manufacturer. Together we try to figure out a recovery.
    When developing a fight operations procedure, we must think of all possible scenarios. Our end product is a written book of procedures that lives with the mission and is updated as needed.
    New cars come with an owner’s manual. We create the same sort of manual for the new instrument.
    As a Flight Operations Team member, what else do you do?
    The flight operations team runs the Mission Operations Center — the “MOC” — for PACE. That is where we command the spacecraft for the life of the mission. My specialty is the HARP-2 instrument, but I still do many supporting functions for the MOC. For example, I helped develop procedures to automate ground station contacts to PACE. These ground stations are positioned all over the world and enable us to talk with the spacecraft during those five to 10 minutes of communication. This automation includes the standard things we do every time we talk to the spacecraft whether or not someone is in the MOC.

    How does it feel to be working on such an amazing mission so early in your career?
    It is awesome, I feel very lucky to be in my position. Everything is new to me. At times it is difficult to understand where the ship is going. I rely on my experienced team members to guide me and my robotics curriculum in school to equip me with skills.
    I have learned a lot from both the flight operations team and the integration and test team. The flight operations team has years of experience building MOCs that serve the needs of each unique mission. The integration and test team also has a lot of experience developing observatory functional procedures. I wish to thank both teams for taking me under their wings and educating me on the fly to support the prelaunch, launch and post-launch campaigns. I am very grateful to everyone for giving me this unbelievable opportunity.
    Who is your engineering hero?
    I don’t have one hero in particular but I love biographical movies that tell stories about influential people’s lives, such as the movie “Hidden Figures” that details the great endeavors and accomplishments of three female African-American mathematicians at NASA.
    What do you do for fun?
    I love to go to the beach and spend time with family and friends.
    Who is your favorite author?
    I like Kristen Hannah’s storytelling abilities.
    What do you hope to be doing in five years?
    I hope to be working on another exciting mission at Goddard that will bring us never-before-seen science.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Technology Council Honors 11 From UConn

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    An impressive 11 members of the University of Connecticut community were honored as part of the 19th annual Women of Innovation Awards, hosted by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) and held on October 22 at the Woodwinds in Branford.

    Fumiko Hoeft, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of UConn Waterbury, speaks at the CTIC awards ceremony on Oct. 22 (Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

    The honorees included faculty and students from four different schools and colleges across UConn Health, UConn Storrs, and UConn Waterbury.

    “I could not be more proud of the extraordinary group of UConn women who received these well-deserved honors,” says UConn President Radenka Maric. “From undergraduate students to senior faculty, they exemplify the innovative spirit and passion for discovery that make our University such a special place.

    The CTC recognizes women who have achieved remarkable success and are empowering other women and girls in scientific research, education, manufacturing, and business. Formed in 1994, the organization is the voice of all technology companies in Connecticut.

    “Since the first Women of Innovation event that I attended, I have been extremely impressed with the great contribution these outstanding women – including this 2024 WOI group – have had and continue to have on the technology ecosystem and our society,” says Giovanni Tomasi, President/Chief Technology Officer of RSL Fiber Systems and Board Chair of CTC.

    All honorees are currently working or studying in Connecticut, demonstrating strong leadership abilities, and have served as a mentor – either short or long-term, peer, career or life mentor.

    The following are the UConn honorees from the event with the category that they were recognized in.

    (Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

    Research Innovation and Leadership

    Xiuling Lu , Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy

    Zongjie Wang , Associate Director, Eversource Energy Center/Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Yanjiao Zhou, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, UConn Health

    Community Innovation and Leadership

    Jennifer Pascal, Associate Professor in Residence and Associate Department Head, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

    Academic Innovation and Leadership

    Sama Abdulmalik, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UConn Health

    Caroline Dealy, Associate Professor, Departments of Orthodontics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Dental Medicine; and Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Cell Biology, School of Medicine.

    Fumiko Hoeft, Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, UConn Waterbury

    Jasna Jankovic, Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering Department, College of Engineering

    Collegian Innovation and Leadership

    Patricia Hare, DMD-Ph.D. Candidate, School of Dental Medicine

    Tvesha Parikh, Ph.D. Graduate Student, Biomedical Sciences, UConn Health

    Laxmi Vobbineni, Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering major

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Burlington Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

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

    DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography.

    According to public court documents, law enforcement received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Edward Allen Billheimer, 64, had uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement located electronic devices at Billheimer’s Burlington residence and a search of those devices revealed approximately 100 videos and 400 images of child sexual abuse material, including content of toddlers and infants.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Billheimer will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Billheimer was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. In addition, Billheimer will be required to register as a sex offender.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Burlington Police Department.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marine Corps CH-53E delivers essential equipment to Japan’s JS Kaga

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    PACIFIC OCEAN  –  

    A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 delivered critical U.S. Navy support equipment to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest ship, the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The mission underscored the operational cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces as they strengthen joint capabilities in the Pacific.

    The CH-53E aircrew transported a Mobile Cleaning Recovery Recycle System, a specialized cleaning system for restoring friction on flight deck non-skid surfaces. The equipment is vital for maintaining the upper deck for embarked advanced F-35B Lightning II aircraft during ongoing developmental testing on the JS Kaga. On Oct. 20, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River), Maryland, and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (Pax ITF) landed a U.S. F-35B on the JS Kaga for the first time. A second short takeoff and vertical landing variant joined the ship Oct. 25.

    With its ability to carry a 16-ton load 50 nautical miles, the CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter is uniquely suited to transporting equipment such as the 15,000 pound MCRRS.

    “Operating the DoD’s only heavy-lift helicopter means missions like this are routine for HMH-466,” said Maj. Tyler Hoogervorst, a CH-53E pilot and HMH-466 operations officer. “Moving essential equipment, whether across land or sea, is a core part of our mission set. But each time we work alongside our Japanese allies, especially delivering directly to a vessel like the JS Kaga, it’s a privilege.”

    The helicopter was received by JMSDF sailors, as well as U.S. Sailors and Marines from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ships USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Makin Island (LHD 8), and America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), on board the JS Kaga to support Primary Flight Control, or PriFly, and flight deck operations. Before the helicopter took off, the JS Kaga crew refueled it with approximately 5,000 pounds of aviation fuel.

    This successful equipment delivery highlights the interoperability of U.S. and Japanese forces and their expanding capability to conduct mission-critical operations together, underscoring their commitment to regional security and the effectiveness of integrated naval operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard repatriates 47 migrants to Dominican Republic following 3 at-sea interdictions near Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    10/29/2024 02:08 PM EDT

    The Coast Guard returned 47 migrants to the Dominican Republic between Thursday and Sunday, following three separate interdictions of irregular, unlawful maritime migration voyages in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico. Ten of the interdicted migrants remain in U.S. custody to face federal prosecution by the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico on a range of separate charges including attempted reentry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. 1326, unlawful entry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. 1325, and failure to heave under 18 U.S.C. 2237.

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tenth Annual Richard Goode Lecture: International Lending in War and Peace

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    The International Monetary Fund will hold its tenth annual Richard Goode Lecture on November 5, 2024. The Richard Goode Lecture is an annual event hosted by the Fiscal Affairs Department for top academics to present their cutting-edge research on topical policy issues before a broad audience of policymakers, thinktanks, and staff of international organizations.

    The theme of this year’s seminar is “International Lending in War and Peace” presented by Professor Christoph Trebesch. The lecture will present some key trends in international capital flows across 200 years, focusing on turbulent episodes during war and peace. It will illustrate the crucial role of official finance in helping avert military defeat or financial collapse.

    Professor Trebesch is a professor at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the University of Kiel. His research focuses on international finance and macroeconomics as well as political economy and geopolitics. His research has been published in leading economic journals such as the American Economic Review, the Quarterly Journal of Economics, and the Journal of Political Economy and is regularly cited in international media, including The New York Times, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal. He directs the CEPR Policy Network on “International Lending and Sovereign Debt” and co-directs the CEPR Network on “Geoeconomics,” for which he organizes an annual high-level conference on geopolitics and economics. He is also the creator of the widely referenced “Ukraine Support Tracker” on military and financial aid flows to Ukraine. In 2023, he was awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant, one of the most prestigious research recognitions in Europe.

    *Light refreshments will be served.

    Questions for the speaker can be sent before the event to FADRG@imf.org

    Agenda

    10:02 AM – 10:05 AM Welcoming remarks by Vitor Gaspar, Director, Fiscal Affairs Department
    10:05 AM – 10:50 AM Presentation by Professor Christoph Trebesch
    10:50 AM – 11:05 AM Conversation between Vitor Gaspar and Christoph Trebesch
    11:05 AM – 11:25 AM Audience Q&A

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seizure of contraband at Mountain Institution

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    On October 24, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, several packages containing contraband were seized on the perimeter of Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

    October 29, 2024 – Agassiz, British Columbia – Correctional Service Canada

    On October 24, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, several packages containing contraband were seized on the perimeter of Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

    The contraband items seized included cannabis concentrates. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $70,000.

    The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors. SC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

    CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.

    The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous. 

    Marie Messer
    Assistant Warden, Management Services
    Mountain Institution
    604-796-2231

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    ATLANTA – Georgia farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4–20, 2024, may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA assistance is available to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment and items required for employment or for self-employment.Coverage for Tools and EquipmentFamily-owned farms typically have a variety of equipment needed to conduct business. These include, but are not limited to, tractors, plows, seeders or planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. These items are all potentially eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if the applicant can show that they were damaged by the disaster, the applicant does not have another working item that can meet this need, and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance. Crops and livestock are not “tools and equipment” because they are the products of a farming operation, whereas tools and equipment are the means of production.Ranch hands may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when they can show these items are required by their employer.Assistance is based on a need to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment, items required by an employer as a condition of employment or required for education. This includes disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession that are not provided or supplied by the employer, including a computer.Many of these items have substantial costs, but it is important to remember that assistance for uninsured or underinsured occupational tools is limited to the maximum amount of Other Needs Assistance an applicant may receive. Additional assistance to help meet these needs may also be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency offers Livestock Assistance, Farm Loans and help for farmland damage and crop losses. Visit Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov) to learn more.How To Apply for FEMA Individual AssistanceVisit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema.gov/drc.Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.Download and use the FEMA app.FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Tue, 10/29/2024 – 17:38

    MIL OSI USA News –