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  • MIL-OSI: STOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of SecureWorks Corp. – SCWX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating SecureWorks Corp. (Nasdaq: SCWX), relating to a proposed merger with Sophos Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, all SecureWorks shares will automatically be converted into the right to receive $8.50 in cash.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/secureworks-corp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ChampionX Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Revenue of $906.5 million
    • Net income attributable to ChampionX of $72.0 million
    • Adjusted net income of $85.9 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $197.5 million
    • Income before income taxes margin of 11.2%
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.8%
    • Cash from operating activities of $141.3 million and free cash flow of $108.1 million

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChampionX Corporation (NASDAQ: CHX) (“ChampionX” or the “Company”) today announced third quarter of 2024 results. Revenue was $906.5 million, net income attributable to ChampionX was $72.0 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $197.5 million. Income before income taxes margin was 11.2% and adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.8%. Cash from operating activities was $141.3 million and free cash flow was $108.1 million.

    CEO Commentary

    “The third quarter demonstrated the resiliency of our ChampionX portfolio as we delivered strong adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin, and generated robust free cash flow. These results were the direct result of our employees around the world remaining laser-focused on serving our customers well, and I am grateful to them for their dedication to our corporate purpose of improving lives,” ChampionX’s President and Chief Executive Officer Sivasankaran “Soma” Somasundaram said.

    “During the third quarter of 2024, we generated revenue of $907 million, which decreased 4% year-over-year, as growth in North America, Middle East & Africa, Europe, and Asia Pacific was offset by Latin America, which was impacted by lower sales in Mexico. Revenue from all areas other than Mexico increased 6% year-over-year. Our revenue increased 1% sequentially, with both North America and international revenues increasing slightly versus the second quarter. North America revenues were up 2% sequentially, driven primarily by higher sales volumes in our artificial lift business. International revenues were up 1% sequentially, driven, in part, by the contribution of RMSpumptools, which was acquired during the quarter. We generated net income attributable to ChampionX of $72 million, income before income taxes margin of 11.2%, and we delivered adjusted EBITDA of $198 million, representing a 21.8% adjusted EBITDA margin, our highest level as ChampionX, which speaks to the productivity and profitability focus of our team.

    “Cash flow from operating activities was $141 million during the third quarter, which represented 196% of net income attributable to ChampionX, and we generated strong free cash flow of $108 million, which represented 55% of our adjusted EBITDA for the period. We remain confident in achieving at least 50% adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow conversion for 2024. Our balance sheet and financial position remain strong, ending the third quarter with approximately $1.1 billion of liquidity, including $389 million of cash and $671 million of available capacity on our revolving credit facility.”

    Agreement to be Acquired by SLB

    On April 2, 2024, SLB (NYSE: SLB) and ChampionX jointly announced a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) for SLB to purchase ChampionX in an all-stock transaction. The transaction was unanimously approved by the ChampionX board of directors and the transaction received the approval of the ChampionX stockholders at a special meeting held on June 18, 2024. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. It is currently anticipated that the closing of the transaction will occur in the first quarter of 2025.

    ChampionX may continue to pay its regular quarterly cash dividends with customary record and payment dates, subject to certain limitations under the Merger Agreement. Given the pending acquisition of ChampionX by SLB, ChampionX has discontinued providing quarterly guidance and will not host a conference call or webcast to discuss its third quarter 2024 results.

    Production Chemical Technologies

    Production Chemical Technologies revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $559.5 million, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 2%, sequentially, due primarily to lower international sales volumes.

    Segment operating profit was $87.3 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $120.6 million. Segment operating profit margin was 15.6%, an increase of 60 basis points, sequentially, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 21.6%, an increase of 94 basis points, sequentially. The sequential increase in segment operating profit margin and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was driven by strong cost management, productivity improvements, and favorable product mix.

    Production & Automation Technologies

    Production & Automation Technologies revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $275.7 million, an increase of $31.2 million, or 13%, sequentially, due primarily to higher artificial lift systems demand in North America, and the acquisition of RMSpumptools, which was completed during the quarter. Revenue from digital products was $57.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 7% sequentially, driven by increased customer activity in North America.

    Segment operating profit was $34.1 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $69.6 million. Segment operating profit margin was 12.4%, an increase of 330 basis points, sequentially, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 25.2%, an increase of 118 basis points, sequentially. The increase in segment operating profit margin and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was driven by higher sales volumes, productivity improvements, and favorable product mix.

    Drilling Technologies

    Drilling Technologies revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $51.8 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 2%, sequentially, driven by lower sales volumes in the bearings product line associated with customers managing inventory levels.

    Segment operating profit was $11.5 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $12.9 million. Segment operating profit margin was 22.2%, compared to 22.4% in the prior quarter, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 24.8%, a decrease of 2 basis points, sequentially, due primarily to lower volumes.

    Reservoir Chemical Technologies

    Reservoir Chemical Technologies revenue in the third quarter 2024 was $20.5 million, a decrease of $6.6 million, or 24%, sequentially, driven by lower sales volumes in the U.S. and internationally.

    Segment operating profit was $1.7 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $3.3 million. Segment operating profit margin was 8.2%, a decrease of 793 basis points, sequentially, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 16.0%, a decrease of 592 basis points, sequentially. The decrease in segment operating profit margin and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was driven by lower volumes.

    Other Business Highlights

    • ChampionX won the Gulf Energy Information Excellence Award for best coating / corrosion advancement technology for its AnX coiled rod product line. The company was a finalist in four additional categories: SMARTEN™ XE ESP control system in the best controls, instrumentation, automation technology category; Pump Checker™ gas lift analysis module in the best digital transformation – upstream category; Chemical Technologies Decarbonization Program in the best HSE contribution category; and the ChampionX Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion programs in the DE&I in energy category.

    Other Business Highlights: Production Chemical Technologies and Reservoir Chemical Technologies

    • In the Asia Pacific region, ChampionX secured a significant new contract to provide both engineering services and the initial chemical supply for a new Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, set to be deployed at a large gas condensate field in Australasia. Operations are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025 and contribute significantly to regional Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production capacity. This strategic win further strengthens our presence in the region and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions to our upstream customers.
    • ChampionX was awarded a large first-fill contract to supply multiple production chemicals for corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and biocides for a major onshore oil and gas incremental project in Saudi Arabia.
    • ChampionX has secured a first-fill contract to supply production chemicals for a significant gas development program in Qatar.
    • ChampionX secured a multi-million-dollar order for a novel application of UltraFab in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) for delivery in 2025.
    • ChampionX recently completed the pre-commission cleaning, chemical treatment, and readiness work for the 303-mile natural gas Mountain Valley Pipeline connecting Marcellus and Utica shale production to markets in the Mid- and South-Atlantic regions.
    • In the Canadian oil sands, ChampionX completed a steam additive first-fill program for a major technology development trial, leading to additional market interest.
    • ChampionX was awarded a three-year contract extension from a major producer in the San Juan Basin in California, recognizing our service, people, and commitment to helping the producer achieve their strategic goals as reasons for the extension.
    • As part of an initiative to expand our technology into adjacent markets, ChampionX Reservoir Chemical Technologies was awarded business with a premier supplier of local sand used for hydraulic fracturing in the Permian Basin. Our solution affords the supplier a significant savings on sand drying costs and is designed to increase operational throughput.

    Other Business Highlights: Production & Automation Technologies

    • In the third quarter, ChampionX completed the acquisition of RMSpumptools, a provider of advanced mechanical and electrical solutions for complex ESP systems. The acquisition expands ChampionX’s international footprint while providing greater opportunities for RMSpumptools in North America. Soon after the acquisition close, our Permian ESP team collaborated with RMSpumptools to deliver a sand control solution to a major oil company operating in the Permian basin.
    • ChampionX Artificial Lift expanded its Latin America footprint into Ecuador with a contract award for two 400HP multiplex surface pump systems for jet lift applications. This accomplishment is the result of a strengthening partnership with a Latin America independent operator that is expanding its operations from Colombia to Ecuador. Unlike typical systems, the surface pump and oil vessel required for jet lifted wells will be built on one skid with all the necessary piping, which reduces assembly time at the wellsite.
    • Building on the combined strengths of our XSPOC artificial lift software and the acquisition of Artificial Lift Performance Limited Pump Checker software, ChampionX introduced ALLY™ production optimization digital solutions, debuting a modern interface with user-friendly dashboards and intuitive workflows, paired with powerful performance—ingesting, processing, and displaying more data than ever before. It is a one-stop-shop for production teams to manage and optimize their producing assets, regardless of lift type or equipment provider. Building on the launch of this new digital solution, in the third quarter ChampionX secured seven new clients for our production optimization software solution.
    • ChampionX launched the PCS Ferguson new generation SMARTEN™ Unify control system, which is engineered to deliver sophisticated digital automation and optimization capabilities at a cost of ownership that fits within the narrow economic profile of plunger lifted wells. SMARTEN Unify provides enhanced visibility to what is happening “live” at any second in a plunger lift system, eliminating the need for operating based on calculated guesses.

    Other Business Highlights: Drilling Technologies

    • Drilling Technologies’ diamond bearings products continue to see positive test results in additional downhole drilling and completion tools applications.
    • Drilling Technologies’ diamond inserts business had significant new products launches with four major customers.

    About Non-GAAP Measures

    In addition to financial results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), this news release presents non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income attributable to ChampionX and adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ChampionX, provide useful information to investors regarding the Company’s financial condition and results of operations because they reflect the core operating results of our businesses and help facilitate comparisons of operating performance across periods. In addition, free cash flow, free cash flow to adjusted EBITDA ratio, and free cash flow to revenue ratio are used by management to measure our ability to generate positive cash flow for debt reduction and to support our strategic objectives. Although management believes the aforementioned non-GAAP financial measures are good tools for internal use and the investment community in evaluating ChampionX’s overall financial performance, the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in the accompanying financial tables.

    About ChampionX

    ChampionX is a global leader in chemistry solutions, artificial lift systems, and highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely, efficiently, and sustainably around the world. ChampionX’s expertise, innovative products, and digital technologies provide enhanced oil and gas production, transportation, and real-time emissions monitoring throughout the lifecycle of a well. To learn more about ChampionX, visit our website at www.ChampionX.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction and the anticipated timing of the transaction, and information regarding the businesses of SLB and ChampionX, including expectations regarding outlook and all underlying assumptions, SLB’s and ChampionX’s objectives, plans and strategies, information relating to operating trends in markets where SLB and ChampionX operate, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition and all other statements other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that SLB or ChampionX intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions made based on information currently available to management. All statements in this communication, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of the words “outlook,” “guidance,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “should,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “targets,” “may,” “can,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” “projected,” “projections,” “precursor,” “forecast,” “ambition,” “goal,” “scheduled,” “think,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “see,” “likely,” and other similar expressions or variations, but not all forward-looking statements include such words. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and which may cause SLB’s or ChampionX’s actual results and performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors and risks that may impact future results and performance include, but are not limited to those factors and risks described in Part I, “Item 1. Business”, “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in SLB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 24, 2024 and Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in ChampionX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 6, 2024, and each of their respective, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These include, but are not limited to, and in each case as a possible result of the proposed transaction on each of SLB and ChampionX: the ultimate outcome of the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX, including the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction; the ability to operate the SLB and ChampionX respective businesses, including business disruptions; difficulties in retaining and hiring key personnel and employees; the ability to maintain favorable business relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners; the terms and timing of the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; the anticipated or actual tax treatment of the proposed transaction; the ability to satisfy closing conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction (including the adoption of the merger agreement in respect of the proposed transaction by ChampionX stockholders); other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto; the ability of SLB and ChampionX to integrate the business successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies and value creation from the proposed transaction; changes in demand for SLB’s or ChampionX’s products and services; global market, political and economic conditions, including in the countries in which SLB and ChampionX operate; the ability to secure government regulatory approvals on the terms expected, at all or in a timely manner; the extent of growth of the oilfield services market generally, including for chemical solutions in production and midstream operations; the global macro-economic environment, including headwinds caused by inflation, rising interest rates, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and potential recessionary or depressionary conditions; the impact of shifts in prices or margins of the products that SLB or ChampionX sells or services that SLB or ChampionX provides, including due to a shift towards lower margin products or services; cyber-attacks, information security and data privacy; the impact of public health crises, such as pandemics (including COVID-19) and epidemics and any related company or government policies and actions to protect the health and safety of individuals or government policies or actions to maintain the functioning of national or global economies and markets; trends in crude oil and natural gas prices, including trends in chemical solutions across the oil and natural gas industries, that may affect the drilling and production activity, profitability and financial stability of SLB’s and ChampionX’s customers and therefore the demand for, and profitability of, their products and services; litigation and regulatory proceedings, including any proceedings that may be instituted against SLB or ChampionX related to the proposed transaction; failure to effectively and timely address energy transitions that could adversely affect the businesses of SLB or ChampionX, results of operations, and cash flows of SLB or ChampionX; and disruptions of SLB’s or ChampionX’s information technology systems.

    These risks, as well as other risks related to the proposed transaction, are included in the Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus that was filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors presented in the registration statement on Form S-4 are, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. For additional information about other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to SLB’s and ChampionX’s respective periodic reports and other filings with the SEC, including the risk factors identified in SLB’s and ChampionX’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, respectively, and SLB’s and ChampionX’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. Neither SLB nor ChampionX undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact: Byron Pope
    byron.pope@championx.com 
    281-602-0094

    Media Contact: John Breed
    john.breed@championx.com 
    281-403-5751

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenue $ 906,533     $ 893,272     $ 939,783     $ 2,721,946     $ 2,814,730  
    Cost of goods and services   608,764       613,426       647,923       1,845,127       1,957,309  
    Gross profit   297,769       279,846       291,860       876,819       857,421  
    Costs and expenses:                  
    Selling, general and administrative expense   180,501       182,995       162,317       535,910       485,617  
    (Gain) loss on sale-leaseback transaction and disposal group   57       —       —       (29,826 )     12,965  
    Interest expense, net   14,137       15,421       13,744       43,493       40,754  
    Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, net   3,505       (2,767 )     7,992       793       21,683  
    Other expense (income), net   (2,176 )     938       (1,994 )     1,689       (13,494 )
    Income before income taxes   101,745       83,259       109,801       324,760       309,896  
    Provision for income taxes   28,078       27,868       29,009       82,542       69,334  
    Net income   73,667       55,391       80,792       242,218       240,562  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   1,659       2,822       3,081       4,718       3,522  
    Net income attributable to ChampionX $ 72,008     $ 52,569     $ 77,711     $ 237,500     $ 237,040  
                       
    Earnings per share attributable to ChampionX:                  
    Basic $ 0.38     $ 0.28     $ 0.40     $ 1.25     $ 1.20  
    Diluted $ 0.37     $ 0.27     $ 0.39     $ 1.23     $ 1.18  
                       
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                  
    Basic   190,496       190,426       195,881       190,575       197,058  
    Diluted   193,362       193,257       199,592       193,655       201,025  
                                           

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)

    (in thousands) September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS      
    Current Assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 389,109     $ 288,557  
    Receivables, net   434,107       534,534  
    Inventories, net   546,817       521,549  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   68,218       80,777  
    Total current assets   1,438,251       1,425,417  
           
    Property, plant and equipment, net   760,775       773,552  
    Goodwill   729,783       669,064  
    Intangible assets, net   270,361       243,553  
    Other non-current assets   178,490       130,116  
    Total assets $ 3,377,660     $ 3,241,702  
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
    Current Liabilities:      
    Current portion of long-term debt $ 6,203     $ 6,203  
    Accounts payable   455,485       451,680  
    Other current liabilities   278,498       324,866  
    Total current liabilities   740,186       782,749  
           
    Long-term debt   592,161       594,283  
    Other long-term liabilities   246,296       203,639  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    ChampionX stockholders’ equity   1,814,310       1,676,622  
    Noncontrolling interest   (15,293 )     (15,591 )
    Total liabilities and equity $ 3,377,660     $ 3,241,702  
                   

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (UNAUDITED)

      Nine Months Ended September 30,
    (in thousands)   2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income $ 242,218     $ 240,562  
    Depreciation and amortization   183,291       177,226  
    (Gain) loss on sale-leaseback transaction and disposal group   (29,826 )     12,965  
    Loss on Argentina Blue Chip Swap transaction   7,086       —  
    Deferred income taxes   (16,810 )     (15,380 )
    Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets   868       (1,480 )
    Receivables   115,269       85,181  
    Inventories   (40,118 )     (50,011 )
    Accounts payable   (30,577 )     (7,018 )
    Other assets   6,665       17,470  
    Leased assets   (24,193 )     (38,597 )
    Other operating items, net   (31,442 )     (49,600 )
    Net cash flows provided by operating activities   382,431       371,318  
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Capital expenditures   (101,403 )     (110,965 )
    Proceeds from sale of fixed assets   9,323       12,328  
    Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction   44,292       —  
    Purchase of investments   (31,526 )     —  
    Sale of investments   24,358       —  
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (123,269 )     —  
    Net cash used for investing activities   (178,225 )     (98,637 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Proceeds from long-term debt   —       15,500  
    Repayment of long-term debt   (4,652 )     (43,625 )
    Repurchases of common stock   (49,399 )     (159,730 )
    Dividends paid   (52,430 )     (48,309 )
    Other   3,854       (384 )
    Net cash used for financing activities   (102,627 )     (236,548 )
           
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (1,027 )     (1,314 )
           
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   100,552       34,819  
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   288,557       250,187  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 389,109     $ 285,006  
                   

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,
    (in thousands)   2024       2024       2023  
    Segment revenue:          
    Production Chemical Technologies $ 559,539     $ 569,577     $ 604,254  
    Production & Automation Technologies   275,700       244,487       256,148  
    Drilling Technologies   51,792       52,888       54,869  
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   20,531       27,123       25,093  
    Corporate and other   (1,029 )     (803 )     (581 )
    Total revenue $ 906,533     $ 893,272     $ 939,783  
               
    Income before income taxes:        
    Segment operating profit (loss):          
    Production Chemical Technologies $ 87,260     $ 85,388     $ 94,560  
    Production & Automation Technologies   34,136       22,207       28,299  
    Drilling Technologies   11,501       11,863       12,255  
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   1,675       4,363       2,461  
    Total segment operating profit   134,572       123,821       137,575  
    Corporate and other   18,690       25,141       14,030  
    Interest expense, net   14,137       15,421       13,744  
    Income before income taxes $ 101,745     $ 83,259     $ 109,801  
               
    Operating profit margin / income before income taxes margin:          
    Production Chemical Technologies   15.6 %     15.0 %     15.6 %
    Production & Automation Technologies   12.4 %     9.1 %     11.0 %
    Drilling Technologies   22.2 %     22.4 %     22.3 %
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   8.2 %     16.1 %     9.8 %
    ChampionX Consolidated   11.2 %     9.3 %     11.7 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA          
    Production Chemical Technologies $ 120,622     $ 117,421     $ 133,101  
    Production & Automation Technologies   69,604       58,848       59,288  
    Drilling Technologies   12,867       13,149       13,786  
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   3,292       5,954       4,198  
    Corporate and other   (8,873 )     (12,139 )     (12,837 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 197,512     $ 183,233     $ 197,536  
               
    Adjusted EBITDA margin          
    Production Chemical Technologies   21.6 %     20.6 %     22.0 %
    Production & Automation Technologies   25.2 %     24.1 %     23.1 %
    Drilling Technologies   24.8 %     24.9 %     25.1 %
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   16.0 %     22.0 %     16.7 %
    ChampionX Consolidated   21.8 %     20.5 %     21.0 %
                           

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,
    (in thousands)   2024       2024       2023  
    Net income attributable to ChampionX $ 72,008     $ 52,569     $ 77,711  
    Pre-tax adjustments:          
    (Gain) loss on sale leaseback transaction and disposal group(1)   57       —       —  
    Russia sanctions compliance and impacts(2)   109       32       95  
    Restructuring and other related charges   5,317       7,927       1,228  
    Merger transaction costs(3)   8,312       15,059       —  
    Acquisition costs and related adjustments(4)   753       574       —  
    Intellectual property defense   69       531       220  
    Merger-related indemnification responsibility   —       —       722  
    Tulsa, Oklahoma storm damage   —       —       1,895  
    Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, net   3,505       (2,767 )     7,992  
    Loss on Argentina Blue Chip Swap transaction   —       2,994       —  
    Tax impact of adjustments   (4,259 )     (5,722 )     (2,702 )
    Adjusted net income attributable to ChampionX   85,871       71,197       87,161  
    Tax impact of adjustments   4,259       5,722       2,702  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   1,659       2,822       3,081  
    Depreciation and amortization   63,508       60,203       61,839  
    Provision for income taxes   28,078       27,868       29,009  
    Interest expense, net   14,137       15,421       13,744  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 197,512     $ 183,233     $ 197,536  

    _______________________

    (1) Amount represents the gain on the sale and leaseback of certain buildings and land.
    (2) Includes charges incurred related to legal and professional fees to comply with, as well as additional foreign currency exchange losses associated with, the sanctions imposed in Russia.
    (3) Includes costs incurred in relation to the Merger Agreement with Schlumberger Limited, including third party legal and professional fees.
    (4) Includes costs incurred for the acquisition of businesses.
       
      Three Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,
    (in thousands)   2024       2024       2023  
    Diluted earnings per share attributable to ChampionX $ 0.37     $ 0.27     $ 0.39  
    Per share adjustments:          
    (Gain) loss on sale leaseback transaction and disposal group   —       —       —  
    Russia sanctions compliance and impacts   —       —       —  
    Restructuring and other related charges   0.03       0.04       0.01  
    Merger transaction costs   0.04       0.08       —  
    Acquisition costs and related adjustments   —       —       —  
    Intellectual property defense   —       —       —  
    Merger-related indemnification responsibility   —       —       0.01  
    Tulsa, Oklahoma storm damage   —       —       0.01  
    Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, net   0.02       (0.01 )     0.04  
    Loss on Argentina Blue Chip Swap transaction   —       0.02       —  
    Tax impact of adjustments   (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ChampionX $ 0.44     $ 0.37     $ 0.44  
                           

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES BY SEGMENT
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,
    (in thousands)   2024       2024       2023  
    Production Chemical Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 87,260     $ 85,388     $ 94,560  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   7,073       5,851       9,079  
    Depreciation and amortization   26,289       26,182       29,462  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 120,622     $ 117,421     $ 133,101  
               
    Production & Automation Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 34,136     $ 22,207     $ 28,299  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   1,656       6,000       2,089  
    Depreciation and amortization   33,812       30,641       28,900  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 69,604     $ 58,848     $ 59,288  
               
    Drilling Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 11,501     $ 11,863     $ 12,255  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   54       —       (8 )
    Depreciation and amortization   1,312       1,286       1,539  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 12,867     $ 13,149     $ 13,786  
               
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 1,675     $ 4,363     $ 2,461  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   3       11       72  
    Depreciation and amortization   1,614       1,580       1,665  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 3,292     $ 5,954     $ 4,198  
               
    Corporate and other          
    Segment operating profit $ (32,827 )   $ (40,562 )   $ (27,774 )
    Non-GAAP adjustments   9,336       12,488       920  
    Depreciation and amortization   481       514       273  
    Interest expense, net   14,137       15,421       13,744  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ (8,873 )   $ (12,139 )   $ (12,837 )
                           

    Free Cash Flow

      Three Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,
    (in thousands)   2024       2024       2023  
    Free Cash Flow          
    Cash flows from operating activities $ 141,298     $ 67,625     $ 163,030  
    Less: Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sale of fixed assets   (33,248 )     (29,310 )     (48,469 )
    Free cash flow $ 108,050     $ 38,315     $ 114,561  
               
    Cash From Operating Activities to Revenue Ratio          
    Cash flows from operating activities $ 141,298     $ 67,625     $ 163,030  
    Revenue $ 906,533     $ 893,272     $ 939,783  
               
    Cash from operating activities to revenue ratio   16 %     8 %     17 %
               
    Free Cash Flow to Revenue Ratio          
    Free cash flow $ 108,050     $ 38,315     $ 114,561  
    Revenue $ 906,533     $ 893,272     $ 939,783  
               
    Free cash flow to revenue ratio   12 %     4 %     12 %
               
    Free Cash Flow to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio          
    Free cash flow $ 108,050     $ 38,315     $ 114,561  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 197,512     $ 183,233     $ 197,536  
               
    Free cash flow to adjusted EBITDA ratio   55 %     21 %     58 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brown & Brown, Inc. announces 15% increase in quarterly cash dividend rate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) today announced that the board of directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. The dividend is payable on November 13, 2024, to shareholders of record on November 6, 2024. The dividend represents a 15% increase from the previous regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share and is Brown & Brown’s 31st consecutive annual dividend increase.

    About Brown & Brown, Inc.

    Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, delivering risk management solutions to individuals and businesses since 1939. With over 16,000 teammates and 500+ locations worldwide, we are committed to providing innovative strategies to help protect what our customers value most. For more information or to find an office near you, please visit bbinsurance.com.

    For more information:

    R. Andrew Watts
    Chief Financial Officer
    (386) 239-5770

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Parker Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEVELAND, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH), the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.63 per share of common stock to shareholders of record as of November 8, 2024. The dividend is payable December 6, 2024.

    This is the company’s 298th consecutive quarterly dividend. Parker has increased its annual dividends per share paid to shareholders for 68 consecutive fiscal years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 Index. 

    Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century the company has been enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin.

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Urges Congress to Quickly Pass a Disaster Recovery Package

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Thom Tillis on the importance for elected officials in Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance. 
    Read the full op-ed HERE.
    Tillis on North Carolina’s recovery from Helene:
    “The recovery process will be long and difficult and will require years and billions of dollars of assistance. That is why it is so important for elected officials in Congress to step up and be proactive — not reactive — with long-term disaster recovery assistance. This is why I have led a bipartisan group of senators in disaster-hit states calling on Congress to end its seven-week recess and come back to Washington to pass a disaster funding package that initiates the long-term recovery process for victims and communities ravaged by Helene and Milton.” 
    Tillis on the need to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Fund and FEMA Disaster Relief Fund:
    “The most pressing need is to replenish the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan fund, which has already run out of money. Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA’s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm. Now that funding for the SBA disaster loan program has run out, it risks delays in processing storm victims’ loans and their ability to get their lives back together. We cannot let this continue to go on. 
    “FEMA is also in danger of running out of money in its Disaster Relief Fund. The hurricane season isn’t over until November and the National Hurricane Center is already monitoring tropical disturbances that could turn into more full-blown storms. It may only get worse.” 
    Tillis on the broken disaster response and recovery process:
    “The fact is, the federal disaster response and recovery process is broken and many Americans understandably have concerns. First, there are questions about prioritization. It was telling that in a 24-hour period in the wake of Helene, the Biden-Harris administration bragged about sending $100 million in transportation funding to rebuild roads in Western North Carolina as it also pledged $157 million in assistance to Lebanon. That is reflective of an administration that can’t read a room and doesn’t have its priorities in order. Wrong message, wrong time. Additionally, there has been a big political dust-up over FEMA money being used for illegal immigrants. This confusion could have been avoided if FEMA had been laser-focused on its mission to respond to natural disasters. FEMA should never have become a funding conduit for responding to the Biden-Harris administration’s border security crisis.
    “Secondly, and most important, is the question about competency. The federal government is already too slow and bureaucratic, but the disaster recovery process takes it to another level. The long-term funding for recovery is, shockingly, neither permanent nor predictable and requires constant reauthorization from Congress. I have worked across the aisle to introduce legislation that would help fix this problem by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process for long-term recovery and getting assistance to families and business owners sooner. 
    “There also needs to be a drastic improvement in how FEMA assists victims who suffer property damage. I recently introduced a bipartisan bill to end the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many individuals and communities from accessing the relief they desperately need when they need it.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin, Quigley, Sorensen Announce $33.5 Million in Federal Funding for Peoria and Chicago Airports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    October 23, 2024
    [CHICAGO, IL] –  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today announced $33,510,000 in federal funding from the Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program. 
    With today’s announced funding, General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport will receive $13,510,000 for the replacement of their air traffic control tower, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport will receive $20,000,000 for an expansion to Terminal 5.
    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “This funding will help improve and modernize O’Hare and Downing International Airports and, after years of neglecting our nation’s infrastructure, I’m proud every day to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work rebuilding infrastructure all across our country. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin and the Illinois delegation to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”
    “By improving and modernizing airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced federal funding for upgrading our airports across Illinois will enhance the travel experience for passengers and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth and our Congressional colleagues to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary federal resources to keep passengers safe and connected.”
    “This important funding coming to Peoria International Airport is about connecting my neighbors in Central Illinois to the world. The new air traffic control tower will allow controllers to see the end points of both runways and all taxiways, making it safer for travelers and airport staff. I am grateful to Senators Durbin and Duckworth for their support of this project as we continue our work to keep air travel safe and open Peoria to new destinations,” said Sorensen.
    “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that travelers receive the best and most efficient service possible at O’Hare. Today’s funding announcement will build on the progress we have already made. This expansion will benefit not only our constituents but also travelers across the country, while boosting our economy. When I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I did so knowing it would bring vital investments like these and create lasting benefits across our state. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future and a stronger transportation network for everyone,” said Quigley.
    Duckworth and Durbin previously worked to secure a provision in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to make Peoria’s airport-owned air traffic control tower (ATCT) eligible for federal funding. Following the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the ATCT has received $29 million in federal funding across two previous grants.
    Duckworth and Durbin helped secure two previous BIL Airport Terminal Program grants for Chicago O’Hare International Airport for the Terminal 3 Project totaling $90 million, a 2023 grant of $50 million and a 2024 grant of $40 million.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Congressional Democrats in Filing Amicus Brief Urging Ninth Circuit Court to Affirm that EMTALA Requires Hospitals to Provide Emergency Stabilizing Care, Including Abortion Care, Preempting Idaho’s Dacronian Abortion Ban

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    October 22, 2024
    After the Supreme Court dismissed the case, returning it to the Ninth Circuit Court, 259 Members of Congress ask the Ninth Circuit to affirm district court decision that under EMTALA, hospitals participating in Medicare must provide emergency stabilizing treatment to patients, including abortion care when necessary
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined more than 250 Members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Moyle v. United States and Idaho v. United States, two consolidated cases concerning the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) under consideration by the en banc Ninth Circuit.  EMTALA is a federal law that requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide necessary “stabilizing treatment” to patients experiencing medical emergencies, which can include abortion care.
    After the Dobbs decision in 2022, a draconian anti-abortion law in Idaho went into effect that makes it a felony for a doctor to terminate a patient’s pregnancy unless it is “necessary” to prevent the patient’s death.  The United States sued the State of Idaho, arguing that the state’s law is preempted by EMTALA in those circumstances in which abortion may not be necessary to prevent imminent death, but still constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition.  The district court agreed; it held that in those limited, but critically important situations, EMTALA requires Medicare-participating hospitals to provide abortion as an emergency medical treatment.  Idaho Republicans appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court, which lifted the injunction and took the case in January.  In March, 258 Members filed an amicus brief, asking the Supreme Court to affirm the district court decision.  In June, the Supreme Court dismissed the case but without a ruling on the merits, sending the case back to the Ninth Circuit Court and reinstating the district court’s injunction.
    In their brief in support of the Justice Department, the lawmakers ask the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling.  They argue that the congressional intent, text and history of EMTALA make clear that covered hospitals must provide abortion care when it is the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition and that EMTALA preempts Idaho’s abortion ban in emergency situations that present a serious threat to a patient’s health.
    “[T]he 99th Congress passed EMTALA to ensure that every person who visits a Medicare-funded hospital with an ‘emergency medical condition’ is offered stabilizing treatment,” the Members write in their amicus brief.  “Congress chose broad language for that mandate, requiring hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide ‘such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition.’… That text—untouched by Congress for the past three decades—makes clear that in situations in which a doctor determines that abortion constitutes the ‘[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment’ for a pregnant patient, federal law requires the hospital to offer it.  Yet Idaho has made providing that care a felony, in direct contravention of EMTALA’s mandate.”
    Importantly, the Members note that in this case, “respecting the supremacy of federal law is about more than just protecting our system of government; it is about protecting people’s lives.  If this Court allows Idaho’s near-total abortion ban to supersede federal law, pregnant patients in Idaho will continue to be denied appropriate medical treatment, placing them at heightened risk for medical complications and severe adverse health outcomes… And health care providers, unwilling to let Idaho’s law override their medical judgment regarding their patients’ best interests, will continue their exile from Idaho, creating maternity-care ‘deserts’ all over the state.”  The Members point to numerous reports of OB/GYNs leaving Idaho en masse since the state’s abortion ban went into effect.  Idaho has since lost 55 percent of its maternal-fetal medicine specialists and three rural hospitals have shut down maternity services altogether.
    “These are not hypothetical scenarios.  Because Idaho’s abortion ban contains no clear exceptions for the ‘emergency medical conditions’ covered by EMTALA, it forces physicians to wait until their patients are on the verge of death before providing abortion care. The result in other states with similar laws has been ‘significant maternal morbidity,’” write the Members, pointing to harrowing reports of pregnant women with severe health complications being denied necessary abortion care, including an Idaho woman who was flown to Utah for an abortion while hemorrhaging, leaking amniotic fluid and terrified that she would not survive to care for her two other children.  “Federal law does not allow Idaho to endanger the lives of its residents in this way.”
    In their brief, the Members also clarify that the references to “unborn child” in EMTALA were intended to expand hospitals’ obligations with respect to providing stabilizing treatment—not contract them or take away the obligation to provide abortion care in certain circumstances.
    The Members’ brief also counters an argument from Idaho and its amici that the Supremacy Clause does not apply in this case because EMTALA was passed using Spending Clause authority, and therefore acts only as a condition on Medicare funding.  The Members make clear that all laws passed by Congress are entitled to preemption—regardless of their source of constitutional authority and states cannot pass laws that make it impossible for private parties to accept federal funding, inhibiting the purpose of the federal law. 
    “EMTALA requires abortion when necessary to stabilize a patient with an emergency medical condition, Idaho’s near-total abortion ban is preempted to the extent that it prevents doctors from providing that care,” the Members write. “This Court should reject Appellants’ novel theory that EMTALA is not entitled to preemptive effect because it was enacted pursuant to Congress’s spending power.  Under the Supremacy Clause, all ‘the constitutional laws enacted by congress,’ constitute ‘the supreme Law of the Land,’. As the Supreme Court has repeatedly held, the principle of federal supremacy applies to laws passed pursuant to Congress’s spending authority no less than it does to laws effectuating other enumerated powers.”
    “In sum, EMTALA plainly requires hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide abortion care when, in a doctor’s medical judgment, it constitutes the ‘[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment’ for a patient’s ‘emergency medical condition.’”
    The lawmakers conclude by asking the Ninth Circuit to affirm the district court’s decision that EMTALA requires Medicare-participating hospitals to provide abortion care when it is necessary as emergency medical treatment.
    In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by 48 U.S. Senators, including Duckworth and Durbin.  Also signing the amicus brief were U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey Jr. (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), George Helmy (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King Jr. (D-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    In the House, the brief was signed by 211 U.S. Representatives.
    The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Ramaphosa’ remarks during the closed session of the 16th BRICS Summit

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Ramaphosa’ remarks during the closed session of the 16th BRICS Summit

    Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za

    Get Social
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/PresidencyZA
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/presidencyza/?hl=en
    Twitter ► @PresidencyZA

    #ThePresidencyofSouthAfrica #PresidencyZA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jHxRVUZuWE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Honors 42 Women at Annual Women of the Year Awards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    BENICIA, CA – Today, at his 11th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) honored 42 women from the 8th Congressional District of California who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. These honorees have all made significant contributions to society through public service, business, education, and the local economy.

    “Every year, I have the privilege of celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of outstanding women in California’s 8th District,” Garamendi said. “These leaders come from diverse backgrounds, and each has had a profound impact on their communities and those around them. It is a privilege to honor their efforts.”

    “Their commitment and passion for service merit this recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved and documented in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.,” Garamendi said.

    You can view photos and biographies of this year’s honorees here.

    A legislative update that was shared at the event is available here.

    A video of the event can be found here.

    The list of 2024 Women of the Year Honorees is included below:

    Contra Costa County:

    Angel Greer (Pittsburg)

    Barbara Akoro (Bay Point)

    Bisa French (Richmond)

    Blanca Hernandez (Crockett)

    Carole Paterson (Fairfield)

    Claryssa Wilson (Antioch)

    Dr. Myra Altman  (Kensington)

    Genoveva Garcia Calloway (San Pablo)

    Harpreet Sidhu (Hercules)

    LaShonda White (Richmond)

    Linda Whitmore (Richmond)

    Lori Ogorchock (Antioch)

    Maria Theresa Viramontes (Richmond)

    Maureen Toms (Pinole)

    Myrtle Braxton (Richmond)

    Patricia Durham (El Cerrito)

    Ruthie Abelson Olivas (Pinole)

    Tamara Shiloh (Richmond)

     

    Solano County:

    Brigette Hunley (Fairfield)

    Caroline Villarreal (Fairfield)

    Captain Rachel Marron (Travis Air Force Base)

    Chief Master Sergeant Sandrine Hanley (Travis Air Force Base)

    Chief Master Sargeant Laura Hoover (Travis Air Force Base)

    Colonel Lisa Palmer (Travis Air Force Base)

    Daria Bautista (Travis Air Force Base)

    Dinah Villanueva-Ryan (Vallejo)

    Dr. Bonnie Hamilton (Fairfield)

    Dr. Diane Dooley (Benicia)

    Dr. Tiffáni Thomas (Suisun City)

    Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga (Vallejo)

    Guillermina Loera-Diaz (Vallejo)

    Gregoria Torres (Vallejo)

    Kathy Kerridge (Benicia)

    Keycha Gallon (Vallejo)

    Kristina Kauzinger (Vacaville)

    Lieutenant Colonel Christie Taylor (Travis Air Force Base)

    Major Ava T. Margerison (Travis Air Force Base)

    Sigrid J. Perkins (Travis Air Force Base)

    Simone Lane (Vallejo)

    Sriha Srinivasen (Fairfield)

    Tonya Robinson (Suisun City)

    Viola Robertson (Vallejo)

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Leads Northeast Corridor Tour with Amtrak, NJ Transit, and Federal Officials to Address Ongoing Service Issues

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    New Brunswick, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) led a tour of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) with key leaders from Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Pallone organized the tour to directly address the significant disruptions and delays that have plagued New Jersey commuters throughout the summer. Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, NJ Transit President Kevin Corbett, FRA officials, and members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation joined Pallone to assess the status of long-overdue infrastructure improvements, many of them funded through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

    “For months, New Jersey commuters have been dealing with unbearable delays and service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor. I’ve been pushing for better service because our residents deserve reliable and efficient transportation. Today’s tour gave us a firsthand look at the status of critical projects that will reduce disruptions and modernize our rail system. I will continue to hold Amtrak and NJ Transit accountable until these long-overdue improvements are fully realized. New Jersey commuters deserve nothing less,” said Pallone.

    The tour began at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City and included stops in Newark and New Brunswick. Key projects showcased during the tour included the Hudson Tunnel Project, Portal North Bridge, Penn Station Capacity Expansion, the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement, and the Harrison Fourth Track.

    Since the summer of 2024, Pallone has been seeking answers and improvements following numerous disruptions on the Northeast Corridor. After a major electrical malfunction in May, Pallone sent a letter demanding that Amtrak prioritize federal funds for modernization and ensure reliable service. In response, Amtrak outlined steps to address the service failures, but Pallone continued to press for immediate solutions as issues persisted. He has since engaged in regular calls with Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the need for regular updates on progress. Pallone has also condemned proposed Republican budget cuts to Amtrak, warning they would undermine critical infrastructure improvements.

    Pallone’s months-long efforts culminated in today’s tour of key NEC projects, showcasing the urgent need for continued upgrades. He urged Amtrak and NJ Transit to expedite efforts to fix century-old overhead wires and complete major infrastructure projects.

    The tour concluded with a press gaggle at New Brunswick Station, where Pallone and other members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation reiterated their commitment to improving rail service for the state’s commuters. Pallone emphasized the importance of federal support to ensure these projects are completed and provide long-lasting benefits for the region.

    “We appreciate the New Jersey Congressional Delegation’s keen interest in the century-old infrastructure along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor that has suffered from decades of disinvestment,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “NJ TRANSIT, with support from Governor Murphy and our delegation, will continue to work collaboratively with Amtrak to support accelerating all the necessary infrastructure improvements that will deliver the best possible customer experience for generations to come.”

    “Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT are working hard to fix the range of issues that plagued us in May and June, and while major disruptions have been greatly reduced, our collaboration is not stopping as we continue to inspect, maintain and improve service for all customers and seek to identify and fix root causes,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to host Congressman Pallone and the rest of the New Jersey Congressional delegation so they can see the infrastructure and our collaborative efforts first-hand. We greatly appreciate the Delegation’s leadership in seeking to secure the federal investments necessary to modernize our infrastructure for improved reliability.”

    “Today’s tour was an important step in our efforts to improve service, efficiency, and safety for NJ Transit and Amtrak customers,” said Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “Since coming to Congress, I’ve made this a top priority — directly addressing the challenges with Secretary Buttigieg, encouraging continued collaboration with our partners across federal and state government, and working to deliver funding to improve rail service in New Jersey. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the delegation to bring relief to our constituents.”

     “Fixing and strengthening public transit in New Jersey must be a top priority to help families struggling with affordability and reliability,” said Congressman Kim. “Today’s tour showed that there’s been progress to prevent disruptions and improve service, but there’s more to be done. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to keep investing in public transit so New Jerseyans can get to work and get home safely and on time.”

    “I was pleased to get Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT leadership in the same room with members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation to discuss how we can work together going forward to address the most pressing concerns for New Jersey commuters while fighting for additional federal funding to make both short and long-term upgrades to infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor. It’s essential for our state: New Jersey families must be able to rely on high quality, affordable, and accessible transportation. That’s why I have been leading efforts with Reps. Pallone, Menendez, and the Jersey delegation to hold Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT accountable for the ongoing delays, maintenance failures, and lack of communication with riders that have created another “Summer of Hell” for New Jersey commuters. Today’s conversations were a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Sherrill.

    “When our trains aren’t functioning properly, it’s not just a headache for commuters, it takes money right out of their pocketbooks. It’s critical that we all sit at the table together to discuss these problems. I’m glad that today, we’re taking steps to do just that and get our trains, our commuters, and our economy back on track as quickly as possible,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I will always fight to make life more affordable for commuters and ensure they can show up to work, see loved ones, and provide for their families.“

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Applauds Transportation Department Response to Mistreatment of Air Travelers with Disabilities

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

    Previously introduced the Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) $50 million fine against American Airlines for its mistreatment of air travelers who use wheelchairs.

    Congressman Cohen introduced the Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act in 2023 and was pleased to see parts of the legislation included in a proposed DOT rule in February and codified in the FAA Reauthorization Act in May. Congressman Cohen joined members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last December in writing a letter to Airlines for America (A4A) expressing their dismay over the continued mistreatment of passenger wheelchairs and scooters that had come to light after video of such misuse at Miami International Airport surfaced in the news media.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “I applaud DOT’s and Secretary Buttigieg’s righteous stand against the senseless mistreatment of mobility devices by airline and airport personnel. Today’s serious penalty shows that federal officials are aware of and taking seriously the damage done to what are often the only means for some air passengers to get around. This is yet another example of the DOT listening to Congress and looking out for the vulnerable as we attempt to make air travel safer and more convenient for all.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Restoring Citizenship Removed by Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill — Second Reading – 001431

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    lass=”BeginningOfDay”>WEDNESDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2024

    (continued on Thursday, 24 October 2024)

    RESTORING CITIZENSHIP REMOVED BY CITIZENSHIP (WESTERN SAMOA) ACT 1982 BILL

    Second Reading

    SPEAKER: Members, in accordance with a determination of the Business Committee, I call on members’ order of the day No. 1.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 23 October 2024 (continued on Thursday, 24 October 2024) – Volume 779 – 001432

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    lass=”Debatealone”>SHAKEOUT 2024

    SPEAKER: The House is going to suspend to take part in ShakeOut 2024, which is a national earthquake preparedness drill. Members will either get underneath their benches or underneath the galleries on the end; they could move now. Could everyone in the gallery please just pretend you’re on an airplane and you’ve got to do that drill and move forward and hold your knees or something like that, just while we do this.

    Sitting suspended from 9.32 a.m. to 9.33 a.m.

    SPEAKER: The House is resumed. Members might like to take their seat—crisis averted. I’ll just apologise to those in the gallery; we didn’t want to interrupt this important debate, but that exercise was carried out right across the country and it would have been a bit odd if Parliament had decided it didn’t need to be doing what we’re asking of everybody else. Thank you for indulging us, and I call on Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Key Council decisions made: cruise ship support, annual report and representation

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Council’s regular meeting took place today (Wednesday 23 October), with several key topics on the agenda.

    Annual Report 2023/24 adopted

    Our Annual Report covering the 2023/24 financial year was adopted at the Council meeting.

    The report highlighted that we achieved 90 per cent of our levels of service, compared to 75 per cent the previous year. Similarly, 95 per cent of targets were achieved compared to 89 per cent in 2022/23.

    Other highlights from the report included:

    • 14.5 million passenger trips on our public transport network – up by nearly 2.9 million on 2022/23 (and the highest patronage levels since the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes)
    • 3,115 labour hours spent controlling sycamore, cotoneaster, wild cherry and wilding conifers in the Rakaia Gorge
    • 63 water and land projects funded by the Canterbury Water Management Strategy zone committees to implement their action plans
    • 1,266 resource consent application decisions
    • As of the end of 2023/24, we have resolved over 50 per cent of legacy applications and expect to clear them all by the end of 2024, meaning we can focus on new applications and processing consents more efficiently for our customers. We are now processing 70 per cent of new applications within the statutory timeframes.

    In adopting the Annual Report, Chair Craig Pauling and the Councillors acknowledged the mahi (work) put in by staff, both during the year and in producing the Annual Report.

    “This reflects all the work that we have done for our community over the last 12 months. It’s been a massive effort on all fronts, and to get an unmodified opinion from Audit New Zealand is a really great result.”

    Representation arrangements stays with status quo

    Following community feedback, the Council agreed to retain a similar representation arrangement to what is currently in place for the 2025 elections.

    The status quo means two Councillors for each of the seven existing constituencies, with some minor boundary adjustments to the Christchurch City constituencies:

    • Aligning the Christchurch constituency boundaries to the current city ward boundaries
    • Altering the boundary of the Christchurch Central/Ōhoko constituency to exclude the Linwood Ward and include the Papanui Ward
    • Altering the boundary of the Christchurch North-East/Ōrei constituency to exclude the Papanui Ward and to include the Linwood Ward.

    This is a change from the initial proposal the Council consulted the community on earlier this year.

    Visit our Have Your Say website for more information on the representation review.

    Support for cruise ships re-introduced

    Councillors have decided to allocate up to $210,000 from the public transport reserves to meet potential demand on the Metro network for the upcoming cruise ship season.

    This will see the extra provision of public transport on Route 8 on eight key days during the cruise ship season to minimise disruption, particularly around school and commuter peaks.

    This would provide on-street ticketing and additional capacity.

    Find out more: Public transport support on its way to help customers this cruise ship season

    Our Waitarakao Strategy adopted

    A strategy to restore the mauri (life force) of Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon catchment, near Timaru, has been approved by two of its four partners this week, following extensive community feedback and the recent endorsement from the project’s joint steering group.

    Both Timaru District Council and we have this week approved the Our Waitarakao: Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon Catchment Strategy at their respective Council meetings. The remaining two project partners, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and the Department of Conservation, will now consider approval through their processes.

    Find out more about the Our Waitarakao: Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon Catchment Strategy

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Attorney-General to deliver law lecture in Sydney

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Attorney-General Judith Collins is travelling to Sydney to speak at Western Sydney University on the constitutional and rule of law challenges in the current uncertain global environment.

    “It is timely to take the opportunity to discuss constitutional and rule of law challenges,” Ms Collins says.

    “We find ourselves in increasingly complex times due to such things as an increase in conflict throughout the world, climate change, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and new technologies. This presents new challenges to the rule of law and demonstrates its importance.”

    Ms Collins will also speak to the ways New Zealand’s constitution has developed, and the differences in Australia and New Zealand’s constitutional structures.

    “There is significant value in New Zealand and Australia being aware of and learning from each other’s constitutional experience,” Ms Collins says.

    She will be joined by Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor Professor George Williams and Justice Michael Kirby, a former Justice of the High Court of Australia. 

    Ms Collins leaves New Zealand today and returns tomorrow.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First RMA Amendment Bill passes third reading

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The coalition Government’s Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, delivering on the Government’s commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to councils and consent applicants, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard say.

    “Our RMA Reform programme is happening in three phases. We repealed the previous government’s excessively complicated reforms through Phase One before Christmas last year. Now in Phase Two we’re implementing a one-stop-shop fast-track consenting regime, legislating for a raft of ‘quick fixes’ to the interim RMA through two Amendment Bills and a suite of changes to national direction, and then in Phase Three we’ll fully replace the RMA with a new regime guided by private property rights,” Mr Bishop says.

    “This first Amendment Bill is focused on targeted changes that can take effect quickly and give certainty to councils and consent applicants, while new legislation to replace the RMA is developed,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “Farming, mining and other primary industries are critical to rebuilding the New Zealand economy. This Bill reduces the regulatory burden on resource consent applicants and supports development in these key sectors,” Mr McClay says.

    The Bill makes several changes to the Resource Management Act and national direction.

    The Bill:

    • clarifies that resource consent applicants no longer need to demonstrate their proposed activities follow the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations, as set out in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).
    • amends stock exclusion regulations in relation to sloped land.
    • repeals the permitted and restricted discretionary intensive winter grazing regulations and replaces these with new regulations relating to critical source areas and riparian setbacks
    • aligns the consenting pathway for coal mining with the pathway for other extractive activities across the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB), NPS-FM, and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F).
    • suspends the requirement for councils to identify new Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) in accordance with the NPS-IB for three years, to give enough time for a thorough review of how they operate.
    • streamlines the process for preparing national direction under the RMA
    • clarifies councils’ ability to consent discharges where consent conditions will reduce effects over time
    • pauses the roll out of Freshwater Farm Plans across the country
    • restricts councils’ ability to notify new freshwater plans from 22 October 2024 until the gazettal of the replacement National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).

    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says improving primary sector profitability is key to boosting our largest exporting sector. Regulations need to be fit-for-purpose and not place unnecessary compliance costs on farmers and growers. 

    “By removing the need for resource consent applicants to demonstrate that their activities follow the hierarchy of obligations, we’ve cut an unnecessary compliance burden and are reducing costs faced by farmers and growers,” Mr McClay says.

    “The changes to stock exclusion and winter grazing regulations represent a move to a more risk-based, catchment-focussed approach.

    “We’ve removed the low slope map and will let regional councils and individual farmers determine where stock need to be excluded, based on risk. The focus is on farm-level and regionally suitable solutions. 

    “Regional councils tell us there has been a significant improvement in winter grazing practices, with farmers changing where they plant fodder crops and how they manage winter grazing.

    “Importantly, non-regulatory measures are already in place to support the continued improvement of winter grazing practices going forward.” Mr McClay says.

    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says freshwater farm plans are an essential for managing freshwater risks. 

    “The intention is that freshwater farm plans will provide an effective way to manage the impacts of farming activities on freshwater, including winter grazing and stock exclusion, in a risk-based and practical way.

    “These changes will help bring efficiencies to a system that was too complex. The Government has worked at pace to simplify and improve the freshwater farm plan system. We have delivered for farmers and growers.”

    The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will come into force the day after it receives Royal Assent.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating Bioenergy Day 2024 With a Research Retrospective

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Over the past year NREL researchers made critical advancements for the bioeconomy including recyclable wind turbine blades, converting carbon dioxide to formic acid, biobased and biodegradable polyesters, and wastewater resource recovery using algae. Photos by NREL 

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) bioenergy research empowers the decarbonization of our nation’s industrial and transportation sectors and a circular bioeconomy through development and deployment of sustainable fuel, chemical, and polymer technologies.

    NREL researchers have been uncovering secrets about interesting methods and technologies such as biodegradable plastics, phosphorus-eating algae for resource recovery, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and converting carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added chemicals.

    With National Bioenergy Day 2024 upon us, NREL reflects on some of the team’s scientific discoveries over the past year that have helped strengthen the bioeconomy.

    Bioenergy Research Highlights From Fiscal Year 2024

    Building Bridges Through Relationships and Photosynthesis Research

    How do you bring together long-time research friends and help develop STEM collaboration with historically marginalized institutions and a DOE national laboratory all in a way that ignites passions and furthers bioenergy research? Through the DOE Office of Science Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) of course! Check out how the VFP brought together old friends and new, while mentoring a new generation of STEM students to understand the energy-generating mysteries of blue-green algae.

    An NREL scientist holds small cubes of renewable biomass resin that can be used in wind turbine blades and can be recycled. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL

    Advancing Methods for Recyclable, Plant-Based Wind Turbine Blades

    Researchers at NREL see a realistic path forward to the manufacture of wind turbine blades derived from renewable biomass. The chemical recycling process allows the components of the blades to be recaptured and reused again and again, allowing the remanufacture of the same product. This method has the potential to end the current practice of old blades winding up in landfills at the end of their useful life.

    Tools To Investigate How Organisms Control Energy at the Electron-Level

    In NREL’s Advanced Spin Resonance Facility there is a special technical capability called electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy that provides insight into the most basic energy carrier and unit, the electron. Demystifying the fundamental processes of how organisms control energy at the level of electrons is key to advancing the applied research and development of systems for generating sustainable low-carbon fuels, chemicals, and electricity.

    New Device Architecture Enables Streamlined Production of Formic Acid From CO₂ Using Renewable Electricity

    Formic acid is a potential intermediate chemical with many applications, especially as a raw material for the chemical or biomanufacturing industries and potential input for biological upgrading into SAF. A research team led by NREL developed a conversion pathway to produce formic acid from CO2 with high energy efficiency and durability while using renewable electricity. Analysis confirmed that this pathway is economically viable at scale and with use of commercially available components.

    The novel perforated cation exchange membrane (CEM) architecture in a CO₂ electrolyzer to achieve energy-efficient and durable formic acid production has a patent by K.C. Neyerlin and Leiming Hu pending. Illustration by Elizabeth Stone, NREL

    NREL Biomass Refining Technology a Cornerstone of SAFFiRE Renewables Biofuel Pilot Plant

    SAFFiRE Renewables LLC broke ground in August 2024 on its biofuel pilot plant in Kansas to turn agriculture residue into a scalable biofuel business. The company has licensed an NREL technology that uses an alkaline bath and mechanical shredder to prepare corn stover for ethanol fermentation—essential steps for accessing the energy-dense sugars locked inside. The new plant will not only help DOE with its SAF goals, but using lignocellulosic corn leaves, stalks, and cobs can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 88% to 108% on a life-cycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel.  

    WaterPACT Project To Quantify and Reduce Plastic Waste in U.S. Rivers

    With more than a million tons of plastic debris entering ocean-bound rivers, creeks, and sewer drains every year, it is essential to intercept this waste before it enters the ecosystems, communities, and ocean. To help solve this problem, the NREL-led Waterborne Plastics Assessment and Collection Technologies (WaterPACT) project is on a mission to develop renewable-energy-powered technologies that detect, quantify, and collect plastic from U.S. waterways.

    The WaterPACT research team collected plastic and water samples near the mouths of the Columbia, Delaware, Los Angeles, and Mississippi rivers. Each river has a unique watershed (the area of land that drains water to it) and volume of plastics emissions. Illustration by Elizabeth Stone, NREL

    The North Face Taps NREL-Led BOTTLE Consortium To Scale Biodegradable Polyester Alternative

    Polyester-based clothing sheds and disperses tiny microplastic fibers throughout homes, soils, and waterways, taking centuries to degrade. One potential solution is replacing today’s petroleum-derived polyester with a nontoxic, biodegradable alternative made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). A team of BOTTLE consortium scientists from NREL and Colorado State University have developed a portfolio of PHAs that behave like conventional polyester but are biobased, biodegradable, and easier to recycle. In conjunction with The North Face, the BOTTLE team is scaling the process to produce several pounds of PHA fiber, which The North Face will test and evaluate for use in its product lines.

    $15 Million Multilaboratory Effort To Advance Commercialization of CO2 Removal

    Carbon dioxide removal technologies have potential to help mitigate climate change by addressing existing carbon emissions and removing them from the atmosphere. To achieve this goal, scientists must first establish robust scientific frameworks and methodologies to account for these efforts—giving governments and private buyers a unified approach to tracking the climate impacts of their investments. In support of this, DOE tapped NREL to support a new $15 million research effort to improve the measurement, reporting, and verification of CO2 removal technologies.

    On the Ground in Colorado, NREL Is Simulating SAF Combustion During Flight

    Public and private investments are helping accelerate production and use of SAF, an energy-dense, renewable fuel seen as essential for decarbonizing flight. Adopting SAF means proving the fuel is as safe and reliable as current fuels while being fully compatible with existing jet engines. NREL has developed computer simulations to predict how SAF performs during flight and provide insights on how to maximize its safety and performance. These simulated SAF combustion tests could determine if new fuels meet requirements before industry invests millions of dollars to produce large volumes for ASTM engine tests.

    The Dynamics of Jet Fuel Combustion—Researchers from NREL’s Computational Science Center look at a detailed simulation of sustainable aviation fuel as it combusts in a “virtual jet engine.” Photo by Joe DelNero, NREL

    NREL Researchers Produce First Macromolecular Model of Plant Secondary Cell Wall

    Lignocellulosic biomass has potential as a feedstock for low-carbon biobased fuels and chemicals. However, this biomass type is difficult to break down during the conversion process due to three layers of biopolymers. NREL scientists quantitatively defined the relative positioning and structure of the three biopolymer layers in Populus wood using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular modeling. Having a computer model of the interplay of these three biopolymers will help design more efficient deconstruction approaches to convert renewable lignocellulosic biomass into better biobased materials.

    NREL Research Quantifies Losses From Cardboard, Paper Waste

    Of the estimated 110 million metric tons of paper and cardboard waste tossed out across the United States in 2019, approximately 56% was landfilled and 38% was recycled. This category of waste includes everything from newspapers and magazines to books and napkins, from junk mail and photographs to pizza boxes and milk cartons. New research from NREL showed that the estimated value for recovered postconsumer paper and carboard from landfills is $4 billion. Understanding this value can guide policymakers toward sustainable waste management practices and help researchers study the impact of implementing new waste-management technologies.

    Newly Identified Algal Strains Rich in Phosphorous Could Improve Wastewater Treatment

    Phosphorus in wastewater is a major contributor to harmful algal blooms in water bodies around the globe, with the potential to harm wildlife, livestock, and humans. To prevent this, wastewater treatment plants often rely on chemical- and energy-intensive techniques to remove phosphorus before it can impact downstream water bodies. NREL researchers developed the Revolving Algal Biofilm system for phosphorus removal from wastewater by maximizing the ability of algae to harness solar energy to efficiently accumulate and remove phosphorus from water.

    A close-up of algal biofilm on a RAB system is shown on the left. On the right is a dried algal fertilizer product produced from the system. Photos from Gross-Wen Technologies

    Pick Your Polymer Properties and This NREL Tool Predicts How To Achieve Them With Biomass

    Petroleum-based polymers form the building blocks of plastics. Plastics can be made out of renewable biomass and waste resources, but identifying the right chemistry to make biobased polymers more sustainable and higher performing is the challenge. An NREL machine learning tool, PolyID™: Polymer Inverse Design, makes it easier to identify biobased polymers for use in plastics. Using artificial intelligence, the tool can screen millions of possible biobased polymer designs to create a short list of candidates for a given application.

    Learn more about NREL’s bioenergy research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four Disaster Recovery Centers Close This Week, But Help Is Still Available

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Four Disaster Recovery Centers Close This Week, But Help Is Still Available

    Four Disaster Recovery Centers Close This Week, But Help Is Still Available

    SPRINGFIELD – Four FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers will close this week, but help will still be available. FEMA teams will work closely with county emergency managers to ensure Illinoisans who live in one of the seven designated counties will still be able to apply for assistance, update their application information, and speak to a FEMA specialist.The best way to get help from FEMA is by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362 or by contacting the county emergency management office for guidance. Applications will also continue to be accepted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or on the FEMA mobile app.The following location closes Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m.:Kaskaskia College Extension Center17869 Exchange Ave.Nashville, IL 62263Hours: Tues. – Thurs. 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.The following locations close Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m.:Cuba Community Center616 E Polk St.Cuba, IL 61427Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Henry County Office of Emergency Management4424 Walter Payton Memorial Highway (Hwy 34)Kewanee, IL 61443Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Will County Center for Community Concerns2455 Glenwood Ave.Joliet, IL 60435Hours: Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Other Disaster Recovery Centers Remain OpenSeveral Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open throughout the state. No appointments are necessary; walk-ins are welcome. Survivors can visit any recovery center to speak with specialists from FEMA, the State of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Starting Saturday, October 26, the hours of operation for the remaining recovery centers will be:Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus2300 W. Main St.Suite M117 (City of Belleville Office Bldg.)Belleville, IL 62226Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed SundaysCahokia Heights Fitness and Community Center509 Camp Jackson RoadCahokia Heights, IL 62207Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed SundaysForest City Church1280 S. Alpine RoadRockford, IL 61108Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Closed SundaysChicago Lawn Branch Library6120 S. Kedzie Ave.Chicago, IL 60629Hours: Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed SundaysVillage of Homewood Auditorium2010 Chestnut RoadHomewood, IL 60430Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed SundaysBeverly Center3031 South 25th Ave.Broadview, IL 60155Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed SundaysFor the latest information on recovery center locations and hours, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.  
    kimberly.keblish
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 21:00

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Application for FEMA Assistance Required for a Home Inspection

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Application for FEMA Assistance Required for a Home Inspection

    Application for FEMA Assistance Required for a Home Inspection

    FEMA personnel are conducting home inspections in areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene to help determine whether the residences are safe, sanitary and livable. FEMA will not conduct a home inspection at any home where occupants have not applied for assistance.However, due to the volume of registrations, FEMA is working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and officials in the impacted counties to call or text those who have applied to schedule an appointment.If you applied for FEMA assistance and received a letter from FEMA stating you were found Ineligible due to “No Contact,” call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to update/confirm your contact information and schedule your inspection. If a FEMA inspector shows up unannounced, he/she will have photo identification to show you. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed. A FEMA inspector will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free. A typical home inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. If you have questions about the status of your application, you can call the FEMA Helpline.Inspectors do not make decisions on eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is among the criteria FEMA uses to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. The inspectors consider:The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Monday, Dec. 2.To apply, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time. Operators speak most languages; if you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).You may also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. To learn more or to apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you.To learn more about FEMA home inspections and how to identify an inspector, visit FEMA Home Inspections.
    kwei.nwaogu
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 21:00

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Oconee County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Oconee County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Oconee County

    A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Oconee County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  Oconee CountyBountyland Education Campus100 Vocational DriveSeneca, SC 29672Open Oct. 23-25, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina.  You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 
    kwei.nwaogu
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 21:18

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Krill research aquarium to be named after pioneering marine biologist Dr Isobel Bennett

    Source: Australian Government – Antarctic Division

    A new state-of-the-art krill aquarium and research facility, being built in the Hobart suburb of Taroona, will be named after pioneering marine biologist, Dr Isobel Bennett.
    Dr Bennett AO (1909 – 2008) was a distinguished researcher who, among other things, undertook early studies of Australian plankton and wrote about the shores of sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island when she joined the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) in 1959.

    The new facility is being built in collaboration with the University of Tasmania and will provide scientists with the systems required to conduct research on Antarctic krill and other vitally important Southern Ocean species.
    It will interface directly with RSV Nuyina’s containerised aquaria, providing a globally unique end-to-end research aquarium logistics system which extends live specimen research long after the duration of a single Antarctic voyage.
    “This facility will give us a step change in capability for the research we can do, not only on Antarctic krill but also on the related species in the ecosystem that are critically important for supporting the recovering populations of great whales, seals and seabirds,”  the Australian Antarctic Division’s Krill Research Systems Manager, Rob King, said. 
    “We’ve had a purpose-built aquarium for Antarctic krill for the last 23 years at the Australian Antarctic Division in Kingston.
    “It really was a prototype facility. It was the first of its kind to warm the water for filtration, which increased its capability. Now we’ve proven that works, we’ve run out of space because it works so well and we don’t have the floor area. This new aquarium will give us 18 seperate research labs where we currently only have three.”
    Due to be completed in 2028, the research centre will be known as the Dr Isobel Bennett Southern Ocean Research Aquarium.
    “Dr. Bennett was one of Australia’s most distinguished and prominent marine scientists who achieved a notable research record,” the Australian Antarctic Division’s Head of Division, Emma Campbell, said.
    “Her early work on plankton and studies ranging from the sub-Antarctic to the Great Barrier Reef paved the way for so many of todays’ marine scientists.
    “Australia leads the world in live Antarctic krill research and this facility will maintain that position.”
    The Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, officially announced the name at the site on Wednesday 16 October, 2024.
    This content was last updated 8 hours ago on 24 October 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Castle Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Dontae Blackshear, 26, also ordering Blackshear to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Blackshear previously pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between May 2021 and October 2022.

    According to information presented to the Court, Blackshear was responsible for trafficking 20 grams of fentanyl and 100 grams of cocaine in 2022. He was on state parole at that time following a 2021 heroin trafficking conviction and prison sentence. The 2021 conviction was preceded by several convictions in separate state prosecutions since 2016, including for assault, two violent burglaries, fleeing/eluding, and conspiracy to commit theft.

    Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

    United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blackshear.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Ramaphosa on a bilateral meeting with President Putin of Russia

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Ramaphosa on a bilateral meeting with President Putin of Russia

    Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za

    Get Social
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/PresidencyZA
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/presidencyza/?hl=en
    Twitter ► @PresidencyZA

    #ThePresidencyofSouthAfrica #PresidencyZA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gSl2zP51-c

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Ramaphosa arrives in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Ramaphosa arrives in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit

    Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za

    Get Social
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/PresidencyZA
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    Twitter ► @PresidencyZA

    #ThePresidencyofSouthAfrica #PresidencyZA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg8UfIE0eR8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Putin welcomes President Ramaphosa at Kazan Kremlin

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Putin welcomes President Ramaphosa at Kazan Kremlin

    Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za

    Get Social
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/PresidencyZA
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/presidencyza/?hl=en
    Twitter ► @PresidencyZA

    #ThePresidencyofSouthAfrica #PresidencyZA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4gCYWFQhYg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Students, GE Aerospace Foundation in Rutland for Discussion on Workforce Training, Celebrates Donation to Stafford Technical Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    RUTLAND, VT– Today, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined students and educators at Stafford Technical Center, Rutland Mayor Mike Doenges, GE Aerospace and GE Aerospace Foundation in Rutland to celebrate Vermont’s strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs—and celebrate GE Aerospace Foundation’s announcement of a new $200,000 grant to Stafford to support its workforce training programs.  
    This funding, provided as part of a larger $2.3 million donation by GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation to similar organizations in the U.S. and globally, will help Stafford Technical Center purchase two advanced machines used in manufacturing: the Pick & Place machine, which helps maintain accuracy in repetitive tasks; and a Coordinate Measuring Machine, which is used to check the dimensions of assemblies and parts ensuring they meet the design intent. Around 100 students will train on these new advanced machines every year. 
    “Students need the hands-on skills training that Stafford Technical Center provides to be competitive in today’s job market. Stafford’s programs set Vermont students apart from the rest, and should be a model for other communities as we look to educate workers in critical industries like manufacturing and engineering,” said Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “This donation from the GE Aerospace Foundation will prepare students for good-paying manufacturing jobs here in Vermont by giving them the skills they need before they enter the workforce, and it also continues GE’s commitment to Rutland and Vermont’s economic success. These partnerships and investments in our communities are incredibly valuable and will support the education and skills for hundreds of students, wherever life takes them, for years to come.”  
    “We are making this donation because skills are the number one factor in worker success and retention in manufacturing. No matter where they work, the entire manufacturing industry will benefit from these students learning on the latest machinery,” said GE Aerospace Rutland Site Leader Dan Shelley. “GE Aerospace and its Foundation will continue to invest in the workforce so they can build the future of flight, just as we have for more than 50 years in Rutland.” 
    The Stafford Technical Center opened in 1973 and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The school offers programs to high-school aged students, as well as adult leaders looking to build on current skills or re-skill. Today, the school offers students 14 programs, including: construction technology; automative technology; welding and metal fabrication; engineering; electrical and plumbing; auto body repair; education and human services; natural resources and forestry; public safety and criminal justice; video communications; digital arts; cosmetology; culinary arts; health careers. 
    Earlier this year, GE Aerospace announced plans to invest nearly $25 million in its Rutland facility.  
    View photos from the event below:  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen and Kuster Introduce Bill to Enhance Federal Response to Close Substance Use Care Gap and Save Lives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) introduced the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act to expand access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhance the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

    “The opioid crisis is devastating Northwest Washington. This bill helps close the gap between members of our community who want treatment for substance use disorder and those who actually receive it,” said Larsen. “Congress must stay focused on breaking down barriers to effective community-based solutions that meet people where they are, prevent overdoses and save lives.” 

    “At a time when overdose deaths are finally falling in New Hampshire and across the country, it’s essential we keep our foot on the gas pedal and use every tool at our disposal to help save lives,” said Kuster. “I’m pleased to help introduce legislation that bolsters access to community-based harm reduction services, overdose reversal medications, and medication-assisted treatments so that we connect more communities with the treatment and recovery services they need to heal and recover.”

    What Does the Bill Do?

    The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act would provide community-based organizations with more resources to administer life-saving harm reduction programs and services to people struggling with substance use. The bill would provide grant funding to support low-barrier health care options like naloxone (an overdose reversal medication), fentanyl test strips and low-threshold buprenorphine initiation to treat addiction. It would also provide funding to organizations to establish procedures and mechanisms for connecting individuals with evidence-based treatment and recovery support services.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) identifies harm reduction as a key pillar of its Overdose Prevention Strategy, and the White House National Drug Control Strategy argues harm reduction is vital for providing resources to people at the highest risk of overdose or poor health outcomes. Despite the demand and effectiveness of harm reduction services, they remain substantially underfunded at the state and federal level.

    For a fact sheet on the bill, click here.

    What Stakeholders Are Saying About the Bill

    Representatives from stakeholder organizations emphasized the importance of the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act to combat the opioid epidemic.

    National

    National Association of EMS Physicians President José Cabañas‎, MD, MPH, FAEMS:

    “EMS clinicians and medical directors are on the front lines of the opioid crisis in our country, caring for our most vulnerable patients and responding to the urgent needs of our communities. There is an ongoing need for federal support to enhance harm reduction programs and to ensure early access to addiction treatment for those suffering from substance use disorders. This bill is a vital step forward in addressing these issues, and NAEMSP fully advocates for federal support as we work together to combat this crisis.”

    National Rural Health Association Chief Executive Officer Alan Morgan:

    “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) endorses the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which reauthorizes and expands SAMHSA’s Harm Reduction Grant Program to support harm reduction services and opioid treatment programs. Access to proven treatments, including medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), is required to reduce opioid-related fatalities. However, rural communities face significant barriers to treatment, with 72% lacking a buprenorphine provider and over 90% without an opioid treatment program. NRHA supports Representatives Larsen and Kuster’s steps to improving outcomes for rural Americans living with OUD.”

    National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski:

    “As we work towards overcoming the opioid epidemic in our country, we must ensure communities have all the resources they need to support people who are impacted. NAMI thanks Reps. Larsen and Kuster for introducing the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act to help ensure communities have vital lifesaving harm reduction resources. NAMI is proud to support the Closing the Opioid Treatment Gap Act to turn the tide on our nation’s opioid crisis.”

    American Nurses Association President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN:

    “Nurses care for patients impacted by substance use disorders every day and see firsthand how essential harm reduction programs are—not only saving lives but creating pathways to treatment and recovery for those not yet ready to stop using. The American Nurses Association (ANA) stands in support of the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act. This legislation supports and expands access to critical programs and services—ensuring nurses specializing in substance use disorder treatment can bridge the treatment gap and connect individuals battling substance use disorders to needed care, especially for those in rural and underserved communities. ANA commends Representatives Larsen and Kuster for introducing this important bill and urges Congress to pass it swiftly.”

    American College of Physicians President Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, PHD, MACP:

    “The American College of Physicians supports evidence-based harm reduction strategies. These measures have been shown to prevent overdose, reduce transmission of infectious diseases, encourage safe use protocols, and save lives. As physicians, we see patients every day experiencing significant health issues due to substance use disorder. Expanded federal funding for harm reduction strategies, as proposed in the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, could greatly help to improve the health and safety of those patients.”

    Association of American Medical Colleges Chief Public Policy Officer Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP:

    “Evidence-based harm reduction strategies, such as overdose prevention programs, play an important role in preventing deaths, reducing spread of infectious diseases, and connecting people to treatment. While no single intervention on its own will fully resolve the challenges that individuals with substance use disorders face in accessing treatment, Rep. Rick Larsen and Rep. Annie Kuster’s bill would take an important step forward to continue and enhance SAMHSA’s support for harm reduction work across the country.”

    This legislation is also supported by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Overdose Prevention Initiative at Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

    Local

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers:

    “Washington is fortunate to have Representative Larsen working at the federal level to combat the opioid epidemic and ensure federal resources are being delivered where they are most needed. I support the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act because it is a powerful tool to help fund key components of Snohomish County’s life-saving efforts, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), overdose reversal medication, and addiction prevention.”

    Whatcom County Health and Community Services Health Officer Dr. Amy Harley:

    “Access to federal grant funding for harm reduction services is essential for our community’s health. In Whatcom County the opioid overdose death rate is 5 times higher than 5 years ago. Programs that provide harm reduction services are a critical part of our comprehensive response to the overdose crisis. In our county, these programs provide overdose prevention education and opioid overdose reversal medications, as well as health screenings, supplies, and referrals – we help individuals avoid life-altering infections and get connected to care. Through Whatcom County’s Safety and Support program, we’ve distributed thousands of doses of life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications in the past year. These services are vital engagement points on the path to recovery, fostering community and increasing hope and resilience. Restoring funding opportunities through the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act will ensure the stability of these vital programs, and is especially important given current resource limitations at the local level and the severity of the crisis.”

    San Juan County Council and the San Juan County Board of Health:

    “The San Juan County Council and the San Juan County Board of Health are grateful to Representative Larsen for introducing the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act. Like every other County in America, we feel the effects of the opioid crisis in the damage it does to our communities and in the loss of precious lives, including those of our children. We support Harm Reduction as a scientifically sound public health strategy and a vital tool in helping people struggling with Substance Use Disorder stay alive to start on the road to recovery.”

    The Board of Island County Commissioners:

    “The Board of Island County Commissioners endorses Representative Larsen’s legislation, Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which will benefit our citizens affected by the opioid epidemic by expanding their access to harm reduction programs and services. We ask Congress to pass this legislation.”

    Sound Pathways Executive Director Shannon Goforth:

    “At Sound Pathways, we believe that harm reduction is crucial for connecting individuals with the services they need, empowering them to make informed, autonomous choices regarding drug use, mental health and recovery. Increasing grant access to support these services would bolster our capacity to improve the care we currently offer.”

    Washington State Medical Association President John Bramhall, MD, PhD:

    “The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), representing physicians practicing in every specialty and corner of the state, applauds Congressman Rick Larsen’s introduction of the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act. The WSMA supports policies that facilitate and improve access to evidence-based harm reduction efforts. This measure will save lives by directly engaging with people who use drugs to prevent overdoses and infectious disease transmission while establishing connections for ongoing care and treatment.”

    Washington State Hospital Association CEO Cassie Sauer:

    “The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act is a critical step towards ensuring that people struggling with substance use have access to the care and support they need. Harm reduction is a proven strategy to prevent overdoses and life-threatening infections. This bill will help patients across Washington access evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. The Washington State Hospital Association applauds Congressman Larsen’s leadership on this issue.”

    Washington State Association of Counties Interim Executive Director Derek Young:

    “Counties are on the front line in the opioid epidemic. Our members know that strong federal partners are essential to closing the treatment gap and saving lives. We’re grateful for Representative Larsen championing these efforts.”

    University of Washington’s Harm Reduction Research and Treatment (HaRRT) Center Co-Directors Susan Collins, PhD, and Seema Clifasefi, PhD, LICSW:

    “The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act will ensure the availability of federal funding for evidence-based and life-saving harm-reduction services and treatment programs. It is critical that this reauthorization will support community-led and grassroots harm-reduction agencies and organizations, who work on the frontlines of the overdose epidemic. Funds will bolster services provided by state, Tribal, local and territorial governments to reduce substance-related harm and improve health and well-being for their citizens, families and communities. By investing in these essential harm-reduction services and more inclusive treatment approaches, this bill will better meet the needs of individuals and lift them up in their recovery journeys.”

    The legislation is also supported by the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO).

    Larsen Focused on Combating Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis

    Larsen continues to focus on supporting local efforts to combat the opioid crisis and save lives. Earlier this year, he introduced a districtwide opioid report that outlines a four-pillar framework to combat the crisis. Larsen has introduced three additional bills aimed at combating the crisis:

    ·       In July, Larsen introduced the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act to create employment opportunities for people in recovery and support communities impacted by widespread opioid use.

    ·       In August, Larsen introduced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to give Tribal courts and law enforcement more tools and resources to combat the opioid epidemic.

    ·       In September, Larsen introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Boston arrests fugitive wanted for money laundering crimes in Colombia

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WORCESTER, Mass. — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended a Colombian fugitive wanted for money laundering crimes in her native country. Officers with ERO Boston arrested the 38-year-old Colombian fugitive Oct. 17 in Worcester.

    “This Colombian fugitive attempted to flee the law in her native country by seeking refuge in our Massachusetts neighborhoods,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Now she will be forced to face the justice she sought to subvert. ERO Boston will not allow our New England communities to become safe havens for the world’s criminal elements. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”

    The Colombian national lawfully entered the United States in January 2015. However, she violated the terms of her lawful admission.

    Colombian authorities issued an arrest warrant for the Colombian national Nov. 3, 2023, for the crime of money laundering.

    Upon learning the Colombian fugitive might be residing in Massachusetts, officers with ERO Boston arrested her Oct. 17 in Worcester and served her with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. The Colombian fugitive remains in ERO custody.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Loans Available in South Carolina for Private Non-Profit Organizations

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that certain Private Non-Profit organizations (PNPs) in South Carolina that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages as a result of Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 25.

    Eligible PNP organizations in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester, Colleton, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, Williamsburg and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation may apply. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges. 

    PNP organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  The interest rate is 3.25%, with terms up to 30 years.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements might include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by any disaster.

    The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for PNP organizations.  EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage. 

    PNP organizations are urged to contact their county’s Emergency Manager to provide information about their organization. The information will be submitted to FEMA to determine eligibility for a Public Assistance grant or whether the PNP should be referred to SBA for disaster loan assistance. 

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

    The filing deadline to submit applications for physical property damage is Dec. 5, 2024. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is July 7, 2025. 

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Human Adaptation to Spaceflight: The Role of Food and Nutrition

    Source: NASA

    The latest book marks our third effort to review available literature regarding the role of nutrition in astronaut health. In 2009, we reviewed the existing knowledge and history of human nutrition for spaceflight, with a key goal of identifying additional data that would be required before NASA could confidently reduce the risk of an inadequate food system or inadequate nutrition to as low as possible in support of human expeditions to the Moon or Mars. We used a nutrient-by-nutrient approach to address this effort, and we included a brief description of the space food systems during historical space programs.
    In 2014, we published a second volume of the book, which was not so much a second edition, but rather a view of space nutrition from a different perspective. This volume updated research that had been published in the intervening 6 years and addressed space nutrition with a more physiological systems-based approach.
    The current version is an expanded, updated version of that second book, providing both a systems approach overall, but also including details of nutrients and their roles within each system. As such, this book is divided into chapters based on physiological systems (e.g., bone, muscle, ocular); highlighted in each chapter are the nutrients associated with that particular system. We provide updated information on space foodsystems and constraints of the same, and provide dietary intake data from International Space Station (ISS) astronauts.
    We present data from ground-based analog studies, designed to mimic one or more conditions similar to those produced by spaceflight. Head-down tilt bed rest is a common analog of the general (and specifically musculoskeletal) disuse of spaceflight. Nutrition research from Antarctica relies on the associated confinementand isolation, in addition to the lack of sunlight exposure during the winter months. Undersea habitats help expand our understanding of nutritional changes in a confined space with a hyperbaric atmosphere. We also review spaceflight research, including data from now “historical” flights on the Space Shuttle, data from the Russian space station Mir, and earlier space programs such as Apollo and Skylab. The ISS, now more than20 years old, has provided (and continues to provide) a wealth of nutrition findings from extended-duration spaceflights of 4 to 12 months. We review findings from this platform as well, providing a comprehensive review of what is known regarding the role of human nutrition in keeping astronauts healthy.
    With this latest book, we hope we have accurately captured the current state of the field of space food and nutrition, and that we have provided some guideposts for work that remains to be done to enable safe and successful human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.
    Human Adaptation to Spaceflight: The Role of Food and Nutrition – 2nd Edition
    Download 2nd Edition PDF
    Human Adaptation to Spaceflight: The Role of Food and Nutrition – 1st Edition
    Download 1st Edition PDF

    MIL OSI USA News –