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  • MIL-OSI: Lambent Executives to Co-Present with NSU Florida on Occupancy Analytics and Operational Excellence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Executives from occupancy analytics software company Lambent are partnering with NSU Florida to highlight how businesses and higher education institutions are using occupancy analytics to maximize operational excellence.

    Lambent CEO Richard Scannell and Campus Technology Advisor/Sales Director Sue Wohlford Bork will be joined by Daniel Alfonso, Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety at NSU Florida at two different events in the next two weeks—SRAPPA (Southeast Region Association of Physical Plant Administrators) and Tradeline’s Space Strategies 2024.  

    The sessions will examine the role of occupancy analytics in revolutionizing operational excellence across real estate and facilities management, and the resulting cost reductions, adaptability improvements, and energy efficiencies. The presenters will share NSU Florida’s own experience integrating occupancy data with its Building Automation Systems (BAS) and the opportunities that created for data-driven space discussions and the improved management of hybrid workplaces. They will also discuss the transformational potential of predictive occupancy analytics in developing operational strategies, anticipating space usage trends and aligning resources to quickly adapt to those shifts.

    The session will be presented at two separate conferences:
    SRAPPA (Southeast Region Association of Physical Plant Administrators)

    • Chattanooga, TN
    • Wed. Oct. 30th  @ 2:25 PM

    Speakers:

    Sue Bork
    Campus Technology Advisor to Higher Education Institutions
    Lambent    		 Daniel Alfonso
    Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety
    NSU Florida
       

    Tradeline Space Strategies 2024

    • Scottsdale, AZ
    • Mon. Nov. 11th @ 2:20 PM and Tue.  Nov. 12th @ 1:45 PM

    Speakers: 

    Richard Scannell
    CEO
    Lambent    		 Daniel Alfonso
    Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety
    NSU Florida
       

    About Lambent
    Lambent is an occupancy analytics software company helping corporate and higher ed campuses optimize space utilization, facilities operations and real estate investments. Its SaaS platform, Lambent Spaces, leverages existing data sources such as Wi-Fi and sensors to provide anonymous and predictive analytics to inform decisions related to utilization, workplace experiences, planning, scheduling, and maintenance. The software delivers actionable intelligence so facilities professionals and space planners can make better use of the spaces they have. For more information, visit https://lambentspaces.com/.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fannie Mae Announces Changes to Appraisal Alternatives Requirements

    Source: Fannie Mae

    WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today announced changes to the eligibility requirements for Value Acceptance (previously known as appraisal waivers) and Value Acceptance + Property Data (also known as inspection-based appraisal waivers), two key components of the company’s valuation modernization options. The changes are part of Fannie Mae’s ongoing efforts to offer a balance of traditional appraisals and appraisal alternatives to confirm a property’s value in order to meet the needs of the market.  

    Beginning in Q1 2025, for purchase loans for primary residences and second homes, the eligible loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for Value Acceptance will increase from 80% to 90% and Value Acceptance + Property Data will increase from 80% to the program limits. Both options are designed to match the risk of the collateral and the loan transaction.

    “Fannie Mae is on a journey of continuous improvement to make the home valuation process more effective, efficient, and impartial for lenders, appraisers, and secondary mortgage market participants while maintaining Fannie Mae’s safety and soundness,” said Jake Williamson, Senior Vice President of Single-Family Collateral & Quality Risk Management, Fannie Mae. “Responsibly increasing the eligibility for valuation options that leverage data- and technology-driven approaches can also help reduce costs for borrowers.”

    Since early 2020, Fannie Mae estimates the use of appraisal alternatives such as Value Acceptance and Value Acceptance + Property Data on loans Fannie Mae has acquired saved mortgage borrowers more than $2.5 billion.

    Value Acceptance leverages a robust data and modeling framework to confirm the validity of a property’s value and sale price. Alternatively, Value Acceptance + Property Data utilizes trained and vetted third-party property data collectors, such as appraisers, real estate agents, and insurance inspectors, who conduct interior and exterior data collection on the subject property. Lenders are notified of transactions that are eligible for Value Acceptance or Value Acceptance + Property Data via Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter®.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 28th, 2024 Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome Over $1 Million to Break Down Barriers to Home Ownership for New Mexicans Living With HIV/AIDS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    SANTA FE, N.M. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) welcomed $1,345,637 for the Santa Fe Housing Trust to provide more pathways to first-time home ownership to 2,050 New Mexicans living with HIV/AIDS. 

    This grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program. The HOPWA program is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

    During the domestic HIV/AIDS crisis, individuals surviving with HIV/AIDS faced barriers to employment and incurred expensive medical costs. This trend continues and disproportionately impact low-income individuals who are struggling to afford stable housing even before diagnosis and treatment. The financial and health vulnerabilities associated with HIV/AIDS often result in housing instability and homelessness. Research shows individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have a stable place to live have more positive health outcomes and spend less time in hospitals or emergency rooms.

    “We should be making it easier for all New Mexicans to become homeowners. Full stop,”said Heinrich. “This funding will break down barriers for individuals living with HIV/AIDS to become first-time home buyers, ensuring more folks have a safe and secure place to call home. I’ll keep fighting to increase our housing stock, bring down the cost of housing, and ensure all people in our state have a shot at achieving the dream of home ownership.”

    “No New Mexican should ever worry about whether they will have a safe place to sleep at night,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome more than $1.3 million in federal funding that will help allow New Mexicans living with HIV/AIDS to secure permanent, stable housing so they can focus on their health. I will continue to fight to expand housing options for all New Mexicans.”

    “Home is more than a roof you live under, it provides safety and stability,” said Leger Fernández. “As we work to tackle the home affordability crisis across the country, we must use all tools available to help. We know one of the biggest hurdles homebuyers face is saving up for a downpayment. This $1.3 million for the Santa Fe Housing Trust will provide funding for important services like down payment reduction assistance for first-time home buyers living with HIV/AIDS. I’ll continue to fight for funding that helps our communities through legislation like my Home of Your Own Act which would also help first time homebuyers with down payment assistance.”

    Background

    Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández are tireless advocates for lowering housing costs, increasing housing supply, and expanding housing affordability and access for families in New Mexico.

    Through Heinrich’s role as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, particularly through his seat as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, Heinrich has worked to deliver millions of dollars to New Mexico for renters and home buyers.

    Most recently, Heinrich secured Committee support for the following investments in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Appropriations:

    In Heinrich’s Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, he secured $1.6 billion for rental assistance, an increase of $120 million over Fiscal Year 2023. Heinrich’s 2024 Appropriations Bill also provided for a pilot program that decoupled rental assistance from Multifamily Direct Loans, preventing thousands of low-income families from losing rental assistance.

    Additionally, Heinrich secured $1,100,000 through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations process for Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity to develop land into a mixed-income development focused on building 25 to 30 housing units for working families. In total, Heinrich has secured $14,500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for northern New Mexico to address the housing shortage.

    In May, Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, and the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed $11.8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing to support public housing authorities build, renovate, and modernize public housing across New Mexico.

    In February, Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, and the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed more than $16 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care program to support New Mexico projects that provide housing assistance and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness.

    Luján has also been a champion of expanding access to affordable housing for all New Mexicans. Earlier this year, Luján partnered with Heinrich to push for more funding for Tribal housing programs.

    Through Luján’s work on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Luján has also fought to secure critical support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

    Luján introduced the bipartisan Ryan White PrEP Availability Act, bipartisan legislation to increase flexibility for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clinics, which provide care and treatment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

    In the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Appropriations package, Luján secured $300,000 to advance the goals of his Oral Health Literacy Act and support the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

    Heinrich and Luján have also introduced a number of bills to tackle New Mexico’s housing crisis.

    Last month, Heinrich introduced the New Homes Tax Credit Act, legislation that would provide tax credits to incentivize new investments and additional resources for single-family home construction and renovations for working families. The bill would address the lack of housing inventory for individuals and families whose incomes are up to 120 percent of the area median income (AMI), particularly including in areas where middle-income families have historically been priced out. In Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, for example, this added housing inventory would benefit families with annual incomes of up to $103,680, $109,800, and $78,960, respectively.

    At a recent roundtable conversation with local educators in Albuquerque, Heinrich announced his Educator Down Payment Assistance Act, legislation designed to help more educators and school staff in New Mexico purchase a home and keep teachers in the communities where they teach.  

    In March, Heinrich co-led the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act, legislation to support homeownership among lower- and middle-income Americans by establishing a refundable tax credit worth up to 10 percent of a home’s purchase price – up to a maximum of $15,000 – for first-time homebuyers. 

    Heinrich also cosponsored the Housing for All Act, comprehensive legislation to expand access to affordable housing in New Mexico and supporting those experiencing homelessness. The bill would invest in proven solutions and provide a historic level of federal funding for strategic, existing programs to keep people housed and reduce homelessness, as well as for innovative, locally developed solutions to help vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.

    Last year, Heinrich introduced the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would help build over 14,000 new affordable homes in New Mexico over the next decade, generating over $2.5 billion in wages and business income. The legislation would support the financing of more affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, our country’s most successful affordable housing program.    

    Heinrich also introduced the Delivering Essential Protection, Opportunity, and Security for Tenants (DEPOSIT) Act, which would help an estimated 12,000 New Mexican families access rental housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Program to pay security deposits and get into a rental home. Luján is also a cosponsor of this bill.

    In January, as Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Heinrich released a report highlighting policy approaches to increasing housing supply in America. Heinrich also chaired a JEC hearing on the report. His full opening statement can be found here.

    Luján introduced the bipartisan Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2023 or the HELPER Act of 2023, legislation that would establish a new home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to make homeownership more accessible to teachers and first responders.

    Luján also introduced the bipartisan Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, legislation that would establish a community disaster assistance fund for housing.

    Additionally, Luján introduced bipartisan legislation to expand Native American housing programs that builds on successful Native American housing programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA).

    Luján and Heinrich introduced the bipartisan Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021, legislation that would expand an existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pilot program and deploy loans to eligible Native borrowers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Cassidy Showcases Recent Energy Security Summit, Highlights Foreign Pollution Fee Act in New Video

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    (Click here to download and here to watch)  
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) showcased his recent “Louisiana Energy Security Summit: Unleashing America Abundance in a Changing Global Landscape” in a new video. The summit, hosted in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in mid-October, brought together leaders from the federal, state, and local government, industry, the research community, and elsewhere. During his keynote address and fireside chat, Cassidy highlighted his Foreign Pollution Fee Act, which would even the playing field for American manufacturers while holding China accountable.
    “Right now, China is taking jobs from the United States by not enforcing environmental regulations. If the United States wants the jobs back, we got to begin to make China pay,” said Dr. Cassidy. “My Foreign Pollution Fee Act works for fairness, works for job creation, and stops giving China a cost advantage. It allows us to build a stronger economy not just for Louisiana but for our country.”  
    The summit featured ten panels which explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low emissions manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies. 
    Background
    Cassidy and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production.
    In September, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment. His Foreign Pollution Fee Act would even the playing field while holding China accountable.
    He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy also joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards. 
    Last Spring, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here. 
    Last Congress, Cassidy released a landmark energy policy outline in response to the Biden administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy and manufacturing. In support of this complete vision and in addition to the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, Cassidy led Republican colleagues in opposition to a domestic carbon tax and introduced the first comprehensive judicial reform for permitting bill. He also pushed back on disastrous proposals from the Biden administration to limit development in the Outer Continental Shelf with the introduction of the WHALE Act and the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $3.6 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Laura, Delta, Ida Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $3,568,827.01 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida relief.
    “Louisiana communities are resilient no matter the storm,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will help with the continued recovery and return our communities back to wholeness.” 

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $1,312,777.93
    The Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lafayette, Inc.
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent work to the St. Francis Mission Chapel as a result of Hurricane Laura.

    $1,202,043.60
    Office of Risk Management
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to facilities damaged as a result of Hurricane Delta.

    $1,054,005.48
    Greater Lafourche Port Commission
    This grant will provide federal funding for emergency protective measures as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New pathway to permanent residence for families of the victims of flight PS752

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada is committed to supporting those affected by the tragic event involving Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752).

    October 28, 2024—Ottawa—Canada continues to stand with those affected by the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752) and is committed to continue reuniting the victims’ family members.

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new pathway to permanent residence for the families of those who lost their lives in the PS752 tragedy. From October 28, 2024, to October 27, 2025, family members of victims of Flight PS752 who were Canadian Citizens, permanent residents or individuals who were approved to work or study in Canada can now apply for permanent residency.

    This new pathway will include most family members identified by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims who were not eligible to apply for permanent residence under the two previous public policies. More information, including how to apply, is available on the IRCC website.

    This new pathway builds on Canada’s previous efforts to support family members with close ties to our country and aligns with our broader pursuit of transparency, justice and accountability for the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones.

    “The downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event. As we launch this new pathway, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice and human rights. Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752, in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss.”

    – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

    “The introduction of this new pathway to permanent residence is welcomed news by the families of Flight PS752 victims—especially families of student victims. I would like to thank Minister Miller for his understanding and support as the families work toward healing from the tragic loss of their loved ones.”

    – Kourosh Doustshenas, BSc, CIPS, Spokesperson and Chair, Government and Stakeholders Relations Committee, Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims

    • On January 8, 2020, Flight PS752 was brought down by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles shortly after takeoff from Tehran, Iran. All 176 passengers and crew were killed, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents of Canada.

    • On September 25, 2020, IRCC put in place special measures to help foreign national families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 who were stuck in Canada due to border closures during the pandemic.

    • Between May 12, 2021, and May 11, 2022, a temporary public policy was in place to support permanent residence for the extended family of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Flight PS752 who were in Canada.

    • IRCC launched a subsequent public policy from August 3, 2022, until August 2, 2023, to support permanent residence to certain extended family living outside Canada.

    • Canada continues to work with international partners to hold Iran accountable for its violations of international law, demanding that it provides a full, transparent and credible explanation of the downing.

    • An International Coordination and Response Group to support families of victims of Flight PS752 includes representation by Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, and is coordinating legal efforts to pursue the transparency, accountability and justice the families and loved ones deserve.

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Press Secretary
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Communications Sector
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Announces Nearly $25 Million for San Francisco Downtown Rail Extension

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that San Francisco is set to receive nearly $25 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This federal funding will help connect California High-Speed rail and Caltrain commuter service to the Salesforce Transit Center.

    “Safe, affordable and accessible public transit is key to San Francisco’s economic recovery and to saving the planet from the climate crisis. I salute the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reimagining our nation’s infrastructure, with equity and justice for all,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.

    Speaker Emerita Pelosi continued: “This new federal investment, made possible by Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law, will help further unite the Bay by completing the final design for the Downtown Rail Extension. Doing so is essential to make it easier for commuters to get to work, for shoppers to support our local businesses and for communities to stay connected, while reducing our City’s carbon footprint.”

    “Thank you to Transbay for its extraordinary vision, bold leadership and vital partnership in building a better-connected San Francisco,” Speaker Emerita Pelosi concluded.

    Adam Van de Water, Executive Director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, said: “Shortly after the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed into law, Speaker Emerita Pelosi spoke from the train box level of the Salesforce Transit Center to convey the importance of BIL for the future of all Californians. The Transbay Joint Powers Authority cannot understate the critical role the Speaker Emerita has played in ensuring the creation of a seamless network of transportation options and we are thrilled to be selected to receive a CRISI award to further San Francisco’s rail connection to Caltrain and California High-Speed Rail through the Portal. Thank you for your steadfast commitment, Speaker Emerita.”

    The Transbay Joint Powers Authority will receive $24.6 million to complete the final design for the track and rail systems that will connect California High-Speed rail and Caltrain commuter service to the Salesforce Transit Center. The project will create jobs and make it easier and cheaper for San Franciscans to utilize public transportation to travel to work, to health care, to schools and to community facilities throughout the entire Bay Area.

    This funding was awarded to the Bay Area from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program in a competitive national selection process by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Texas Forestry Association Names Congressman Sessions Legislator of the Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

    LUFKIN, Tx– Congressman Sessions (TX-17) has been named the Texas Forestry Association’s “Legislator of the Year” for his support of Texas forestry. The TFA has been the “Voice of Forestry in Texas for more than 100 years.”

    “I am honored to receive this award from the TFA. I admire the work of the TFA in supporting Texas forestry. The timber industry plays a vital role in supporting all sectors and many communities in TX-17 rely on forestry-related jobs. I am proud of my record in supporting legislation that protects private landowners and promotes clean, healthy, and productive forest ecosystems,” said Congressman Sessions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sessions to Recognize CVC Award Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)

    WACO, TX– Congressman Sessions will honor the 2024 Heart of Texas recipients of the Congressional Veterans Commendation tomorrow, October 11 at 6:30 PM at the Lee Lockwood Library. Members of the media are invited to attend.

    Location: Lee Lockwood Library
                         2801 W Waco Dr
                         Waco, Texas
                         76707

    Date: October 11, 2024

    Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    The Congressional Veterans Commendation is a nominations-based program that recognizes veterans in our community for their military service and community involvement. Honorees are exceptional Americans in every way.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Physician Charged in Scheme to Illegally Sell Cancer Drugs

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Department of Justice
    U.S. Attorney’s Office
    Eastern District of Michigan

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Detroit – A Royal Oak physician was charged in an Indictment for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

    Joining Ison in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Charged in the Indictment is Dr. Naveed Aslam, age 51, of West Bloomfield, Michigan.

    The charges against Dr. Aslam include one count of conspiracy to illegally sell or trade prescription drugs and 10 counts of illegally selling or trading prescription drugs.

    According to the Indictment, by early 2019, and continuing through August 2023, Dr. Aslam, a licensed physician, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit and with the intent to defraud and mislead. The other individuals Dr. Aslam worked with identified customers interested in buying prescription cancer drugs, and they communicated with Dr. Aslam about what cancer drugs were requested. Dr. Aslam used his access to certain cancer drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. He then sold the cancer drugs to and through the other individuals’ company to the eventual customer. During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs, and personally profited more than $2.5 million.

    “The safety and integrity of our country’s prescription drug supply lines – particularly for cancer drugs – is an important part of our health care system,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “As alleged, Dr. Aslam used his role as a physician to violate that integrity and divert prescription cancer drugs away from treating patients. My office is committed to prosecuting medical professionals who seek to profit, rather than protect, our health care system.”

    “Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that medical providers follow laws designed to protect both the integrity and solvency of Federal health care programs, as well as the beneficiaries they serve,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our Federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of fraud.”

    “Having the authority to prescribe medication is a privilege that comes with a profound responsibility. Physicians must safeguard against drug diversion,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Dr. Aslam’s alleged participation in this scheme not only allowed him to profit unlawfully from the sale of cancer drugs, but it also posed a serious threat by potentially placing these medications into the wrong hands. This breach of trust is inexcusable, especially considering the critical nature of the drugs involved. The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to hold medical professionals accountable for exploiting their positions for personal gain and endangering community safety.”

    “Introducing diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain and selling them to unsuspecting consumers undermines the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office‎. “We remain committed to bringing to justice those who place their personal gain over the health of American consumers.”

    “A physician’s ethical responsibility is to their patients, not to selling cancer drugs under the table for profit,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will protect patients against fraud, especially from those in positions of public trust who choose greed over public safety.”

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit is handling related forfeiture matters. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sydney Airport Traffic and Operational Performance Q3 2024

    Source: Sydney Airport

    Tuesday 29 October 2024

    • Sydney Airport delivers strong performance in Q3 with a total of 10.3 million passengers
    • Improvements to international border experience set to streamline process
    • New Group Executive to join Sydney Airport to help deliver ~$4.4bn capital program over the next five years.

    Sydney Airport delivered strong performance in Q3 (July, August, and September 2024) with a total of 10.3 million passengers passing through the terminals. This represents a 3.3 per cent increase on passenger traffic during the same period last year and a 92.5 per cent recovery compared to Q3 2019.

    Sydney Airport’s T1 international terminal saw 4 million passengers pass through in Q3, a 5.8 per cent increase on the same period last year and a 95.7 per cent recovery rate on Q3 2019.

    Domestic and regional passenger traffic was up 1.8 per cent on the same period last year, with 6.3 million passengers coming through the T2 and T3 domestic terminals and a 90.5 per cent recovery rate on Q3 2019.

    From an operational perspective, Sydney Airport performed strongly in Q3 2024, posting improvements across all operational metrics compared to Q3 2023. Highlights included 100 per cent of passengers passing through security in under 10 minutes and no instances where kerbside drop-off times at the domestic terminal exceeded 10 minutes.

    Sydney Airport is also working closely with Australian Border Force to improve inbound border processing. As a result of this collaboration, Sydney Airport will purchase additional E-Gate kiosks which the ABF will then operate – an example of industry and government working together to help streamline the passenger experience.

    Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, said: “Despite the headwinds we’re seeing in terms of supply chains affecting airline capacity, we’re pleased with how we are tracking on international passenger traffic.

    “We’ve seen a significant increase in airline seat capacity that’s translating into passenger numbers from countries like India, the Philippines and South Korea increasing relative to 2019 levels. In the case of South Korea, this nationality has increased by 54 per cent compared to 2019 and in Q3 moved above the United Kingdom to become our 5th largest passenger group.

    “We remain optimistic on the outlook for Chinese passengers as tour groups return, and with new mainland China carriers like Juneyao Air joining before the end of the year, and existing carriers boosting capacity, we expect to finish the year very close to pre-COVID levels of Chinese passengers.

    “Domestically, performance remains impacted by a shift in discretionary business travel.

    “Operationally, we’re consistently beating our 10-minute metric for kerbside drop-off times and security processing, which is pleasing because it reflects our focus on creating a faster and more efficient experience for passengers. We are also continuing with our transparency agenda and will shortly be launching kerbside wait times on our website, which follows the deployment of live security wait times back in May.

    “Providing visibility into how the airport is performing in real time is important in terms passengers planning their trip to the airport, and getting an insight into what their experience will be like when they get here.”

    New Group Executive to join Sydney Airport

    Paul Willis will be joining Sydney Airport in November as Group Executive – Planning and Delivery.

    Paul joins from Manchester Airport Group (MAG), where he has spent the last nine years as Chief Development Officer, Group Strategy and Aviation Director and Engineering Services Director.

    Before MAG, Paul spent over 20 years working on the development of airport infrastructure across leading international airports, and he started his career with National Air Traffic Services in the UK. He brings extensive aviation and airport experience ranging across planning, design, construction, commercial development, and operations.

    Mr Charlton said: “Given the size and complexity of our capital program over the next five years, it’s important that we have someone with deep experience in the airport infrastructure space.

    “Paul brings significant experience in designing and delivering complex aviation capital programs and we are looking forward to welcoming him in November.”

    Passenger and operational performance data

    Click here for the Q3 passenger and performance data.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Extraordinary Experiences Cultivate Loyal Brand Advocates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Solidifi releases results from its Annual 2024 Consumer Mortgage Experience Survey(1)and the Solidifi 2024 Future Plans of Homeowners Survey(2)

    BUFFALO, N.Y. and DENVER, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The sixth annual national survey(1) commissioned by Solidifi U.S. Inc. (“Solidifi”) revealed pent-up demand for home purchases remains strong even amid uncertain market conditions. The 2024 results offer valuable insights on how to make homeownership more accessible for borrowers as the market shifts and how to create extraordinary experiences and cultivate loyal brand advocates to drive future business.

    “The findings show that during times of uncertainty, brand loyalty strengthens as consumers seek stability in their financial decisions,” said Solidifi President Loren Cooke. “The leading factor in lender choice continues to be a strong lending relationship. As a majority of consumers face increasing affordability issues, their propensity to bundle services with lenders also increases. And, this year more than ever, consumers are acting on their positive experiences – driving repeat and referral business.”

    This year, the survey also introduced the mortgage industry’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), which received a solid 53 – well above the 30+ NPS benchmark for the financial services sector. “Interestingly, Gen Z consumers rated the industry lower, with a 34 NPS compared to all other demographics whose scores were in the 50’s. This suggests an opportunity to engage younger generations by focusing on transparency and building meaningful connections,” added Cooke. “Across generations, providing extraordinary experiences instills trust within the lender’s customer base and consumers become more likely to continue to expand existing relationships,” Cooke concluded.

    In addition to the Annual 2024 Consumer Mortgage Experience Survey(1), Solidifi also conducted the 2024 Future Plans of Homeowners Survey(2) to explore how market conditions influence borrowers’ future real estate plans. The Solidifi 2024 Future Plans Survey revealed that while affordability issues remain prevalent, borrowers are increasingly researching options and adjusting expectations. Despite rising costs, homeownership continues to be seen as a pathway to generational wealth, with 60% of respondents planning to purchase a home within the next three to five years.

    “Though higher interest rates have left many borrowers hesitant, the intent to buy remains strong. The median timeframe for future purchases is now around 2.25 years,” noted Cooke. “Exurb migration is outpacing urban growth as consumers seek more space, affordability, and better quality of life – trends particularly notable in underserved markets.”

    For future borrowers, the rising cost of homeownership and a feeling of not being prepared are the largest barriers to entry. This year, borrowers faced greater difficulty with down payments; credit score challenges were on the rise, and many were increasingly motivated by the need to access cash for life events. Lenders are addressing this by offering special programs to overcome barriers to homeownership and rising housing costs. In 2024, borrowers were more informed about the special programs available to help reduce their costs in anticipation of their next move.

    “Consistent with results from the past five years, borrowers continue to prioritize in-person interactions for both appraisals and closings,” said Cooke. “Across all generations, face-to-face engagement continues to be preferred due to the trust and care it fosters during what is the most significant financial transaction in a person’s life. However, there are opportunities to raise awareness, encourage adoption, and increase acceptance of digital tools throughout the process to provide the efficient, transparent and personalized experience consumers want.”

    Results indicated that 82% of respondents prefer an in-person closing though Gen Z is most open to hybrid closing processes at 39%. Of the 82% who prefer face-to-face interactions: 56% prefer a paper process, 19% prefer in-person with fully electronic documents, and 25% prefer an in-person hybrid process. The top reasons for preferring face-to-face interactions are trust and the ability to get immediate answers during such a significant transaction.

    “Results point to a direct relationship between offering convenience, transparency and flexibility, and a higher customer satisfaction,” said Cooke. “Providing an extraordinary experience including proactive communication throughout the transaction, convenient scheduling options, offering closing options and meeting expectations will result in happy customers, every time.”

    To download the full survey results, visit: go.solidifi.com/2024mortgageexperiencesurvey.

    [1]
    In the Solidifi 2024 Consumer Mortgage Experience Survey, Market Street Research surveyed 1,000+ residential borrowers 18 years of age or older in the United States who purchased, refinanced or closed on a home equity loan or line of credit within the last two years. Panelists included a mix of those who purchased a home, refinanced or obtained a home equity loan or line of credit with approximately 49% closing within the past year, and 51% closing one to two years ago.

    [2]
    In the Solidifi 2024 Future Plans of Homeowners Survey, Market Street Research, surveyed 1,100+ residential borrowers 18 years of age or older in the United States who are a current homeowner or intend on owning a home at some point in the future. 56% of respondents currently own a home, 10% previously owned a home and 34% have never owned a home. Panelists included a mix of future buyers across the U.S. and those in underserved markets.

    Both surveys were fielded by Snap Surveys, and the panels were sourced by Dynata. Fielding was executed July 2024.

    About Solidifi
    Solidifi is a leading network management services provider for the residential lending industry. Our platform combines proprietary technology and network management capabilities with tens of thousands of independent qualified field professionals to create an efficient marketplace for the provision of mortgage lending services. We are a leading independent provider of residential real estate appraisals and title, and settlement services. Our clients include top 100 mortgage lenders in the U.S. Solidifi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Real Matters (TSX: REAL). Visit www.solidifi.com for more information and stay connected with our latest news on LinkedIn.

    For more information:
    Jennie Craig
    Vice President, Marketing
    jlcraig@solidifi.com
    832.236.3392

    Solidifi and the Solidifi logo are trademarks of Real Matters and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0d1d0e2-8767-4632-a822-15904de0041d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Helps Lead Letter Demanding Answers from USDA over Pure Prairie Poultry Fiasco

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    HULL, IOWA – Last Friday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped lead a letter with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), and U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack demanding answers about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 approval of nearly $46 million in taxpayer dollars for Pure Prairie Poultry and its subsequent bankruptcy in late September.

    “Iowa taxpayers deserve to know the full story behind the Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy and how the USDA approved nearly $46 million in taxpayer dollars for a company that left millions of chickens uncared for. This serious lack of oversight is extremely concerning and has caused massive uncertainty for our growers who are already facing a harsh farm economy,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Our letter to USDA will help us get answers for our growers and address the federal government’s carelessness with taxpayer dollars. I commend Secretary Naig for responding quickly and professionally to this crisis.”

    “USDA has provided millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans and grants to meat and poultry processors across the country, which is why my colleagues and I are calling on USDA to provide answers,” said Rep. Finstad. “While expanding livestock markets and processing capacity is critical for farm country, the lack of oversight of these dollars by USDA harmed producers and caused a significant disruption to our nation’s food supply chain.”

    “USDA is responsible for keeping tabs on the taxpayer-funded grants it administers, but it clearly dropped the ball with Pure Prairie. Iowans and others across America’s Heartland have lost their jobs and their poultry market as a result of Pure Prairie’s closure. USDA must explain to Congress and the public what went wrong to help prevent a repeat scenario,” said Sen. Grassley.

    Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy left approximately 1.3 million broiler chickens in Iowa without feed causing Secretary Naig and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to take over care, custody, and control of the birds in Iowa. After several alternative efforts were made to sell the broilers, depopulation of the birds in Iowa concluded last Friday.

    The full letter can be found HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Hosts Fourth Annual Military Academy Nomination Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    ABILENE, KS – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) hosted his fourth annual Congressional Military Academy Nomination Day. As the Representative for the Big First District in Congress, Rep. Mann has the privilege of offering military academy nominations to the five U.S. service academies for students in the district. The interviews took place at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. 

    “One of my greatest honors in Congress is nominating students from the Big First to attend our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Mann. “The students we met represent the best of Kansas, and I am grateful for their desire to serve our country and grow into the next generation of military leaders. It is always a pleasure to host the military academy selection committee in the childhood hometown of five-star U.S. Army General and son of Kansas, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the panel for lending their expertise and unique perspectives to the selection process. We look forward to these students’ success.”

    Rep. Mann appointed a panel of Kansans from the Big First District with extensive experience in U.S. military service or working closely with the military. The five-person panel included: 

    •  Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Eisenhower and Chairman Emeritus of People to People International 

    • AJ Kuhle, U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus, U.S. Air Force Veteran, and President of ACE Scholarships

    • Mark Claussen, Director of Business Development of Icon Structures and former Executive Director of USO Kansas 

    • Michael Utz, retired Garden City Police Chief and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Bureau of Justice Assistance 

    • MSG (Ret.) Joshua Sandlin, Army Veteran and Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division

    Eight high school students in the district applied for a military academy nomination through Rep. Mann’s office. In the coming weeks, the panel will notify the students whom they have chosen to receive these competitive nominations. 

    Rep. Mann is a former member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and a strong supporter of America’s U.S. military service members. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Houchin Cosigns Letter Urging Farm Bill Reauthorization

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana 09)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN–09) has joined a letter to House Leadership supporting the full reauthorization of the Farm Bill by the end of the 118th Congress.

    Farmers are currently operating under policies put in place in 2018. Six years later, these outdated policies restrict the growth of our nation’s agricultural community. Production expenses have increased by roughly 30% since 2018, while 2024 inflation-adjusted net cash farm income projections are the worst in 15 years. Many farmers cannot afford to wait another year for updated provisions to address the challenges they face, especially those growing major row crops.

    In late May, the House Committee on Agriculture introduced the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders at listening sessions and town hall events across the country. The bill also included input from the entire Republican Conference and included over 2,600 priorities submitted to the committee by members of Congress.

    In their letter supporting the reauthorization of a 5-year Farm Bill, the Members reaffirm their commitment to advancing a bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America. Congresswoman Houchin is dedicated to finding a solution for American farmers.

    “Reauthorizing the Farm Bill is critical to supporting our farmers and keeping our agricultural economy strong,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “I will continue to fight for policies that uplift our rural communities and that ensure our farmers and producers have the support they need to succeed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin, Budzinski Announce $157 Million in Federal Funding for Springfield Rail Improvements Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    October 25, 2024

    [SPRINGFIELD, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today announced $157,126,494 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the final segment of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project (SRIP).

    The multi-phased project is a large-scale effort supported by local, state and federal funding designed to alleviate rail congestion in downtown Springfield by consolidating train traffic from Third Street to 10th Street and constructing a series of overpasses and underpasses along the corridor.

    “Investing in our rail infrastructure is about growing our economy and making it easier, faster, safer and more efficient so people and goods can get where they need to go,” Duckworth said. “This significant federal investment in the Springfield Rail Improvements Project will help us build a new multimodal transportation center, improve efficiency for passengers traveling between St. Louis and Chicago, support good-paying jobs and make Springfield safer for pedestrians and drivers. I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Budzinski to ensure that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

    “Connecting communities is at the heart of transportation and today’s announced federal funding for a new Amtrak Station, rail improvements, and track realignment in Springfield will better connect passengers between St. Louis and Chicago,” said Durbin. “The Springfield Rail Improvements Project is dramatically changing downtown Springfield by reducing rail congestion, creating jobs, and improving safety for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.  I will continue advocating for strong investments in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure.”

    “The Springfield Rail Improvements Project is revitalizing our downtown by reconnecting our community, reducing rail noise and enhancing public safety. It’s also creating good-paying union jobs along the way,” said Budzinski. “I’m honored to join Senators Durbin and Duckworth to announce $157 million in federal funding to complete the final phase of this important work. This investment and the new 1908 Springfield Race Riot National Monument along the project’s route will honor our history and build a bright future for our city.”

    This phase of the SRIP includes rail improvements, track realignment and the construction of a new Amtrak Station in Springfield. This project will complete the final segment of track realignment to consolidate the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern corridors into one multitrack corridor through the city, which will advance the efforts to provide a higher speed intercity passenger rail connection between St. Louis and Chicago. In addition to various track improvements and grade crossing separations, the project will also construct a Multimodal Transportation Center to improve public transportation connectivity among intercity passenger rail, local bus service and intercity bus service.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Focus on trade and investment as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade visits Saudi Arabia

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Focus on trade and investment as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade visits Saudi Arabia – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 27–29 October, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Saudi Arabia. Mr Dousa will have meetings with the Saudi Government, meet with Swedish and Saudi businesses and take part in the Future Investment Initiative’s international investment conference.

    Saudi Arabia is Sweden’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, and exports have grown in recent years.

    “Saudi Arabia is undergoing very rapid societal change. Swedish businesses have expertise in areas of great interest for Saudi Arabia, none more so than innovation and green transition. This provides great opportunities for these businesses. I’m travelling to Riyadh to promote trade relations between Sweden and Saudi Arabia,” says Mr Dousa.

    Mr Dousa will meet with Saudi Minister of Commerce DR. Majid bin Abdullah Al-kassabi and other government representatives to discuss bilateral trade relations. Mr Dousa will also visit Swedish businesses operating in Riyadh, along with a ‘mega-project’ where a new urban district is emerging outside the city. Many Swedish businesses are active in Saudi Arabia in areas such as the health sector, telecommunications, energy and transport.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden allocates EUR 63 million from previous support packages in financial support to Ukraine

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden allocates EUR 63 million from previous support packages in financial support to Ukraine – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    Within the framework for previously military aid packages to Ukraine the Swedish Government will allocate financial support of EUR 63 million or approximately SEK 720 million to Ukraine. The financial contribution will cover EUR 20 million in support to Ukraine’s industrial base. This is based on a Danish model that aims to support procurements from Ukrainian industry in line with Ukraine’s proposals. The Government also intends to allocate approximately EUR 43 million in financial support to a number of multilateral initiatives to support Ukraine.

    Last Thursday, the government decided to authorize the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Denmark regarding a donation of 20 million euros for the procurement of defence equipment through the Ukrainian defense industry for donation to Ukraine, as well as to assign the Swedish Armed Forces to transfer the funds to Denmark.

    The Danish model, which Sweden intends to support, is designed to assist in procurements that the Ukrainian industry wishes to carry out. The Danish model includes mechanisms to ensure that the donated funds are used efficiently, and that Ukraine provides feedback on the usage of the delivered equipment. Previous Danish support under this model has enabled Ukraine to produce 18 units of a Ukrainian artillery system. 

    By increasing production in Ukraine, the overall European defense industrial base is strengthened. A reinforced defense industrial base is necessary to meet the substantial needs resulting from the war in Ukraine and the European countries’ efforts to build up their defence capabilities.

    Together with the assignment that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration already has regarding support to Ukraine in the area of procurement, this assistance to Ukraine’s industrial base will open up further opportunities for cooperation between the Ukrainian and European defence industries. This includes being able to jointly develop innovative solutions that have been directly tested on the battlefield, and also increasing Ukraine’s capacity to produce and maintain defence equipment.

    The Government also intends to allocate approximately EUR 43 million in financial resources to a number of established multilateral initiatives in order to provide rapid and effective support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

    Examples of initiatives that may be supported include some of the capability coalitions established within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG):

    • The Air Force Capability Coalition, acquiring air-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s F-16 programme.
    • The Maritime Coalition, training Ukrainian marine infantry.
    • The Demining Capability Coalition, procuring equipment for demining landmines.
    • The IT Coalition, of which Sweden recently became a member, procuring hardware for communication. 

    Within the framework of this support, Sweden will also contribute to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine, which procures military equipment. 

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon: 28 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to Downing Street today.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to Downing Street today. 

    The Prime Minister began by expressing his deepest condolences to Prime Minister Mikati for the loss of civilian life in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict. 

    The leaders agreed on the urgent need of an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701. They both highlighted the importance of protecting civilian life and critical infrastructure in Lebanon. 

    On the wider regional conflict, the Prime Minister outlined the need for all parties to de-escalate and work towards a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East. 

    They discussed the strength of the UK-Lebanese bilateral relationship, and they looked forward to speaking soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon: 28 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to Downing Street today.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to Downing Street today. 

    The Prime Minister began by expressing his deepest condolences to Prime Minister Mikati for the loss of civilian life in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict. 

    The leaders agreed on the urgent need of an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701. They both highlighted the importance of protecting civilian life and critical infrastructure in Lebanon. 

    On the wider regional conflict, the Prime Minister outlined the need for all parties to de-escalate and work towards a long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East. 

    They discussed the strength of the UK-Lebanese bilateral relationship, and they looked forward to speaking soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Registration – Canadian and Korean defence and foreign ministers to meet in Ottawa

    Source: Government of Canada News

    October 28, 2024 – The Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will meet with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun to deepen our close cooperation and work together as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific.

    October 28, 2024 – The Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will meet with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun to deepen our close cooperation and work together as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific.

    Ahead of the bilateral meeting, the following will be open to media:

    WELCOMING CEREMONY

    Minister Blair and Minister Kim will participate in a welcoming ceremony, including an honour guard, at National Defence Headquarters.

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time:     10:30 am EDT
    Place: National Defence Headquarters, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

    Notes for media:

    1. Open coverage
    2. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive before 10:15 am EDT.
    3. Media interested in participating should register with National Defence’s media relations office at mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca to confirm their attendance.

    MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    To conclude the day, meetings will be followed by a media availability with the Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun.

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time:     2:45 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
    Place: Ottawa, Ontario

    Notes for media:

    1. Media representatives who wish to participate must register ahead of the event. Registration is open to journalists (print, radio, television, news agencies and online media) who are on assignment with a bona fide media organization. 
    2. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive before 2:30 pm EDT.
    3. Media are asked to confirm their attendance by contacting media@international.gc.ca. The exact address will be shared following confirmation.

    Simon Lafortune
    Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of National Defence
    Email: Simon.Lafortune2@forces.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces $26.2 Million in Federal Railroad Administration Grants

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

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced two Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grants from the Federal Railroad Administration totaling $26,269,987. The first, for $19,843,062, is for the conversion of eight Watco Company diesel locomotives to battery-electric, zero-emission locomotives. Watco operates the Memphis Dock Street Marine Terminal on Presidents Island. Congressman Cohen submitted a letter of support for the project. The second grant, for $6,426,925, is for Montana State University’s initiative to create multidisciplinary rail workforce capacity. The 20 percent non-federal match will come from Caltrans, the University of Memphis, Montana State University, and the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, among others. The federal funding for both grants comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Congressman Cohen alone among current members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation supported.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “Lowering air-polluting emissions while modernizing rail operations is a forward-thinking approach to moving freight. Those operations will require a workforce of the future, trained in modern rail technologies. These grants will propel our region and the nation into a smarter and cleaner rail industry. I’m pleased to see more IIJA funding coming to the district.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dynarex Corporation Expands Recall to Include Additional Products Due to Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential Metal or Chemical Contaminant

    Company Name:
    Dynarex Corporation
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    dynacare

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Baby Powder

    Company Announcement

    Montvale, NJ, October 28, 2024 — Dynarex Corporation is expanding the recall initiated on September 19, 2024, to include an additional 373 cases of item number 4875, Dynacare Baby Powder, 14 oz., as well as 647 cases of item number 4874, Dynacare Baby Powder, 4 oz., because they have the potential to be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products. Asbestos, however, is a known carcinogen and its health risks are well-documented. If talc mining sites are not carefully chosen or if proper steps are not taken to adequately purify the talc ore, it may contain asbestos.

    The product was sent to distributors on or after January 18, 2024, by direct delivery in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and sold online on Amazon (Amazon.com).

    Both the 4875 and 4874 Baby Powder products are packaged in plastic bottles, 24 bottles to a case for the 14 oz. and 48 to a case for the 4 oz., with lot/batch numbers located on the bottom of the bottle and on each case (see images below).

    There have been no illnesses or adverse events reported to date.

    The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA, which revealed that the finished products contained asbestos. Upon further investigation, we have identified additional lots of products that may contain asbestos due to using the same bulk talc material. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as an investigation is proceeding to determine what caused the contamination of the talc.

    Consumers who have purchased Dynacare Baby Powder (see products/lots below) should discontinue use immediately and return it for a full refund.

    Batch No.

    Mfg. Dt.

    Exp. Dt.

    Pack Size
    B 048 31.10.2023 30.10.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 049 01.11.2023 31.10.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 050 02.11.2023 01.11.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 051 29.12.2023 28.12.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 052 30.12.2023 29.12.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 053 01.01.2024 31.12.2026 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 054 03.01.2024 02.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 055 04.01.2024 03.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 056 05.01.2024 04.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 057 06.01.2024 05.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 058 08.01.2024 07.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 059 31.01.2024 30.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 060 01.02.2024 31.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)

    Please contact Dynarex Corporation at 888-396-2739 or 845-365-8200 during business hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, or via email at recall@dynarex.com if you have any questions or need information on how to return the product or receive a full refund.

    Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by:

    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Nicholas Gracely convicted after jury trial in the South Carolina State Grand Jury “Las Señoritas” investigationRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that a Greenville County jury convicted Nicholas Gracely in the “Las Señoritas” investigation on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. 

    Gracely was convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More; Trafficking Methamphetamine, 200 Grams or More, But Less Than 400 Grams; Manufacturing Methamphetamine; Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime (x2); and Unlawful Conduct Towards a Child.  

    Gracely was a co-conspirator who was receiving methamphetamine directly from Nicole Burns, a “Señorita” who had fled to Mexico and was still coordinating methamphetamine being delivered and distributed in Greenville County. Burns pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024, before the start of her jury trial in the connected investigation “Prison Empire.”  She was sentenced to a 55-year sentence.

    The facts of the case showed that law enforcement executed a search warrant on May 3, 2022, at Gracely’s apartment where his wife and three-month-old daughter were also living. Approximately 2,603 grams of methamphetamine was located with a disassembled meth lab in the garage. Approximately 291 grams of methamphetamine was located in a box in the kitchen of the apartment. Gracely confessed to being involved in the conspiracy.

    Judge R.S. Sprouse sentenced Gracely to a total sentence of 28 years in prison.  

    The case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude. The State Grand Jury was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s office, the South Carolina Department of Corrections’ Office of the Inspector General, the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Sheriff’s  Office, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Clemson Police Department, Easley Police Department, and Traveler’s Rest Police Department. State Grand Jury Division Chief Attorney S. Creighton Waters thanked all the agencies for their hard work in the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat to Supply FlightWave Edge 130 Blue Systems to Royal Australian Navy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a new contract and order for 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue system from the Royal Australian Navy. The contract was secured through Criterion Solutions Pty Ltd., an Australian-based distributor of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology solutions.

    FlightWave, an industry-leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

    “Our mission is to equip warfighters around the globe with cutting-edge sUAS technology. The Edge 130 Blue, with its advanced long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, offers a significant advantage in maritime and other challenging environments,” stated Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “We are excited to expand our partnership with the Australian defense forces through this initial tranche of Edge 130 units. Their investment in small ISR and precision strike drones is vital for enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

    The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the Edge 130 Blue can be assembled and hand-launched in just one minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy. Weighing in at only 1200g, the Edge has a 60+ minute flight time in forward mode, an industry-leading endurance among all other Blue UAS-approved drones available.

    Earlier this month, Red Cat introduced its ARACHNID™ family of unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike systems at AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington D.C. As part of its ongoing innovation, Red Cat’s product roadmap includes TRICHON™, which will build upon the FlightWave Edge 130 Blue.

    About Red Cat, Inc.
    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    About FlightWave
    FlightWave Aerospace Systems Corporation is an industry leading manufacturer of dual-use VTOL drones, sensors and software solutions located in Santa Monica, CA. FlightWave designs and manufactures the Edge 130 VTOL drone and payload cameras for the commercial, defense, security, and intelligence markets. The fully-autonomous Edge 130 sUAS has the best flight endurance in the industry and with AI edge compute capabilities, provides superior aerial data capture to both the commercial and defense markets.

    Forward-Looking Statements 
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. 

    Contacts:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA: 
    Indicate Media
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Joins Multistate Coalition in Support of LGBTQ+ Americans’ Rights in the Workplace

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief pushing back on an effort to undermine civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in the workplace. The case, McMahon v. World Vision, Inc., arose when World Vision, Inc. rescinded a job offer to Aubry McMahon upon discovering that she was in a same-sex marriage. In today’s amicus brief, the coalition urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold the lower court’s decision in favor of McMahon, and stresses the states’ strong interest in employment discrimination laws and protections against sex-based discrimination.

    “No one should be denied employment simply because of who they are or who they love,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We urge the Ninth Circuit to uphold the lower court’s decision and reaffirm the critical protections that safeguard all workers against discrimination in the workplace. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to oppose efforts to undermine the rights of every individual to live and work free from discrimination.”

    After World Vision rescinded her job offer to be a customer service representative because she was in a same-sex marriage, McMahon sued under Title VII and Washington State law based on sex, sexual-orientation, and marital status discrimination. While World Vision argues that it is exempt from Title VII and state law protections under the First Amendment right to expressive association and the ministerial exception, a district court disagreed, ruling in favor of McMahon and denying the defendant’s motion for summary judgment on the employment discrimination claim, while granting McMahon’s motion for summary judgment. Nevertheless, World Vision appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    California shares interests in upholding the rights protected by the First Amendment, and respects and does not seek to abridge the right to hold and express views regarding the nature of marriage, including views founded in religious faith. But Defendant’s expansive theory of the First Amendment right of expressive association, and its extremely broad views of church autonomy and the ministerial exception, go well beyond existing precedent and threaten states’ ability to combat employment discrimination around the country.

    In their amicus brief today, the coalition asserts: 

    • The government has a compelling interest in eliminating sex discrimination in employment, and Title VII and similar statutes are narrowly tailored to that goal.
    • The First Amendment right of expressive association does not apply to the employer-employee relationship at issue.
    • The defendants’ theory of expressive association would badly undermine employment discrimination laws.
    • The Ninth Circuit should affirm the district court’s judgment in favor of the plaintiff. 

    In filing the amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

    A copy of the amicus brief is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: You’ve heard of Asterix and Obelix, but who really were the Gauls? And why were they such a problem for Rome?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frederik Juliaan Vervaet, Associate Professor of Ancient History, The University of Melbourne

    JayC75/Shutterstock

    The year is 50 BC. Gaul is entirely occupied by the Romans. Well, not entirely. One small village of indomitable Gauls still holds out against the invaders.

    So begins the Asterix comic series, which positions Julius Caesar as the power-lusting dictator of the mighty Roman Empire who conquered all of Gaul. All except, of course, for one heroic village, where Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix are among the Gauls (or Gaul dogs) frustrating Rome’s hapless legions.

    Well, that’s the comic book version.

    But who really were the Gauls? And why were they such a problem for Rome?

    The Gauls are the most famous group of Celtic peoples who occupied most of the lands west of the Rhine, thus causing this area to be known in antiquity as Gaul.

    They sported long blonde or reddish dreadlocks (often washing their hair in lime-water and pulling it back to the nape of the neck), handlebar moustaches on the men, colourful shirts and striped coats. The ethnonym Galli is believed to derive from a Celtic root gal- meaning “power” or “ability”, and has been linked to the Irish word gal, meaning “bravery” or “courage”.

    Fearsome warriors

    From the fifth to third centuries BCE, the Celtic tribes of central Europe were among the continent’s most fearsome warriors.

    This 1842 illustration depicts Gaul warriors with their customary large shields, swords, long hair and distinctive helmets.
    Wattier/Marzolino/Shutterstock

    From their heartlands around what is now the Czech Republic (Bohemia derives its name from the powerful Boii Gallic tribe), they conquered the British Isles, all of France and Belgium (Gaul proper) and parts of Spain. They also conquered the fertile alluvial plains of what became known to Romans as Cisalpine Gaul, meaning “Gaul this side of the Alps”.

    The Gauls even conquered lands as far afield as in present-day Turkey. The descendants from these once mighty peoples still live in Ireland (Gaelic comes from the word Gaul), Wales and Brittany.

    The Gauls had a very warlike reputation. They produced tall and muscular warriors who often wore helmets that, according to the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, sometimes had horns attached or “images of the fore-parts of birds or four-footed animals”. He also wrote that:

    The women of the Gauls are not only like the men in their great stature but they are a match for them in courage as well.

    Gauls fought with long broad-swords, barbed spears, and chariots drawn by two horses. They fastened the severed heads of their enemies about the necks of their horses.

    Possessing huge quantities of alluvial gold, Gallic nobles wore heavy necklaces (known as “torcs”) of solid gold and consumed untold amounts of imported wine, fabulously enriching Italian merchants.

    Their acts of bravery were immortalised by lyric poets called bards, and they put great stock in their shamans, called druids, who also presided over regular human sacrifices.

    In 387 BCE, Gallic raiders from Cisalpine Gaul sacked Rome. They only failed to take the Capitol because of a hostile incursion into their own homelands, forcing them to break camp and return – not before, however, exacting a crippling price in gold from the profoundly humiliated Romans.

    The Romans were so impressed with Gallic military kit they resorted to wholesale plagiarism. The iconic armour of Roman republican legionaries was largely of Celtic origin.

    The Gauls had a very warlike reputation.
    J. Photos/Shutterstock

    Rome rallies against the Gauls

    In 295 BCE, the Senones (a Gallic tribe) inhabiting the Adriatic coastline south of Cisalpine Gaul were part of an alliance soundly defeated by the Roman Republic in the battle of Sentinum.

    This represented a watershed moment on the road to Roman hegemony in the Italian peninsula.

    In 232, against the backdrop of renewed hostilities with the Cisalpine Gauls, leading Roman politician Gaius Flaminius passed legislation redistributing land won from the Senones (following their final defeat in 283) among Romans from the lower property classes.

    To ease Roman colonisation, the same Flaminius in 220 commissioned the construction of the Via Flaminia, a paved speedway from Rome all the way to Rimini, at the doorstep of Cisalpine Gaul.

    Fearing the same fate as the Senones, the Cisalpine Gauls united against Rome, aided by some Transalpine Gauls.

    By 225, this alliance became strong enough to invade peninsular Italy, ravage Tuscany, and threaten Rome itself.

    This famously triggered the Romans to muster all Roman and Italian manpower at their disposal (about 800,000 draftable men, according to ancient the historian Pliny).

    Being now superior in every respect, the Romans and their Italian allies decisively defeated the Cisalpine Gauls in 223 and 222. The Roman general Marcus Claudius Marcellus even managed to kill a Gallic king in single combat.

    The vanquished Cisalpine Gauls then joined the feared Carthaginian general Hannibal, who at the time posed a great risk to Rome and defeated its forces in many battles. They joined Hannibal en masse after he crossed the Alps to invade Italy in 218.

    But Hannibal failed to vanquish Rome and was later defeated. The Roman conquest of Cisalpine Gaul continued after Roman forces defeated Hannibal’s brother Hasdrubal at the Metaurus River in 207.

    To secure their rich holdings in Cisalpine Gaul and the land corridor to their Spanish provinces, the Romans subsequently conquered first Liguria and next southern Gaul, incorporated as the Province of Transalpine Gaul. The area was so thoroughly colonised it is still known today as La Provence (“the province”).

    Caesar’s self-interested war on the Gauls

    Julius Caesar, eager to amass glory and wealth, subjugated all of Gaul in less than a decade (from 58 to 50 BCE).

    He sold this outright aggression to the Senate and people in Rome as a war waged in defence of tribes allied with Rome, a necessary pre-emptive strike of sorts.

    In addition to enslaving perhaps up to one million Gauls, Caesar proudly claimed to have killed well over another million, a staggering casualty rate considered by Pliny the Elder “a prodigious even if unavoidable wrong inflicted on the human race”.

    Julius Caesar subjugated all of Gaul in less than a decade.
    Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock

    Caesar got away with mass murder because he shamelessly played into lingering feelings of metus Gallicus, or “Gallic fear”.

    The Roman fear of Gauls was heightened by the so-called Cimbric War that took place in earlier years, when a formidable confederacy of Germanic and Gallic tribes inflicted a series of costly defeats upon Rome, threatening Italy itself.

    But Rome would triumph in the end. Under the leadership of Gaius Marius, the Romans destroyed these tribes in 102/101 BCE in Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul.

    Turned into a Roman province in final stages of this war, Cisalpine Gaul eventually became so heavily Romanised it was incorporated into Roman Italy proper in 42 BCE.

    Frederik Juliaan Vervaet receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. You’ve heard of Asterix and Obelix, but who really were the Gauls? And why were they such a problem for Rome? – https://theconversation.com/youve-heard-of-asterix-and-obelix-but-who-really-were-the-gauls-and-why-were-they-such-a-problem-for-rome-233447

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why building more big dams is a costly gamble for our future water security and the environment

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Kandulu, Research Fellow, College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University

    Climate change and biodiversity loss are mounting threats to Australia’s water security. So ee often hear calls for more dams. But is that the answer?

    Our recent research reveals large dam projects are costly gambles with public money. They often fail to deliver promised economic benefits. They also have major environmental, financial and social impacts.

    In New South Wales, some members of the Lower Lachlan River community were concerned about plans to expand Wyangala Dam. They first asked us in 2020 to investigate its full costs and benefits, with findings presented at a local workshop in 2022.

    The first WaterNSW estimate of capital and operating costs was A$620 million in 2018. Within a few years, it had soared to as much as $2.1 billion. In 2023, the project was scrapped because it wasn’t economically viable.

    Similar concerns surround other projects overseas and in Australia, including Hells Gate Dam in Queensland, and Dungowan Dam and Snowy Hydro 2.0 in NSW.

    To avoid repeating costly mistakes and mismanaging taxpayers’ money, we need a smarter approach to major water projects. This includes independent assessments and greater transparency, with business cases made public and decision-making open to scrutiny. And planning for climate change must become a priority.

    Lessons from past mistakes

    Inadequate economic assessments of big dam projects are a global problem. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and India’s Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project promised big, but had rising price tags and devastating impacts on ecosystems.

    In Australia and worldwide, big dam cost overruns can be up to 825%. The average overrun is 120%. This casts serious doubt on such projects’ financial and social viability. Public costs for private gains are a major concern.

    Our study reviewed the original business case for the Wyangala Dam expansion. The original study had concluded there would be net social benefits and gave the project the green light.

    Our review found the business case was seriously flawed. It overestimated benefits and grossly underestimated physical capital and environmental costs.

    Estimated building costs blew out by 239%. If the project had gone ahead, the costs would undoubtedly have increased.

    On top of this, assessments of impacts on rivers and wetlands were poor and superficial. They greatly undervalued the environmental effects of expanding the dam, particularly on downstream wetlands.

    On the other side of the equation, its benefits were overblown, particularly for water security and agriculture.

    Local voices believed many of their concerns had been ignored. There were deep concerns that flood-dependent farmers downstream might lose some of their livelihoods. Indigenous communities were worried about their cultural sites being destroyed.

    Our analysis provided a more rigorous assessment of benefits and costs of the Wyangala Dam expansion.

    We found total project costs were underestimated by at least 116%. The benefits were inflated by 56%. This meant the true impacts on the environment, agriculture and local communities were misrepresented.

    Rethinking Australia’s water future

    Our analysis provides a salutary lesson on why we need to rethink water security. Instead of sinking billions into dams, we should find smart and sustainable ways to manage our water.

    The fixation on building and expanding dams means innovative alternatives are often ignored. These other options include recycling water, managing demand and carefully recharging aquifers (using aquifers as underground dams).

    The National Water Grid Fund exemplifies the misguided “build more dams” mindset. Its portfolio of 61 large water projects has a total capital cost estimate of up to $10 billion.

    Despite this massive investment, only 23 of these projects have publicly available business cases. It leaves more than $1.7 billion in committed funding shrouded in secrecy.

    This lack of transparency is alarming, given the history of cost overruns and inadequate assessment of environmental damage. It points to the urgent need to reassess our approach to water security. The public has a right to know that their governments are spending wisely.

    To avoid repeating costly mistakes and mismanaging taxpayers’ money, we need a smarter approach. Independent business cases should be mandated for all major water projects.

    We also need a strong public sector capable of transparent evaluation. Promised new National Environmental Standards as part of reforms to environmental protection laws are likely to require rigorous scrutiny too. We must embrace transparency by opening decision-making to public scrutiny and diverse perspectives, including local voices and Indigenous stakeholders, from the start.

    Finally, infrastructure planning must account for long-term climate impacts on water availability. Planning for climate change is vital.

    As projects such as the proposed Wyangala Dam expansion demonstrate, Australia can no longer afford to gamble its water future on outdated, costly and environmentally destructive solutions. It’s time to end the wasteful spending.

    Instead, we need to channel our efforts into truly effective, sustainable and transparent water management. Strategies must give priority to community needs, First Nations’ water rights, environmental protection and long-term climate resilience.

    John Kandulu is a recipient of funding from various sources, such as state and Commonwealth governments, as well as non-profit organisations. His affiliations include the Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University and the Environment Institute at the University of Adelaide.

    Richard Kingsford receives funding from a range of organisations, including the Australian Research Council, state and Commonwealth governments, non-government organisations, including World Wide Fund for Nature and Australian Conservation Foundation. He is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and a councillor on the Biodiversity Council.

    Sarah Ann Wheeler receives funding from a range of organisations, including the Australian Research Council, state and Commonwealth governments and non-government organisations.

    – ref. Why building more big dams is a costly gamble for our future water security and the environment – https://theconversation.com/why-building-more-big-dams-is-a-costly-gamble-for-our-future-water-security-and-the-environment-239106

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 6 reasons why people enjoy horror movies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shane Rogers, Lecturer in Psychology, Edith Cowan University

    Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

    The creeping shadows and haunting decorations transform the everyday into something eerie at Halloween. And you might be thinking about scaring yourself with a good horror movie.

    Grotesque imagery, extreme violence, startling jump scares and menacing characters are common elements, making viewers feel fear, dread and disgust.

    We generally aim to avoid these negative emotions in our everyday lives.

    So why would some people seek them out, and enjoy them, in horror movies?

    1. Fear can be thrilling

    There is lots of overlap between the emotions of fear and excitement. In both, stress hormones are released that can produce physical symptoms such as increased heart and breathing rates, sweating and muscle tension. People also feel more alert and “on edge”.

    Research has consistently shown people with personalities that crave intense emotional experiences, including fear and excitement, tend to enjoy horror movies.

    But for more fearful people, the jump scares and violent scenes can be too intense. This can result in coping behaviours such as looking away or putting their hands over the ears, especially if they are highly immersed in the movie.

    Although, if they also happen to enjoy intense emotion, they may still enjoy the thrill of the ride.

    Movie makers work hard to get these ‘jump scares’ just right. And viewers enjoy the thrill.

    2. There’s a sense of relief

    People may enjoy horror movies because of a sense of relief after a scary moment has passed.

    Watching a horror movie can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, with distinct peaks and troughs of fear and relief over the course of the film.

    For example, in the 2017 movie It the main protagonists survive a series of scary encounters with a demonic clown. The scary moments are separated by calmer scenes, prompting a rollercoaster of emotions.

    In the classic 1975 movie Jaws, viewers experience relief from the scary moments, only to be scared again and again.

    Jaws is a rollercoaster of emotions.

    3. They satisfy our morbid curiosity

    Many horror movies feature supernatural themes and characters such as zombies, werewolves and vampires. So horror movies can help satiate a morbid curiosity.

    The violence, death, destruction and grotesque elements can provide curious people a safe space to explore things that are not safe (or socially appropriate) in the real world.

    Horror movies can help people satisfy their curiosity about death. But why are they curious in the first place?

    4. We can work out our limits

    Horror movies can reflect our deepest fears and prompt introspection about our personal thresholds of fear and disgust.

    So some people may enjoy watching them to get a better understanding of their own limits.

    Watching horror might also be a way to push personal boundaries to potentially become less fearful or grossed out by things in real life.

    In a study one of us (Coltan) conducted, horror movie fans reported less psychological distress during the early months of the COVID pandemic compared with people not identifying as a horror movie fan.

    5. They can be social

    Some people say the social aspect of watching horror movies with others is a big part of their appeal.

    Watching with others might help some people feel safer. Alternatively, this might help amplify the emotional experience by feeding off the emotions of people around them.

    Horror movies are also a common pick as a date night movie. Being scared together gives a good excuse to snuggle and take comfort in each other.

    6. They give us pleasure in other people’s misery

    Horror movies can provide the pleasurable emotion we feel when witnessing the misfortune of others, known as schadenfreude. This occurs most when we feel the person experiencing misfortune deserves it.

    In many horror movies the characters that suffer a gruesome fate are only side characters. Much of the time these unfortunate souls are made out to be unlikeable and often make foolish choices before their grisly end.

    For example, in the 1996 teen witch movie The Craft, the character Chris Hooker is portrayed as being cruel to women. Then he dies by being blasted out of a window.

    Despite the grisly nature of horror movies, a study by one of us (Coltan) found horror fans seem to have the same levels of empathy as anyone else.

    In The Craft, viewers enjoy witnessing the misfortune of others, particularly if the character is a ‘baddy’.

    What do I make of all this?

    Horror movies allow us to confront our deepest fears through the safety of make-believe.

    People enjoy them for lots of different reasons. And the precise combination of reasons differs depending on the specific movie, and the person or people watching it.

    What is certain though, is the increasing popularity of horror movies, with many to choose from.

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

    – ref. 6 reasons why people enjoy horror movies – https://theconversation.com/6-reasons-why-people-enjoy-horror-movies-241480

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is AI superintelligence? Could it destroy humanity? And is it really almost here?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Salim, Professor, School of Computer Science and Engineering, inaugural Cisco Chair of Digital Transport & AI, UNSW Sydney

    Maxim Berg / Unsplash

    In 2014, the British philosopher Nick Bostrom published a book about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) with the ominous title Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. It proved highly influential in promoting the idea that advanced AI systems – “superintelligences” more capable than humans – might one day take over the world and destroy humanity.

    A decade later, OpenAI boss Sam Altman says superintelligence may only be “a few thousand days” away. A year ago, Altman’s OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever set up a team within the company to focus on “safe superintelligence”, but he and his team have now raised a billion dollars to create a startup of their own to pursue this goal.

    What exactly are they talking about? Broadly speaking, superintelligence is anything more intelligent than humans. But unpacking what that might mean in practice can get a bit tricky.

    Different kinds of AI

    In my view the most useful way to think about different levels and kinds of intelligence in AI was developed by US computer scientist Meredith Ringel Morris and her colleagues at Google.

    Their framework lists six levels of AI performance: no AI, emerging, competent, expert, virtuoso and superhuman. It also makes an important distinction between narrow systems, which can carry out a small range of tasks, and more general systems.

    A narrow, no-AI system is something like a calculator. It carries out various mathematical tasks according to a set of explicitly programmed rules.

    There are already plenty of very successful narrow AI systems. Morris gives the Deep Blue chess program that famously defeated world champion Garry Kasparov way back in 1997 as an example of a virtuoso-level narrow AI system.

    Some narrow systems even have superhuman capabilities. One example is Alphafold, which uses machine learning to predict the structure of protein molecules, and whose creators won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year.

    What about general systems? This is software that can tackle a much wider range of tasks, including things like learning new skills.

    A general no-AI system might be something like Amazon’s Mechanical Turk: it can do a wide range of things, but it does them by asking real people.

    Overall, general AI systems are far less advanced than their narrow cousins. According to Morris, the state-of-the-art language models behind chatbots such as ChatGPT are general AI – but they are so far at the “emerging” level (meaning they are “equal to or somewhat better than an unskilled human”), and yet to reach “competent” (as good as 50% of skilled adults).

    So by this reckoning, we are still some distance from general superintelligence.

    How intelligent is AI right now?

    As Morris points out, precisely determining where any given system sits would depend on having reliable tests or benchmarks.

    Depending on our benchmarks, an image-generating system such as DALL-E might be at virtuoso level (because it can produce images 99% of humans could not draw or paint), or it might be emerging (because it produces errors no human would, such as mutant hands and impossible objects).

    There is significant debate even about the capabilities of current systems. One notable 2023 paper argued GPT-4 showed “sparks of artificial general intelligence”.

    OpenAI says its latest language model, o1, can “perform complex reasoning” and “rivals the performance of human experts” on many benchmarks.

    However, a recent paper from Apple researchers found o1 and many other language models have significant trouble solving genuine mathematical reasoning problems. Their experiments show the outputs of these models seem to resemble sophisticated pattern-matching rather than true advanced reasoning. This indicates superintelligence is not as imminent as many have suggested.

    Will AI keep getting smarter?

    Some people think the rapid pace of AI progress over the past few years will continue or even accelerate. Tech companies are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in AI hardware and capabilities, so this doesn’t seem impossible.

    If this happens, we may indeed see general superintelligence within the “few thousand days” proposed by Sam Altman (that’s a decade or so in less scifi terms). Sutskever and his team mentioned a similar timeframe in their superalignment article.

    Many recent successes in AI have come from the application of a technique called “deep learning”, which, in simplistic terms, finds associative patterns in gigantic collections of data. Indeed, this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Hopfield and also the “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton, for their invention of Hopfield Networks and Boltzmann machine, which are the foundation for many powerful deep learning models used today.

    General systems such as ChatGPT have relied on data generated by humans, much of it in the form of text from books and websites. Improvements in their capabilities have largely come from increasing the scale of the systems and the amount of data on which they are trained.

    However, there may not be enough human-generated data to take this process much further (although efforts to use data more efficiently, generate synthetic data, and improve transfer of skills between different domains may bring improvements). Even if there were enough data, some researchers say language models such as ChatGPT are fundamentally incapable of reaching what Morris would call general competence.

    One recent paper has suggested an essential feature of superintelligence would be open-endedness, at least from a human perspective. It would need to be able to continuously generate outputs that a human observer would regard as novel and be able to learn from.

    Existing foundation models are not trained in an open-ended way, and existing open-ended systems are quite narrow. This paper also highlights how either novelty or learnability alone is not enough. A new type of open-ended foundation model is needed to achieve superintelligence.

    What are the risks?

    So what does all this mean for the risks of AI? In the short term, at least, we don’t need to worry about superintelligent AI taking over the world.

    But that’s not to say AI doesn’t present risks. Again, Morris and co have thought this through: as AI systems gain great capability, they may also gain greater autonomy. Different levels of capability and autonomy present different risks.

    For example, when AI systems have little autonomy and people use them as a kind of consultant – when we ask ChatGPT to summarise documents, say, or let the YouTube algorithm shape our viewing habits – we might face a risk of over-trusting or over-relying on them.

    In the meantime, Morris points out other risks to watch out for as AI systems become more capable, ranging from people forming parasocial relationships with AI systems to mass job displacement and society-wide ennui.

    What’s next?

    Let’s suppose we do one day have superintelligent, fully autonomous AI agents. Will we then face the risk they could concentrate power or act against human interests?

    Not necessarily. Autonomy and control can go hand in hand. A system can be highly automated, yet provide a high level of human control.

    Like many in the AI research community, I believe safe superintelligence is feasible. However, building it will be a complex and multidisciplinary task, and researchers will have to tread unbeaten paths to get there.

    Flora Salim receives funding from Australian Research Council and Cisco. She acknowledges the support from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S) (CE200100005).

    – ref. What is AI superintelligence? Could it destroy humanity? And is it really almost here? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-ai-superintelligence-could-it-destroy-humanity-and-is-it-really-almost-here-240682

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –